It’s been a minute! I’ve been wanting to write about this charming city, and how to do Zaragoza in 48 hours, for over 6 months now. It just never seemed the right time to be travel writing, and perhaps it still isn’t. But, with many (including myself) making future travel plans, I couldn’t wait any longer to share this vibrant, hidden gem in Spain. After spending 3 months locked down in Zaragoza too, it’s fair to say I now have a good grasp of the city!
A couple of hours away from Barcelona and Madrid, Zaragoza is a slice of authentic Spain, rich in history and art. Situated in the North of Spain, it’s the capital of the Aragon region. Some fun trivia, it was named after Augustus Caesar! Originally named Caesaraugusta, from which its Arabic name Saraqusṭah and current name reside. Its roots in Arabic culture can be seen all over the city.
I never imagined I’d fall in love with Zaragoza as much as I did. Strangely, despite not leaving the inner city for 2 months, I never became sick of it either. I’d always wanted to live in Spain, so when the opportunity came up, I grabbed it with both hands and was happy to be anywhere. So long as it was Spain. It’s a country and culture that I constantly romanticise, the picture would be complete if I eventually learned Spanish. (Shamefully despite having many Spanish speaking friends, I never got past the basics…)
As always, these bullet stop itineraries are for the traveller short on time. Whether it be those last minute weekend trips, or those jam packed long adventures. You’ll find you can actually do quite a lot in 48 hours.
Where To Stay in Zaragoza?
For the traveller short on time, Casco Antiguo and Centro are great options. The old town is perfect for soaking up the alfresco cafe culture, whilst Centro, as the name suggests is a good go-between the historical old town and the picturesque Romareda park. Ideal for evening strolls or early morning jogging.
How To get Around Zaragoza?
I mostly got around on foot. I love to walk, and meander in-and-out of the shops (the main reason I was often late to things). For the traveller on-the-go, the fastest way to get around the city though is via the tram. It’s very cheap with one single trip only setting you back €1.40. Tram timetables and ticket information can be found here.
Day 1 – Buenos Dias Zaragoza!
Where ever you may be in the city, start your day off as you mean to go on – with an indulgent breakfast. The city is bursting at the seams with incredible Spanish food. So save yourself the time and energy scrolling through TripAdvisor’s ‘top 10 instagram worthy spots’, and opt for one of the many local cafes on your street. This is the most authentic way to experience Zaragoza and Spanish culture.
Will it be a hearty tortilla (omelette), classic Bocadillo (sandwich), sweet sticky croissant or my new favourite Pan con Tomato (tomato bread).
Not forgetting the much loved ‘Cafe con Leche‘ (Coffee with creamy milk) drink order. Alternatively sweeten up your morning even more with a ‘cafe bombon’ (hot coffee with condensed milk). If the summer heat is unforgiving order a ‘cafe bombon con hielo’ (Cafe Bombon with ice) to cool you down.
Basílica de Nuestra Señora del Pilar ‘Our Lady of the Pillar’
First hotspot of the day is the largest plaza in Europe and home to the Basílica de Nuestra Señora del Pilar. A photo staple in Zaragoza. Towering over the historical city centre, she can’t be missed. After my time living here, I think I have a photo of her in every shade of light. A wonder of architecture inside and out.
Central Market
From here you can walk directly to Zaragoza’s central market. Compared to other more well known markets in Madrid and Barcelona, it doesn’t have the convenience of eat as-you-go tapas. However, there are a few bars inside that offer small bites. Perfect for enjoying the sounds of the live bands playing above in balcony stands. The market takes a 3 hour siesta at 2pm along with the rest of Zaragoza, but opens back up for the evening.
Get Lost in Old Town
Getting lost amongst the shades of pastel and terracotta in Old Town was one of my favourite things to do. No Google maps, just wandering and staying present in the moment. So much of life is spent going from A to B, sometimes it’s nice to slow the pace and have no destination.
Roman ruins
In 14 B.C the Romans staked their claim to Zaragoza. As mentioned before, it was aptly named Caesaraugustus. Soon enough, it became one of the largest cities in the province and one of the central spots for the expansion of Roman Culture.
Still today, many Roman ruins can be found across the whole of Spain. In Zaragoza you can take a peak at the two most prominent ruins in the city (listed under the photo’s).
Top money saving tip for Museo del Teatro de Caesaraugusta; if you take the side entrance from the street you can get a pretty good view without paying admission fees.
About La Siesta
An important thing to note about Zaragoza compared to more tourist driven Spanish cities, is that they take siesta very seriously. I cannot stress enough that pretty much everything closes at 2.30pm including restaurants, museums, art galleries and shops, and doesn’t reopen until 5pm earliest.
Siesta time means, it would be completely acceptable to head back to your accommodation to take a power-nap. But, since time is of the essence, we’ll continue…
Cafe Botanico
There are a few places that will stay open to serve drinks and cakes. Which brings me onto introducing you to my favourite cafe, Cafe Botanico. One of the most photographed cafe’s in the city, for it’s quirky decor.
Cafe Botanico are open all day until 11pm, and conveniently for this itinerary, most quiet during siesta time.
Goya Museum
A trip to Zaragoza wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the Goya museum. A revolutionary Spanish painter and native to Zaragoza. His work spans from very classic court paintings to moody contemporary paintings. The latter, known as the ‘black paintings’, depicting the stuff of ghoulish nightmares. The museums architecture dates back to the 1500’s and shows the influence that the renaissance had on Zaragoza at the time. Admission is €3 to €6.00 and unlike other museums, this one does not allow you to take photographs inside.
Or
Alternatively if you prefer more modern art (or if you want to see both!) you can always scoot over to the IAACC Pablo Serrano for kooky contemporary works. (This one does allow you to take photo’s inside)
El Tubo
How could a trip to Spain be complete without Tapas!? If you’re lucky enough to visit Zaragoza on a Thursday, the city will treat you to heavily discounted food and wine. Known as Pincho’s, meaning small snacks. I used to get a pincho and glass of red wine for €2 a go. It’s the way to go for a cheap night out, and with so many places to choose from in El Tubo, you truly are spoiled for choice.
The best way to explore El Tubo is to dart from bar-to-bar. But, to get you off to a strong start, here’s a few ideas;
- El Patio del Plata – Calle Estébanes, 16, 50003
- El Meli – Calle Libertad, 12, 50003
- Bar Estudios (for cheese lovers!!) – Calle Estudios 15, 50001
- Dar La Lata – Calle Dr. Casas, 9, 50008
Bars and restaurants stay open quite late in Spain, often past 1am. You can finish the night here or carry the evening on through to dawn. For an amazing list of cocktail bar recommendations, check out this blog article from ZaragozaGuia.
Day 2
Park Romareda
Grab a coffee & sweet croissant, and take a short tram ride straight up to Romareda park for an early morning stroll. Most of the action in this itinerary is on the Old Town side, so to save going back and forth on trams, it’s easiest to visit the park first. It also gives you another view of the city. Many Zaragoza itineraries won’t include this park, but when the sun shines, it really is a beautiful spot. Plus you get a fantastic view of the city.
Late Brunch
Gentrified to say the least, but I had to add La Clandestina onto this itinerary. If only for the aesthetics.
The brunches here speak my language! It’s also a great place to work remotely if you’re juggling travel/ work at the same time.
The Aljaferia Palace
An Arabic medieval palace dating back to the 11th century. This palace (and much of Zaragoza) combines Arabic influence with Christian influence, known as Mudejar art. This form of art is native to the region of Aragon, earning it a UNESCO World Heritage title. The palace is open again post Covid-19 but tourists are advised to book before hand, since numbers of visitors will be restricted.
Admission is €5 for an adult and free on Sundays!
- Calle de los Diputados, s/n. 50071 Zaragoza
- +34 976 289 683
View The Puente de Piedra
If you’ve Googled Zaragoza before reading this. Or you’ve seen this articles cover photo, you know the view I mean. The Puente de Piedra also known as The Bridge of Lions, can be seen from the main bridge by the central market. It’s actually on the way back from the palace to old town, so fitted in well here.
Personally I think this is the best view of the Basilica and bridge together. I used to walk back this way to my house and always felt so grateful to live in a city with this fairytale view.
Evening Shopping
Zaragoza is adorned with boutiques and independent shops to peruse. Head to Calle San Miguel street for a spot of retail therapy. Even if you travel light, it’s enjoyable to window shop all the same.
If it’s still the sleepy siesta time, stop for coffee or delicious churros. Zaragoza prides itself on it’s chocolate after all!
Dinner
There are so many contenders on where to have your last supper, as it were. But, I would recommend La Buganvila in the Casco Antiguo area. Myself and friends spent our last night here and the food was authentic, interesting and not badly priced, for a more ‘upmarket’ place.
Adios!
As always, there is never enough time to explore everything! I lived there, and even I feel I have so many more nooks and crannies to find. Cafes to drink at, tapas to eat, history to learn…don’t even get me started on the surrounding countryside areas. B-E-A-UTIFUL!
I condensed what I know and what I love about Zaragoza into the most efficient ‘ How to do Zaragoza in 48 hours ‘. I hope you leave this post feeling a little more inspired!
If you’ve been to Zaragoza, let me know your favourite spots in the comments below?
Safe travels everyone! x
