Why you want to go to Zaragoza in Spain now
A reasonably undiscovered city in Spain where you can indulge in as many tapas as you want, is largely car-free, and is also a city full of beautiful buildings. And it's also the fourth largest city in Spain. Um yes, why have you never heard of it? No idea, but when mentioning Zaragoza, not everyone seems to have a bell ringing. But believe me: you want to go here, whether for a city trip or on vacation (preferably the latter of course). Personally, I always get cheerful from a Spanish city, but if you need a little more persuasion: this city is also known as the tapas city of Spain. In fact, they have a tapas district where you can score a dish with a tapas pass. Okay, say no more: you want the tips. Here they come.
So Zaragoza is an undiscovered gem, a hidden gem. All very nice of course, but not when it is so undiscovered that there are even (yet?) no international flights arriving or departing at the airport. Fortunately, the train network in Spain is very good and you are still not on the road for too long. The fastest way to get there from Barcelona: in less than an hour and a half you are in Zaragoza. From Madrid, it takes about an hour and three quarters. And very nice (I think, because I hate it): no transfers. Love it.
Sights in Zaragoza
Plaza del Pilar.
This is the central square of Zaragoza and immediately one of the largest (market) squares in Europe – the largest is in Krakow. The entire square is car-free (handy), which I always find a plus. The Basilica Nuestra Señora del Pilar is also located on this square. In any case, you are in good hands in Zaragoza if you like to visit churches and cathedrals during your trip. There are more than enough of them here.
El Tubo.
The tapas district, I mentioned it briefly, is called El Tubo and for this district you can buy a ‘tapas pass‘, which allows you to score a dish at about twenty restaurants. Oh yes, the ideal way to get around in Zaragoza is by bike. Much of the city is car-free and just like in Valencia, the city is quite made for cycling through. Pedaling from tapas bar to tapas bar, so love it. If you want to have a drink in the evening, go to Calle del Temple. This little street is full of bars to grab another drink.
The Ebro.
This is a river that runs through Zaragoza and where you can easily take a boat trip. During the day or in the evening, the view is more than fine. I personally always go for the relaxing boat trips, but you can also canoe and even raft here. I’ll skip that for now, but this is one for the thrill-seekers among us.
Shopping.
Oh yes, a trip is not quite complete without a new wardrobe. Paseo de la Independencia is the largest shopping street in Zaragoza, where you will find many well-known chains. They also have a large shopping center, El Caracol, for when you want those well-known chains close together. If you prefer shopping at smaller boutiques, then Calle Alfonso I is the street you need to be in.
Make sure to visit the viewpoint. For just €3 you can take the lift all the way up in one of the towers of the El Pilar cathedral. From here you have a very nice view over the entire city. I always love rooftop spots, you don’t really have those here, but this viewpoint makes up for a lot.
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Hotspots in Zaragoza
The first tip of a series that can all be found in El Tubo. Well, if you are known as a tapas district, it’s no surprise that you are also packed with fun spots. Not the trendiest, but many locals and super hospitable. All tapas here are homemade and you can taste it. So delicious.
Funny: this spot was started years ago by a French family, although you wouldn’t find that anywhere, not in the interior and certainly not on the menu. A bit more chic tapas than the aforementioned spot, still very tasty and a recommendation for a more extensive dinner.
Calle Mártires, 12
If you prefer that quick bite, don’t skip this one either. Very authentic, there is only a Spanish menu available (but they are happy to explain it to you), very affordable and especially very tasty. In any case, a plus point of Zaragoza: nothing is very expensive here, very budget-friendly.
Calle Estébanes, 4
This is the last of the El Tubo tips. It’s a super cute restaurant, with lots of wooden tables and wine barrels as bar tables. I always find that very cozy. Surprisingly, how could it be otherwise: on the menu tapas. But you can never have enough of those. Lunch, dinner, even for breakfast: you can always serve it to me.
Calle Marqués de Casa Jiménez, 6
Okay, a little something different than tapas. This is a slightly hipper spot where you can go from early in the morning (eight o'clock) until late at night. Especially if you want a nice breakfast or a homemade cake, then this is the spot for you. Croissants, eggs, very good coffee… And it’s in the Lonely Planet, so in terms of locals, it’s a bit less now.
Calle San Jorge, 18
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Best hotels in Zaragoza
This is a modern four-star hotel in the center. I mentioned it earlier, but Zaragoza is still very affordable compared to other Spanish cities. A night in this four-star hotel is therefore not a rip-off, but a very nice stay.
Calle del Coso, 86
But if you want that upgrade to a five-star hotel, look no further. This is a very nice hotel and is centrally located, with a rooftop pool. Not an unnecessary luxury with Spanish summers, since Zaragoza is not by the beach. A refreshing dip is then very nice.
Calle Marqués de Casa Jiménez
If you prefer to stick to a budget, then this is a very good option. The location is ideal and the rooms for the price are quite spacious and very clean. And there is also a pool, so that’s great.
Av. de César Augusto, 55
