What to See in Zaragoza
Explore 15 landmarks, monuments, and attractions in Zaragoza, Spain. From iconic sights to hidden gems — curated from real traveler experiences.
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Cathedral of the Savior of Zaragoza
Located on the Plaza de la Seo, the cathedral is referred to as la seo ("the see") to distinguish it from the other cathedral, el pilar. La Seo has originally been constructed one the site one of the first mosques during the Moorish domination of Aragon, built perhaps as early as the 8th century, and destroyed to make way for a romanesque church in the 12th century.…
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Zaragoza became an independent diocese in the 14th century and the church became its cathedral, immediately being afforded renovations in the gothic and moorish (mudéjar) styles. Many other reconstructions followed, due to both changing tastes and architectural necessities, as parts of the cheaply-built cathedral began to fail over time, including the collapse of the its in the 15th century.In the 17th century, the church has been involved in a canon law battle with the newly-reconstructed Basilica of Our Lady on the Pillar over which should be the seat of the diocese and thus the cathedral, which finally saw Pope Clement X declare them joint cathedrals with special provisions to make sure both enjoy equal status. La Seo is now a mixture of styles spanning between 12th and 19th centuries, and features an exquisite collection of tapestries. Entrance closes sometimes during the day when there's mass.
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Cathedral-Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar
Official websiteZaragoza actually has two cathedrals, the arguably more famous one is the one on the bank of the river Ebro. Holding an additional rank of basilica, this cathedral venerates the Virgin Mary who reportedly appeared to Saint James the Apostle on said riverbank during his travels in Iberia.…
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Mary appeared on a pillar, which led to her being venerated under this particular name and also gave origin to the unusual Spanish female given name Pilar.Saint James is believed to have had a small shrine constructed by the pillar, of which nothing remains, but subsequently a large basilica was built on the site in the 3rd century under the rule of the Roman Emperor Constantine. This basilica has seen many reconstructions over the years finally becoming a Gothic church in the 15th century. The present-day version of the church superseded it and was constructed on the orders of King Charles II of Spain between 1681 and 1872. The protracted construction has been caused by frequent redesigns, including a reorientation, additions of towers and cupolas. It also allowed for the domes to be painted by Francisco Goya a century after the construction started, and the vault paintings are now one of the main attractions on the inside of the cathedral.
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Puerta del Carmen
A surviving example of what once were 12 entry gates to the walled city of Zaragoza. The gate looks ancient, but was actually built in 1789 in neoclassical style, hence its resemblance to Roman ruins.…
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The gate's dishevelled appearance documents its role in several sieges of the city and this is why the gate was not restored to its original glory - although minor repairs were carried out in 1997, when a bus collided with it
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Parque Grande José Antonio Labordeta
A vast city park from 1929 with impressive features, arrangements and a monumental staircase. Originally named after the dictator Miguel Primo de Riveira, it was renamed in 2008 following the death of the prominent Aragonese singer-songwriter, activist and politican José Antonio Labordeta.…
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The city's Botanical Gardens are included within the park's grounds.
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Puente de Piedra
The central bridge of Zaragoza built in the 15th century and reconstructed many times afterwards to repair flood damage and reinforce the construction. Today it is restricted almost entirely to pedestrian traffic and features four pillars at its ends with lions, symbols of Zaragoza, atop each of them
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Iglesia de Santa María Magdalena
Distinctive for its square tower and polygonal apse, la Magdalena stands out within the old town of Zaragoza as one of the few relatively intact examples of Mudéjar architecture of the 14th century. That said, its interior was renovated in the baroque period.
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Iglesia de San Miguel de los Navarros
Another example of Mudéjar architecture, with a square tower and polygonal apse reminiscent of that of la Magdalena. It retained a richly-gilded Renaissance high altar by Damian Forment, but its tower did not escape a baroque intervention in the form of a spire.
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Expo 2008
In 2008 Zaragoza hosted an international expo for which a new areal was opened with many new buildings designed by famous architects such as Zaha Hadid. It is now possible to stroll around the areal. The only facility open to tourists is the aquarium.
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Iglesia de San Pablo
The third Mudéjar church features a gothic portal and another altar by Damián Forment, as well as an pyramid-spired octogonal tower, whose shape is echoed by two lanters flanking the portal.
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Iglesias Mudejares
Mudejar is a style that mixes Christian and Muslim tradition. Good examples of that are a part of La Seo cathedral, Magdalena church, San Miguel church and San Pablo church.
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Caesaraugusta route
A route of 4 museums with a joint ticket is available in better price than separately. The route exposes monuments from times of Caesar August (I century B.C.):
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Museo de Zaragoza
Official websiteThe municipal museum is free and is very much worth a visit for both its impressive mosaics from Caesaraugusta and its celebrated collection of Goya.
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Museo Ibercaja Aznar
Another free museum displaying a collection of Goya and temporary exhibitions.
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Las Murallas
Parts of the ancient wall that surrounded the city are still standing.
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Palacio de la Aljaferia
Official websiteMoorish castle with intricate decorations including ceilings of gold.
Exploring Zaragoza: A Guide for Solo Travelers
Zaragoza is one of Spain's most rewarding cities to explore on foot. With 15 documented sightseeing spots — from grand monuments and historic churches to hidden squares and local museums — the city rewards curiosity at every turn. This guide covers everything you need to plan a great sightseeing day in Zaragoza, whether you have a single afternoon or an entire week.
How to See Zaragoza Like a Traveler, Not a Tourist
The best way to discover Zaragoza is on foot, moving between neighborhoods rather than rushing between landmarks on a tour bus. Start your day early — most major sights in Zaragoza are significantly less crowded before 9am. Many iconic spots, such as Cathedral of the Savior of Zaragoza and Cathedral-Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar, look entirely different at dawn versus midday, and you'll get far better photographs without the crowds.
Budget at least 30–45 minutes for each major attraction in Zaragoza, and don't underestimate walking distances between them. The city's neighborhoods are best experienced by wandering rather than following a rigid itinerary. If something unexpected catches your eye — a courtyard, a street market, a viewpoint — follow it. The most memorable moments in Zaragoza rarely appear on any official list.
Planning Your Sightseeing in Zaragoza
Before you visit major paid attractions in Zaragoza, check whether they offer discounts for students, young travelers, or EU residents. Many museums and monuments have free admission on the first Sunday of the month, or offer combined tickets with nearby sites that save significant money. Some of Zaragoza's best sights are entirely free — outdoor landmarks, historic streets, and public spaces cost nothing to explore and can be more atmospheric than ticketed attractions.
If you're visiting Zaragoza as a solo traveler, consider joining a free walking tour. They typically depart from main squares in the morning and cover the city's most important sights in 2–3 hours with a knowledgeable local guide. These tours are also excellent for meeting other travelers — you'll often find the group ends up exploring Zaragoza together for the rest of the day.
Sightseeing in Zaragoza with Fellow Travelers
Solo sightseeing in Zaragoza is perfectly enjoyable, but exploring with others can transform the experience. When you share a landmark with a fellow traveler, you see it through their eyes — their questions, their stories, their cultural context. A French traveler will notice different things about Zaragoza's architecture than a Japanese one. That exchange of perspectives is what makes travel memorable.
Nomax is a free travel companion app that helps solo travelers in Zaragoza find each other and plan sightseeing together. Browse profiles of travelers currently in Zaragoza, join group activities like city walks and museum visits, or post your own sightseeing plan and invite others to join. Many travelers in Zaragoza use Nomax to find companions for specific attractions — someone to split a taxi to an outlying monument, or a walking partner for the old town.
What Makes Zaragoza Worth Seeing
Zaragoza offers 15 documented sights in this guide alone — and that's only the beginning. Cathedral of the Savior of Zaragoza, Cathedral-Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar, Puerta del Carmen are among the most visited, but the city's lesser-known neighborhoods and viewpoints are equally rewarding for the traveler willing to explore beyond the main itinerary. Spain's history, culture, and architecture are all visible in Zaragoza's streets and buildings, making it one of the best cities in the region for sightseeing.
Whether you're spending a single day or a full week in Zaragoza, this guide gives you a starting point for building your own itinerary. The sights are ordered by the richness of their documentation, with the most detailed descriptions at the top. Use the coordinates to navigate with any map app, and check the hours and entry prices before visiting to avoid disappointment.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the must-see attractions in Zaragoza?
Zaragoza has 15 notable sights including Cathedral of the Savior of Zaragoza, Cathedral-Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar, Puerta del Carmen. This guide covers landmarks, monuments, churches, museums, and hidden gems curated from traveler experiences and editorial sources.
How many days do you need to see Zaragoza?
Most travelers spend 3–5 days exploring Zaragoza to cover the major sights comfortably. A focused itinerary can cover the top 10–15 highlights in 2 days. Download Nomax to connect with other travelers and plan a shared sightseeing itinerary for Zaragoza.
Are there free things to see in Zaragoza?
Yes — many of Zaragoza's best sights are free or low-cost. Outdoor landmarks, public squares, parks, and certain museums offer free admission or free exterior visits. Check individual entries above for price information.
What is the best time to visit Zaragoza's sightseeing spots?
Early mornings (before 9am) are the best time to visit popular sights in Zaragoza to avoid crowds. Many monuments and outdoor attractions are also magical at dusk. Use Nomax to find fellow travelers who can share timing tips and join you for a sightseeing day.
How do I meet other travelers to explore Zaragoza with?
Download Nomax — the free travel companion app — to instantly see solo travelers near you in Zaragoza. Join sightseeing activities, meet travelers at the same landmarks, and chat before you meet up. It's the easiest way to explore Zaragoza with company.
Is Zaragoza good for solo travelers?
Zaragoza is popular with solo travelers for its rich sightseeing, accessible public transport, and welcoming atmosphere. The Nomax app helps solo travelers find companions in Zaragoza so you never have to explore alone — from guided walks to museum visits to spontaneous meetups.
Explore Zaragoza with fellow travelers
Download Nomax to find travel companions in Zaragoza, join sightseeing activities, and make your trip unforgettable.
Download Nomax — FreeAvailable on iOS and Android. Free forever.
Travel tips from Wikivoyage contributors, licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.
