Basilica of El Pilar in Zaragoza (Aragon)

Zaragoza

A great city with lots to discover

Zaragoza

With more than 2000 years of history, Zaragoza is known for its colossal Basilica del Pilar, its Roman foundation, its cultural diversity and the approachability of its people.

But its visitors have discovered much more among its streets. Zaragoza has two majestic cathedrals, a fortified Islamic palace in the city centre, monumental remains of the Roman Caesar Augusta, Renaissance-style palace houses, unique treasures of the work of Francisco de Goya, emblems of modern architecture and one of the most diverse gastronomic scenes in Spain.  

A crossroads

Zaragoza, capital of Aragon, is the fifth Spanish city in number of inhabitants. Located at a crossroads between other large Spanish cities, the capital of the Ebro is an ideal destination for a city break. Its international airport, its high-speed train station and its radial road network place it 2/3 hours from the main destinations in the north and centre of Spain, as well as the south of France.  

A destination of surprises

It's easy to feel at home in Zaragoza. The approachability of its people, the accessibility of its spaces and the freshness of its blue skies are the best setting for a city endowed with a rich heritage, characterised by its cultural diversity.Zaragoza also has a monumental and pedestrianised old quarter, large green spaces with a unique character, kilometres of cycle lanes, sustainable urban transport, a wide variety of squares, viewpoints, terraces, corners, surprises, palaces, museums and churches. And the warm social atmosphere of its streets, the gastronomic variety of its restaurants, its tapas and its nightlife.

And a monumental city

Zaragoza is a monumental historical heritage site. The heritage of its four ancestral cultures flourishes in its streets. Its main attraction, the Basilica of Nuestra Señora del Pilar, is the symbol of the city and Zaragoza's second cathedral. Inside, you can find beautiful works by Francisco de Goya and the revered carving of the Virgen del Pilar. An essential part of a visit to the Basilica is the climb to the lookout tower of San Francisco de Borja. A few steps away is the Cathedral of El Salvador, the city's main historic temple and a leading example of Aragonese Mudéjar art, awarded the World Heritage designation by the UNESCO. Inside, it also houses one of the best collections of Flemish tapestries from the 15th-17th centuries. Also essential is the beautiful Aljafería Palace, an 11th-century Islamic fortress, built as a pleasure palace for the kings of the taifa of Saraqusta. The palace, whose Mudéjar art was declared a World Heritage site in 2001, continues to surprise its visitors with the unexpected beauty of its Arabic style so far north into Spain. The best way to discover the monumental Zaragoza is through its guided tours or on board its tourist bus, whose route brings you closer to the city's main attractions and its large green spaces: the Grande Jose Antonio Labordeta park and the Luis Buñuel water park.

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What to visit


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What to do

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Practical information

How to get there - transport information


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How to get to aeroplane

  • Zaragoza Airport is 10 kilometres outside the city.

  • You can take public transport from the airport, either a bus (line 501) and or a taxi.

  • Bus to the city centre: 45 minutes.

  • Car to the city centre: Approximately 20 minutes on the N-125 and A-2.

  • More information

How to get to train

  • High-speed train links from cities including Barcelona (about 1 hour 30 minutes), Granada (4 hours 20 minutes), Madrid (1 hour 20 minutes), Huesca (45 minutes), Malaga (4 hours 10 minutes) and Seville (3 hours 40 minutes).

  • If you come to Zaragoza by train, you will arrive at Zaragoza Delicias Intermodal Station, near the city centre.

  • There is a taxi rank at the station exit.

  • The bus routes 51, Ci1, Ci2 and 34 stop at the station.

  • Ticket booking.

How to get to bus

  • If you come to Zaragoza by coach, you will arrive at Zaragoza Delicias Intermodal Station, near the city centre.

  • The bus routes 51, Ci1, Ci2 and 34 stop at the station. All other bus routes stop at Delicias Civic Centre, next to the station, or nearby.

How to get there by road

  • From Madrid, the A-2 motorway.

  • From Barcelona, the AP-2 and A-2 motorways.

  • From Bilbao, the AP-68 motorway.

How to get around in bus

  • Most buses usually run from 06:30 to 22:00. More information on routes, times and prices.  

  • There are different touristic buses: day, night, Megabus and tourist bus for groups.

How to get around in metro/tram

  • One tram line travels through the city.

  • It usually runs from 06:00 to 00:00.

  • More information

How to get around in other means of transport

Practical information

  • The Zaragoza Family tourist card provides discounts in various establishments, including the Water Park and the Amusement Park, and the Chocopass is a voucher for sampling chocolate creations in five different shops.

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