This city is simply delicious
Zaragoza is renowned for its rich culinary heritage, offering you a unique gastronomic experience where tradition and modernity coexist in perfect harmony. Your taste buds will thank you! Start packing your bags because throughout this itinerary, we’ll reveal where to enjoy the most iconic products and dishes, such as roasted lamb (ternasco), borage, and cod with garlic sauce (bacalao al ajoarriero). We’ll also indulge in tapas as we explore the city’s most historic and beautiful spots.
But that's not all, because Zaragoza will also be your starting point for eno-gastronomic getaways that will lead you to discover unique wine routes. You’ll dive into the world of wine, visit wineries, and savour grenache, one of the world’s most important red grapes varieties. With three designations of origin—Calatayud, Campo de Borja, and Cariñena—it’s the perfect city for a culinary and wine adventure. The best part is that you can enjoy it solo, with friends, as a family, or with your partner. Take note and enjoy!
Who wouldn’t love a good tapas crawl?
Tapas, those miniature icons you can enjoy anywhere. In Zaragoza, this tradition is embraced with enthusiasm, turning bar-hopping and exploring various local spots into a cultural experience. In fact, did you know that over 100 establishments compete every November in Spain’s oldest tapas competition?
Don't worry, we’re about to reveal the best spots to relish these little bites. Between Plaza del Pilar and Plaza de España, you'll find "El Tubo". This network of narrow streets is home to some of the oldest tapas bars and restaurants in the city. Between stops, you’ll also get to enjoy some of Zaragoza’s most iconic historical landmarks.
At Plaza Santa Marta, near Plaza del Pilar, you’ll encounter one of Zaragoza’s main tapas hubs. Here, you can indulge in an authentic gastronomic experience while taking in the views of this charming square. Calle Mayor and the Magdalena neighbourhood are also paradises for enjoying bite-size cuisine. In the latter, you’ll find the Iglesia de la Magdalena, one of Zaragoza’s oldest churches, known for its Mudejar tower. It’s a special opportunity, as Aragonese's Mudejar architecture is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, including gems like the Cathedral of Salvador, the Aljafería Palace and San Pablo Church.
Among the must-try bites is "jamón con chorreras", along with other tapas you’ll love to discover. Now it's up to you to decide where to start!
Sharing beers and forging everlasting bonds
Sharing a beer with friends is a cultural expression where you can enjoy a moment of deep connection. Pay attention, because the city’s beer tradition dates back to the iconic La Zaragozana brewery, home to the renowned Ámbar beer and its many varieties for over a century. If you're into events, you won’t want to miss Birragoza, where you can fully appreciate this beloved beverage. And for a truly unique experience, book the "Ámbar Brewery Tour," where you’ll discover this historic factory, see the brewing process up close, and of course, taste their delicious beers. Are you up for the challenge?
History blends with the flavor of Ternasco
This product is one of the showstoppers of Zaragoza cuisine, and for good reason—Ternasco de Aragón was the first fresh meat in Spain to receive the Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) seal. In fact, if you follow the Ternasco route, you’ll understand that its exceptional quality and tenderness come from natural rearing in the Aragonese lands. The best part is that you can enjoy it in countless ways, from oven-roasted with "panadera" potatoes to delicious stews bursting with traditional flavours. You’ll find it served in numerous locations and eateries across the city. Your taste buds will thank you!
Ending on the best note
Do you consider yourself a "laminero"? This Aragonese term refers to those with a sweet tooth. One of the things that makes Zaragoza stand out on the map is its sweetness, with many treats having their own special date on the calendar. There are the adoquines, those caramel bricks you can enjoy in various sizes, and guirlache, a candy, similar to nougat, made of Almonds and solidified caramel and anisetes. The famous frutas de Aragón, handmade candied fruit coated in chocolate. Unique in Aragon with the C'Alial brand.
For those with a true sweet tooth
In Zaragoza, the chocolate tradition dates back to 1534, when the city became the first in the Old Continent to discover the wonders of cocoa. Back then, Zaragoza became a must-visit destination for chocolate lovers, and this tradition continues to this day. If you want to learn all the details of this history, a visit to the Monasterio de Piedra is your ideal plan. A monastery? Yes, because it houses the Chocolate Museum. For a complete immersion into the world of chocolate, the best recommendation is to get a Chocopass (a voucher that can be purchased at tourist offices), which lets you savour 5 varieties at more than 20 different spots around the city. All that's left is to enjoy!
6 Spots to Connect with History
On this journey, you'll experience centuries of the city's history. Shall we dive into the architectural beauty that defines Zaragoza?
Roman Theatre Museum
At the Roman Theatre Museum de Caesaraugusta, you'll reconnect with over 2,000 years of history. Located where the archaeological remains were discovered in 1972, this monument, declared a Cultural Heritage Site, is the best-preserved public building from the ancient Roman city.
Palace of the Aljafería
The Palace of the Aljafería in Zaragoza is an architectural gem that blends Islamic, Gothic, and Mudejar styles, notable for its impressive Troubadour's tower, the most ancient structure of all the preserved islamic remains, and exquisite ornamental details. Built during the Muslim era and later remodelled in Christian times, this palace currently houses the Cortes of Aragón, the regional parliament for the Spanish autonomous Community of Aragón, and is one of the city's main historical and cultural symbols.
El Pilar, Basilica of the Pilar
Built in honour of Our Lady of the Pilar, the patroness of the city, its Baroque architecture and magnificent dome will captivate you. In addition to being a place of religious pilgrimage, the basilica houses artworks of great historical and cultural value, being the paintings of Francisco de Goya one of the most remarkable. . Don't miss it!
La Lonja
The iconic 16th-century building in Zaragoza captivates with its facades inspired by Italian palaces and its impressive star-shaped ribbed vaults. Don’t miss the charm of the “Caballito de la Lonja,” a sculpture paying tribute to the photographer Ángel Cordero Gracia, who captured unforgettable snapshots of children on their cardboard horses for over half a century in Zaragoza.
The Cathedral of Salvador, or La Seo
This is one of the two metropolitan cathedrals in the city and is undoubtedly a prime example of Renaissance and Baroque architecture in Zaragoza. Construction began in the 12th century, and its imposing facade showcases a blend of Gothic, Mudejar, and Renaissance styles. Did you know that the Mudejar part has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site?
Pablo Gargallo Museum
The XVII palace of the Counts of Arguillo, a national monument, is home to the works of the innovative sculptor Pablo Gargallo, one of the most important personalities in modern art. Step into the museum and be amazed by its illuminated courtyard, explore its unique sculptures and masks, and discover how he revolutionized 20th-century art, removing material from its works, transforming the void. You'll love his connection with Picasso and his new sculptural language!
