Is Zaragoza Safe? Crime Rates & Safety Report

Updated On April 15, 2024
Zaragoza, Spain
Safety Index:
79
* Based on Research & Crime Data

Zaragoza is a province in the northern part of Spain.

Zaragoza is also one of the oldest cities in the country, with a rich history.

In fact, once upon a time, Zaragoza was the capital of the Kingdom of Aragon.

It’s also a town that is well known for having many culinary traditions and tasty pastries.

If you’re contemplating visiting Zaragoza, this guide will provide you with risk and safety information.

It will also inform you of areas you should avoid and areas that are welcoming to tourists.

This information will help you have an enjoyable experience while you’re here.

Warnings & Dangers in Zaragoza

Overall Risk

OVERALL RISK: LOW

Zaragoza is pretty safe for travelers, especially compared to other cities in the country such as Barcelona and Madrid. This means that tourists can feel safe while traveling without worrying about crime.

Transport & Taxis Risk

TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW

Whether you’re traveling alone or in a group, relying on public transportation in Zaragoza is generally safe. Trams and buses are monitored and patrolled on a regular basis. This means that crime rarely occurs in these areas. Tourists can also feel safe taking taxis in the city, as they are very reliable. However, you should only use taxis that are licensed and registered.

Pickpockets Risk

PICKPOCKETS RISK: LOW

Petty crimes, including pickpocketing and purse snatching, can occur in Zaragoza, but they're more common in crowded areas where tourists frequently visit. However, your chances of becoming a victim of pickpocketing are low compared to other cities that attract a lot of tourists. Either way, you should still remain vigilant during your visit.

Natural Disasters Risk

NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM

Zaragoza is known for having a lot of flooding resulting from heavy storms, including hurricanes. In fact, flooding is the most common natural disaster in Spain. Check the weather before you travel to Zaragoza. Flooding typically occurs in the warmer months.

Mugging Risk

MUGGING RISK: LOW

The risk of being mugged in Zaragoza is very low, there are only a few reports of muggings each year in Zaragoza.

Terrorism Risk

TERRORISM RISK: MEDIUM

There are no current travel advisories that advise against traveling to Spain. However, you should exercise increased caution since terrorist groups continue to plan possible attacks in the country. This means that terrorist attacks may occur with little to no warning. It’s a huge possibility for terrorists to target tourist locations.

Scams Risk

SCAMS RISK: MEDIUM

There are several scams that tourists should watch out for when traveling to Zaragoza. This is the only unfortunate part of traveling. Some common scams to look out for include taxi overcharging, picture scams, guessing game scams, and friendly bar friend scams.

Women Travelers Risk

WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW

Women traveling alone or in groups can feel safe while visiting Zaragoza. The city offers plenty of security and safety for women visiting. Overall, the town has a low crime rate and is also patrolled frequently by law enforcement.

Tap Water Risk

TAP WATER RISK: LOW

The tap water in Zaragoza is also very safe for tourists to consume. The water supply is frequently monitored to ensure it meets the highest standards. Tourists can safely drink tap water without worrying about any adverse effects.

Safest Places to Visit in Zaragoza

Here are some of the top attractions in Zaragoza that are worth visiting during your stay:

  • The Basilica Del Pilar: This attraction is located right along River Ebro. It is a baroque-style church and allows visitors to climb to the top of the building to take in a breathtaking view of the city.
  • Zaragoza Cathedral: This is yet another infamous landmark for tourists to visit. It is filled with amazing carvings and artwork.
  • La Lonja: Located right in the center of the city is La Longa. It is currently home to various events and exhibitions.
  • The Roman Theater: This is a building that dates back to the 1st century BC. It’s a great way for tourists to learn about the town’s ancient history.

Some of the best neighborhoods to consider visiting or staying in are:

  • El Casco Antiguo
  • Delicias
  • La Almozara
  • El Gancho
  • La Romareda

The neighborhood that has been rated as the best area to stay in Zaragoza is Old Town.

It’s an area that is full of history and cultural attractions.

It’s home to La Seo Cathedral and the Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar.

Visitors who stay in Old Town can take advantage of cafés, local shops, and plenty of restaurants.

There are also plenty of five-star hotels in the area.

The top hotels in Zaragoza include:

  • Hotel Palafox
  • Hotel Alfonso
  • NH Collection Gran Hotel Zaragoza
  • Hotel Sauce
  • Hotel Boston

Places to Avoid in Zaragoza

Zaragoza, just like any other city, has certain neighborhoods of concern.

Zaragoza has had its fair share of incidents in the past.

But, even still, this should never deter tourists from visiting and exploring Zaragoza.

Overall, the town is a safe environment for visitors.

Yet, there are still certain areas that have higher crime rates and are not as safe.

One of those areas is known as Delicias.

This neighborhood has experienced petty crime, including theft, in the past.

If you plan on visiting this area, it is advised to exercise caution.

Other areas where you should exercise additional caution include San Pablo and Plaza Magdalena.

If you happen to be alone on these nights, practice more vigilance.

Safety Tips for Traveling to Zaragoza

Here are 10 ways you can stay safe while exploring Zaragoza:

  1. Look out for pickpocketers. Pickpocketing isn’t as common in Zaragoza as it is in neighboring towns, but it can still occur. Watch out for pickpocketing in areas where tourists frequently visit, such as public transportation and markets.
  2. Only use registered taxis. Taxis, for the most part, are reliable and safe in Zaragoza. However, you should only use taxis that are licensed and registered to avoid situations that are unsafe. Check for a green light on the roof of the taxi to confirm they are licensed.
  3. Be aware of your surroundings. No matter where you are, you should always be aware of your surroundings. Always stay alert while exploring even the quieter areas. You should stay away from isolated and dark areas as well.
  4. Watch your drinks. If you’re going to be going out for drinks, always keep an eye on it. Never leave your drinks unattended. You should also never accept drinks from people you don’t know.
  5. Respect local laws. Zaragoza is known as a diverse city. Tourists should always respect local laws to avoid trouble. So, what does this mean for you? When visiting conservative or religious locations, you should dress modestly. Follow laws with regard to smoking bans and avoid showing affection in public.
  6. Secure your hotel room. Never leave your valuables out in plain sight in your hotel room. Thieves are known to target hotel rooms. Keep your valuables locked in a safe.
  7. Blend in. Try to blend in while visiting Zaragoza. Looking and acting like a tourist is a sure way to become a victim of a crime.
  8. Watch out for scams. Scams are real, especially those targeting tourists. Be on the lookout for friendly bystanders and bogus police officers. They may ask to see your ID and then attempt to steal it. Real police officers won’t do that.
  9. Avoid walking alone at night. If you are traveling alone, avoid walking by yourself at night, especially in poorly lit areas. If you are going to be traveling in a group, always be sure that you stick close together.
  10. Research the areas. Before you visit Zaragoza, it’s important to research all the areas you plan on visiting. This will help you become familiar with different locations and help you steer clear of certain places.

So... How Safe Is Zaragoza Really?

Overall, Zaragoza is one of the safest cities to explore in Spain.

The overall crime score in Zaragoza is 13.89, which is considered very low.

Zaragoza also rated 91 for being very safe to walk alone during the day and 72 for being safe to walk alone at night.

Crime is nearly non-existent.

Petty crimes do occur, but they are mainly those such as pickpocketing and purse snatching.

These types of crimes occur more in areas where tourists visit, including public transportation.

It is highly unlikely that you’ll become the victim of a violent attack in Zaragoza.

And even though crime rates in Zaragoza are low, you should still exercise precaution, as there are still certain areas that are considered problematic.

In regard to terrorism, Zaragoza is at a slight risk of an attack.

The government recommends that travelers exercise a high degree of caution when traveling from the U.S. to Spain.

Moreover, Zaragoza is safe at night.

The city is busy and populated.

It is perfectly safe to enjoy yourself at night.

Public transit is also safe in the city for tourists.

There’s usually a good number of people around throughout the day, which makes it feel even safer.

Travelers do not have to worry about experiencing street harassment in Zaragoza since these types of incidents are not too common compared to other cities.

But it’s still sensible to remain aware of your surroundings and make reasonable choices.

How Does Zaragoza Compare?

CitySafety Index
Zaragoza79
Andorra la Vella89
Madrid68
Barcelona67
Valencia69
Seville71
Bilbao52
Vienna (Austria)88
Hong Kong (China)70
Manama (Bahrain)54
Tianjin (China)67
Brussels (Belgium)60
Shanghai (China)66

Useful Information

Visas

Visas

U.S. citizens may stay in Zaragoza, Spain, for up to 90 days without a visa. Your passport should also remain valid for at least three months beyond this time frame. You can obtain an application for a visa and apply through the U.S. Embassy & Consulate in Spain. For those 18 and over, the charge is $66. For children between the ages of 12 and 17, the charge is $33. Children 11 and under are exempt.

Currency

Currency

The euro is the official currency of Spain. To exchange currency, you can easily withdraw cash at an ATM or in various shopping centers. You can also visit a local bank or bureau de change. If you are going to be paying with a major credit card, you won’t need to exchange currency.

Weather

Weather

Summers in Zaragoza are mainly clear and hot. Temperatures can reach 91 degrees Fahrenheit during this time. During the winter, count on cold and windy conditions. The average temperature during this year is 37 degrees Fahrenheit. Depending on the time of the year you are going to be visiting Zaragoza, the type of clothing you pack will vary.

Airports

Airports

The closest airport to Zaragoza is ZAZ (Zaragoza). There’s also a bus that transports passengers to and from the airport. This is about a 17-minute trip and costs $5. Other nearby airports are Pau which is an 8-hour drive from Zaragoza and San Sebastian, which is a 5-hour drive from the city. Reus airport is another option and is nearly 3 hours from Zaragoza.

Travel Insurance

Travel Insurance

Consider purchasing a travel insurance policy if you are traveling to Zaragoza. Travel insurance will cover lost luggage, sickness or injury, last-minute cancellations, and much more. It’s always better to be safe than sorry.

Click here to get an offer for travel insurance

Zaragoza Weather Averages (Temperatures)

Jan 7° C
Feb 8° C
Mar 11° C
Apr 14° C
May 18° C
Jun 22° C
Jul 25° C
Aug 25° C
Sep 21° C
Oct 16° C
Nov 11° C
Dec 7° C
Choose Temperature Unit

Average High/Low Temperature

Temperature / MonthJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High
°C
111317202429323227211511
Low
°C
335811151818151163
High
°F
525563687584909081705952
Low
°F
373741465259646459524337

Spain - Safety by City

CitySafety Index
Alicante77
Andorra la Vella89
Barcelona67
Bilbao52
Cadiz74
Canary Islands81
Granada58
Ibiza82
Las Palmas74
Madrid68
Malaga76
Murcia83
Palma de Mallorca57
Pamplona81
Salamanca59
San Sebastian56
Seville71
Valencia69
Zaragoza79

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