Is Zaragoza Worth Visiting? Pros and Cons

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Zaragoza is one of Spain’s major cities. It’s the fourth or fifth largest city in Spain and it’s the capital of Aragon, a region located in northern Spain.

The Spanish city is located on the banks of the River Ebro, almost halfway between Madrid and Barcelona.

With a rich history dating back to Roman times, Zaragoza offers visitors a unique blend of traditional Spanish culture and modern amenities. But is Zaragoza worth visiting? Let’s explore the pros and cons so you can decide for yourself.

Table of Contents

Pros of Visiting Zaragoza

Two Stunning Cathedral

One of the main attractions in Zaragoza is its two stunning cathedrals – La Seo and El Pilar.

Breathtaking view of the Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar in Zaragoza, Spain, a highlight for any day trip from Barcelona, with its ornate towers and domes standing tall beside the Ebro River. — The best view of the Basilica del Pilar is from the other side of the river

El Pilar, or Catedral-Basílica de Nuestra Señora del Pilar as it’s officially called, is a massive baroque-style cathedral right next to the waterfront. It’s probably the most recognizable sight in Zaragoza and it really does look impressive next to the Ebro River.

he majestic Cathedral of the Savior (La Seo) in Zaragoza, Spain, reflecting in the water, one of the best things to do in Zaragoza Spain. — La Seo Catedral and Museo del Foro de Caesaraugusta on Plaza de La Seo

La Seo Cathedral, or Catedral del Salvador de Zaragoza, on the other hand, showcases a mix of Romanesque, Gothic, and Baroque styles due to its long history of being built upon and renovated. Its Mudejar elements in the cathedral made it a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

🤩 The best way to see this beautiful city is with a guided tour!

Rich History Back to Roman Times

Explore the ancient Roman Theatre of Zaragoza, an archaeological treasure offering insight into Spain's historical layers and a must-visit site for history buffs. — Roman ruins at Museo del Teatro de Caesaraugusta

Zaragoza has a long and fascinating history that is visible throughout the city. From Roman ruins to Islamic influences, there’s something for every history lover.

Walking through the city, visitors can stumble upon remnants of Zaragoza’s Roman past, like the impressive Roman Theatre, the Forum, and the thermal baths, all of which offer a glimpse into the life and architecture of ancient times.

A Palace That’s More Than Just a Palace

Stroll through the intricately carved arches of the Aljafería Palace in Zaragoza, one of Spain's finest examples of Islamic architecture, inviting travelers into history. — Palacio de la Aljafería, one of the best places to visit in Zaragoza

Another gem to check out is the Palacio de la Aljafería. This isn’t your typical palace, it also functions as a parliament building.

Originally a Muslim fortress, it later became the residence of Aragonese monarchs. Walking through its ornate rooms and peaceful courtyard in the Mudejar style feels like stepping directly into a history book, where each stone and carving has a story to tell.

Today the Aljafería Palace also houses the modern-day activities of Aragon’s regional parliament, blending the past and present within its historic walls.

Interesting Museums

The city of Zaragoza has several museums that are worth a visit, including the Zaragoza Museum which showcases art and artifacts from different periods in the city’s history.

The Museum of Pablo Gargallo is dedicated to the works of Zaragoza-born sculptor Pablo Gargallo and offers a unique insight into his life and art. The Goya Museum, named after the famous Spanish painter Francisco de Goya, holds a collection of his paintings and prints.

A hidden gem among the museums in Zaragoza is the Escuela Museo de Origami Zaragoza (EMOZ) which features intricate origami creations from local and international artists.

The spacious Plaza del Pilar in Zaragoza, Spain, with the striking spherical sculpture, a bustling area where history and modern art intersect for a perfect leisure experience. — Plaza del Pilar: A great place to rest surrounded by the main attractions

Authentic Spanish Atmosphere

Compared to cities like Barcelona and Madrid, Zaragoza is not as popular among tourists. This means not only fewer crowds but also that Zaragoza kept its authentic Spanish atmosphere.

Strolling through the narrow, winding streets of the city’s historic center, visitors can soak up the local Spanish culture and charm. From lively plazas to quaint cafes and tapas bars, there’s always something new to discover in Zaragoza.

Vibrant street scene on Calle Alfonso in Zaragoza, Spain, lined with flowering lampposts and bustling with pedestrians, a lively spot for an authentic Zaragoza experience. — The most beautiful street in old town Zaragoza

Fiestas del Pilar

If you happen to visit Zaragoza in October, you’ll be able to experience one of the biggest and most lively festivals in Spain – Fiestas del Pilar.

This week-long celebration is held in honor of the city’s patron saint, Nuestra Señora del Pilar (Our Lady of the Pillar), and includes parades, concerts, and cultural events. It’s a great way to experience Zaragoza’s vibrant energy and immerse yourself in Spanish traditions.

Zaragoza's Central Market, an architectural marvel with an ornate facade and modernist design, beckons visitors for a unique shopping experience, emphasizing why Zaragoza is worth visiting. — The market is inside a very beautiful old building

Cons of Visiting Zaragoza

Comparison to Other Spanish Cities

As mentioned earlier, Zaragoza is famous for its cathedrals, the Aljafería Palace, Roman ruins, and museums. However, when compared to tourist attractions in other Spanish cities, I find them less impressive.

While the two cathedrals in Zaragoza are impressive, they don’t compare to the stunning cathedrals in Seville or Cordoba, two of the largest cathedrals in the world.

Intricate decorated columns at Nasrid Palace, tours from Seville to Granada — Nasrid Palace inside Alhambra

While the Aljafería Palace is nice to visit in Zaragoza, the Alhambra in Granada is on a whole different level of beauty and architectural significance.

If you like Roman ruins I highly recommend visiting Tarragona or Merida, both of which have better preserved and more extensive ruins than Zaragoza.

Not as Tourist-friendly

As mentioned before, Zaragoza is not as popular among tourists compared to other Spanish cities. On the one hand, this is a good thing as the city is more authentic, on the other hand, it means fewer resources for tourists.

English is not as widely spoken in Zaragoza, and it may be challenging to find English-speaking tour guides or even staff at restaurants or shops.

The opening times of the attractions are also not as tourist-friendly as most attractions are closed for a few hours in the afternoon.

The distinctive architecture of the Puente del Tercer Milenio over the Ebro River, a must-visit for those exploring the sights in Zaragoza, Spain, under a clear blue sky. If you like futuristic architecture, you should answer the question "Is Zaragoza worth visiting?" with yes. — The futuristic bridge, Pabellón Puente, from the outside

Very Widespread Attractions

While the city center of Zaragoza is very walkable, there are quite a few attractions a bit further out like the Parque Grande José Antonio Labordeta or the Pabellón Puente.

This makes it difficult to see everything in one day and may require a bit more planning and transportation. When I visited Zaragoza on a day trip from Barcelona I had to walk a lot as I couldn’t find public transport to where I wanted to go.

Scruffy Around the Edges

Alright, so here’s a bit of a personal take, but stick with me. Landing in Zaragoza by train, my first vibe was more industrial city than postcard-perfect. But often the area around the train station isn’t the most picturesque of the city.

When I walked through the old Expo site after crossing the Pabellón Puente, which is amazing by the way, it just looked very abandoned. However, they do try to maintain it by keeping everything tidy and making playgrounds.

Wandering about Zaragoza, I couldn’t help noticing areas that seemed a bit rougher around the edges than what you might expect near a city center. And yeah, it appeared there were quite a few homeless people, especially near the Origami Museum, which kinda took me by surprise.

But then again, Zaragoza isn’t a small town—it’s Spain’s fifth-largest city, so a mix of shiny and gritty is kind of to be expected. Despite that, Zaragoza has loads of beautiful spots and is super pedestrian-friendly, which is a huge plus.