Nicknamed the "city of four cultures", due to the four peoples who have dominated it (Iberians, Romans, Muslims, Christians), Zaragoza is Aragon's must-see marvel. Known for its superb historic buildings, including the Aljaferia Palace, it's a multi-faceted city, as colorful as it is interesting. There are plenty of things to do in Zaragoza in 3 days, so you can discover it to the full. Vamos !
Day 1: What to do in Zaragoza in 3 days Basilica of Nuestra Señora del Pilar and San Salvador Cathedral
As you explore the Casco Antiguo, Zaragoza's old town, your steps will lead you to the city's must-see religious buildings.
Morning: A stroll through downtown Zaragoza and the Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar
Your morning begins with a stroll through Zaragoza's city center, with its emblematic squares. The Plaza de los Sitios and the Plaza de la Justicia plunge you into a half-authentic, half-modern atmosphere, to soak up the local soul.
Continuing on to the famous Plaza del Pilar, you'll discover the remains of the ancient Roman walls, silent witnesses to the city's history. This is also where you'll find one of the symbols of the city, the basilica of Our Lady of the Pillarthe Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar is one of the best places to visit in Zaragoza. Erected on the pillar where the Virgin is said to have appeared, it's a sight to behold, with its superb cupolas, including those by Goya.
Before you leave, we invite you to climb to the top of the Pilar Tower. From here, you'll enjoy a breathtaking view of the River Ebro and Zaragoza's historic center. Inside, you'll also find the Pilarista Museum, which exhibits capes and jewels donated to the Virgin since the 16th century.
To book: We recommend booking this tailor-made private tour of Zaragoza! Your guide will show you the city's most beautiful spots and tell you all about its history. He'll also recommend a few restaurants.
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Afternoon: the Lonja de Saragossa, St. Saviour's Cathedral and the Tapestry Museum
Your first afternoon begins with a visit to the Lonja, a jewel of the Aragonese Renaissance. Built in the 16th century to centralize trade, this brick building combines Mudejar techniques with Italian influences: simply superb! The interior, with its ringed columns and star vaults, is also a pure marvel.
Good to know: Today, the Lonja hosts a variety of exhibitions, and admission is free.
On your way out, your steps will lead you to the famous saint-Sauveur Cathedrala striking testimony to seven centuries of art history. Its architecture blends Gothic, Mudéjar, Renaissance, Baroque and Neoclassical styles. Inside, the Gothic altarpiece in polychrome alabaster is a must-see masterpiece.
Good news! You won't just be visiting a religious building. In the cathedral, the tapestry museum awaits you with its exceptional collection of Flemish tapestries from the 15th to 17th centuries, 11 of which are on display. Woven in renowned workshops, these unique pieces are accompanied by goldsmith's objects and reliquary busts.
Finally, this rich first day in Zaragoza ends in El Tubo, the city's lively district where all the tapas bars are concentrated.
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Day 2: What to do in Zaragoza in 3 days Aljaferia Palace and museums
Another must-see awaits you on this second day: the Aljaferia Palace. But first, let's discover some of the city's must-see museums.
Morning: Pablo Gargallo Museum and Goya Museum
A leisurely start to the day at the pablo Gargallo Museumlocated in an elegant 16th-century palace. Here you can admire the work of Aragonese sculptor Pablo Gargallo, one of the most influential artists of the early 20th century. Your visit is a veritable artistic promenade, immersing you in Gargallo's world through his sculptures, drawings, engravings and biographical documents.
Just a few minutes' walk away, the Goya Museum awaits you in the Casa Jerónimo Cósida, a magnificent 16th-century Renaissance building. With over 800 works on display, the museum offers an artistic journey from the Gothic to the 20th century. The second floor is devoted entirely to Francisco de Goya, with one room dedicated to his paintings and another to his famous emblematic engravings.
Good to know: these museums are closed from 2pm to 5pm. Don't reverse the direction of your visit!
Afternoon: Aljaferia Palace and Mercado Central de Zaragoza
You start your afternoon of these 3 days in Zaragoza at the Aljafería Palacea true jewel of Mudejar art. Built in the 11th century as a leisure palace for Muslim kings, it illustrates the splendor of the Taifa kingdom of Sarakusta. Inside, Islamic arcatures rival the Troubadour Tower and the medieval palace of the Kings of Aragon. A visit to this historic monument, which was in turn royal residence, barracks and seat of the Cortes of Aragon, is a feast for the eyes.
Not far from the Palacio de l'Aljaferia, Zaragoza's central market is full of delightful surprises, with its Renaissance-inspired modernist architecture. Built by Félix Navarro in the early 20th century, it combines stone, iron and glass, with facades adorned with plant and animal motifs. The building itself is a marvel to behold! Declared a Historic-Artistic Monument in 1978, the market was saved from demolition in the 1970s and restored in 2019. Its gourmet stalls are simply perfect to round off the day.
To book: On this 3-hour culinary touryou'll discover some of the best spots in Zaragoza's old town, including a central market, gourmet specialty stores and three local tapas bars.
Tip from Petit Futé: Here too, the market is closed between 2pm and 5:30pm. Better save it for the very end of the day. It's also closed on Saturday afternoons and Sundays. If you're visiting Zaragoza at the weekend, you'll need to take this into account.
Day 3: What to do in Zaragoza in 3 days? Museums and green park
There are plenty of museums left to do in Zaragoza on this third day, proof of its incredible cultural richness.
Morning: IAACC Pablo Serrano and Caesaraugusta Forum Museum
Your morning begins at the IAACC Pablo Serrano, a museum dedicated to modern and contemporary art. It features a vast collection of works by Pablo Serrano, the famous Aragonese sculptor. A total of 140 sculptures and drawings trace his artistic development. The museum also features works by Juana Francés, his wife, paintings by Santiago Lagunas and a collection of contemporary graphic art.
Good to know: It's also possible to spot works by Serrano in the city, such as on the façade of the Basilica del Pilar.
Your morning continues with a visit to the Caesaraugusta Forum Museumlocated beneath the Plaza de la Seo (another name for Saint Saviour's Cathedral). In this ancient underground network, you can discover :
- the remains of the Roman forum,
- a market,
- ancient pipes,
- store walls.
This museum is part of the Caesaraugusta Route, which links the Theater, Thermal Baths and River Port museums. The whole wonderfully reflects the grandeur of Roman Zaragoza!
Afternoon: Stone Bridge, Macanaz Park and San Pablo Church
For your final afternoon, head for the Pont de Pierre, Zaragoza's oldest bridge, 225 meters long and crossing the Ebro. Built in Roman times, it linked the city to northwestern Hispania. The four bronze lions, added in 1991, symbolize the city's strength.
Crossing the bridge, you come to Parc Macanaz, a peaceful 35,000 m² area offering another perspective on the basilica and the Ebro River. Steeped in history, this pretty park now boasts playgrounds, petanque courts and lovely shady vantage points.
Finally, if you still have time, end your visit at theSan Pablo church, a Mudejar masterpiece and UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its interior, a blend of Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque, occasionally hosts concerts in an exceptional setting.
Where to stay in Zaragoza for 3 days? Our selection of the best hotels
Zaragoza is an ideal destination, less than 2 hours by air from France. Perfect for a long weekend! The Casco Antiguo area is the perfect place to set down your suitcases.
- The best view
Boasting a beautiful view of the cathedral,Hotel Oriente is an ode to refinement. Sleek and elegant, it offers top-quality amenities. Click here to book your room.
- The cheapest
If you're looking for a cheap hotel in Zaragoza, right in front of the Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar, you've come to theHotel Pilar Plaza. The decor, with its blend of old-world charm and modern comforts, is a pure success. Book your stay here.
- The best location
TheHotel Tibur offers quality rooms and breakfast at very affordable prices. Not far from the cathedral, basilica and Goya museum, among others, it's ideally located in the city center. Book your roomhere.
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Aragon is home to some of the most beautiful sights in Spain, and Zaragoza is one of them. With its ancient monuments, Zaragoza retains an authentic charm, where history is told in every nook and cranny of the old town. If you're lucky enough to extend your stay, don't hesitate to explore the surrounding area. Along the way, you'll find some of Spain's most beautiful villages, which have nothing to envy the finest cities. Charm is everywhere in Spain... Make the most of it!
You'll also find some of the hottest things to do in Zaragoza below :
