Queer travel expert Jack Kenworthy turns 250+ city adventures into your guide for safe, vibrant, and inclusively fabulous global journeys.
LGBT culture has played an important part in Spanish literature, music, film, and other kinds of entertainment, as well as social concerns and politics. As a result, Spain has been acknowledged as one of the world’s most culturally liberal and LGBT-friendly nations.
Furthermore, gay culture has had an important role in Spain’s political scene. Despite being the most populated city in the Aragon region of Spain, Zaragoza has a fairly small gay community.
Zaragoza is located in the autonomous community of Aragón, in the northeastern region of Spain. It is not as well-known as some of Spain’s other big cities. Aragón is presently part of Spain, although it was formerly an autonomous kingdom.
Zaragoza is the capital city of the autonomous region of Aragón in Spain. This implies that several spectacular structures, palaces, and residences can be found there. Among these are the massive Museo de Zaragoza, the ornate Casa Solans, and the Moorish Aljafera Palace.
Zaragoza, Spain’s fifth largest city, has a lot to offer LGBT visitors, from magnificent churches and fortresses to interesting museums. Zaragoza is also home to Spain’s sixth-biggest university.
It is also an excellent spot to come if you like shopping, having a good time at night, or eating delicious cuisine. Aragón’s cuisine is unique from that of the rest of Spain, as it is in many other sections of the nation.
Zaragoza is a city in Spain’s Aragon region. Aragon is a more relaxed region of Spain, but regrettably, many people either ignore it or avoid it. And similar to Zaragoza, Aragon is a fascinating and historically rich area.
Even better, the city sits practically precisely at the midpoint of the road between Barcelona and Madrid, making it an unexpectedly convenient stop between the two cities. As a gay traveler, you should be prepared for a hearty serving of fun in the gorgeous city of Zaragoza.
In this article we will cover...
Attractions in Zaragoza, Spain
Discovering gay Zaragoza’s various historical and cultural treasures is like finding a treasure trove. The city is located in northeastern Spain, almost in the center of the distance between Barcelona and Madrid.
It is one of the country’s most underappreciated cities because of its wealth of historic architecture and museums, ranging from ancient Roman theatre to Moorish defenses. Zaragoza is home to a plethora of wonderful tourist attractions, some of which are as follows:
Zaragoza Central Market
The Mercado Central in Zaragoza is the city’s main public market. It is a spectacular space with many columns, archways, and large rooms. Even if you have no plans to buy anything, you should look since it was built in 1903 and is now a National Historic Monument in the United States.
The market is home to a wide range of merchants offering anything from fish and meat to vegetables, cheeses, and freshly baked goods. It is the greatest store in town to get supplies for a picnic in the city’s Parque Grande.
Basílica de Nuestra Señora del Pilar
Santiago, one of Jesus’ disciples, is said to have seen the Virgin Mary ascended to the top of a marble pillar. The beautiful baroque church known as the Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar was built where this incident is claimed to have occurred.
Take the elevator to the top of the skyscraper and see some of the city’s most beautiful views. The inside of the structure is equally stunning.
Architect Felipe Sánchez y Herrera designed it in 1681, but it was considerably renovated during the 18th century by Ventura Rodrguez, who built the Santa Capilla and ten mini-domes around the larger dome.
This aquarium has over 300 species of freshwater fish and aquatic life forms. At the core of the construction, a metaphorical glacier provides water to the several “river” ecosystems surrounding it. Each of these “river” ecosystems has a specific environment that mimics an important ecosystem found elsewhere, including major rivers like the Nile and the Amazon.
The almost two-and-a-half million liters of water inside the central tank are intended to depict the primordial waters from which life first sprang. Some of its most prominent inhabitants are the Arapaima, the world’s third-largest freshwater fish, the Pac, which is vital to the environment, and the endangered Malay shark.
The Nile show’s main attractions are the freshwater pufferfish and the Nile crocodile, while the Amazon segment includes the iguana and the pygmy titi.
Palacio de la Aljafería
The Aljafera Castle is a fortified Moorish palace in the city of Zaragoza that dates back to the 11th century. The area’s formidable fortress walls, which include gigantic crenelated towers, fascinate visitors. The castle has a quadrilateral shape and is centered on a courtyard; however, all towers are round except for one rectangular tower known as the Troubadour’s Tower.
The vaulted ceilings and plasterwork embellishments throughout the building add to the overall appeal. The Aragonese Parliament’s headquarters are now housed in the Palacio de la Aljafera. The public is welcome to visit the palace, and guided tours of the structure are available.
Caesaraugusta Theater Museum
The Caesaraugusta Theatre, situated in the ancient Roman city of the same name, could seat 6,000 people. The ruins of this theater, uncovered during excavations in 1972, are now exposed to the public. Visitors may see multimedia exhibits and 3D reconstructions of what the theater might have looked like during Roman times in the basement.
Visitors on the main level may take panoramic views of the excavation work. On the top level of the theater, there is another multimedia exhibit that educates people about the various diverse civilizations that have existed in the region throughout the building’s history.
Catedral del Salvador de Zaragoza
The Catedral del Salvador de Zaragoza, sometimes known simply as “La Seo,” was built on the site of a mosque, a Visigoth cathedral, and the temple of the Roman forum. It combines elements of all of these architectural styles, as well as others. These styles include Mudéjar, Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque, and Neoclassical.
La Seo was finally completed in the 16th and 17th centuries when a stunning baroque tower and a classical gateway were erected. Enter the structure to witness the magnificent altarpieces, particularly the main altarpiece, which was made in the 15th century.
Gay-Friendly and Gay Hotels in Zaragoza, Spain
Zaragoza has a good selection of amazing hotels to serve gay travelers. The following is a list of the top gay-friendly hotels and other types of lodging in Zaragoza, Spain.
Needless to say, there are also hundreds more hotel and hostel options in Zaragoza if none of these suit your desired budget, facilities or area – but these are the best hotels according to other gay travelers and us. Whatever your needs are, Zaragoza has you covered.
The five-star Hotel Reina Petronila is part of the Aragonia Universe. When you step into the property, you will immediately understand why this amazing hotel is rated five stars. It has a breathtaking environment. Everything is designed with your overall comfort in mind; the pool is indoor, so you don’t have to go too far to soak and relax.
If your skin needs some pampering, this hotel has got you covered; there is a spa for adults located in the hotel. Also, you can visit the gym to ensure you stay fit throughout your stay. Who knows? You might bump into some sexy men who also come to the gym to work out.
Night times are not boring at Hotel Reina Petronila. There is always live music in the venue. You can also visit their contemporary bar to enjoy your favorite drinks. The rooms are designed to ensure your overall comfort and full relaxation.
You can spend some time relaxing in the modern bathtubs provided in the bathrooms before enjoying a good night on the super comfortable bed provided. You should give this hotel a try once you arrive in the city.
The world-famous Hotel Palafox is located in the heart of Zaragoza and serves as a reference point for the hotel sector across Aragon. The hotel features a rooftop pool where you cool yourself while enjoying the beautiful views from the rooftop.
The rooms offer all you need and more; when you step into the room, you will be amazed by its beautiful interior designs. The rooms are spacious and have carpeted floors to regulate the temperature. Every room includes a private bathroom, as well as a hair dryer. The majority of them also include a robe and slippers.
You don’t have to miss your fitness routine while you are here. You can still keep fit as the hotel offers a modern fitness center for guests. And if you have any inquiries, the responsive and polite employees are always ready to help.
Don’t be afraid to try out the various meals available; the hotel’s restaurant serves Aragonese regional cuisine and offers a broad range of wines. You may also have a bite to eat or a drink in the café, which is also open.
The Catalonia El Pilar is another attractive accommodation option in Zaragoza. One of the major things to love about this hotel is the warm and friendly environment that the hotel workers provide. From the reception, you will be received by a team of hotel workers who are committed to providing you with a warm and enjoyable stay.
It is easy to see why this hotel is considered an essential destination for the city’s tourism business. The hotel has a contemporary feel and many modern facilities for optimal comfort. Its three facades, each with a floral adornment constructed of stone and wrought iron that surrounds the windows and balconies, are one of its main charms.
The Botanic Hostel is located in the heart of Zaragoza’s historic center. The hostel was designed with a one-of-a-kind layout and materials selected to help visitors from all walks of life feel at peace.
It offers visitors rooms with private bathrooms that are designed to ensure safety and ease of use. Depending on the prevailing weather condition when you visit, you may decide to cool it down with the air conditioning or get the room heated with the heating system. Being a hostel, it features bunk beds, each with its own set of plugs and lighting. You can expect to have a fantastic time at this hostel.
Gay Nightlife in Zaragoza, Spain
Zaragoza is home to a wealth of unique nightlife establishments, many dedicated to giving LGBT travelers an amazing experience. Bars, clubs, and cafés dominate the city’s nightlife and can be found in several sites across the city, including Calle and Plaza Santa Marta.
The following are some of the gay-friendly bars and clubs in town to enjoy the nightlife:
Gay-Friendly Bars and Clubs in Zaragoza
This café, cocktail lounge, and art gallery are near Spain’s La Seo Cathedral. In addition to classic recipes, the national champion of cocktail mixing in Spain presents his unique creations here.
The principal ornamental feature is the bases of Roman columns, which are replicas of the surrounding ruins of the old forum. Other components of the décor include brick walls, wooden ceiling beams, massive paintings, and wooden tables.
The environment is soothing, and the drinks, including cocktails and alcoholic beverages, are reasonably priced. The most popular drinks are the Zara, which contains orange, lime, soda, and a sprig of mint; the Heczara, which has gin, rum, lime, and pineapple juice; and the Judith, which contains whiskey, egg liqueur, and pineapple juice.
Marpy is located on a plaza famed for its numerous tapas bars, many of which have tables outside in the summer. Despite its tiny size, Marpy offers a pleasant atmosphere and a large collection of images representing famous bullfights, bullfighters, and bulls. There is practically no more room on the walls to show anything else.
Because of its well-deserved renown for its superb tapas, Rioja and Somontano wines, ham, sausages, and shellfish, Marpy draws individuals of all ages, notably those in their thirties and families. Apart from the chaotic and colorful atmosphere, which includes the servers’ costumes, Marpy’s major lure is its well-deserved reputation for superb tapas.
Chipirones with Padrón, also known as tiny calamari with Padrón peppers, and chipirones fritos, also known as little fried fish, are two must-try delicacies.
Cafe Da Luxe is located on the Plaza del Pilar in Zaragoza, Spain. During the day, the café is a breezy terrace lunch and drink bar, and at night, the multiple floors of the building house some of the best DJs as the locals dance the night away. The venue is also utilized for a variety of other cultural events. This venue also hosts several stand-up comedy and monologue competitions.
This well-known music venue in Zaragoza’s old town draws large audiences of people of all ages every Thursday night, commencing at 9:30 p.m. and showcasing an interesting and varied roster of acts. You will be treated to a selection of music from the 1960s, including funk and Spanish pop.
The inside has been nicely outfitted in a vintage circus manner, with two bars to choose from. On weekends, it changes into a bustling nightclub that stays open until late at night.
The Umalas Bar is located on Calle Virgenes in the center of the Spanish city of Zaragoza. The bar is open every day of the week from 4 p.m. to 4:30 a.m., and most customers are young people who travel in large groups.
The cocktails are attractively presented, and the only way to know if you like them is to sample them. Although they get crowded as more people arrive, the staff is extremely kind and accommodating.
Sala López has swiftly established itself as one of Zaragoza’s most important concert and alternative music venues since its inception in 2010. Not only does the trendy nightclub have live music events, but they also offer DJ nights when DJs from all over the country come up the ante.
The nightclub does not just host live music performances. Bring your friends and head to Sala López to make some fantastic new memories if you want the evening to be one you remember fondly long after it’s finished.
The brilliant hue of its red walls, the records, and the magnificent decorations that cover it give this café and bar a unique aspect. It’s corny, yet it also has an air of elegance.
Customers are often in their thirties or older, and the music, one of the main attractions, alternates between the 1970s and the 1980s, creating the illusion that time has been reversed. After a hard day at work, this is the perfect place to relax with one of the fairly priced drinks.
Around the year 1500, many residents in Zaragoza would walk to the nearby forest in search of firewood to bring back to their homes and sell to others. When powerful storms sweep the area in a battling cloud of ice and fog in the winter, people who travel into the forest may easily make their way back to Zaragoza. This makes looking for firewood very dangerous at this time of year.
The residents of Zaragoza devised a remedy to the issue by erecting a large mirror bulb atop the bell tower of San Miguel Church. The light served as a beacon, illuminating the route back to town for those bewildered and who lost their way. Since then, it has been known as the “campana de los perdidos,” which translates to “bell of the lost.”
The name of this lively tavern and music venue comes from the bell that hangs over the stage. You may anticipate a very conventional setting and typical live music performances here. On occasion, the restaurant is also known to host a few theatrical performances.
A visit here is a must for everyone who appreciates old posters and Spanish interior design from the 1970s and 1980s. Every wall in this area is covered with a great collection.
Despite its small size, this restaurant has earned a good reputation by serving a broad and imaginative menu of out-of-this-world tapas such as ratatouille pies, curried chicken, pineapple rice, and aubergine pies, stuffed peppers, potatoes with spicy sauce, and croquettes, among others.
The small size of this institution works to its advantage. A moving experience for foodies and tapas fans alike. Wines from the Huesca and Rioja areas, among others.
This is a great place to have a coffee, horchata, or iced drink, and it has been popular for many years owing to its location in one of Zaragoza’s most beautiful squares. This venue’s lower level is utilized for various events and sometimes concerts, or it may just be used for having a drink in the distinctive, elegant ambiance generated by its brick walls, columns, and subtle lighting.
The top level is bright and open to the outdoors, making it ideal for all-purpose gatherings. The venue is in good condition. This tavern is open till 3:30 in the morning on weekends.
LGBT Rights in Zaragoza, Spain
Spain has adopted a series of major changes over the past few decades that have boosted its LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender) rights to a place among the most progressive in the world. Spain is widely recognized as having one of the most progressive social policies and being the most accommodating to LGBT people.
However, during the early years of the Roman Empire, Christian emperors Constantius II and Constans passed a law outlawing homosexuality, and Roman moral norms experienced substantial alterations in the decades leading up to the 4th century.
Sexual intercourse between males was regarded as acceptable among the ancient Romans in Spain, and weddings between men occurred throughout this period.
Later on, during the legislative period, laws were passed making sodomy illegal. They were initially deleted from the Spanish Code in 1822. Still, during the Spanish Civil War and Francisco Franco’s reign, these prohibitions were restored in response to altering societal attitudes regarding homosexuality.
The rights of the LGBT people received significant attention in the later part of the twentieth century. Sexual conduct between persons of the same gender was legalized again in 1979, and the consent age for heterosexual intercourse was increased to the same level.
Spain allowed same-sex marriage and adoption rights for same-sex couples in 2005. Since 2005, LGBT persons have been able to serve in the military services, and MSM people have been able to donate blood.
Cruising & Gay Saunas in Zaragoza, Spain
There is a good selection of fantastic gay saunas and cruising places in Zaragoza, Spain. Here are some of the top cruising spots in Zaragoza, Spain:
- Parque Aljaferia
- Parque Lineal de Plaza
- Peña del Cuervo
- Peñaflor
- Pinares de Venecia
- Avenida de Ranillas
- Estación Delicias
- Camino la Alfranca, Canta lobos
- Centro Comercial Puerto Venecia
Gay Map Of Zaragoza
Finding it hard to envisage where everything is in Zaragoza? Hopefully, this queer-centric map helps where we have marked all the bars, clubs, parties, hotels, saunas, massages and more will help you stay in the spot best suited to you!