Saragossa

Saragossa offers several ways to shape a city break: Roman urban history, Mudejar architecture, paths along the Ebro and a large city park. If you’re looking for a hotel, first consider which of these themes you want to define your stay. Archaeological museums, historic buildings and opportunities for outdoor activities offer different focuses.

Discover Roman Zaragoza along a route

The Ruta de Caesaraugusta passes through the political center of Roman Zaragoza and its public buildings. The tour includes four archaeological museums: the Forum, the river port, the public baths and the theater. At the Museo del Foro de Caesaraugusta, the archaeological site lies beneath today’s Plaza de la Seo. The Museo del Puerto Fluvial preserves monumental remains of a Roman port that was part of the Forum. They date from the late 1st century BC to the 1st century AD. The route thus connects different aspects of the ancient city, while the dates of the surviving port remains offer a closer look at its history.

Mudejar heritage and landmark buildings

The Tower and Parish Church of San Pablo de Zaragoza are part of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Mudéjar Architecture of Aragon. Another destination of art-historical importance is the Palacio de la Aljafería: it is considered one of the outstanding achievements of Hispano-Muslim art and the northernmost Islamic palace in Europe. Its historic features include the mirhab. It was built in the 11th century as a mosque or private oratory for the Muslim king and his court, and faces Mecca.

The Basílica del Pilar offers further points of interest for art and architecture enthusiasts. Its features include works by Goya, more than ten chapels and an organ. There is also a 16th-century alabaster altarpiece. While the archaeological museums and the mirhab focus on different aspects of the past, the basilica showcases works and architectural details of a major church. If you plan your city exploration around your cultural interests, you can consider these distinct historical themes as separate areas of focus.

Green spaces, cycle paths and the Ebro riverbanks

Parque del Agua Luis Buñuel is a city park covering about 120 hectares, with extensive green spaces, services and activities. More than 30 activities are available in total, including horse riding, canoeing, rafting, multi-adventure activities, bike rental and spa services. The park also has more than 15 kilometers of cycle paths. The activities and individual offerings mentioned may change; check current availability with the relevant providers. You should also check the conditions of the cycle paths locally.

The Ebro runs for ten kilometers through Zaragoza. Its banks offer almost 20 kilometers of nature and monument trails for walking or cycling. As well as the cycle paths in Parque del Agua, you can therefore explore the routes along the river as a separate option for outdoor activities. The Camino Jacobeo del Ebro also passes through the city. When planning, it’s worth considering the park, riverbanks and pilgrimage route as different options rather than combining them into a single route.

Tapas and routes through the historic center

The tapas route in Zaragoza combines tapas, eaten standing at the counter of a bar or restaurant, with visits to museums, monuments and other sights in the historic center. The concept therefore brings food and city exploration together. Thursday tapas initiatives include “Juepincho” in the Magdalena-Heroísmo neighborhood and “Los jueves toreros” around the Coso de la Misericordia. If you’d like to plan for one of these initiatives, check the dates and participating venues in advance.

Getting to the airport

Zaragoza Airport is connected to the city by public transport, including bus route 505 and taxis. As transport information can change, check the current connection before your trip.

Discover more destinations: Casetas, Garrapinillos, Alforque, Sos Del Rey Católico, Lobera de Onsella, Pintano, Mesones De Isuela.

Go to the main travel overview: Saragossa.