Your Spain Travel Guide: Best Things to Do in Zaragoza

Welcome to Zaragoza, a captivating city in northeastern Spain where history, gastronomy, and wine culture converge. Perfectly positioned between Madrid and Barcelona, this dynamic capital of the Aragon region invites you to explore a mix of Roman ruins, majestic basilicas, and UNESCO site Mudéjar architecture. One of the best things to do in Zaragoza is to immerse yourself in an Aragon wine tour, where you’ll discover the region’s underrated reds and Garnacha blends alongside traditional tapas. Whether you’re here for a weekend escape or a cultural deep dive, Zaragoza blends layers of Christian, Muslim, and Roman heritage in a way that feels both authentic and surprising.

What are the best things to do in Zaragoza?

Marvel at Basilica de Nuestra Señora del Pilar

One of the most iconic things to do in Zaragoza is to step inside the Basilica de Nuestra Señora del Pilar, often called the spiritual heart of the city. Overlooking the Ebro River from the grand Plaza del Pilar, this monumental Baroque church is not only one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Spain but also an architectural masterpiece. As you walk in, look up: you’re standing beneath frescoes by Francisco Goya himself. Locals still come here daily to kneel before the Virgen del Pilar, patron saint of Spain and the Hispanic world. Climb the tower for panoramic rooftop views, and Zaragoza has rarely looked so majestic.

Explore the Aljafería Palace

Step into the Aljafería Palace and you’re instantly transported through layers of Spanish history. Originally built in the 11th century as an Islamic fortress, it later became a Christian palace and remains one of the finest examples of Moorish architecture in the country. Wander through horseshoe arches, serene courtyards, and rooms where Gothic and Mudéjar details come alive. Don’t miss the Patio de Santa Isabel, it’s the kind of quiet, beautiful spot you’ll want to linger in. Today, the palace also serves as the seat of the Aragonese parliament, proving that history here is anything but frozen in time.

Visit La Seo Cathedral

Just steps from the basilica, La Seo Cathedral is a masterpiece you don’t want to miss. Once a mosque, this architectural gem blends Gothic, Renaissance, and Mudéjar styles into one unforgettable experience. Go inside to marvel at the golden altarpiece, explore side chapels lined with intricate tilework, and feel the weight of centuries of devotion and artistry. And don’t skip the Tapestry Museum, it holds one of Europe’s most impressive collections of Flemish tapestries, quietly tucked away behind cathedral walls. It’s not just a religious site, it’s a full-on journey through art, history, and craftsmanship.

Taste traditional tapas in El Tubo

No visit to Zaragoza is complete without diving into the tapas scene in El Tubo, the city’s most iconic culinary quarter. This lively maze of narrow streets in the historic center buzzes with energy, especially at night, as locals and visitors flock to its tightly packed bars. Expect sizzling garlic mushrooms (champiñones al ajillo), tender jamón ibérico, and zingy boquerones en vinagre (marinated anchovies), all served in small, bustling taverns. Pair your bites with a glass of Garnacha wine, a specialty of the Aragon wine region, and you’ve got a true taste of Zaragoza’s flavor-packed identity. El Tubo isn’t just a food stop, it’s a must-do cultural experience.

Wander among the Roman Ruins of Caesaraugusta

Beneath Zaragoza’s lively surface lies the ancient Roman city of Caesaraugusta, named in honor of Emperor Augustus. The Caesaraugusta Route weaves together four impressive archaeological sites: the Forum Museum, the Theatre Museum, the Public Baths, and the River Port Museum. As you explore these well-preserved ruins, you’ll step into daily Roman life through marble-paved forums, remnants of bustling markets, thermal baths, and the theater that once seated thousands. It’s a fascinating way to connect with the city’s Roman roots and adds real depth to your Zaragoza experience.

Dive into art at the Goya Museum

Dedicated to Francisco de Goya, Zaragoza’s most renowned painter and a giant of Spanish art, the Goya Museum houses an impressive collection of his etchings, oil paintings, and drawings. Alongside Goya’s work, you’ll find pieces by other Spanish masters such as Velázquez and El Greco.

Savor local flavors at Mercado Central de Zaragoza

The vibrant Mercado Central de Zaragoza is your go-to spot for sampling local flavors, from artisanal cheeses and cured meats to seasonal produce and regional wines. Housed in a stunning 20th-century iron-and-glass structure designed by architect Félix Navarro, this market is both a historic landmark and a bustling hub for locals.

Roam through the La Lonja Renaissance Palace

Just steps from the Basilica, La Lonja de Zaragoza is one of the finest examples of Aragonese Renaissance architecture. Originally built in the 16th century as a merchant exchange, this grand hall now hosts rotating art exhibitions beneath its striking star-vaulted ceilings and rows of elegant stone columns. It’s a quiet, atmospheric space, perfect for taking a cultural pause in the heart of the city. If you’re looking to mix artistic discovery with architectural beauty, this is a must-see.

What are the best things to do around Zaragoza?

Explore the vineyards of Cariñena

Just 45 minutes south of Zaragoza, the Cariñena wine region is one of Spain’s oldest Denominación de Origen (DO) areas, steeped in history and flavor. Known for its bold reds and native Garnacha and Cariñena grapes, this sun-drenched landscape has been producing wine since Roman times. Whether you’re exploring local bodegas for a casual tasting or diving deeper into Aragon’s winemaking heritage, this region makes for an enriching escape from the city.

The flavors of the Aragon region

Sip your way through centuries of tradition and discover what makes Aragon wine truly special. From the bold Garnacha reds of Cariñena to the elegant whites of Somontano, the region’s diverse terroirs deliver character in every glass. Whether you visit a family-run bodega tucked into the hills or enjoy a guided tasting in Zaragoza, each pour tells a story of climate, culture, and craftsmanship. Ready to taste the charm of Aragon wine? Let your palate lead the way.

Visit the medieval city of Huesca

Just an hour north of Zaragoza, Huesca invites you to slow down and soak up centuries of Aragonese history without the crowds. This quiet gem delivers, from medieval churches to timeworn plazas that still hum with local life. As you wander through the old city center, you’ll find echoes of Roman and Moorish influence tucked into every corner. It’s the kind of place where you can pause on a shaded bench, step inside an ancient chapel, and feel the weight of Spain’s layered past, all without rushing. A rewarding cultural escape that balances charm, history, and calm.

Don’t miss our guide to the best things to do in Huesca!

Discover the wine trails of Somontano

Located in the foothills of the Pyrenees, an hour and a half northeast of Zaragoza, the Somontano wine region offers a blend of natural beauty and modern winemaking. As one of Aragon’s most prestigious wine territories, it’s home to distinctive reds and innovative blends. Many vineyards offer guided tours, tastings, and even food pairings that highlight local gastronomy.

Good to Know before visiting Zaragoza