I'm planning to add Zaragoza to my itinerary, after seeing some of the structures and the riverside feel of the city. I can only find one day to visit. Is it possible to hit the major spots in a day? Thinking of going there from Barcelona and then to Madrid from there. Also, if I don't book a hotel there, is there any secure place to store luggage for the day?
Thanks
Yes, I do think its possible to hit most of the major sites of Zaragoza in one day, although you may be exhausted by the end, but you will have the train ride to Madrid to recover. You could follow something along these lines (with estimated walking times):
Arrive early in Delicias station
Walk to Aljafería Moorish Palace (15 min walk)
Take Bus or Walk to Basilica del Pilar (20 min)
Walk along the Ebro Riverside area (next to Basilica)
Visit next door Caesar-Augusta Roman Forum (2-3 min walk)
Next walk to the Goya Art Museum (10 min away)
Have late lunch in El Tubo tapas-quarter (10 min)
Walk to Caesar-Augusta Roman Arena (5 min walk)
Taxi back to Delicias station
PS: There is all-day luggage storage in Zaragoza-Delicias station: https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/spain/zaragoza-train-station
I assume you know that you'll need to buy two separate train tickets to do this.
Haha of course I need to buy two tickets lol.
We were in Zaragoza last April, and I think Carlos has laid out an excellent itinerary for you. I’ll just add that while you are going from place to place, notice the fine Art Nouveau and Art Deco buildings around town. Near the Basilica and Caesar Augusta monument, for example, is the 19th c. Covered market. It was undergoing restoration while we were there, so no entry; but we enjoyed a good look at the exterior. The Aljaferia Palace is fabulous inside and out.
