Hello and welcome back to each of you, if you are excited like us to start a new adventure then we just have to reach our new destination that will be Zaragoza. Before to fasten your seatbelts let’s know better this city.

The Spanish city of Zaragoza, located in the northeastern part of Spain, is the capital of the Aragon region and is bathed by the Ebro river. It is a university headquarters and is a great and important production and commercial center. Its location is very strategic as it is located at the center of a large communication node since it is connected with Madrid, Barcelona, ​​Valencia, Bilbao and Toulouse thanks to the motorway. Zaragoza was also the headquarters of the International Exposition in 2008 with the theme “Water and Sustainable Development”. Apart from being famous for all this, the city is also known for its folklore and an example is the annual Fiestas del Pilar (held in October). During this celebration there are many activities to do and good food to eat, an unforgettable opportunity to touch with a hand and learn more about the traditions of the city. Another unmissable opportunity is to get on board because we are almost in the heart of the adventure… Ready?

To know more ( what to eat, where to eat, where to have fun, things to visit…) continue to read.

Zaragoza is famous also for its cultural richness. An example? The Basílica del Pilar that along with other monuments (that we are going to see), are part of UNESCO’s heritage. Now it is time to start!

 

PLACES TO VISIT (MUSEUMS/THEATERS..)

Patio de la Infanta

  • Catedral-Basílica de Nuestra Señora del Pilar: it is an important Catholic church (along with the Cathedral of San Salvador) devoted to the Virgin Mary (in his honor are celebrated several festivals with traditional dances such as “jota”). The building has a large dome and other little ones, plus four bell towers while the interior of the basilica is adorned with frescos by well-known artists and objects of great value. The strong point of the cathedral is the Ascensor del Pilar, the highest part of the cathedral where you can enjoy a unique and spectacular view of the city. Another important religious building is the Catedral del Salvador de Zaragoza, better known as “the Seo” , where you can find the museum that belongs to the church.
  • Castillo de la Aljafería: the palace was built during the Second World War and it belonged to the Banu Hud dynasty but today it is home to the Cortes de Aragon. The building has undergone so many restoration interventions over the centuries and the beautiful thing is that from its aspect (at least for those who are more experience in the field) you can admire all these changes. The interior has a small courtyard, not very different from those of the palaces that we’ve seen in Spain so far.
  • Museo del foro de Caesaraugusta: it is a museum that will let you discover how life was during the Roman period thanks to the various archaeological finds (such as market, rooms, shops remains, etc…) but also thanks to the pics and videos. The building looks very good it is very beautiful and very bright in the night (it seems to be made of granite), the excavations are located in the ground floor of the structure. Two minutes away from the museum there is the Museum of Puerto Fluvial de Caesaraugusta, it is a place of archaeological remains as well.
  • El Museo de Zaragoza is a museum that has several sections: the archological, the fine arts (such as the collection of eastern arts of the author Federico Torralba), etonological (located in the Pirenaica House) and ceramics (located in Casa Albarracín del Parque José Antonio Labordeta ). The museum is in the Plaza de los Sitios and it is the oldest Aragonese museum. The library is part of the building.
  • Instituto Aragonés de Arte y Cultura Contemporáneos: is a museum of contemporary and modern art and is also known under the name of the Pablo Serrano Museum because the building houses the collections of works by the artist. However the museum also ownssome works by famous Spanish and foreign artists such as Pablo Picasso, Calder in Warhol, Joan Miró, Cristina Iglesias. The museum hosts modern temporary works and a library.
  • School Origami Museum of Zaragoza: have you been able to guess from the name what is it? (two minutes to think about that). Did you guess? Anyway we are there to take any doubt away. Well this is a museum dedicated to origami, every work of art is done exclusively with this technique. Maybe this museum is not well known but it is really original and deserving a visit (or even two since the works change over and over again and they are all so beautiful!). For general information, the museum also organizes origami courses.
  • El Museo de Ciencias Naturales de la Universidad de Zaragoza: is a museum of natural sciences that will let you know the history of the birth of the planet until the appearance of Homo sapiens. The museum consists of fossils of plants, animals (including insects) but mainly of two important pieces: the former Paleontological Museum and the Longinos Navas collection.
  • Casa Solans: is a modernist building that belongs to the city of Zaragoza. The palace would have to be demolished but luckily it didn’t happen and it has also become an important center. The exterior looks very nice and particular while the interior is made up of three floors (consisting of rooms, attic and many others places) that overlook the garden that the palace owns. Internally and externally the palace is very decorated and among them there are several mosaics. The place is only accessible with a guide and to get the tickets you have to go to the tourist office because online it will not be possible.
  • Patio de la Infanta: it is a Renaissance patio and all the beauty of this building is enclosed right there. The patio houses several works of artists of various genres and is divided into plans (each one with different works of art). The structure seems to be in the open air but actually has a glass roof. It’s really a very suggestive and welcoming place.
  • CaixaForum Zaragoza: is the cultural center of Zaragoza which houses temporary works of art and also has many other cultural events (seminars, films, concerts or theatrical scenes). The architectural structure (in cubic shape) of the building is something magnificent (so much that it won an award) as well as indoor stairs and then in the night the LED illumination makes it more magical.

Let’s know some of the most important theaters in Zaragoza: Teatro Principal, Teatro Arbolé, Teatro del Mercado, Teatro de las Esquinas (which is also a concert hall).

CaixaForum Zaragoza

 

ENTERTAINMENT (PUB/DISCO/PARKS…)

Pabellón Puente

There is not only so much culture in Zaragoza but much more!

  • Ebro: it is a great Spanish river that crosses the city. You will be able to admire it by strolling along the shore of it or strolling in one of the several bridges (the most important is the Puente de Piedra that we will see later). No matter what time of day, the important thing is to go there and enjoy the magnificent view of the city. If you want to make your walk even more beautiful, the Puente de Santiago (above the river) is the place cannot miss on your itinerary.
  • Puente de Piedra: here is the bridge we just mentioned. This was built in order to connect the two banks of the Ebro. The bridge is also known as the “bridge of the lions” as on the lateral pillars there are four statues that represent some lions, that are the symbol of the city.
  • Pabellón Puente: this other bridge has a very special and modern architectural structure and was created for the Expo 2008. It is an enclosed bridge and it is a direct link to the district of La Almozara. The building is also an area where take place several exhibitions.
  • Torre del Agua: is skyscraper of incredible beauty. The structure during the expo hosted the exhibition Water for Life. Today it is still an exhibition center with a panoramic bar where you can enjoy a great view over the city. In the evening the skyscraper offers a nice show of lights.
  • José Antonio Labordeta Park: is a park located on south of Zaragoza and it is considered the green lung of the city. It is composed of large spaces, ponds, fountains and lots of nature. An ideal place to enjoy a moment of peace and tranquility and to know much more about local flora. We recommend it!
  • Parque del Agua Luis Buñuel: is a green area of ​​Zaragoza located in the Ranillas avenue (Actur district) and is located next to what was the Exposición Internacional de Zaragoza 2008. A good part of the park is flanked by the Ebro river and today is a great green area where you can do so many outdoor activities (tours, you can rent bicycles, picnic, adventure park, sports fields and more). Why not take advantage of this wonder?
  • Acuario Fluvial de Zaragoza: this was also part of the 2008 Expo thematic stand. It is one of the largest aquariums in Europe but very different from the others, it has a more fluviale look as well as the species that it hosts. It’s a place so much visited by students and tourists and we can understand why!
  • Puerto Venecia: the Venetia port of Zaragoza deserves a visit. Why? Because it’s really full of details and lots of things to do, you can choose to go on a boat trip or visit the great mall (with lots of shops and some areas where you can taste the typical dishes, a great opportunity!) and much more. A perfect place to visit at the night too.
  • If you love spending your days walking in the open air, here you can definitely do it in the many squares and streets of Zaragoza… Let’s to know them! Plaza de los Sitios located in the historic center, near the Huevra River, is a very popular square where thake place markets and fairs. Flanked by palaces and nature, in the center of the park there is a fountain on which is built the most beautiful statue of the city. Plaza del Pilar, great and important square of Zaragoza. It hosts the Catedral-Basílica de Nuestra Señora del Pilar and Fuente de la Hispanidad, a beautiful fountain that seems to represent a icebeg. A great example of how harmoniously coexist modernity and antiquity; in the evening with the lighting is even more beautiful. During your walk in the square you can find the Arch of the Dean (perfect place to take a photo under the beautiful structure) and not far away there is also the Puerta del Carmen, an ancient gate declared Bien de Interes Cultural in 1908. Continuing we can find Plaza Espana, Calle Coso, Plaza de San Felipe and El Tubo, a small street full of shops and many good things (an example? Tapas!). What a place!
  • Two other interesting and fun things to do in the city are: Coco Room Zaragoza (escape room) and ebroNAUTAS for tubing and rafting on the river.

Puerto Venecia

We are sure that some of you will have already realized that it is time to know what Zaragoza’s nightlife offers to us. We have great expectation from it but let’s discover this together!

In the city there are lots of places where to dance or have a drink or eat something in the pubs and the cities that are most “affected” by the nightlife are: Moncasi, Royo e Zumalacárregui, Tomás Bretón (university area), La Paz, Magdalena,calle Temple and San Juan de la Cruz (an alternative place). However if you prefer something quieter you can reach Goya Avenue (where in the summer it is full of outdoor places). Great choices for everyone!

Here are some typical clubs in the city:

  • Reset club: disco
  • Muffin club
  • Hosh club: night club
  • Mantis bar: pub
  • Vintage Lounge Bar
  • El 35 Gin Club
  • Sala Creedence: a place with live music
  • La Mina: lounge bar

 

TYPICAL FOODS

Bacalao al ajoarriero

When it comes to discover the typical dishes everyone is always ready and curious, isn’t like this? So… Ready, set, go and forks in hand!

In Zaragoza there is a perfect coexistence between fish dishes and meat dishes (but this one prevail on fish dishes). About the meat no matter what kind and what part of it, nothing is thrown away here! These dishes are accompanied by potatoes or local vegetables.

  • Bacalao al ajoarriero: it is a fish dish composed of salted codfishwith cooked with tomato and garlic. This is the typical recipe, anyway you can find some variations that don’t change the taste of the dish.
  • Huevos en salmorejo: this is a plate of baked eggs accompanied by a sauce made with broth, sausage and fillet.
  • Lomo de cerdo a la Zaragozana: it is a typical dish of the town based on fried pork loin served with a lot of parsley. Some dishes similar to this one are: Cordero a la Pastora and Pollo a la Chilindrón, Ternasco Asado.
  • Crespillos: they are tasty fritter.
  • Frutas de Aragón: this typical cake is made of candied fruit of all kinds (apple, pear, watermelon, apricot, cherry, figs, plums or oranges) covered with chocolate. It looks like candy. So good!
  • If you are a wine lover, you should definitely try those one situated in the provinces of Zaragoza: Calatayud e Campo de Borja.

Frutas de Aragón

 

WHERE TO EAT (RESTAURANTS/CAFE’..)

Here we come to the typical “dilemma”… Where to taste the typical dishes? Don’t worry, we are here to help you to solve the question. Follow us!

  • La Senda: European, contemporary cuisine
  • Taberna El Sardi: bar/pub with Mediterranean, Spanish, Healthy, Vegetarian cuisine.
  • Casa Unai: Spanish cuisine.
  • Meson Martin: steakhouse with Mediterranean, Spanish cuisine.
  • Restaurante Baobab: Mediterranean, European, Spanish, vegetarian, vegan cuisine, gluten-free menu option.
  • Meli del Tubo: Mediterranean, Spanish cuisine gluten-free menu option.
  • Los Xarmientos Parrilla Aragonesa: Mediterranean, Spanish cuisine.
  • Bar Cervino: Mediterranean, Spanish cuisine.
  • Los Victorinos: Mediterranean, Spanish cuisine.
  • Quema: vegetarian cuisine, gluten-free menu option.
  • Taberna la Vina: Spanish cuisine.
  • 100 Montaditos: Mediterranean cuisine.
  • Quiosco Bar: Spanish cuisine.
  • Cafe Belice: Mediterranea, Spanish cuisine.
  • Croquetarte: fast food with Mediterranean, Spanish, vegetarian cuisine, gluten-free menu option.

 

Our tour in Zaragoza is over but definitely not yet our trip to Spain. There are still lots of destinations to explore, so stay with us and start to fasten your seatbelts that we are going to fly to reach the next city!

Let us know your opinions about this place. If you liked it or not, if you’ve been there or you’re going to go there? What  you liked the most or least? We’re curious to read your opinions.

A big kiss to everyone.

 

Below we will list the accommodations that you can find in Zaragoza.

http://www.booking.com/searchresults.html?iata=ZAZ&aid=960457&no_rooms=1&group_adults=1 – accommodation near the airport.

http://www.booking.com/searchresults.html?city=-409149&aid=960457&no_rooms=1&group_adults=1 – accommodation in the city.

http://www.booking.com/searchresults.html?district=8358&aid=960457&no_rooms=1&group_adults=1 – accommodation in the old part of the city.

http://www.booking.com/searchresults.html?landmark=1658&aid=960457&no_rooms=1&group_adults=1 – accommodation next to the station Zaragoza-Delicias.


Booking.com

46 thoughts on “Zaragoza

  1. I love how easy you make this for travelers! Everything is so well thought out and explained, and I can’t help but add this place to my bucket list. Before this article, I never knew of this city! Thank you for opening my eyes to this place!

    1. Dear Kimberly we are very happy to read your comment, thank you! When we receive a comment like yours means that we are doing the right work.
      We are here, always ready to inspire you to choose your next travel destination!!

  2. Fantastic recommendations for sightseeing, food and nightlife! I’d love to see the Puente de Piedra in person one day, do you know why the lion represents this city? We had so much bacalao in Spain and Portugal, the fish is so fresh!

  3. I haven’t read a lot of blogs about Zaragoza – most are of the popular cities like Barcelona or Madrid. But it is a wonder of its own. I love the list of things to see that you have provided here. The architecture of the city looks quite spectacular too. Case in point: the CaixaForum!

  4. These recommendations look amazing. I’m portuguese and I think the best food is on the Mediterranean side, Portugal & Spain of course 🙂 Normally I would go to places like Madrid or Barcelona but, Zaragoza seems so full o life. This article is an open eye to this city.

  5. That’s a very exhaustive post! I visited several cities in Spain, but I’ve never been in Zaragoza. I would love to go as soon as possible, and your post will be absolutely useful! Thanks for sharing!

  6. What a great guide t a city! I have really wanted to go to Spain, but never have the time to head across the ocean. I might have to add Zaragoza to my bucket list for whenever I go back to Europe.

  7. I was only aware about barcelona, madrid, sevilla, granada, valencia in spain. I thought these are the only places in Spain. But your extended my list with Zaragoza. This place looks awesome. All the attractions are so good to spend some quality time. Thanks for sharing.

    1. The cities you have mentioned have their travel guide here on our webiste and we are adding other ones! Feel free to give a look at our blog in the next days and get inspired to travel in direction to new amazing destinations 🙂

  8. Thank you for such a detailed introduction to Zaragoza. The sightseeing recommendations had me hooked! Noted them all and this post is sure going to come handy while planning my Spain trip!!

  9. Very beautiful. We’re not exactly fond of modern architecture, but the contemporary buildings in Zaragoza are a charm. They somehow complement the classic charm of the city. Wish we could visit here.

  10. Uhh ma che bello!! Devo ammettere che Zaragoza manca nella mia lista di citta’ spagnole, e adesso che me la ritrovo davanti e spiegata cosi’ bene e nel dettaglio mi viene immediatamente voglia di partire! Me la studiero’ un po’ di piu’ e poi chi lo sa… 🙂

    1. La Spagna è una nazione davvero grande e con molto da visitare. Fare tutto in poco tempo è impossibile… Guarda il lato positivo, puoi tornarci più volte il che non è una cattiva idea ahahah
      Non si smette mai di imparare viaggiando!!

  11. Ho fatto il mio primo interrail in spagna e l’unica città che alla fine non siamo riusciti a vedere è stata Saragoza. E ora che ho visto quante cose mi sono persa mi spiace molto lo ammetto. La spagna è bellissima ed accogliente, penso di esserci stata almeno 20 volte qui e la e continua a piacermi. Hai fatto un bellissimo e utilissimo post. Complimenti.

    1. Cara Alessia lo stesso vale per noi, siamo completamente innamorati della Spagna! Qui tutto è meraviglioso, dai luoghi al cibo fino alle persone. Il clima è un altro punto a favore 🙂
      Felice ti sia piaciuta la nostra guida!!

  12. La foto del bacalao mi ha convinto più di tutto 😀 Scherzi a parte, ci sono davvero mille consigli, grazie mille! Soprattutto perché è una città meno turistica delle altre e quindi tutta da scoprire!

  13. Amazing and magnificent! Spain has a lot of great places to offer! I want to visit Catedral-Basílica de Nuestra Señora del Pilar and Patio de la Infanta, it looks interesting and very historical.

  14. Non sono mai stata in generale in Spagna e Saragozza l’ho spulcita bene anche al di fuori del tuo articolo! Me ne sono innamorata infinitamente della città è bellissima.

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