7 days in Zaragoza, Spain: What to see, eat and do. Full city guide
Welcome to Zaragoza, a delightful blend of history, culture, and authentic Spanish charm nestled along the banks of the River Ebro. As the capital of Spain’s Aragon region, Zaragoza boasts a rich heritage dating back to Roman times. Admire the splendid mix of architectural styles at the Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar and uncover the city’s Roman past at the Caesaraugusta Theatre Museum. Enjoy traditional Aragonese cuisine in the vibrant El Tubo district, and don’t forget to visit the impressive Aljafería Palace, an 11th-century Islamic fortress turned Christian palace. Zaragoza is a hidden treasure trove just waiting for you to discover!
Things to consider before arriving in Zaragoza
Rich history and diverse architecture
Relatively less crowded compared to major tourist cities
Limited options for nightlife
Zaragoza is perfect for travelers who appreciate history, culture, and exploring Spanish gems off the beaten path.
What to bring with you
• Comfortable walking shoes for exploring the city’s historical sites
• Light clothing for warm days and a jacket for cooler evenings
• A camera to capture Zaragoza’s unique architecture and hidden gems
Best time of the year to visit
The ideal time to visit Zaragoza is during spring (April to June) and autumn (September to November), when the weather is pleasant, and the city hosts various cultural events.
How to get into the city
1. Train: Zaragoza is well-connected to major Spanish cities like Madrid, Barcelona, and Valencia through high-speed trains (AVE). The city’s main train station, Zaragoza-Delicias, is located near the city center and offers easy access to public transportation.
2. Bus: Zaragoza’s Central Bus Station connects the city to various Spanish and European destinations. Buses provide an affordable and convenient alternative to trains for budget-conscious travelers.
3. Flying: Zaragoza Airport (ZAZ) serves as the city’s primary airport, with domestic and limited international flights. Upon arrival, you can reach the city center by bus or taxi. Alternatively, you can consider flying to Madrid or Barcelona, which have larger airports, and then travel to Zaragoza by train or bus.
7 day city guide trip in Zaragoza
Day 1: Exploring the city center
Start your day with a typical Spanish breakfast at Café Princesa near Pilar Square. After that, visit the iconic Basílica del Pilar, climb the tower for stunning views of the city and explore the Cathedral of San Salvador. For lunch, try the traditional Aragonese dish of migas at Taberna La Matilde. In the afternoon, take a stroll through Calle Alfonso and admire the Renaissance style buildings, and finish the day with a glass of wine at Plaza del Justicia.
Day 2: Discovering local art and culture
Visit the Goya Museum, which displays the work of the famous Spanish painter Francisco de Goya. Then, head to Centro de Historias to see contemporary art exhibitions and learn about the city’s history. For lunch, go to Bula Tapas and try some of the delicious tapas, a must-try in Zaragoza. In the afternoon, visit the Palacio de la Aljafería, a Muslim fortress turned palace, and take a guided tour of the building.
Day 3: Day trip to Monasterio de Piedra and Calatayud
Take a day trip to Monasterio de Piedra, a natural park with waterfalls, caves, and lakes. After exploring the park, head to the nearby town of Calatayud to see the Moorish Castle and the Colegiata de Santa Maria. Don’t forget to try some traditional sweets at Confiteria La Campana.
Day 4: Enjoying the outdoors in Parque Grande
Spend the morning in Parque Grande, the largest park in Zaragoza, and visit the Botanical Garden and the Crystal Palace. For lunch, go to Los Victorinos, a restaurant located inside the park. In the afternoon, visit the Museo del Fuego y de los Bomberos (Fire and Firefighters’ Museum) to learn about the history of firefighting in Zaragoza.
Day 5: Visiting the Expo area and the Ebro river
Explore the Expo area, which was built for the International Exposition in 2008. Visit the futuristic Bridge Pavilion, the Aquarium, and the Water Tower. For lunch, head to Puerta Cinegia, a gourmet food market. In the afternoon, rent a bike and cycle along the Ebro river, and stop by the Zaragoza Water Park.
Day 6: Day trip to Teruel
Take a day trip to Teruel, a beautiful medieval town known for its Mudéjar architecture and the Lovers of Teruel legend. Visit the Cathedral of Santa Maria, the Torre de El Salvador, and the Plaza del Torico. For lunch, try the local dish of jamón serrano at Mesón la Posada.
Day 7: Relaxing at the thermal baths in Alhama de Aragón
Take a day trip to the thermal baths in Alhama de Aragón, a town known for its hot springs. Spend the day relaxing in the thermal baths and taking in the beautiful surroundings. For lunch, try some traditional Aragonese lamb at Restaurante Casa María.
How to continue your travel after you have spent 7 days in Zaragoza
If you want to continue your Spanish adventure, consider visiting two nearby cities. First, visit Huesca, located in the Pyrenees mountains, which is known for its Romanesque architecture and cuisine. Don’t miss a visit to the Huesca Cathedral and a taste of the local wine at Bodegas Lalanne. To get there, you can take a train from Zaragoza.
Another option is to visit Barcelona, which is only a 1.5-hour train ride away. Barcelona is famous for its architecture, gastronomy, and nightlife. Visit the iconic La Sagrada Familia, stroll down La Rambla, and enjoy some delicious seafood at La Barceloneta.
