Zaragoza might not be the first city that comes to mind when you think of Spain, but this lesser-known gem is an absolute must-visit for architecture lovers. From grand cathedrals to intricate churches, Zaragoza offers a feast for the eyes and a journey through Spain’s rich history. In this post, we’ll take you through everything you need to know to make the most of your trip to Zaragoza.
Be sure to check out our Zaragoza vlog on our YouTube channel, where we show you all the best sights and hidden spots around the city.
Getting to Zaragoza
Where is Zaragoza?
Zaragoza is located in the region of Aragón in northeastern Spain, about halfway between Barcelona and Madrid, making it an easy stop on a longer Spanish adventure.
How to Get to Zaragoza
There are no direct flights from the UK to Zaragoza, but getting there is still easy via high-speed train. Given that the city is almost exactly halfway between Madrid and Barcelona, the easiest way to get to Zaragoza is to fly to one of these cities and then take the train:
- Barcelona to Zaragoza: 2 hours by AVE high-speed train.
- Madrid to Zaragoza: 1 hour 30 minutes by AVE high-speed train.
Check out our video on Spain’s high-speed trains to see what the journey is like. Spoiler alert: they’re pretty great!
Accommodation
We highly recommend staying in the historic centre of Zaragoza, where you’ll be within walking distance of all the main attractions.
We stayed at the Hotel Catalonia El Pilar, which boasts fantastic facilities and an unbeatable location right around the corner from the main square, Plaza Del Pilar. If you want to find our more about this hotel, check out our full video review for a closer look at the rooms and amenities.
Top Attractions in Zaragoza
Basilica de Nuestra Señora Del Pilar
The Basilica de Nuestra Señora Del Pilar is the crown jewel of Zaragoza. This enormous Baroque cathedral is stunning both inside and out, with its vibrant tiles and massive domes dominating the city skyline. The interior is just as impressive, with beautiful frescoes by Goya. Entrance is free, but you can pay to take the lift to the top of one of the towers for panoramic views of the city.
Tower Tickets: €5
Combined ticket (Tower, la SEO Cathedral and Rosario de Cristal): €10
Cathedral of San Salvador
Also known as La Seo, the Cathedral of San Salvador is Zaragoza’s second cathedral and offers a fascinating blend of architectural styles, reflecting Zaragoza’s diverse history. You’ll find Romanesque, Gothic, Mudejar, and Baroque elements throughout the building. We highly recommend spending time admiring the intricate Mudejar architecture on the cathedral’s exterior.
Tickets: €7
Combined ticket (El Pilar Tower, la SEO Cathedral and Rosario de Cristal): €10
La Aljafería
La Aljafería is a fortified medieval Islamic palace that will transport you back to the time of Moorish Spain. It’s one of the best-preserved examples of Islamic architecture in Spain and a true highlight of any trip to Zaragoza. While a ticket includes access to many of the palace rooms, the highlight of the visit is the courtyard, where you’ll find stunning Mudejar archways.
Tickets: €5
Rosario de Cristal
The Rosario de Cristal is a truly unique attraction in Zaragoza, especially if you visit during the annual procession. This event features a parade of stunning glass lanterns, which are a sight to behold as they illuminate the streets. For the rest of the year, the Museo del Rosario de Cristal houses these lanterns, allowing visitors to see these intricate works of art up close. As well as religious depictions, some of the lanterns are also replicas of famous Spanish buildings, including Zaragoza’s own Basilica El Pilar.
Tickets: €5
Combined ticket (El Pilar Tower, la SEO Cathedral and Rosario de Cristal): €10
Puente de Piedra
The Puente de Piedra, or Stone Bridge, is one of Zaragoza’s most iconic landmarks. Spanning the Ebro River, this 15th-century bridge offers fantastic views of the Basilica El Pilar. It’s a great spot for a leisurely stroll, especially at sunset when the city’s lights reflect off the water.
Iglesia de Santa María Magdalena
This church is a prime example of the Mudejar architecture that Zaragoza is famous for. The intricately patterned brickwork and the tall, slender tower make the Iglesia de Santa María Magdalena a must-see.
Iglesia de San Pablo
The Iglesia de San Pablo is another gem in Zaragoza’s collection of Mudejar architecture. This 14th-century church is known for its stunning tower and beautifully decorated interiors.
Tickets: €3
Other Notable Sights:
- Roman Amphitheatre: A well-preserved Roman theatre that offers a glimpse into Zaragoza’s ancient past.
- Parque de José Antonio Labordeta: A sprawling park perfect for a relaxing afternoon stroll or a family picnic.
- Arco del Deán: A picturesque archway that’s one of the city’s most photographed spots.
Transport in Zaragoza
If you stay in the centre of Zaragoza, you’ll find that most attractions are within a 10-15 minute walk. The furthest you may have to walk are to La Aljafería and the Parque de José Antonio Labordeta, which are both about a 20-25 minute walk from the centre.
If you don’t want to walk, there are transport options to get to these attractions:
- Tram Line 1 goes to the park from the city centre
- We recommend getting an Uber to the Aljafería if you want to avoid the walk
We’d also suggest taking a taxi from the train station to your hotel, as it’s a bit of a trek with luggage.
How Long to Stay in Zaragoza
One or two nights is more than enough to see everything Zaragoza has to offer, making the city a great addition to a longer trip to Madrid or Barcelona. We stayed for one night and managed to cover all the main sights, but we do tend to move at a fast pace, so two nights might be the ideal length for most travellers.
Our Review
Zaragoza is absolutely a hidden gem. If you love architecture, it should be one of your priorities to visit among the cities in Spain. The number of stunning cathedrals and churches is astounding, and the city is relatively easy to get to by taking a train from Madrid or Barcelona. It’s well worth a visit, even if it’s just for a night or two.
Thanks for reading! If you have any questions about visiting Zaragoza, feel free to leave a comment below and we’ll get back to you. Don’t forget to like this post, follow the blog for more travel tips, and subscribe to our YouTube channel, Rob on Holiday, for even more vlogs and travel advice. Safe travels!
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