What to see and do in Zaragoza in one day: guide to visiting the fifth largest city in Spain

Visiting the fifth largest city in Spain in just one day may seem like a challenge, but the capital of Aragon has a lot to offer. Zaragoza is full of history, culture, gastronomy and incredible places that every citizen of Zaragoza knows and every tourist should visit. And although all of Aragon has spectacular corners, the capital is not far away. But how can we visit the city of Zaragoza in such a short time? Find out here what to see and do in Zaragoza in just one day!

FIRST STOP IN ZARAGOZA: WHAT TO VISIT IN PLAZA DEL PILAR

As expected, we begin the route in the famous Plaza del Pilar, one of the largest pedestrian squares in Europe and a social and cultural meeting point for the people of Zaragoza. This square is home to the city’s most important cultural symbol: the Cathedral-Basilica of Our Lady of Pilar, the first Marian temple in the world dedicated to the Virgin Mary. A real beauty on the outside, but with an even more spectacular interior. Luckily, this gem can be visited for free every day from 6:45 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. in winter and from 6:45 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. in summer, on Saturdays, Sundays, the eve of public holidays and bank holidays.

Also, in the same basilica – for a price of 3 euros (for young people, residents and retirees) or 5 euros (general admission) – you can access the Torre de San Francisco de Borja, a 62-meter elevator ride in 20 seconds and a flight of stairs that take you to a viewing point that, located 80 meters above the ground, will allow you to have unique views of the Aragonese capital.

Above all, don’t forget to take the famous tape measuring the height of the Virgin of Pilar, a tape that, if you look closely, is always present in every car, baby stroller or suitcase. This “piece of silk”, equivalent to the 
height of the Virgin of Pilar, is one of the most common gifts and souvenirs in the city. In fact, it can be purchased in the basilica itself for 1 euro and you can find it in all colours.

However, this is not the only thing you can visit in this famous square… Around it you can also find other buildings that embellish it, such as La Seo, La Lonja de Mercaderes, Zaragoza City Hall or the church of San Juan de los Panetes. In addition, near these buildings you can also find the famous Puente de Piedra, from which you can see the Ebro River and take beautiful photos of the basilica. There is no one who does not have a photo from this point of the city!

In addition, in the same square you can see other sculptural monuments such as the one by Francisco de Goya y Lucientes, which presides over one side of the square, and the fountain of Hispanidad on the other, accompanied by three marble blocks that recall the three caravels with which Christopher Columbus discovered America. Near this fountain -exactly next to the tram- you can also see the remains of the Roman wall, which date from the 2nd and 3rd centuries AD, and the statue of Emperor Augustus, which was a gift from the Italian government to the city of Zaragoza in 1940.

SECOND STOP IN ZARAGOZA: THE TUBE

If we continue along Calle Alfonso, the main street in the historic centre and one of the most elegant streets in the city – which dates back to the end of the 19th century – we arrive at Plaza España, another of the most important squares in the city, located at one end of Paseo de la Independencia. At the other end is Plaza Aragón.

Near this street, you can take advantage of the opportunity to dive into El Tubo and… have tapas! Located behind Plaza España, this network of alleys is known for its great gastronomic offering: from croquettes that are potential prize winners to a good sirloin steak. And the best of all is that they are open every day and you can enjoy the food both inside the establishments and on their terraces.

THIRD STOP IN ZARAGOZA: GRANDE PARK, ALJAFERÍA PALACE, MUSEUMS OR CHURCHES

On every trip there are different opinions. There is always a part of the group that prefers to make some plans and another that prefers to join others. And since Zaragoza can offer you different activities according to your preferences, here are some of the best options.

If you are one of those who prefer parks and nature, you can take a walk through Independencia to the 
Parque Grande José Antonio Labordeta. A 27-hectare area, inaugurated in 1929, which houses 22 sculptures, fountains, terraces, petanque courts, skating rinks and a pine forest area.

However, if you prefer to see another historical monument, you can visit the Aljafería palace, which was built in the 11th century as a recreational palace for the Muslim kings who ruled the taifa of Sarakusta, and reflects the splendour achieved by this kingdom… A palace that has not only had this function, but has also been a fortified enclosure, an Aragonese royal residence, the headquarters and prison of the Inquisition, the palace of the Catholic Monarchs, barracks and, since 1987, the headquarters of the Cortes of Aragon.

The palace can be visited from 10:00 to 14:00 and from 16:00 to 18:30, except on Sundays when it is closed. Admission costs 5 euros, except on the first Sunday of every month, when the visit is free. However, before you go, remember that the timetable for guided tours changes and it is essential to book online in advance.

Another important option is to visit the different churches with Mudejar influence located in the historic centre of the city, such as the parish of San Pablo, the Mudejar tower of San Gil and the church of La Magdalena; and other religious temples such as the church of San Felipe -next to the Pablo Gargallo Museum-, the church of Santa Isabel -located in the Plaza del Justicia- and the church of San Carlos Borromeo.

As a last but not least option, you can visit the different museums in the city, such as the Zaragoza Museum, the Pablo Gargallo Museum, the Goya Museum, the Caesaraugusta Forum Museum and the IAACC Pablo Serrano, among others.