Where to Stay in Zaragoza (Best Places & Areas)

7 Best Neighborhoods & Areas to Stay in Zaragoza

Casco Antiguo

👉 Best Area For First-Timers | ✨ Best Casco Antiguo Hotels: Hotel Inca • Catalonia El Pilar • Hotel Sauce 

On a first-time visit to Zaragoza, staying in the Casco Antiguo is a must. Zaragoza’s Old Town is the most picturesque part of the city and is full of history. Zaragoza is named after Caesar Augustus, and the city’s Roman beginnings are everywhere here. 

Hotel Sauce is my favourite place to stay in the Casco Antiguo. The location is just a few minutes walk from the Plaza del Pilar. The rooms are quaint and charming, and downstairs, you’ll find one of the nicest cafés in the city, Mi HABITACIÓN Favorita. 

The Casco Antiguo is home to Zaragoza’s top attractions, many of which are located in the magnificent Plaza del Pilar. Here, you’ll find Zaragoza’s two breathtaking cathedrals – El Pilar and La Seo. Check out the Hispanidad Fountain (Google its aerial view!). And head underground at the Museo del Foro to see the Roman ruins.  

Near the Plaza del Pilar, you’ll also find some of the city’s great museums. The Museo Goya, Museo Pablo Gargallo, and Alma Mater Museum are some of my favourites. 

You’ll also find fantastic food and drink in the Old Town. Walk the winding streets of “El Tubo” when you’re hungry. This area is chock-full of small bars serving local cuisine. You can try something different at each one. And be sure to pop into La Fama for the most famous churros in town!

Pros of Staying in Casco Antiguo:

• Home to the city’s top attractions
• Lots of great restaurants and bars
• 2000+ years of history

Cons of Staying in Casco Antiguo:

• Can be loud at night
• Hotels can be more expensive, especially during the Fiestas del Pilar 

La Magdalena

👉 Best Area For Barflies | ✨ Best La Magdalena Hotels: Silken Reino de Aragón • ibis Styles Zaragoza Ramiro I • Exe Boston

La Magdalena is on the edge of the Casco Antiguo, but the neighbourhood has its own unique energy. The once run-down streets around Plaza de la Magdalena are now thriving, thanks to the city’s artists and gallery owners. 

This trendy neighbourhood is a fascinating blend of modern and historic. One minute, you could be at a hip gallery. Next, you’ll come face-to-face with the Teatro de Caesaraugusta. This amphitheatre dates back to the 1st Century! 

The Real Seminario de San Carlos Borromeo and Monasterio de la Resurrección del Santo Sepulcro showcase Zaragoza’s Christian past. 

One of my favourite spots in La Magdalena is the Iglesia de Santa María Magdalena. Built in the 14th Century, this church is one of the best examples of Mudéjar architecture. And Aragón is one of the top regions in Spain to see this Islamic-influenced architecture. 

Foodies will love La Magdalena. Be sure to mark your calendar every Thursday for Juepincho. The name is a combination of “Jueves” (Thursday) and “Pincho”. Locals flock here for a tapa and beer/wine for 2 euros at the many bars and restaurants. 

The Silken Reino de Aragón is a great choice in La Magdalena. It’s still close to the major attractions, but in a trendy part of town.

Pros of Staying in La Magdalena:

• Tons of great bars and restaurants 
• Juepincho every Thursday night
• Cool street life
• Near the main attractions

Cons of Staying in La Magdalena:

• Can be loud and crowded on Thursday and weekend nights

Zaragoza Centro

👉 Best Area For Business Travelers | ✨ Best Zaragoza Centro Hotels: NH Collection Gran Hotel de Zaragoza • Hotel Palafox • Hotel Oriente 

Many streets link Zaragoza’s Old Town to the center, but Calle de Alfonso I is the most beautiful. Once you exit the Casco Antiguo, you’ll be in the modern, economic heart of the city, Zaragoza Centro.

Highrises surround Plaza de España. Paseo de la Independencia is lined with an arcade of classic chain stores. And the side streets are full of high-end shopping, cocktail lounges, and restaurants. 

I love walking the pedestrianized Paseo de Sagasta. This is where you’ll see several examples of Zaragoza’s ornate Modernist architecture. For other cultural experiences in the neighbourhood, visit the Museo de la Ciencias Naturales, the Patio de la Infanta, and the Teatro Principal.

The NH Collection Gran Hotel de Zaragoza is a beautiful choice for a luxurious stay in Zaragoza. It’s located in a gorgeous part of town and near all the major attractions. 

Pros of Staying in Zaragoza Centro:

• Within walking distance of the main attractions
• Lots of high-end bars, restaurants, and shopping
• The commercial center of the city

Cons of Staying in Zaragoza Centro:

• Hotels can be more expensive
• Can be loud on weekend nights

San Pablo/El Gancho

👉 Best Area For Culture Buffs | ✨ Best San Pablo/El Gancho Hotels: INNSiDE by Meliá Zaragoza  • NH Ciudad de Zaragoza • Hotel Avenida

Side-by-side neighbourhoods of San Pablo and El Gancho seem to mesh into one. They are central with easy access to the main attractions, making it a great place to stay. The gritty streets are full of amazing art and music. It’s perfect for those who love art and culture.  

My favourite place in the area is Las Armas. It’s a cultural space with a music venue, markets, galleries and murals. The outdoor plaza is one of the best places in the city to watch a free concert. Art lovers will want to visit the CaixaForum and the IAACC Pablo Serrano. Be sure to wander the streets to see the incredible murals. 

The Plaza del Toros hosts bullfights for those who are so inclined. That’s not something I enjoy, but I do like the nearby restaurants with a view of the bullring.

Hotel Avenida was my home for a week when I moved to Zaragoza. It’s a charming hotel located across the street from the Central Market and Casco Antiguo. 

Pros of Staying in San Pablo/El Gancho:

• Close to the major attractions
• Lively street life
• Hip murals and markets

Cons of Staying in San Pablo/El Gancho:

• It can be a little rough at night

Delicias

👉 Best Area For Overnight Layovers | ✨ Best Delicias Hotels: Hotel Zentral Ave • Exe Plaza Delicias • Eurostars Zaragoza 

Delicias is a residential neighbourhood and the most populated area of the city. It’s further from the tourist sights, but well-served by public transportation. 

If you’re traveling around Spain by train or bus, it’s convenient to Estación Delicias. Hotel Zentral Ave is a short walk away, while the Eurostars Zaragoza is inside the station. Both are perfect for an overnight stay. 

The neighbourhood’s top attraction is the magnificent Aljafería Palace, one of Spain’s finest examples of Islamic architecture. The palace was built in the 11th century by the Muslims. In 1492, the Catholic monarchs took over. It’s a fascinating mix of Islamic and Catholic architectural styles.

A short bus ride will land you in Zaragoza’s Casco Antiguo, or it’s about 40 minutes on foot. Walking along the Ebro River is a nice way to reach the city center.  

Cross the Puente del Tercero Milenio to visit the Parque del Agua Luis Buñuel, the Parque Fluvial de la Expo 2008, and the Aquarium. This vast area is perfect for walking, cycling and picnicking. And Zaha Hadid’s Pabellón Puente and El Alma del Ebro by Jaume Plensa will interest art lovers. 

Pros of Staying in Delicias:

• Close to the train station 
• Residential neighbourhood for those seeking a local experience

Cons of Staying in Delicias:

• Further from the center
• Fewer attractions, bars, and restaurants
• Can be a little rough around the edges

Universidad

👉 Best Area For Students & Sports Fans | ✨ Best Universidad Hotels: Hotel Reina Petronila • Ilunion Romareda • U Hotel Villa-Gomá 

Universidad, the university district, is a vibrant, central area. And it’s a great place to stay, especially if you’re in your twenties. It’s also a convenient spot for sports fans. The Hotel Reina Petronila is the perfect choice if you’re in town for a football match at Romareda Stadium. 

The neighbourhood is home to a mix of residents and students, which gives it a youthful vibe. Although further from the city center, it’s a quick ride into the old town on the tram. And walking will get you to the Plaza del Pilar in less than half an hour. 

My favourite time of day in the University District is when the sun goes down. During this time, I love being at one of the restaurants that line Plaza de San Francisco. Grab a seat on the terrace and enjoy watching the world go by. 

You’ll also find one of Zaragoza’s top sights in this neighbourhood. The Parque Grande José Antonio Labordeta is where the city comes to play. This beautiful park is a great place to walk, jog and bike ride. Bring a picnic or eat at one of the park’s lovely restaurants. And during fiestas, the park hosts tons of fun events. 

Pros of Staying in Universidad:

• Vibrant student energy
• Close to Parque Grande
• Near Romareda Stadium 
• Lively bars and restaurants

Cons of Staying in Universidad:

• Further away from the main attractions
• Can be loud on weekend nights

Arrabal

👉 Best Area For Peace & Quiet | ✨ Best Arrabal Hotels: B&B HOTEL Zaragoza Centro 

Arrabal is on the opposite side of the Ebro River from the Catedral del Pilar. It’s a mainly residential neighbourhood. For a taste of everyday life in Zaragoza, it’s a great place to stay. It’s also quiet. 

The B&B HOTEL Zaragoza Centro is an affordable and reliable choice near the Puente de Piedra. You’ll be in the Casco Antiguo in minutes. 

Cross the bridges over the Ebro to get to the Casco Antiguo, La Magdalena and El Gancho. The Puente de Piedra is the most historic crossing and the best place for photos. The view of the Cathedral is spectacular.

For a relaxing day in this neighbourhood, rent a bike! Hop onto the nearby cycling path that will take you along the river to the former Expo lands. There, you can find parks, lakes, and the Aquarium. Or head down to the riverbank and enjoy the views. 

Pros of Staying in Arrabal:

• Great walking and biking paths
• Easy to walk to the Casco Antiguo
• Lots of parks and stunning views

Cons of Staying in Arrabal:

• No major attractions in the immediate area
• Limited bars and restaurants

Tips for Staying in Zaragoza

Bring a Windbreaker

Zaragoza’s climate is dry. The summers are hot, the winters are cold, and the city doesn’t see too much rain. But Zaragoza is famous for its wind. So much so that it even has a special name, el cierzo. This wind can reach 100km/hr. Hang onto your hats, and don’t even bother doing your hair.

Try the Unique Food

You can find all of your favourite Spanish food in Zaragoza. 

But the city also has food that is special to the area. Aragón is a meat-heavy region. And some classic dishes include Ternasco (suckling lamb), Teruel ham, and Longaniza (sausage). Migas is a popular dish of dried bread flavoured with garlic, meat, and grapes. And I think the croquettes in Zaragoza are the best in Spain! 

For those with a sweet tooth, try the colourful adoquines candy, Frutas de Aragón, and peaches in wine.

The Old Town is my favourite place to experience Zaragoza’s gastronomy scene. But it’s hard to decide where to go. This wonderful food tour will take you to the best tapas spots in town. And you’ll see the city at night when it’s most beautiful.

Tipping is Not Expected

Like everywhere in Spain, tipping is not an expectation. You won’t even see a tip option on the card machines. If you’re happy with the service, feel free to leave a euro or two, but don’t feel obligated. You’ll get good (or bad) service regardless. 

Visit in October

I love Zaragoza year-round, but it’s the best in October. October 12th is the annual Feast Day of the Virgen del Pilar, the city’s patron saint. The city comes alive with a week of concerts, special events, and fireworks.

But the parades are my favourite. Locals wear traditional dress and bring offerings of fruits and flowers to the Plaza del Pilar. I especially love the glass rosary parade. Floats made of glass, known as “faroles” are carried through the streets at night. It’s so beautiful!

This time of year is very crowded in Zaragoza. Reserve a room well in advance if you plan to visit during the Fiestas. Experiencing this special holiday is well worth the extra effort.

Travel to and from Madrid and Barcelona

Madrid and Barcelona are both 1.5 hours from Zaragoza on Renfe’s high-speed AVE train. A day trip to Zaragoza is possible from the big cities. And if you’re travelling between the two, get off the train and stay a few days!

If you only have a day, why not make the most of it by taking a city tour with a local guide? You’ll see all the major sights and explore some of the city’s hidden gems.

FAQs

What are the best areas to stay in Zaragoza for first-timers?

The best areas to stay in Zaragoza for first-timers are the Casco Antiguo, San Pablo, and Zaragoza Centro. These areas are all a stone’s throw from the city’s major attractions. They are lively, central neighbourhoods with plenty of great bars and restaurants. 

What are safe areas to stay in Zaragoza?

All of Zaragoza is very safe. The streets of the Casco Antiguo, Centro, and Universidad are busy day and night. But be vigilant around El Gancho and Delicias after dark. And just like in the rest of Spain, mind your belongings in crowded areas. 

How many days are enough for Zaragoza?

3 days is the perfect amount of time to spend in Zaragoza. The main attractions are in its compact center, so you never have to rush. Add a few more days if you’d like to take some day trips. Zaragoza is the perfect base for visiting Teruel, Tarazona, Belchite and the Monasterio de Piedra. 

What is the best way to get around Zaragoza?

The best way to get around Zaragoza is on foot. The city is small and everything is within walking distance. Zaragoza also has an extensive and reliable bus network, and one tram line runs through the center of town. Use the tram for visits to Parque Grande and Romareda Stadium.

Is it worth visiting Zaragoza?

Yes! It is worth visiting Zaragoza. 2000 years of history can be found on every corner. And modern life is rich and vibrant. It’s one of the best cities in the country to mix with the locals and experience authentic Spanish life. 

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I hope this guide has given you some great ideas about where to stay and things to do in Zaragoza. Be sure to include a visit here on your next trip to Spain. You won’t be disappointed!