Zaragoza
Eco-friendly travel guide to Zaragoza advises how to be a responsible tourist. Learn how to explore the attractions in a sustainable way and how to respect the local people and culture. Make your trip green by supporting locally owned hotels, organic restaurants and other businesses. Read more on how to protect the environment by making conscientious choices and how to travel green in Zaragoza, Spain.
- Air quality: 4/ 5
- Exploring by foot: 4 / 5
- Exploring by bicycle: 3.5 / 5
- Public transportation: 3.5 / 5
- Parks: 4 / 5
- Outdoor activities: 4 / 5
- Locals' English level: 1 / 5
- Safety: 3 / 5
- Accommodation: US$ 10 - $ 450
- Budget per day: US$ 50 - $ 700
Contents
Responsible Travel
Zaragoza is the capital of the north-eastern region of Spain, Aragon. The city overlooks the Ebro River. The city is famous for its folklore, local cuisine, and many beautiful landmarks. The city is not necessarily a popular tourist destination. Still, it is a great place to either make a short stop when breaking up a train journey or an attractive option for those looking for a weekend city break in an area away from the traditional tourist cities. There are several ways to ensure responsible travel in Zaragoza, with some being:
- Use public transport
- Choose an eco-friendly hotel
- Don't eat at tourist restaurants
Air Quality and Pollution
The air quality in Zaragoza is good. There is a small number of pollutants in it. The pollutants are mainly from traffic emissions and energy production. The levels of air pollution tend to be higher during winter.
The pollution levels in Zaragoza are relatively low. The city's waste collection process has improved a lot in the past ten years, leading to fewer rubbish piles in some parts of the city. These not only make the city less beautiful, but at times they pose health hazards to city residents.
Water pollution in the city is relatively low. There is proper treatment and disposal of liquid waste, which has led to reduced pollution levels. However, some pollution is still caused by garbage, which leads to diseases in humans and destroys aquatic life.
Respect the Culture
Zaragoza has a rich Spanish heritage and culture. Spanish people consider eating and drinking together as principal ways of spending time together, either at everyday leisure moments, weekly on Sundays, or special occasions. Many of these involve guests, and in small villages, there may be at least token food offerings to everyone present. The city has basic norms of civility and etiquette, such as definitions of accepted levels of dress or undress, are similar to those of the rest of Europe and the West in general.
Top 10 Places to Visit
Zaragoza is a beautiful city, although it is not one of the major tourist destinations in Spain. There are several places to experience the city's beauty and culture as an international traveler. The city is known for its majestic historical sites, which tower over the beautiful river city. The city is brimming with a variety of activities for every type of tourist. Below is a list of the top ten places to visit:
- The Cathedral-Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar - It is a Roman Catholic church in Zaragoza that is reputed to be the first church dedicated to Mary in history. Local traditions take the history of this basilica to the dawn of Christianity in Spain. Many of Spain's kings, other foreign rulers, and saints have paid their devotion before this statue of Mary. The architecture is breathtaking and has a lot of detailed structures and sculptures. At sunset, the sun makes it look gold bathed. It is worth visiting and spending time taking pictures of it and its numerous details as it is incredibly photogenic. By far, this is the most famous attraction of the city, and the whole city is built around it. There is a big plaza in front of the church, and it's a fantastic place to chill. Entrance is free.
- The Aljafería Palace - A fortified medieval palace built during the second half of the 11th century that was the Banu Hud dynasty's home. The palace reflects the splendor attained by the Taifa of Zaragoza at the height of its grandeur. The palace contains the Cortes of the autonomous community of Aragon. The structure holds unique importance as it is the only conserved testimony of a large building of Spanish Islamic architecture of the era of the Taifas. Only a limited number of people are allowed inside at one time. The place is incredible, and it takes you back centuries, and you wonder how things were back then. Some parts seem to have been destroyed, and some more modern pieces took their place, but it still looks beautiful. The palace and its ground are well maintained. The staff is amiable and helpful.
- Zaragoza Museum - It is a national museum with collections that range from the Lower Palaeolithic to the modern era and include archaeology, fine arts, ethnology, and Iberian ceramics. The city's oldest museum and its main building - housing the fine arts and archaeology display - is the Neo-Renaissance structure designed for the Spanish-French Exhibition. The museum also has a strong emphasis on good quality Roman exhibits. The museum has no English translations, but there is an audio guide. The second floor of the museum houses mainly paintings. Admission is completely free.
- José Antonio Labordeta Park - A well-designed park suitable for all the family. The park is big and beautiful, with an outstanding variety of trees. There are various sculptures and fountains, many types of flora, and a lively hanging garden. There are bicycles at the park entrance that can be rented to move around inside the park. The park is a pleasant place for jogging, walking, and picnics. It is a peaceful place as there is green nature with a beautiful fountain and water sound music. The grounds are well maintained.
- Monasterio de Piedra - It is a monastery, hotel, and park complex in the Iberian System mountain ranges. The monastery was founded in an old castle next to the Piedra River and was dedicated to St. Mary the White. The complex was declared a national monument in 1983. The hotel gorgeous and has a giant park with waterfalls, caves, and so many other exciting things. The natural surroundings are breathtaking, with gigantic waterfalls and a beautiful lake. It is worth a visit, a tour around the monastery should take around 3 hours. The environment is serene and relaxing. It is best to start the hike early to beat the crowds. They also have a bird of prey show. The staff is friendly, and they have done an outstanding job maintaining the area as it is clean.
- Zaragoza Central Market - It is a great updated, and renovated market. The market is different from others in the area in that there are very few options for eating tapas and prepared food etc. The quality of their meats and vegetables vary by vendor but generally speaking; you can find good quality cuts of beef and fresh vegetables. There are plenty of options, from beef to fish, cheese, fruits, vegetables, honey, and even sweets. Some of the market products are even cheaper than at the supermarket plus they taste better. In 1978 the Central Market of Zaragoza was declared Historical National Monument.
- The Leaning Tower of Zaragoza - Sometimes called by its Spanish name, Torre Nueva, is a Mudéjar leaning tower located in Plaza de San Felipe that has become an icon for the city. It was built as a clock tower, and shortly after being built, its inclination could be noted, although it caused no danger to its stability. The tower was later demolished, despite the opposition of a large part of the people of Zaragoza. After the tower's demolition, citizens bought bricks as memories. These make a lovely mural. This area of Zaragoza has a lot of charm and tradition. This tower is reflected in many paintings and engravings of the time.
- Parish Church of San Pablo San Pablo - It is a church that is an original Gothic-Mudéjar building and dates back to the late 13th/early 14th-century. The church was later enlarged and modified. The design is lovely, and there are several fantastic wood carvings. The church looks plain and simple from the outside, which is quite deceiving as the interior is beyond impressive. People are allowed to take photos as long as there is no flash. There are very few people, so it is easy to walk around and truly appreciate this beautiful church. There is a guided tour of the church, cloister, and bell tower, where you will get to know a little bit of Zaragoza's history. Entry is quite affordable and is free for children under 10. There is a beautiful view of the city that stretches as far as the Pireneus mountains. There is a maintenance person who is in charge of keeping it clean inside and out.
- The Roman Theater of Zaragoza - A theater from the Roman era built in the first half of the 1st century AD, in the Age of Tiberius and Claudius. The theatre had a capacity of 6,000 spectators and followed the model of the Theatre of Marcellus in Rome. It was excavated in 1973 and is currently within the framework of the Cesaraugusta Theater Museum. There are very few people visiting at a time. Some placards show the perceived views as you walk around the boardwalk. Every first Sunday of the month, the tickets are free.
- Aquarium River of Zaragoza - It is an aquarium with diverse river animals on display. The aquarium is huge, with an impressive array of fish, reptiles, amphibians, invertebrates, and even some primates. There is also a family of otters, which are enjoyable o watch if you're lucky to catch them while they're not sleeping. The design is impressive; it imitates the region the fish are from so that it makes the guests feel the atmosphere of the area. There are an adjoining cafe and restaurant so that visitors can grab a drink or some food afterward. The tour takes roughly 2 hours to complete, and the price is quite reasonable. The aquarium is accommodative to people of all ages. The only downside is that some translations are wrong, and some tanks looked a bit dirty.
Explore
There is a lot to explore in the hidden city of Zaragoza. There are landmarks such as the Basílica del Pilar, La Seo Cathedral, and the Aljafería Palace worth seeing and exploring. If you are lucky, you might be able to witness some of the fantastic festivals, such as the Fiestas del Pilar, which is among the most celebrated festivals in Spain. The choice to visit Zaragoza is, without a doubt, a great one, and it will be worth your time and every cent spent. Keep reading to be able to find out more about this fantastic tourist destination.
City Parks
- Agua Luis Buñuel Park - It is a lush park with a few lakes, rafting, and trails. It is a lovely park and a great place to walk, run or ride a bicycle. The park is spacious, and there is a workout place, a playground for dogs. There is a Las playas-place to relax and feel like you are on a real beach, which is excellent on a hot sunny day. The lake is home to many birds, ducks, swans, etc. The park is also an excellent place to ride your bike or hang out with a good book. The environment is pleasant and well-kept. There is also enough room for children to play with a few swings. There is also a dog training association, and from time to time, they do competitions. There are restaurants and bars with terraces and children's areas.
- José Antonio Labordeta Park - It is a well-designed park suitable for all the family. The park is big and beautiful, with an outstanding variety of trees. There are various sculptures and fountains, many types of flora, and a lively hanging garden. There are bicycles at the park entrance that can be rented to move around inside the park. The park is a good place for couples, families, and groups to spend time. There's a lot of shade and a bar. The park is a pleasant place for jogging, walking, and picnics. It is a peaceful place as there is green nature with a beautiful fountain and water sound music. The grounds are well maintained.
National Parks
There are no national parks in the city.
Beaches
There are no beaches in the city.
Landmarks
- The Fuente de la Hispanidad - It is a fountain located in the Plaza del Pilar near the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Pillar. The fountain was built in honor of Hispanic, and it draws the map of Latin America. A waterfall falls into the pond that simulates the shape of South America. The fountain is complemented by three prismatic blocks of different concrete dimensions covered with white marble. The monument is fascinating and unique. Its innovative design illustrates the Spanish-speaking world's size and scope in North and South America while also embodying Spain's shared culture and its relatives across the Atlantic.
- Puente del Tercer Milenio or The Third Millennium Bridge - It is a bow-string bridge in the city that crosses the Ebro. The bridge a single-span, steel-reinforced concrete, lift, arched bridge over the Ebro River in Spain. It was built in 2008 and is an automobile pedestrian with a bicycle path. The bridge is magnificent and spectacular, and it has incredible views of the river, as well as the Expo area. The two pedestrian lanes each have two viewpoints. The bridge is the new symbol of the city.
Museums
- The Museo Goya - It is a fine arts museum in Zaragoza that was initially named after the art collector from the city who had contributed the nucleus of its collection. The collection includes over 1,000 works, with around 500 on display. The museum is educational and offers more information about Goya than that which is found in books. There are a lot of his works and many of the etchings. The museum is very informative and will also explain the conflict between Spain and Emperor Napoleon. There is an audio guide that will give visitors a better appreciation of the museum. The contents of the museum are well laid out and well documented.
- Zaragoza Museum - It is a national museum with collections that range from the Lower Palaeolithic to the modern era and include archaeology, fine arts, ethnology, and Iberian ceramics. The city's oldest museum and its main building - housing the fine arts and archaeology display - is the Neo-Renaissance structure designed for the Spanish-French Exhibition. The museum also has a strong emphasis on good quality Roman exhibits. The museum has no English translations, but there is an audio guide. The second floor of the museum houses mainly paintings. Admission is completely free.
Eat
There are several traditional foods in the city that enhance the experience of being a tourist. Several restaurants and street vendors sell different dishes that you could try, whether it is out of curiosity or so that you can have a story to tell later.
Traditional Local Restaurants
One of the best things about traveling worldwide is trying the various local cuisines available in that area. In most cases, traditional restaurants are the best place to experience local foods' taste, and maybe even a bit of the culture behind said dishes. Numerous conventional restaurants around the city serve excellent varieties of Spanish dishes. Below is a list of the most popular traditional restaurants in the city.
- Casa Unai - A cute and cozy tapas bar that lies a little off the beaten track, a few blocks from the center where most travelers stay. The restaurant is traditional yet modern and relaxed. The décor is beautiful and demands attention with its bright-green facade. The service is friendly, and the daily tapas offers are written in chalk on the slate boards hanging from the walls. Their menu has many delicious dishes, including stuffed mussels with prawns, octopus stew with potatoes, and monkfish brochette. The restaurant also has an excellent wine list and creative gin and tonics.
- Los Xarmientos - An Aragonese grill and barbecue restaurant that serves typical dishes from Aragon and specializing in grilled meats. The design is modern and contemporary, with bold artwork covering the walls and quirky wooden sculptures attached to the ceiling. One of the best dishes is the grilled lamb that the region is famous for. Another must-try is their seafood. There are also various tasty homemade desserts such as torrija, a French toast type from northern Spain. The prices are relatively high.
Vegetarian and Vegan
- Baobab - It is a vegetarian restaurant with plenty of vegan options too. The restaurant is in the University area of the city. The food is incredible and, best of all, fresh and healthy. The restaurant is affordable, and they have an outstanding deal of a starter, main, dessert, bread, and drink. The restaurant is trendy, and it would be wise to book a table in advance as it does get busy. The staff is really friendly and helpful.
- La Olla Vegetal - It is a Spanish cuisine, self-service vegetarian food restaurant located south of Gran Via near the Universidad. The self-service process starts with you adding a drink, bread, and dessert to your tray, and then the cook will serve you two dishes of your choice. The portions are a great size. Their food is relatively affordable as all this lunch set costs around 10 euro. The restaurant sometimes offers vegetarian cooking courses.
- La Birosta - It is a vegetarian, all-natural, and all homemade with plenty of vegan options. The restaurant serves vegan versions of popular Spanish Tapas. The atmosphere is excellent. The restaurant is a bit small, and the staff is very friendly. The restaurant gets bustling, so you might need to be patient.
Street Food
Street food is widespread in Zaragoza. Some several vendors and stalls specialize in selling a delicious variety of local favorites. In some cases, their food is tastier and more affordable than that in restaurants. For those with weak stomachs, it might be wise to avoid street food. Below is a list of some of the top street food stalls to try:
- Nomada Street Food
- Uh Mami
- Naoki
Drink
Zaragoza weather is mild with cool nights, and as such, people in the city mostly select a drink according to the weather at the time. There is a high need to stay hydrated during summer due to the high temperatures. The high temperatures dictate the beverage of choice as people prefer to drink something that would cool them down. There are numerous cold non-alcoholic drinks to choose from in the city, excluding water. Beverages of choice on a hot day include but are not limited to soft drinks, lemonade, milkshake, vegan shakes, and even iced tea or coffee. Tea is relatively popular, regardless of the temperatures outside; however, tea consumption increases significantly when it's cold. Other choice beverages on cold days include coffee and warm milk. Alcohol consumption is relatively high in Zaragoza. The city has many bars and nightclubs where people meet up after a long day at work or on weekends for a relaxed evening of drinks with friends. Other people enjoy the occasional drink at home, mostly whiskey or wine. There are both local and international brews available for purchase in both bars and supermarkets. The various types of alcoholic beverages include wine, gin, vodka, and cocktails, to name a few. Examples of local beer include Kellerbier, Hefe Weissbier, and Segarreta.
Tap-water
The tap water in Zaragosa is generally safe for drinking.
Organic Cafés
Organic foods are foods that are grown without artificial nutrients, pesticides, or other chemicals. Eating organic has become a widespread trend where people are very selective about what they put in their bodies. Several organic cafes attract patrons of all ages who are careful about nutrition. There are many cafes in the city that cater specifically to this group of people. Below is a list of some of the organic cafes that one could try in the city
- Café Nolasco
- La Piparra
- Café Botánico
Breweries
Beer is a significant part of the Zaragoza society, and local brands hold a strong sense of national pride among the population. The local beer brewing industry is strong, as they make various types of local beer to meet the demand, which is relatively high as the locals are very proud and fond of their local beer. There are several breweries around the city, such as:
- Cierzo Brewing Co.
- La Zaragozana - Fábrica de Cervezas Ambar
- Beer Corner
Activities
Numerous activities can be done as you explore Zaragoza. The city has a relatively small number of tourists, with most of them being people who are passing through. Numerous activities are designed to ensure that everyone enjoys their stay in the city. Multiple group tours allow people to get more in-depth knowledge and understanding of the city's rich history. Tourists can enjoy several other things, such as hikes, bike riding, and boat riding, to name a few. Some of the activities are in the city center while others are just on the outskirts. It is essential to carefully plan your itinerary to ensure that you get the best out of what the city offers.
Yoga and Retreats
Yoga is traditionally a Hindu discipline that focuses on physical, mental, and spiritual practices or disciplines. It has become quite famous globally, including Zaragoza, and some of the most visited yoga studios include:
- Yoga School Zaragoza
- Escuela de Yoga Monsalud Zaragoza
- Go Yoga! Zaragoza
Accommodation
There are many different accommodation types across Zaragoza. As an individual, you get to decide which one you prefer based on your needs, tastes, and budget. This section will look into some of the accommodation options that are available for tourists to select from
Green Hotels
There are several eco-friendly hotels in the city which aim for the sustainability of the environment. These hotels tend to offer safe, non-toxic, and energy-efficient accommodation. Other characteristics include using renewable energy, organic soaps, energy-efficient light fixtures, and recycling programs. A few of the most popular ones are:
- NH Collection Gran Hotel de Zaragoza
- Innside by Melia Zaragoza
- NH Ciudad de Zaragoza
Hostels and Guest Houses
- Albergue Zaragoza Hostel - It is a 15th-century palace that has been refurbished and remodeled to have several modern amenities. The hostel is in the city center beside the Ebro river, giving it a stunning view. They have regular events, a cinema room, games room, outdoor terrace, and an on-site bar. There are private rooms and comfortable mixed dorms. All rooms come with cozy blankets and pillows for free, plus a spacious locker with a personal electronic key. All rooms have air-con and heating, ensuring that guests get a good night’s sleep no matter the season. The hostel can also get you discounts to Zaragoza theatres and club nights. Also, there is free Wi-Fi.
- Hostal Central Zaragoza - It is a small, friendly family business that has ten rooms and is centrally located. The rooms are simple but clean and comfortable. Some of the rooms have en-suite bathrooms, and others have shared bathrooms. The ones with shared bathrooms are cheaper. Moving from the hostel is easy as there is an extensive network of buses and a public car park in front of the property. Also, the area has a wide range of shops and restaurants, all within walking distance. The staff is really warm and welcoming. There is free Internet access. Breakfast is not included in the room cost.
- The Casa Palacio de Los Sitios - It is a beautifully reformed 18th-century palace located beside Zaragoza's famous basilica and just 5 minutes from Plaza Espaa. The apartments are stylish and provide an excellent choice for independence and privacy. The location makes it possible to easily tour the area on foot and enjoy discovering the local shops, bars, and restaurants. The room décor is sleek and modern with parquet flooring, contemporary furnishings. There is also a well-equipped kitchen which is great for preparing meals. There is free Wi-Fi. There is also private parking available, making it easy to explore the area by car.
Apartments
Those who intend to stay in Zaragoza for a long time will be very expensive as they charge per day. Some several flats and apartments are available for rent for at least a month. These are more affordable as they charge a flat rate and buy your food, which lowers costs. Those traveling as a group will find these most convenient as it is possible to share the flat rate cost instead of paying per head or room in hotels and motels. Rent in Zaragoza ranges between 500 and 1000 USD per month.
Couchsurfing
Some families rent out a part of their home to tourists, known as couch surfing. This trend is not that common in Zaragoza. It offers the host family an opportunity to make extra money and the tourist a chance to experience Spanish culture through family life. Several websites connect tourists with people who are willing to open up their homes.
Camping
There are numerous campsites for those tourists who want to rough it, which offers a sense of adventure by giving people the full outdoor experience, including the fresh night air and the magnificent night skies. Below are some of the more popular campsites:
- Camping Ciudad De Zaragoza
- Camping Club Bohalar
- Enodux
How to Get There
Several modes of transport can be used to travel to Zaragoza, with the most convenient for you being dictated by where you are coming from, be it a local or international area. People from surrounding cities usually travel to the city by bus or train. While those coming from further away commonly use airplanes.
Air
Zaragoza Airport is a small airport that has limited passenger flight connections. It is sometimes more convenient to fly to either the Barcelona or Madrid airports and then travel from there to Zaragoza. The connecting trip usually takes about 3 hours. If you decide to fly to Zaragoza, then the cheapest option of getting into the city is the airport bus 501 that stops at most places in the city center including, the Delicias train station. The journey takes about 45 minutes. The bus costs €1.85 and runs every 30 minutes Monday to Saturday and every hour on Sundays and holidays. The other alternative is a taxi which costs around €25-30 and takes about 20 minutes to the city center.
Bus
Buses are a standard mode of transport from almost all cities in Spain. The journey from both Madrid and Barcelona is 3hr 45min. It is also possible to get to Zaragoza by bus from France. All buses arrive at Delicias station, some 2 km away from the city center and can be reached using urban buses or taxi.
Train
Zaragoza is served by the high-speed train AVE that reaches Madrid in approximately 1hr 30 min, and Barcelona in about 1hr 45min. There are at least 19 trains a day in each direction for Madrid and 12 for Barcelona. This train is a bit expensive. Barcelona's cheaper alternative is the Regional Express, a slow train going on an ancient track, stopping at every small village, and the ride takes 5 hours. All trains arrive at Delicias station, some 2 km away from the city center and can be reached using urban buses or taxi.
Hitchhiking
Hitchhiking across Spain is easy, in terms of weather as well. Although it can get quite hot in summer, it's generally quite pleasant. Spanish people are friendly, and they understand the idea of hitchhiking, and in most cases, they do not ask for money. If you speak a bit of Spanish, it can get you a long way, as many people outside the cities might not speak English.
Others
Hired private cars are another popular way of traveling to Zaragoza, although they are quite expensive and charged per day. The roads leading to Zaragoza are well-maintained, and the drive there is excellent.
Moving Around
Zaragoza is a relatively small town, even though it does have many things to do and places to explore. Moving around the city can be complicated as the city's public transport system is not efficient. In most cases, walking or hiring a taxi is the best way to move around. Below are several other ways you can move around the city.
Walk
Walking is the best way to get around the city, mostly if you stay in or near the old town as most of the main attractions are within easy walking distance.
Bicycle
Bicycles are available for hire from a shared bicycle system called Bizi. They have a fairly good English website, which allows tourists to get a temporary subscription online beforehand. This subscription is valid for three days and costs €5.28. The first 30 minutes are free, after which you'll pay €0.52 per additional 30 minutes. You can keep the bike for 2 hours, after which you'll have to pay a penalty of €3.16 per hour.
Electronic Vehicles
There are several electronic vehicles in the city. These are available for hire at relatively high prices. There are about five charging stations in the city, so there is minimum congestion at said charging stations.
Public Bus
There are several public buses. You need to buy a card that costs seven euros which are used to board buses. There is also a sightseeing bus which provides a great way to travel around the city as it reaches all corners.
Tram, Train and Subway
The Tram is a keystone in ensuring sustainable mobility across the city. Trams are an affordable means of transport and allow users to reach anywhere in the city quickly, comfortably, and efficiently while respecting the environment. Tram tickets can be purchased at street stalls.
Sustainable Shopping
There are many shopping centers in the city whereby tourists and locals alike can go shopping. It is more sustainable to shop in local shops and ensure that you stick to one shop and spread the wealth by visiting different shops.
Food Markets
There are several markets across the city that are dedicated to selling fresh food. They sell both local and international food, processed or unprocessed. Some of these markets include
- Zaragoza Central Market
- Dia Market
- Mercado Agroecologico
Flea Markets
Several flea markets across the city offer both an exciting shopping experience and a chance to mingle with the locals. Most of them sell various things, mostly souvenirs at reasonable prices. However, they tend to double the price when selling to tourists.
- Mercado Central
- Plaza de Toros de la Misericordia
- Rastro de Zaragoza
Second Hand Stores
The trend of second-hand stores has caught the world by storm; numerous stores have opened where people can buy things they wouldn't usually afford for less than half the price. There are several second-hand stores in the city; including:
- Desván
- Cash Converters
- Tienda Latido Verde
Eco-Fashion
There are several eco-friendly fashion labels in Zaragoza. These labels deal mostly with producing clothes using 'green' materials, while a few offer care and recycling services to old clothes. Some of the most prominent brands include:
- Chris B
- Zaragoza Blue
Recycling
The recycling sector of Zaragoza is quite effective. Paper and cardboard are collected and then carried to the corresponding treatment center. The waste collected selectively is sent to the corresponding SIG for being treated. Clothes and oil are collected and given to NGOs or social firms for being reused or recycled.
Waste
The waste management in Zaragoza is effective. In the last few years, the city has implemented a restructuring of its waste management and treatment, replacing the system of collection and deposit in dumps for global management. The Waste Collecting Service also has a side-loading system to increase the volume collected and the frequencies of collection.
Work and Study Abroad
The economy in Zaragoza is relatively good, and there are several job opportunities for foreigners. Locals are considered first for most jobs, but foreigners can get employed, especially if you have good qualifications. Some of the most popular jobs amongst foreigners include teaching and the hospitality sector. There are many primary and secondary schools in the city, and the main language of instruction is Spanish. There are three universities in the city, and they encourage and accept applications from international students.
Exchange Student
The University of Zaragoza participates in various exchange programs through the Vice-Rectorship for International Relations office. This office connects students interested in partner universities to go study there for various periods, usually 12 months.
Au Pair
An au pair is a young foreign person who helps with housework or childcare in exchange for food, a room, and pocket money. The concept of Au pairs is growing in popularity in Zaragoza. To be hired as an au pair, there are several requirements you need to meet, with the most important being age and the amount of time you intend to stay as most families want someone who will remain for at least a year.
Volunteering
Several voluntary organizations across Zaragoza are always open for volunteers. Some are open for short term and others for long term volunteers. You can look up volunteer opportunities in the city. The most popular volunteer organizations are those that deal with vulnerable children.