Cheap city break Zaragoza

When is the best time to go?

May and September/October are ideal for Zaragoza: temperatures of 20 to 28 degrees and no extreme heat. In October the Fiestas del Pilar take place (around 12 October), one of the largest folk festivals in Spain with fireworks, processions and more than a million visitors. More than 90 percent of the events are free. Summer (June-August) is too hot (35 to 40 degrees) for intensive sightseeing. In winter the cold cierzo wind (dry north-westerly) pushes the feels-like temperature well down.

The best neighbourhoods in Zaragoza

• Casco Historico The historic heart of the city with the Basilica del Pilar, the Aljaferia and the Roman forum. Everything within walking distance.
• El Gancho / San Pablo Creative quarter with murals, the Church of San Pablo and the Central Market. An up-and-coming cultural hotspot.
• El Tubo The tapas labyrinth: narrow lanes packed with small bars and taverns serving Aragonese pinchos and local wine. The soul of Zaragoza nightlife.
• La Magdalena The university quarter with affordable eateries and a lively student atmosphere.
• Delicias Authentic working-class neighbourhood with local markets and family restaurants, away from the tourist trail.

Top 5 things to do in Zaragoza

• Basilica del Pilar The baroque basilica on the Ebro is the symbol of Zaragoza. Admission is free; the bell tower costs approximately 3 to 5 euros. Go early for the best light.
• Palacio de la Aljaferia (UNESCO) One of the best-preserved Moorish palaces outside Andalusia. Entry 5 euros; free on Sundays. Online booking recommended.
• El Tubo & Plaza del Pilar Wander for free through the tapas maze and end up on the vast Plaza del Pilar, one of the largest squares in Spain. Pinchos with wine for 2 to 4 euros.
• Caesaraugusta Roman Forum Four museums about Roman Caesaraugusta; the forum museum is the most spectacular. Combination ticket for all four approximately 7 to 10 euros.
• IAACC Pablo Serrano A surprisingly strong contemporary art museum dedicated to Aragonese sculptor Pablo Serrano. Entry approximately 3 euros. The rooftop terrace offers a stunning city panorama and this museum appears in no standard guidebook.

Flights + transport from the Netherlands

There is no direct flight from the Netherlands to Zaragoza (ZAZ). The best route is Eindhoven to Seville (Ryanair or Transavia, 2h50, from approximately 80 euros return) and then an Alsa bus to Zaragoza (approximately 4 hours, 20 to 30 euros) or a train via Madrid. Alternative: Amsterdam Schiphol to Madrid (KLM, 2h25) then an AVE high-speed train to Zaragoza in 1h15 (approximately 20 euros). Bus line 505 runs from the airport to Estacion Delicias for approximately 4 euros. Around the city, tram or bus costs approximately 1 to 1.50 euros per trip. Zaragoza is flat and has an excellent bike-share system (Bizi).

What does a Zaragoza city break cost?

Zaragoza is considerably cheaper than Madrid or Barcelona. Hostels (2026) from 18 euros per night, budget hotels 55 to 80 euros per room. Food in El Tubo: pinchos 2 to 4 euros, menu del dia 12 to 16 euros, Aragonese wine (Campo de Borja) 2 to 3 euros per glass. Sights are largely free or inexpensive. For 3 days all-in, budget 280 to 380 euros per person (via-route flight, hotel, food and entry tickets).