Zaragoza between culture and nature

Zaragoza combines architectural and collection history with routes along the Ebro, Gállego and Canal Imperial de Aragón. When planning your trip, you can choose from different themes: Roman and medieval heritage, museums, river and steppe landscapes, or tapas in El Tubo. If you’re looking for a hotel in Zaragoza, first consider which of these themes you’d like to shape your stay.

Culture and historical layers

La Seo, the Cathedral of the Savior, stands on the site of Zaragoza’s Roman forum, a Visigothic church and the former main Muslim mosque. La Seo is also home to the Museo de Tapices, with an exceptional collection of Flemish tapestries belonging to the Metropolitan Chapter of Zaragoza. The Palacio de la Aljafería offers a different historical focus: it is the only surviving major building of Hispano-Islamic architecture from the Taifa period.

The Ruta Caesaraugusta links four archaeological site museums with a single admission ticket: the Museo del Foro, the Museo del Teatro, the Museo del Puerto fluvial and the Museo de las Termas públicas de Caesaraugusta. The Museo del Foro displays foundations of Tiberius’s forum from the 1st century AD, remains of the Cloaca Máxima and the Mosaico de las Musas. Check current admission and visitor information before planning your museum visit.

The Baños Judíos also offer a distinctive way to explore architectural history. They are considered a Mudéjar building with formal Cistercian elements; their layout follows that of Hispano-Muslim baths, particularly those from the 11th-century Taifa period. As part of Aragon’s cultural heritage, they are also classified as a Bien de Interés Cultural. The Basílica del Pilar features works by Goya and a 16th-century alabaster altarpiece among its listed works of art. The Museo Pablo Gargallo is devoted exclusively to the life and work of the Aragonese sculptor; the IAACC Pablo Serrano presents the legacy of the sculptor Pablo Serrano and his wife, the painter Juana Francés.

River routes, green spaces and landscapes

The Zaragoza Natural program includes four routes within the city. They pass through semi-desert landscapes, dense forests and wetlands, as well as habitats rich in wildlife and areas of hydraulic engineering heritage. One route starts at Parque del Agua Luis Buñuel, follows the banks of the Ebro and ends at Galacho de Juslibol. There, an oxbow lake, lagoons, riparian forests and steep slopes shape the landscape.

Another route along the Gállego passes through riparian forests. From the viewpoint at the river’s confluence with the Ebro, you can spot cattle egrets, cormorants and grey herons; bird visibility varies by season. In a steppe ravine, Mediterranean woodland and drought-adapted vegetation meet lush plants on the ravine floor and striking gypsum cliffs. Another route follows a section of the Canal Imperial de Aragón through hydraulic engineering heritage and the Montes de Torrero, with their reforested pine forest. Check route conditions before setting out.

For finding your way along the Canal Imperial, a visitor guide covering Zaragoza divides its 41-kilometer course within the city into seven sections. Parque Grande José Antonio Labordeta offers a different kind of urban green space: this 27-hectare park features 22 sculptures, pine groves, fountains and terraces, as well as boules and roller-skating areas.

Walks, museums and tapas culture

If you’re interested in Mudéjar architecture, the guided Ruta Mudéjar Patrimonio Mundial walk takes about two and a half hours. Check current dates and prices before planning. A cycling tour, “Pedaleando por otra Zaragoza,” includes a visit to the Museo de Ciencias Naturales in the medical school, where Ramón y Cajal studied.

El Tubo is in the historic city center and consists of narrow, elongated streets. Tapas culture is present there all year round. For chocolate lovers, the Chocopass includes tastings of five different chocolate specialties, selected from the offerings of participating businesses. Participating businesses and prices may change; check these details in advance.

Getting there

The regular L-505 bus route connects Zaragoza Airport with the city. As this is operational transport information, check the timetable before your trip.

Discover more destinations: Fuendetodos, Orés, Farasdués, Illueca, Jaraba, Bujaraloz, Luna, Bijuesca.

For the main travel overview: Zaragoza.