The capital of Aragón is an immensely charming city full of Moorish architecture and art galleries. While sometimes overlooked in favor of Spain’s bigger cities, Zaragoza has plenty to offer.
Be sure to take some time visiting the vibrant center and its outstanding religious monuments, such as the Basilica of El Pilar. For a modern contrast, you can admire the Bridge Pavilion and the impressive Aquarium.
Get your bearings
The Ebro river runs north of the center and most of Zaragoza’s visitor attractions, except the Aljaferia Palace and the Expo area, lie within its historic heart. El Tubo is a central area known for its great tapas restaurants and comes to life in the evening.
Sitting across the river are two gigantic cathedrals, La Seo and the Basilica de Nuestra Señora del Pilar. They’re complemented on the south side by Plaza del Pilar, a sprawling stone square that acts as a busy focus for city life.
Heritage tour
Zaragoza has more than 2,000 years of history to tell. The city has been ruled by the Romans, the Moors, and Christians, with each group leaving their distinctive architectural mark. Visitors can explore Zaragoza’s history through the Teatro Romano (Roman ruins), the Aljaferia Palace and the Mudejar-style churches.
The city’s biggest attraction is undoubtedly the Aljaferia Palace, a picture-book Moorish building, with intricate archway carvings that date back to the 11th century. Since the Moorish era, the structure has undergone many changes, including at the hands of the Catholic monarchs Ferdinand and Isabel. Nowadays, it’s home to Aragón’s parliament, and guided tours take place throughout the day.
Know your Goya
If you love Spanish art, then check out Museo Goya. This museum houses a permanent collection of some of Francisco de Goya’s most celebrated paintings as well as displaying an epic chronology of the artist’s life. A local talent, Goya was born in nearby Fuendetodos.
More culture is up for grabs within the city’s Expo area – created when it played host to an international exhibition. Here you’ll find Europe’s largest River Aquarium, with species from five different continents, and the futuristic Zaha Hadid-designed Bridge Pavilion.
Time for tapas
For an authentic taste of the local cuisine, pull up a chair and dig into some tapas. Every restaurant, bar, and cafe will be serving these moreish bite-sized snacks. Aragón has a delicious food culture, which is distinctive from the rest of Spain, and is best known for its pork, ham and fruit dishes. El Tubo is the best place to enjoy tapas in Zaragoza, and summer evenings are especially charming.
Day trips from Zaragoza
Zaragoza is a great base for day trips. One very popular trip is to San Sebastian, a sun-drenched foodie haven. It takes about two-and-a-half hours to reach this destination on the northern coast via the AP68, AP15, and A15 highways.
The seaside Basque city is packed full of tapas (or ‘pintxo’) bars. Once you’ve had your fill, you can drive along the scenic coastal routes and enjoy the magnificent scenery on show.
A little closer to home, the city of Huesca is known for its medieval old town and impressive Gothic cathedral. Meanwhile, the Romanesque monastery of San Pedro el Viejo Abbey holds the tombs of a pair of the region’s former monarchs.
Car rental in Zaragoza gives you the freedom to explore the delights of this charming Spanish city as well as get out to see more of this corner of north-east Spain.