Zaragoza is the capital and largest city of Aragon in Spain, and one of Spain's five largest cities, but it is one of the least known outside of Spain. Founded on the river Ebro during the Roman Empire as Cesaraugusta, Zaragoza now holds a large cultural and architectural heritage attesting to 2,000 years of affluence and importance.
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The city on the Ebro river was founded at the turn of the millennium by the Roman Emperor Augustus, and named after him as Caesaraugusta. 2,000 years later, the architectural remains of large public buildings indicate Caesar Augustus’ influence over the city. Today you can still admire the city’s Forum, Thermal Baths, the River Port or the Great Theatre, archeological remains which reflect the splendour of the city as it was during the Roman Empire.
If you stay in or near the old town, most of the main attractions are within easy walking distance. A transport card costs €7 at any tobacco kiosk (including an initial fee of €2, and credit of €5). With the card you will pay €0.74 for a journey and can change lines within an hour without being charged again. They can be topped up at ticket machines or the kiosks and can be used by more than one person for the same trip: tap twice for two of you, etc.
Plaza del Pilar is the main square, just south of the River Ebro. On the square are the two cathedrals and the "Fuente de la Hispanidad", a fountain and sculpture representing Columbus' discovery of the New World. The tourist office is here as well. A total solar eclipse on Wednesday 12 Aug 2026, starting at 20.29 and lasting 80 sec. The chances of a clear sky are 80%, but you need to find a spot with a clear view to the northwest horizon, where the sun will be setting. Hilltops may be socked in by cloud, and after the show you’d have to descend an unfamiliar hill trail in darkness. 1 Cathedral-Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar (Nuestra Señora del Pilar).
Parque Grande is excellent for a walk or a chill. Huge in size, you forget the city, and the many fountains adds to distraction. Football: Real Zaragoza were relegated in 2026 and now play soccer in the third tier. Their home ground La Romareda (capacity 33,600) is 2 km southwest of town centre. Summer days can be very hot in Zaragoza. If you prefer relaxing by the swimming pool over a sightseeing program, here are a few suggestions. Public swimming pools in Zaragoza are generally clean and well maintained. The entrance fee is some €3 for an adult.
Some of the best known regional specialities are: Bacalao al Ajoarriero, cod-fish with garlic and eggs, Huevos al Salmorejo, eggs with cold tomato cream, Longanizas y Chorizos, highly appreciated kinds of sausages, Ternasco Asado, roasted young lamb, Pollo al Chilindrón, chicken in a sauce of cured ham, tomatoes, onions and paprika, Cordero a la Pastora, lamb Shepherd's style, Lomo de Cerdo a la Zaragozana, cutlet, Migas a la Aragonesa, a dish made of crumbs scrambled with an egg and chorizo, Huevos rotos con foie, scrambled eggs with foie gras, often served with roasted potatoes and slices of smoked ham (jamon) Borrajas is a vegetable which can only be found in Aragon.
There is a number of good wines produced in Aragon. Tareas of Calle de Espoz y Mina and Calle Mayor, which are a stone's throw from Plaza del Pilar, have plenty of varied bars from which to choose. 1 Cafe Praga, Plaza de la Santa Cruz 13, El Tubo, ☏ +34 976 20 02 51. Great local favorite that has live music playing in the main bar, or you can retreat to the upstairs terrace and enjoy a tasty beverage overlooking the plaza. 2 La Cucaracha, Calle del Temple 25, El Tubolla. Laidback and casual student hang out that doesn't really get going until the early hours of the morning. 3 Rock and Blues Cafe, Cuatro de Agosto 5-7, El Tubo.
Zaragoza is one of Spain's safer cities. The Delicias neighborhood, where the main railway station is located, can get rough at night, but there's little touristic value to it. The railway station is usually safe.
Guide content from Wikivoyage contributors (CC BY-SA) — abridged; the full article has much more.
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In Aug, Zaragoza typically sees ~35°C daytime highs and 2 rainy days.
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