{"id":39687,"date":"2025-05-13T14:04:30","date_gmt":"2025-05-13T12:04:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/demo.winalist.fr\/blog?p=39687"},"modified":"2026-04-20T11:42:57","modified_gmt":"2026-04-20T09:42:57","slug":"zaragoza-things-to-do","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.winalist.com\/blog\/spain\/aragon\/zaragoza-things-to-do","title":{"rendered":"Your Spain Travel Guide: Best Things to Do in Zaragoza"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Welcome to Zaragoza<\/strong>, 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 Mud\u00e9jar architecture. One of the best things to do in Zaragoza is to immerse yourself in an Aragon wine tour<\/a>, where you\u2019ll discover the region\u2019s 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.
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What are the best things to do in Zaragoza?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Marvel at Basilica de Nuestra Se\u00f1ora del Pilar<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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One of the most iconic things to do in Zaragoza is to step inside the Basilica de Nuestra Se\u00f1ora del Pilar<\/strong>, 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\u2019re 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Explore the Aljafer\u00eda Palace<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Step into the Aljafer\u00eda Palace and you\u2019re instantly transported through layers of Spanish history<\/strong>. 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 Mud\u00e9jar details come alive. Don\u2019t miss the Patio de Santa Isabel, it\u2019s the kind of quiet, beautiful spot you\u2019ll 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Visit La Seo Cathedral<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Just steps from the basilica, La Seo Cathedral is a masterpiece you don\u2019t want to miss.<\/strong> Once a mosque, this architectural gem blends Gothic, Renaissance, and Mud\u00e9jar 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\u2019t skip the Tapestry Museum, it holds one of Europe\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Taste traditional tapas in El Tubo<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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No visit to Zaragoza is complete without diving into the tapas scene in El Tubo<\/strong>, the city\u2019s 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 (champi\u00f1ones al ajillo), tender jam\u00f3n ib\u00e9rico, and zingy boquerones en vinagre (marinated anchovies), all served in small, bustling taverns. Pair your bites with a glass of Garnacha wine<\/strong>, a specialty of the Aragon wine region<\/strong>, and you\u2019ve got a true taste of Zaragoza\u2019s flavor-packed identity. El Tubo isn\u2019t just a food stop, it\u2019s a must-do cultural experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Wander among the Roman Ruins of Caesaraugusta<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Beneath Zaragoza\u2019s lively surface lies the ancient Roman city of Caesaraugusta<\/strong>, named in honor of Emperor Augustus. The Caesaraugusta Route<\/strong> 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\u2019ll step into daily Roman life through marble-paved forums, remnants of bustling markets, thermal baths, and the theater that once seated thousands. It\u2019s a fascinating way to connect with the city\u2019s Roman roots and adds real depth to your Zaragoza experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Dive into art at the Goya Museum<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Dedicated to Francisco de Goya, Zaragoza\u2019s 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\u2019s work, you\u2019ll find pieces by other Spanish masters such as Vel\u00e1zquez and El Greco.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Savor local flavors at Mercado Central de Zaragoza<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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The vibrant Mercado Central de Zaragoza<\/strong> 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<\/strong> designed by architect F\u00e9lix Navarro<\/strong>, this market is both a historic landmark and a bustling hub for locals. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Roam through the La Lonja Renaissance Palace<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Just steps from the Basilica, La Lonja de Zaragoza<\/strong> is one of the finest examples of Aragonese Renaissance architecture<\/strong>. Originally built in the 16th century as a merchant exchange, this grand hall now hosts rotating art exhibitions<\/strong> 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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What are the best things to do around Zaragoza?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Explore the vineyards of Cari\u00f1ena <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Just 45 minutes south of Zaragoza, the Cari\u00f1ena wine region<\/strong> is one of Spain\u2019s oldest Denominaci\u00f3n de Origen (DO) areas, steeped in history and flavor. Known for its bold reds and native Garnacha and Cari\u00f1ena 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\u2019s winemaking heritage, this region makes for an enriching escape from the city. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The flavors of the Aragon region<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Sip your way through centuries of tradition and discover what makes Aragon wine truly special<\/strong>. From the bold Garnacha reds of Cari\u00f1ena to the elegant whites of Somontano, the region\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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