Basílica de Nuestra Señora del Pilar Zaragoza Spain

Zaragoza is the perfect Spanish off the beaten path destination. Despite being Spain’s 5th largest country, it is relatively off the tourist trail. However it has plenty to offer! Zaragoza is the perfect destination for lovers of tapas, beautiful architecture and fascinating history. It also has a beautiful riverfront area which is ideal for relaxing riverside walks. Best of all, it is conveniently located between Madrid and Barcelona, making it a convenient stopover point when travelling through Spain. In this Zaragoza destination guide we’ll share what you need to know to plan the ultimate Zaragoza vacation.

What is Zaragoza Spain famous for?

Zaragoza is the capital of the Aragon autonomous community of Spain and has a rich history that spans over 2000 years. The city has been ruled by Romans, Goths, Moors, Aragonese and Catholic monarchs, providing it with a rich tapestry of culture and architecture. Some of the historical buildings that Zaragoza is most well-known for include the Roman ruins of Teatro Romano, the Moorish Aljafería Palace as well as the Baroque cathedral Basílica de Nuestra Señora del Pilar. Additionally, Zaragoza is known for its regional cuisine as well as its vibrant festivals.

Why you should visit Zaragoza Spain

View from Torreon de la Zuda Zaragoza Spain
View from Torreon de la Zuda Zaragoza Spain

We were pleasantly surprised by the charming city of Zaragoza. While we mainly chose to come here to break up the trip from Madrid to Barcelona, we quickly fell in love with this underrated city.

Zaragoza is a stunning city which lies on the banks of the beautiful Ebro River. From the riverfront you have spectacular views of the towering church Basílica de Nuestra Señora del Pila. But this isn’t the only architectural marvel on full display in the city. Throughout Zaragoza there are many impressive buildings as well as sprawling parks and wide promenades to enjoy. And once you’ve worked up an appetite, there’s an abundance of excellent restaurants and eateries to tempt your tastebuds. Be sure to try out some tapas as well as some of the local delicacies while you’re here. Zaragoza is a relaxed city with a more local vibe than some of its neighbouring cities. It’s definitely worth a visit when travelling in Spain.

Zaragoza Destination Guide: Know before you go

Basic info about Zaragoza Spain

Restaurante los Helechos Zaragoza Spain
Restaurante los Helechos Zaragoza Spain

  • City name in English – Saragossa
  • Language – Spanish. English is widely spoken throughout the country, but not everyone you meet will be able to speak English. Catalan is also the co-official language of three autonomous communities in eastern Spain: Catalonia, the Valencian Community, and the Balearic Islands.
  • Currency – euro (EUR). This has been the official currency of Spain since 1999. Currency exchanges can be found in most cities and ATMs are also available widely throughout the country.
  • Population – 675,301 (2021)
  • Area – 973.8 km2 (376 sq mi)
  • Province – Zaragoza (Zaragoza is the capital of this province)
  • Autonomous community – Aragon (Zaragoza is the capital of this autonomous community)
  • Emergency number – 112
  • Police number – 091

Utilities in Zaragoza Spain

  • Electricity – Spain uses Types C and E power plugs. The country operates on a 230v supply voltage at 50Hz. Power outages are not common in Spain.
  • Water – the tap water in Spain is safe to drink almost everywhere in the country. However old pipes may lead to some contamination in the water. Additionally the water may taste different to what you are used to. If in doubt ask your accommodation.
  • Toilets – sit-down flushing toilets are the most common type of toilet in Spain. You can flush your toilet paper directly into the toilet in most places. However on islands, mountain areas and more remote places the plumbing may not be able to handle toilet paper and you may need to use a bin provided instead. Public toilets are not common in Spain, but are available in bars and restaurants for free. Some bars and restaurants only allow customers to use their toilets – ask if in doubt. The public toilets that are available usually cost 10-50 cents to use.
  • Telephone country code: +34

Where is Zaragoza Spain?

Zaragoza is the capital of the Aragon autonomous community as well as the province of Zaragoza of Spain. It is in the north-east of the Iberian Peninsula in the Ebro Valley. Zaragoza also lies on the banks of the Ebro River. It is an inland city in north-eastern Spain.

Zaragoza is roughly equidistant from the cities of Bilbao, Madrid, Valencia as well as Barcelona in Spain, being roughly 3 hours drive from each of these Spanish cities. It is also roughly equidistant from the French cities of Bordeaux and Toulouse, being around 5 hours drive from these French cities.

How to get to Zaragoza Spain

Zaragoza destination guide: Arriving by land

Zaragoza Spain intercity land transport

Atocha-Renfe Train Station Madrid Spain
Atocha-Renfe Train Station Madrid Spain

The main transport options for travelling overland to Zaragoza Spain are:

  • Private vehicle
  • Private transport operator
  • Train
  • Shuttle
  • Bus
  • Bike

Driving to Zaragoza

If you are driving to Zaragoza, here are the travel times and distances:

  • Bilbao Spain – 2 hours 58 minutes (302km, 188miles) with tolls, 3 hours 50 minutes (321km, 199miles) without tolls.
  • Barcelona Spain – 3 hours 8 minutes (307km, 191miles) without tolls.
  • Valencia Spain – 3 hours 10 minutes (309km, 192miles) without tolls.
  • Madrid Spain – 3 hours 32 minutes (322km, 200miles) without tolls.
  • Andorra la Vella Andorra – 3 hours 53 minutes (303km, 188miles) with tolls, 3 hours 54 minutes (304km, 189miles) without tolls.
  • Bordeaux France – 5 hours 7 minutes (492km, 306miles) with tolls, 5 hours 46 minutes (449km, 279miles) without tolls.
  • Toulouse France – 5 hours 6 minutes (392km, 244miles) with tolls, 5 hours 31 minutes (392km, 244miles) without tolls.

Intercity trains to Zaragoza Spain

Renfe Train from Madrid to Zaragoza Spain
Renfe Train from Madrid to Zaragoza Spain

Trains are a cheap and also an efficient way to get to Zaragoza Spain. The main train station in Zaragoza is Zaragoza-Delicias train station. This is located in the north-west of Zaragoza.

Most trains to Zaragoza are AVE trains. However the following train brands service Zaragoza:

  • AVE (Alta Velocidad Española) trains – this is Spain’s intercity high speed rail service.
  • Avant trains – Avant trains share the same high-speed lines as the AVE trains, but are for shorter (media distancia) journeys.
  • Alvia trains – these are long distance high speed trains which connect various major cities in Spain.
  • Intercity trains – this is a non-high speed rail service which operates on the ‘classic’ rail network in Spain.
  • Altaria trains – these are Spain’s fast long-distance trains.
  • Media distancia trains – these are medium distance trains that operate in Spain. They are faster than regional trains but don’t use high speed rail lines.
  • Cercanías Zaragoza trains – this is Zaragoza’s commuter rail service which connects Zaragoza and its metropolitan area.

The Spanish national railway company that operates these services is called RENFE (Red Nacional de Ferrocarriles Españoles or National Network of Spanish Railways).

We recommend using the app and website TrainLine to book intercity train tickets in Spain. This is the app we use to book trains in Europe. It is very easy to use with great functionality. Another great feature is that you can see days ahead to see what times of the day were the cheapest rates.

Intercity buses to Zaragoza Spain

Estación Central Autobuses de Zaragoza Spain
Estación Central Autobuses de Zaragoza Spain

A common way to get around Spain is by using intercity buses. These are a budget friendly alternative to trains, but are generally a slower option. Intercity bus companies in Spain include Alsa, SAMAR, Avanza, FlixBus as well as Blablacar bus. Popular bus destinations from Zaragoza include:

  • Barcelona Spain – travel time 2.5-4 hours. Tickets start from 17 euro one way.
  • Sabiñánigo Spain – travel time 2 hours. Tickets start from 18 euro one way.
  • Pampolona Spain – travel time 2.25 hours. Tickets start from 17 euro one way.
  • San Sebastián Spain – travel time 3.75 hours. Tickets start from 25 euro one way.
  • Bilbao Spain – travel time 4 hours. Tickets start from 22 euro one way.
  • Madrid Spain – travel time 3.5-4 hours. Tickets start from 21 euro one way.
  • Benasque Spain – travel time 3.75 hours. Tickets start from 26 euro one way.
  • Andorra la Vella Andorra – travel time 4.5 hours. Tickets start from 31 euro one way.
  • Seville Spain – travel time 6-7 hours. Tickets start from 43 euro one way.

Zaragoza destination guide: Arriving by air

Baggage Area Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas Airport
Baggage Area Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas Airport

The nearest airport to Zaragoza Spain is Zaragoza Airport (Airport code ZAZ). This international airport is 14km (9miles) from the city.

Other nearby airports include:

  • Lleida–Alguaire Airport (Airport code ILD). This airport is 118km (73miles) away.
  • Pamplona Airport (Airport code PNA). This airport is 139km (87miles) away.
  • Logroño–Agoncillo Airport (Airport code RJL). This airport is 149km (93miles) away.

The national airline of Spain is Iberia.

Zaragoza destination guide: Arriving by boat

Río Ebro Zaragoza Spain
Río Ebro Zaragoza Spain

Zaragoza is an inland city. However you can do river cruises or rent a boat on the Ebro River. However keep in mind that the whole stretch of the Ebro River is not navigable.

Zaragoza destination guide: How to get around Zaragoza Spain

Walking in Zaragoza Spain

Streetview Zaragoza Spain
Streetview Zaragoza Spain

By far the easiest and cheapest way to get around Zaragoza is to walk. Most of the main attractions in the city area are within walking distance.

Local buses in Zaragoza Spain

Zaragoza is serviced by local buses.

Local trains in Zaragoza Spain

Cercanías Zaragoza trains are Zaragoza’s local commuter rail service. It services Zaragoza and also connects Zaragoza and its metropolitan area.

Renfe Operadora is the railway company that operates these services.

Zaragoza Tourist Bus

An easy way to see Zaragoza is with the Zaragoza Bus Turistico. This is a Hop On Hop Off sightseeing bus. The route includes 16 stops and the full route takes about 90 minutes. An adult ticket costs 8 euro and is valid for 24 hours from the first use (price as at 2022).

Trams in Zaragoza Spain

The Zaragoza tramway currently consists of 1 tramline with 25 stops. A further 2 lines are in the planing stages.

Metro trains (subway or underground) in Zaragoza Spain

Zaragoza does not have a metro system.

Vehicle hire in Zaragoza Spain

A wide variety of vehicles can be rented in Spain. This includes:

  • Bicycles – There are self-service bike share services available in the city such as Bizi Zaragoza. Alternatively you can hire a bike from a bike hire shop such as La Ciclería.
  • Electric scooters
  • Motorcycles
  • Cars
  • SUVs
  • Campervans
  • Boats

In Spain they drive on the right side of the road.

Shuttles in Zaragoza Spain

Shuttles make short repetitive journeys between two destinations. Common journeys include going between the airport and the city centre.

Taxis in Spain

Taxis are common in Spain. Fares are regulated and are usually metered. The exception to this will be standard journeys such as airport trips in some cities. In this case the fare will be a fixed price. However in general your fare will include the following costs:

  • The pickup fee or minimum fee – this is charged as soon as you get into the vehicle
  • Price per kilometre – this price can vary depending on the time of day
  • Price per hour – this is a price that gets charged when the taxi is stuck in heavy traffic. The price also varies depending on the time of day
  • There may also be an additional fee for certain days (e.g. Christmas and New Year) or for luggage

However in for some trips such as from the airport to the city centre fares may be a fixed price that is agreed on before the trip.

It is not necessary to tip taxi drivers in Spain. At most, locals may round up the fare to the nearest dollar as a tip.

Ride-share services in Spain

There are a number of ride-share services that operate in Spain. These include Uber, Cabify, FREE NOW and CarpoolWorld.

Zaragoza destination guide: Is Zaragoza worth visiting?

Zaragoza is a hidden gem that is worth visiting. Its low numbers of international visitors give the city a more authentic feel, which adds to its charm. Zaragoza is very scenic, sitting on the banks of the Ebro River and with many spectacular and historical buildings scattered around the city. Additionally, Zaragoza is home to one of Spain’s biggest festivals, Las Fiestas del Pilar, which is held in October each year. The festivals include customs of the region with fireworks, music, food and parades. Furthermore, Zaragoza is conveniently located between Madrid and Barcelona making it a convenient stopover when travelling through Spain.

Zaragoza destination guide: How long to spend in Zaragoza Spain

Courtyard Palacio de Sástago Zaragoza Spain
Courtyard Palacio de Sástago Zaragoza Spain

Zaragoza is a great place to come for a weekend. It is a charming riverside city with stunning architecture and plenty of history. We spent 3 nights in Zaragoza and enjoyed taking time to enjoy the various activities available in this beautiful city.

Zaragoza destination guide: What to do in Zaragoza Spain

Zaragoza is a relaxed Spanish city with many activities on offer. It has a range of great free activities as well as paid activities.

Zaragoza destination guide: Free things to do in Zaragoza Spain

Museo de Zaragoza Spain
Museo de Zaragoza Spain

There are enough free activities in Zaragoza Spain to keep you entertained for a weekend or even a leisurely week:

  • Basílica de Nuestra Señora del Pilar
  • Palacio de la Aljaferia
  • El Tubo
  • Plaza del Pilar
  • Parque Grande Jose Antonio Labordeta
  • Daroca
  • Puente de Piedra
  • El Ebro
  • Calle Alfonso I
  • La Lonja
  • Museo de Zaragoza
  • Fuente de la Hispanidad
  • Mercado Central
Fuente de la Hispanidad Zaragoza Spain
Fuente de la Hispanidad Zaragoza Spain

Zaragoza destination guide: Paid activities in Zaragoza Spain

A number of attractions in Zaragoza Spain charge an entry fee:

  • La Seo del Salvador – entry fee is 7 euro for adults (as at 2023). There are a number of free entry days throughout the year.
  • Torre Del Pilar – entry fee is 4 euro for adults (as at 2023).
  • Acuario de Zaragoza – entry fee is 18 euro for adults (as at 2023).
  • Emoz – entry fee is 3 euro for adults (as at 2023).
  • Belchite – entry fee is 8 euro for adults (as at 2023).
  • Museo Pablo Gargallo – entry fee is 4 euro for adults (as at 2023).
  • Museo del Fuego y de los Bomberos – entry fee is 3 for adults (as at 2023). There are a number of free entry days throughout the year.
  • Patio de la Infanta – entry fee is 3 euro for adults (as at 2023 ).
  • Museo de los Faroles y Rosario de Cristal – entry fee is 5 euro for adults (as at 2023).
  • Museo Goya Coleccion Ibercaja – entry fee is 8 euro for adults (as at 2023). Free entry on the 1st Wednesday of each month as well as a number of other days throughout the year.
  • Museo del Teatro Romano de Caesaraugusta – entry fee is 4 euro for adults (as at 2023).
  • Caixaforum Zaragoza – entry fee is 6 euro for adults (as at 2023).
  • Museo del Foro de Caesaraugusta – entry fee is 4 euro for adults (as at 2023).
  • Alma Mater Museum – entry fee is 3 euro for adults (as at 2023).
  • Museo De Tapices Y Capitular De La Seo – entry fee is 9 euro for adults (as at 2023). Entry fee includes a visit to the cathedral La Seo del Salvador.
  • Iglesia Parroquial de San Pablo Apóstol – entry fee is 3 euro for adults (as at 2023).

However many of these attractions have free entry with the Zaragoza Card. See the Zaragoza Card section below for more information.

Zaragoza Card

The Zaragoza Card is a city card that allows you to explore a range of attractions in Zaragoza for free. Additionally you can use public transport for free and there are also discounts and special offers for a selection of shops, restaurants and bars in the city. There are 24 hour, 48 hour and 72 hour passes are available. It is available for purchase at the tourism offices in the city:

  • Oficina de Turismo Plaza del Pilar
  • Tourism Center Torreón de la Zuda
  • Tourism Office Zaragoza Delicias

Weather in Zaragoza Spain

Plaza España Zaragoza Spain
Plaza España Zaragoza Spain

Zaragoza has a semi-arid climate, which is similar to the capital of Madrid. It has cold winters, with average temperature range between 3°C and 11°C (38°F and 52°F) in the coldest month of January. Summers last from June to September and are hot and sunny, with the average temperature range between 19°C and 32°C (65°F and 90°F) in the hottest month of July. It is a windy city and sometimes experiences powerful cold and dry winds, known as the cierzo from the Atlantic. Zaragoza doesn’t experience much rainfall across the year with only 330mm (13in) throughout the year. The month with the most rainfall is May with 6.4 days of rain on average and the driest month is July with an average of 3.0 rainy days.

Best time to visit Zaragoza Spain

The best time to visit Zaragoza is either Spring (April to May) or Autumn (September to October),when the weather is most pleasant. Zaragoza, much like a lot of Spain, experiences very hot summers and temperatures exceeding 40°C are increasingly common over July and August. It is best to avoid the city at this time if you don’t like the extreme heat.

Internet and mobile phones in Spain

Since June 15th, 2017, Roam Like at Home (RLAT) rules came into force for European Union countries. As such, people with European Union mobile numbers are no longer charged temporary mobile roaming fees if they travel within the European Union. This means that if you have a European Union mobile number, you can use that number anywhere within the European Union and you will be charged for calls, texts and data in the same rates as if you were in your home country. There are limits to this in order to prevent abuse of these rules.

The main internet and phone companies in Spain include Movistar, Orange, Vodafone and Yoigo.

5G has been in Spain since June 2021. However 2G is expected to continue in Spain until 2030 and 3G until 2025.

Spain is ranked 60th fastest in the world for mobile internet speeds and 9th fastest for fixed broadband. For Fixed Broadband the average download speed is 185mbps and upload is 138mbps (as at May 2023).

Cell phone SIM cards can be bought in many places throughout Spain. These include phone storess, at airports as well as online. You need to show your passport, visa and a passport photo to get a SIM card.

How much to budget for Zaragoza Spain?

Is Zaragoza expensive?

Zaragoza is a fairly inexpensive city to visit. Accommodation costs are reasonable, the city is very walkable and is well-serviced by public transport and there are many free or cheap activities available. Furthermore, restaurant prices are in line with other Spanish cities and are relatively cheap by European standards.

Zaragoza destination guide: Daily spend for a couple travelling in Zaragoza Spain

Churros-Plaza del Pilar Zaragoza Spain
Churros-Plaza del Pilar Zaragoza Spain

As a rough guide, we recommend the following budgets for a couple:

  • Low-budget daily spend – 100 euro per day for a couple will get you budget accommodation, self catering and bakery meals, walking or catching local transport to get around the city and free or cheap activities.
  • Mid-range daily spend – 300 euro per day for a couple will get you mid-range accommodation, walking or catching local transport to get around the city, dining at reasonably priced cafes and restaurants and some paid activities.
  • Luxury spend – 1000 euro per day for a couple will get you a premium experience, staying at high end hotels, travelling by private transport, doing a range paid activities and eating at high end restaurants.

Zaragoza destination guide: Accommodation in Zaragoza Spain

Hostal Milmarcos Zaragoza Spain
Hostal Milmarcos Zaragoza Spain

There is a good range of accommodation to suit most budgets in Zaragoza Spain. Airbnb operates in Spain and we were impressed with the range of options available in Zaragoza.

Where to stay in Zaragoza Spain

We recommend the following accommodation in Zaragoza:

  • Best budget hotel in Zaragoza – Hotel Sauce is a charming boutique hotel in the heart of the Old Town. It provides clean and cosy rooms with double glazed windows to keep it nice and quiet. The staff are friendly and helpful. There is also a fantastic bakery attached to the hotel which offers a great range of quality breakfast options.
  • Best mid-range hotel in Zaragoza – Hotel Catalonia El Pilar is a beautifully renovated hotel in a great position. It is located right in the middle of town, close to everything. The rooms are spacious with comfortable beds and a lovely outlook. The staff are very friendly and helpful and the breakfasts are excellent with lots of choices.
  • Best luxury hotel in Zaragoza – Hotel Reina Petronila is a modern hotel with spacious and comfortable rooms. The breakfasts are delicious and the staff are exceptional. It has a nice pool and spa area and paid parking on-site. On the downside, the wifi is a bit slow and it is located outside of the city centre.

How much is accommodation in Zaragoza Spain?

For short-term accommodation, a general price per night is as follows:

  • Budget accommodation – 16-26 euro for a bed in a dorm
  • Mid-range accommodation – 40-120 euro for a private room
  • Luxury accommodation – 145-155 euro a night for a luxury hotel
  • Rental property – 70-370 euro a night for a fully furnished 3-5 bedroom home

Zaragoza destination guide: Food in Zaragoza Spain

Cafetería Con Rasmia Zaragoza Spain
Cafetería Con Rasmia Zaragoza Spain

Zaragoza has a great food scene with a number of local specialities. Tapas are popular in the city, particularly around El Tubo, which are famous streets in the city that have the named after their long and tubular shape.

How much does food cost in Zaragoza Spain?

Our price guide for your food budget in Zaragoza Spain is as follows (prices as at 2022):

  • Restaurant meal – 8-15 euro for a main dish
  • Fast food – 7-9 euro for a meal
  • Bakery food – 1.5-2 euro for an empanadilla or loaf of bread
  • Beer – 2-3 euro
  • Coffee – 1-2 euro
Paella-Meson Zamorano 2 Zaragoza Spain
Paella-Meson Zamorano 2 Zaragoza Spain

Tap water at restaurants in Spain

Restaurants in Spain cannot refuse to serve tap water to their customers, even if they think the tap water doesn’t taste good. They also cannot charge the customer for tap water.

Cover charge for restaurants in Spain

Restaurants in Spain generally don’t charge a fixed per person charge for things like table linen and tableware. Bread and olives are often brought to your table, but you can only be charged for this if it is requested and the price is indicted. If in doubt, ask your server.

Service charge for restaurants in Spain

Candolias bar Zaragoza Spain
Candolias bar Zaragoza Spain

Restaurants in Spain generally do not charge service charges. If they do, you will find the words “servicio incluido” written on the bill. Conversely “servico non incluido” means a service charge is not included in the bill. Tipping is not compulsory nor expected in Spain. When Spaniards tips, its generally only one or two euro.

Terrace surcharge for restaurants in Spain

Some restaurants in Spain charge a higher price to sit outside on the terrace area compared to inside the restaurant. This terrace surcharge will be clearly listed on the menu either as a per person charge, a percentage surcharge or as separate prices for the terrace and indoor areas.

IVA tax for restaurants in Spain

You may find an IVA charge added to your bill. This is a value added tax and is currently 10%. This is generally charged for more upmarket restaurants, and the IVA needs to be clearly stated on the menu.

Regional dishes in Zaragoza Spain

  • Ternasco de Aragon – young lamb from the Aragon region (one of the local breeds – Ojinegra de Teruel, Maellana, Ansotana, Rasa Aragonesa or Roya Bilbilitana). Usually also served with potatoes.
  • Migas Aragonesas – pan-fried breadcrumbs with onion, garlic and chorizo. Often served with grapes.
  • Pollo al Chilindrón – a Spanish stew with chicken in a tomato, red capsicum and onion sauce.
  • Magras con Tomate – a pork and tomato dish.
  • Huevos al Salmorrejo – eggs with pork and asparagus.
  • Borrajas con patatas – borage with potatoes.
  • Rice with borage and clams
  • Arroz a la Zaragozana – a rice and meat dish.
  • Bacalao Ajoarriero – a cod dish. In Zaragoza this is often made with potatoes and eggs.
  • Escabeche – meat (usually chicken rabbit or partridge; sometimes fish) cooked in oil and vinegar with spices and vegetables.
  • Fruits of Aragon – candied fruit dipped in chocolate
  • Trenza de Almúdevar – a braided pastry with a nut filling.
  • Chorizo
  • Teruel ham
  • Chireta sausage
  • Longaniza de Graus sausage
  • Tronchon cheese
  • Roasted suckling pig

Cheap Eats in Zaragoza Spain

  • The restaurant chain 100 Montaditos is our favourite cheap eat in Spain. It is a tapas restaurant that has an extensive menu at affordable prices. On Wednesdays as well as Sundays they have specials where many of their tapas items are only 1 or 2 euro each.
  • Bakeries are a great place to get cheap and also delicious food. Empanadillas (small empanadas) are typically around 1.50-2 euro.
  • Local markets are often a great place to get a cheap meal in Spain. We also enjoy the vibrant atmosphere or local markets.

Fine dining in Zaragoza Spain

Zaragoza is home to a number of Michelin Guide restaurants.

1 star Michelin restaurants in Zaragoza Spain (2023):

  • Gente Rara
  • Cancook
  • La Prensa

Michelin Bib Gourmand restaurants in Zaragoza Spain (2023):

  • es.TABLE

Michelin Plate restaurants in Zaragoza Spain (2023):

  • Casa Lac
  • Maite
  • Casa Pedro
  • Novodabo
  • Quema
  • Crudo
  • Gamberro
  • Bistrónomo

Zaragoza Spain culture

Zaragoza public holidays

  • New Year’s Day – 1 January
  • Epiphany – 6 January
  • Holy Thursday – the Thursday before Easter Sunday, typically in March or April.
  • Good Friday – the Friday before Easter Sunday, typically in March or April.
  • St George’s Day – 23 April
  • Labor Day – 1 May
  • Assumption of the Virgin – 15 August
  • Hispanic Day – 12 October
  • All Saints Day – 1 November
  • Constitution Day – 6 December
  • Immaculate Conception Day – 8 December
  • Christmas Day (Navidad) – 25 December

National symbols of Spain

Palacio de Sástago Zaragoza Spain
Palacio de Sástago Zaragoza Spain

  • Spain flag – a flag featuring three horizontal bands coloured red, yellow, red with the Spain coat of arms slightly to the left in the middle band. The yellow band is twice the size of the red bands.
  • Spain coat of arms – this features the arms of the Spanish medieval kingdoms, the Royal Crown, the arms of the House of Bourbon, the Pillars of Hercules and the Spanish national motto: “Plus Ultra”.
  • National flower – red carnation
  • National bird – Spanish imperial eagle
  • Spanish national animal – the bull

Spain pastimes

Centro de Historias Zaragoza Spain
Centro de Historias Zaragoza Spain

  • National dish – paella
  • Popular drinks – sangria, wine, beer, horchata, granizados, sherry, rebujito, vermouth, tinto de verano, coffee.
  • National sport – football
  • Religion – 56% Catholic, 2.8% other faiths such as Islam, Protestant Christian and Buddist (as at 2022)

Famous people from Zaragoza Spain

IAACC Pablo Serrano Zaragoza Spain
IAACC Pablo Serrano Zaragoza Spain

  • Famous people born in Zaragoza Spain – actor Mark Consuelos, model Alejandra Andreu, television presenter Adriana Abenia, singer Enrique Bunbury, actress Alexandra Jiménez, comedian Miki Nadal, actress Elena Rivera
  • Sports stars from Zaragoza Spain – basketball player Carlos Alocén, basketball player José Arcega, Olympic water polo player Andrea Blas, cyclist David Cañada, boxer Perico Fernández, Olympic field hockey player Begoña García Grau, Olympic pole vaulter Javier Gazol, Olympic beach volleyball player Raúl Mesa, basketball player Cristina Ouviña, Paralympic swimmer Teresa Perales, basketball player Juan Antonio San Epifanio, karateka Babacar Seck

Is Zaragoza Spain Safe?

Spain travel guide: Safety in Spain

Museo de Ciencias Naturales de la Universidad de Zaragoza Spain
Museo de Ciencias Naturales de la Universidad de Zaragoza Spain

We travelled through Spain for three weeks and found the country to be extremely safe. As with any country, there are good areas and also bad areas. Watch out for pickpockets particularly in Barcelona and Madrid as well as other large cities. Be particularly vigilant around tourist areas, in transport and on beaches. Never leave your valuables unattended in a car. Also, make sure no-one is watching whenever you are entering pin codes and never lose sight of your credit card when making a purchase.

Terror attacks have occurred in Spain in the past and still pose a significant risk. The national terrorism alert for Spain is ‘high’ as at 2023. Watch out for any threats and take official warnings seriously.

The Running of the Bulls in Pamplona is a dangerous activity and may not be covered by travel insurance.

General safety considerations in Spain

Other general safety considerations for travel in Spain:

  • Drinking water – the tap water in Spain is safe to drink almost everywhere in the country. However old pipes may lead to some contamination in the water.
  • Mosquitoes – the tiger mosquito has been present in Spain since 2004. This type of mosquito spreads diseases such as Zika, dengue and chikunguya.
  • Altitude sickness – Spain has areas of high altitude. This comes with the risk of altitude sickness. If you are planning to visit any high altitude areas in Spain, be sure to allow sufficient time to acclimatise. If you experience any signs of altitude sickness, such as headache, nausea or vomiting, dizziness, tiredness, loss of appetite or shortness of breath, get help immediately.
  • Road safety – Spain roads are in excellent condition and very safe. Additionally, its highway network is very extensive. However we always recommend to take care on roads.
  • Water safety – if you visit any of the coastal areas or lakes, take care when swimming as currents and waves may be stronger than you expect.
  • Earthquakes – Spain experiences earthquake activity. If you experience an earthquake, stay away from glass, windows, outside doors and walls and anything that could fall. If you are inside get under a table, desk or solid furniture and hang onto it. Cover your head and torso to protect from falling objects. If you are outside, stay outside and go to an open area away from buildings.
  • Natural disasters – in addition to earthquakes, Spain also experiences volcanic activity, severe storms and forest fires.
  • Sun safety – exposure to the sun can have adverse short-term and long-term effects on the skin, eyes and immune system. Sun protection such as sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses is very important to ensure you don’t get burnt.

As with any destination, take all of your normal safety precautions.

Spain Blogs

You can find our Spain travel blogs below.

Sunset Palacio de Cibeles Madrid Spain

20 Best FREE Things To Do in Madrid Spain (with map)

Spain’s capital Madrid is a vibrant city with grand architecture, sprawling gardens and world-class museums. This city also has interesting ...
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Barcelona Destination Guide (2024): What You Need to Know

Barcelona has it all! Not only is the city filled with amazing architecture and beautifully designed public spaces, but it ...
Basílica de Nuestra Señora del Pilar Zaragoza Spain

Zaragoza Destination Guide (2024): What You Need to Know

Zaragoza is the perfect Spanish off the beaten path destination. Despite being Spain’s 5th largest country, it is relatively off ...
Outdoor Dining Pl del Emperador Carlos V Madrid Spain

Madrid Destination Guide (2024): What You Need to Know

Spain’s capital has everything you could want in a city. Madrid is a lively city with a world class food ...

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