Zaragoza is a compact city of 700,000 people divided by the Ebro River. Most visitors spend their time in the Old Town (Casco Antiguo) on the south bank, but several distinct neighbourhoods are worth exploring. Here is a breakdown of the best neighbourhoods in Zaragoza, what you will find in each, and who they suit.
Best Neighborhoods in Zaragoza: Casco Antiguo (Old Town)
The Casco Antiguo is where you will likely spend most of your time. It covers the area south of the Ebro, bounded by the river to the north and Calle del Coso to the south, and stretches from Plaza del Pilar east to the Roman Theatre and west to the Mercado Central. This is the historic core, home to the Basilica del Pilar, La Seo, El Tubo tapas district, and the main shopping street Calle Alfonso I. Accommodation here ranges from 80 to 200 euros per night for a double room, depending on proximity to Plaza del Pilar and the season. The area is mostly pedestrianised and flat, making it easy to walk. It suits first-time visit (see our best time to visit Zaragoza guide)ors who want to be within walking distance of everything. Drawbacks: it can be noisy on weekend nights, especially near El Tubo (bring earplugs), and street parking is almost nonexistent (use the public car park at Plaza del Pilar, 18 euros per day).
Best Neighborhoods in Zaragoza: Centro
Centro is the commercial district south of the Old Town, centred on Paseo de la Independencia, Plaza de Aragon, and Calle de Francisco de Vitoria. It has wider streets, more modern buildings, and a higher concentration of shops (Zara, El Corte Ingles, and local boutiques) than the Old Town. The Goya Museum and Parque Grande are on its southern edge. Hotels in Centro are slightly cheaper than the Old Town, 60 to 150 euros per night for a double room, and there are more chain hotels with reliable standards (NH, Catalonia, Barcelo). It suits shoppers and business travellers who want a less touristy base. The area has good tram connections and is a 10 to 15-minute walk from Plaza del Pilar. See our things to do in Zaragoza guide for more.
Best Neighborhoods in Zaragoza: La Magdalena
La Magdalena is the multicultural neighbourhood east of the Old Town, centred on Plaza de la Magdalena. It has a mix of historic workers’ housing, immigrant-run shops (Latin American, North African, Romanian), and a growing number of independent cafes and vintage stores. Calle de las Armas and Calle de San Blas are the main commercial streets. Accommodation is sparse, mostly small hostels and apartments from 40 to 80 euros per night. It suits budget travellers and those looking for a local, untouristy experience. The area is a 5 to 10-minute walk from the Roman Theatre and 15 minutes from Plaza del Pilar. The area has a reputation for being less safe at night than the Old Town; stick to well-lit main streets after 11pm. Check our Zaragoza events and festivals calendar.
Best Neighborhoods in Zaragoza: El Actur
El Actur is a modern residential district on the north bank of the Ebro, developed in the 1980s and expanded for Expo 2008. It is home to the Expo site, the Water Tower, the River Aquarium, and the Parque del Agua (a 120-hectare riverside park with sports facilities, a beach area, and cycling paths). This is Zaragoza’s most modern area, with wide boulevards, high-rise apartments, and the city’s largest shopping centre (Puerto Venecia, a 15-minute tram ride east). Hotels here are modern business-style properties, 50 to 120 euros per night. It suits families (for the aquarium and park) and Expo visitors. The tram connects El Actur to the Old Town in 10 minutes (line 1, stop “Campus Rio Ebro”). The area feels suburban and lacks the historic character of the south bank.
Best Neighborhoods in Zaragoza: Romareda and Universidad
Romareda is a residential area south of Parque Grande, known for La Romareda football stadium (Real Zaragoza’s home ground, capacity 33,000) and the Miguel Servet University Hospital. The adjacent Universidad neighbourhood houses the University of Zaragoza’s main campus. This area is quiet, green, and well-connected by tram (line 1, 10 minutes to the centre). Accommodation is mostly mid-range hotels and student-oriented apartments, 50 to 100 euros per night. It suits football fans and visiting academics. The area has limited dining and nightlife compared to the Old Town. For more information, see our Zaragoza travel guide. For climate data, see our Zaragoza weather by month, where to stay in Zaragoza.
our Zaragoza travel tips.Best Neighborhoods in Zaragoza: Quick Comparison
| Neighbourhood | Best For | Hotel Price/Night | Walk to Plaza Pilar |
|---|---|---|---|
| Casco Antiguo | First-time visitors, sightseeing, tapas | 80-200 euros | 0-10 min |
| Centro | Shopping, business, reliable hotels | 60-150 euros | 10-15 min |
| La Magdalena | Budget travellers, local experience | 40-80 euros | 10-15 min |
| El Actur | Families, Expo visitors, modern stay | 50-120 euros | 10 min by tram |
| Romareda/Universidad | Football fans, academics, quiet stay | 50-100 euros | 15 min by tram |
