Zaragoza Travel Guide

Getting There

From Madrid

• High-Speed Rail (AVE/iryo/OUIGO): The most efficient option, covering the 273 km distance in approximately 1 hour 15-22 minutes

Activities

Landmarks

• Basílica de Nuestra Señora del Pilar
  - Colossal baroque basilica on the banks of the Ebro River; contains Goya frescoes; the Mirador del Pilar Tower offers exceptional panoramic views (open 10:00-19:30 on weekends).
• Catedral del Salvador
  - A remarkable fusion of Romanesque, Gothic, and distinctive Aragonese Mudéjar architecture; houses the impressive Tapestry Museum.
• Aljafería Palace
  - Spectacular 11th-century Islamic and Mudéjar fortress; one of the best examples of Moorish architecture outside Andalusia. Critical: Open 10:00-14:00 on Sundays and holidays only.
• Plaza del Pilar
  - One of Europe's largest squares; heart of the city's festivities; hosts the Christmas Market (late November to January 6) and Nativity Scene.
• Puente de Piedra
  - Historic stone bridge spanning the Ebro River, offering beautiful views of the Basílica del Pilar.

Museums & Galleries

• Museo Goya (Colección Ibercaja)
  - Focused exploration of the celebrated Aragonese master Francisco de Goya; features his complete series of engravings.
• Museo del Foro de Caesaraugusta
  - Roman archaeological museum showcasing the remains of the ancient Roman forum; part of the Roman Route.
• Museo del Teatro de Caesaraugusta
  - Underground museum featuring the excavated Roman theatre of Caesaraugusta.
• Caesaraugusta River Harbor Museum
  - Museum displaying the Roman river port on the Ebro.
• Caesaraugusta Roman Baths Museum
  - Public thermal baths from Roman times.
• Rosario de Cristal
  - Unique museum displaying the illuminated glass carriages used in the annual Pilar festivities; open late afternoon (4:00 PM - 6:30 PM).

Parks & Gardens

• Parque Grande José Antonio Labordeta
  - Zaragoza's largest urban park; beautiful gardens, botanical collections, and the iconic fountain Fuente de Neptuno.
• Parque del Agua Luis Buñuel
  - Modern park created for Expo 2008; features the Ebro River Aquarium and extensive green spaces.

Restaurants

Traditional Aragonese Cuisine

Zaragoza has earned a reputation as one of Spain's premier tapas destinations. The culinary scene centers on El Tubo, a labyrinthine district of narrow streets where bars specialize in one or two signature dishes, encouraging a "bar hopping" culture.

• Ternasco de Aragón - Tender Aragonese lamb, the region's most celebrated specialty; often served as tapas or a main course.
• Migas - Traditional fried breadcrumbs, often served with grapes, chorizo, or eggs.
• Borrajas - Borage, a leafy vegetable unique to Aragonese cuisine, typically prepared with potatoes.
• Longaniza de Aragón - Local cured sausage with distinctive seasoning.
• Frutas de Aragón - Chocolate-covered candied fruits, a traditional Aragonese sweet.
• Melocotón de Calanda - Famous peaches from the Calanda region, served fresh or in desserts.

El Tubo District

The characteristic tapas district where bars specialize in signature dishes:

• La Ternasca
  - Essential for authentic Aragonese lamb tapas.
• El Clavel
  - Traditional tapas experience near Plaza Santa Marta.
• Fungi specialists - Various bars known for high-quality grilled mushrooms (champiñones).
• Seafood bars - Known for anchovies, marinades, and award-winning dishes.

Markets

• Mercado Central de Zaragoza
  - Historic central market offering fresh local produce, meats, cheeses, and traditional Aragonese products.

Christmas Season (December)

Mercado de Navidad (Christmas Market)

• Location: Plaza del Pilar
• Dates: Late November to January 6
• Hours: Extended on holidays (11:00 AM - midnight on December 6 & 8)
• Features: Over 50 booths selling Nativity scene figures, decorations, local crafts, and Aragonese gastronomic products and sweets.

Festive Activities

• Belén de la Plaza del Pilar - Elaborate Nativity Scene displayed throughout December
• Ice Rink - Outdoor skating rink on Plaza del Pilar under festive lights

Holiday Schedule Notes (December 6-8: Puente de la Constitución)

This period includes two Spanish national holidays: Día de la Constitución (December 6) and Día de la Inmaculada Concepción (December 8). Many monuments operate on restricted Sunday/Holiday hours.

Strategy: Front-load cultural visits into mornings (10:00 AM - 1:30 PM), enjoy the Christmas Market and El Tubo tapas in extended evening hours.

Itinerary (December 6-8)

Day 1: Saturday, December 6 (Día de la Constitución)

The Heart of Zaragoza - Twin cathedrals and Christmas Market immersion

Day 2: Sunday, December 7

Palace Priority and Aragonese Art - Critical Aljafería visit (closes 2 PM!)

Day 3: Monday, December 8 (Inmaculada Concepción)

Final Culture and Departure - Roman ruins and farewell tapas

Hotels

Vincci Zaragoza Zentro

• Rating: 8.6/10 Excellent | Location: 9.4/10
• 16th-century palace in city center, 9-min walk to El Pilar. Free WiFi, restaurant, private parking with EV charger.
• Book on Booking.com

Eurostars Zaragoza

• Rating: 8.3/10 Very Good | Location: Inside train station
• Modern 4-star hotel ideal for rail travelers. Highly-rated breakfast buffet, underground parking.
• Book on Booking.com

Kadrit Hotel

• Rating: 8.8/10 Excellent | Location: 20 min from center (A23 motorway)
• Unique concept with private garage beneath each room. Perfect for road trips. Some rooms with pool/hot tub.
• Book on Booking.com

Local Experiences & Activities

• Tapeo in El Tubo: The quintessential Zaragoza experience - move from bar to bar sampling specialized tapas in the narrow streets between Mártires, Cuatro de Agosto, Cinegio, Libertad, and Estébanes.
• Goya's Frescoes: Admire the master's ceiling frescoes in the Basílica del Pilar, painted in his early career.
• Roman Route: Follow the path of ancient Caesaraugusta through the Forum, Theatre, Port, and Baths museums.
• Mudéjar Architecture Tour: Explore Zaragoza's UNESCO-listed Mudéjar monuments, a unique blend of Islamic and Christian architectural styles.

Day Trips

• Calatayud - Historic town with Mudéjar towers, approximately 1 hour's drive.
• Monasterio de Piedra - Stunning natural park with waterfalls and a historic Cistercian monastery.
• Huesca - Provincial capital with Romanesque cathedral and connection to local Aragonese traditions.
• Teruel - "City of Love" known for its exceptional Mudéjar architecture and the legend of the Lovers of Teruel.