Living in Zaragoza

Living in Zaragoza, the bustling capital of Spain’s northeastern region of Aragon, you’ll discover a cosmopolitan city that uniquely blends history, culture, and modern living. The city is bisected by the Ebro River and its tributaries, making for an interesting urban geography, but it’s more than just its beautiful waterways.

With ongoing urban developments enhancing infrastructure and public spaces, Zaragoza combines its rich heritage with modern conveniences, making it an exciting place to call home.

Working in Zaragoza

Working in Zaragoza, you’ll discover a diverse economy with opportunities in logistics, manufacturing, technology, and tourism. The city is a major logistics hub due to its strategic location, attracting companies in distribution and transport.

Given Spain's relatively high unemployment rate, landing a job in Zaragoza might take some persistence and networking. There’s demand for skilled professionals, especially in the automotive sector, technology, and engineering roles.

If you’re a non-EU citizen, you’ll need a valid job offer and a work visa to get your foot in the door. EU citizens can work without a visa, but must register with local authorities if staying longer than three months.

English is spoken in international companies and the tech sector, but picking up some Spanish will greatly enhance your daily interactions and help you settle in.

Business Culture in Spain

Cost of living in Zaragoza

The cost of living in Zaragoza won’t break the bank compared to Madrid or Barcelona. Rental prices offer good value, with various neighbourhoods to suit your pocket. 

Utilities and water bills have increased, so it’s wise to factor these into your budget. Be aware of potential hidden costs like community fees or property taxes.

Day-to-day expenses like food and transport are reasonable. Overall, you can enjoy a comfortable lifestyle in Zaragoza without stretching your budget too thin.

Lifestyle in Zaragoza

The lifestyle in Zaragoza offers a harmonious blend of rich Roman history and modern amenities. You can kickstart your morning with coffee at a nearby café, stroll along Calle Alfonso or Paseo de la Independencia, and wander through ancient narrow streets. Later, meet friends for a drink or some patatas bravas around El Tubo – the perennially buzzing central area.

Whether you prefer the historical charm of Barrio de la Magdalena or the modern vibe of Actur-Rey Fernando, Zaragoza’s diverse neighbourhoods cater to different lifestyles. 

Throughout the year, Zaragoza hosts memorable cultural events like the Fiestas del Pilar in October, where you can immerse yourself in parades, concerts, and traditional offerings.

Zaragoza’s strategic location allows you to roam around Spain with ease. Situated halfway between Madrid and Barcelona and connected by the AVE high-speed train, you’re just a ride away from these major cities. Only a couple of hours to the north, the Pyrenees offer many activities, from hiking and abseiling to skiing and snowboarding, with many picturesque villages along the way.

Transport and Driving in Spain

Finding accommodation in Zaragoza

Finding accommodation in Zaragoza is straightforward once you know the ropes. Terraced houses and balconied apartments dominate the city’s housing market, much like the rest of Spain. Modern flats sprinkled among historic buildings offer a delightful blend of old-world charm and contemporary living.

With a high-tech tram system and extensive bus network, Zaragoza offers efficient public transport networks that make getting around the city easy. Whether you choose a sleek modern apartment or a classic flat with a balcony overlooking the city, you’ll be able to find a home that caters to your taste and lifestyle.

Renting Accommodation in Spain

Living in Zaragoza with children

Living in Zaragoza with children offers a fantastic blend of education, culture, and fun. You’ll find family-friendly neighbourhoods like Barrio de las Delicias and Actur-Rey Fernando, boasting spacious parks, schools, and a strong sense of community.

With a plethora of speciality museums, aquariums, and water parks, Zaragoza is an educational paradise for the whole family. From interactive exhibits at the Museum of Firefighters to the thrills of local amusement parks, there’s never a dull moment in Zaragoza.

Finding a school in Zaragoza

When it comes to education, Zaragoza offers a variety of schools, from state schools to private and semi-private options. Zaragoza is also home to several international and bilingual schools. These institutions offer curricula in English and Spanish, ensuring your child receives a global education while integrating into the local culture.

School System in Spain

Climate in Zaragoza

The climate in Zaragoza offers sun-drenched summers and mild winters, letting you make the most of the outdoors nearly all year round. With about 2,800 hours of sunshine annually, you’ll be basking in one of Spain’s sunniest cities. The city’s dry climate means rain won’t often dampen your plans, with most showers falling in spring and autumn.

Summers can be scorchers, with temperatures climbing to 93°F (34°C) and sometimes soaring over 104°F (40°C). Air conditioning isn’t just a nice-to-have – it’s essential to keep your cool during the sweltering months. 

Winters are generally mild, but nights can get nippy, dipping to around 36°F (2°C) in January. While snowfall is a rare sight, frost does make an appearance, so a cosy heating system is a must.

Thanks to its captivating culture, fascinating architecture, and constant innovation, Zaragoza might just steal your heart and tempt you to stay far longer than you’d ever imagined.

Expats moving to Zaragoza will find a thriving nightlife, there’s more than 4000 bars, and plenty to see and do, both during the week and on weekends. 

Like so many Spanish cities, this medium-sized metropolis claims age-old architecture and a charming city centre, both easily explored on-foot.  

The Casco Historico (old town) is also known for el tubo, an area of narrow lanes full of tapas bars. One can spend a few hours strolling from bar to bar, enjoying a beer, a glass of red wine and a delicious bite-sized snack. Serviettes should be dropped on the floor, as it’s the sign of a busy and popular bar. People love to stand on top of each other shouting animatedly on a Friday or Saturday evening.

Keep in mind that the Spanish eat late, even after 10pm, and the nightlife doesn’t start properly until after midnight. In the summer especially, it’s not strange to see many people on the streets in the centre in the early hours of the morning.

While tapas bars serve food until midnight, at the latest, music bars are open till 4.30am. For younger people, El Casco, a lane of bars/discos, is the place to go. Only a few bars and discos are permitted to stay open after 4.30am.

Sala Oasis, La Casa de Loco and El Zorro are the best venues for live music, though Zaragoza is still often ignored by the most famous bands.

Recommended sightseeing in Zaragoza

The Aljaferia Palace

Built in the 11th century as a fortified Islamic Palace, Aljaferia later became the palace of the Catholic monarchs. It now houses the Cortes, the legislative assembly for the Community of Aragon, the regional government. It is an example of Mudejar architecture. It is 15 to 20 minutes on foot from the old town.

Opening times are 10am to 2pm and 4pm to 6.30pm every day except Thursday, Friday morning and Sunday afternoon. Guided tours take place at 10.30am, 11.30am and 12.30pm. 

La Magdalena/ Centro de Historia (History Centre)

The Centro de Historia is a free, contemporary art museum in La Magdalena (an alternative, multicultural area) with temporary exhibitions and a cinema. This institution is highly recommended, as it always has interesting and informative exhibitions and a modern restaurant/bar and outdoor terrace café in the summer. It can be found at the end of Heroismo Street, a cobbled lane full of tapas bars/restaurants. El Barrio, a small lively late-night reggae bar, can be found in this area too. Plaza San Bruno hosts an antiques market on Sunday mornings, which is worth a wander.

El Pilar

The huge square in front of the Basilica, the ‘Plaza del Pilar’ is the site of many events, from the reconstruction of a nativity scene every Christmas to concerts and markets. It was also the place where thousands gathered to watch Spain win the World Cup. When there is no special occasion, one can still enjoy the fountains, statues, outdoor bars and cafés.

In mid-October Zaragoza enjoys its ‘Fiestas del Pilar’, a week-long festival centred around a huge procession of Spaniards dressed in traditional costumes bringing flowers to the Pilar. It’s also an excuse for a huge party with drinking, eating, music, theatre, fireworks and everyone out on the streets and in high spirits.