A Travel Price Comparison for Spain Cadiz vs. Zaragoza for Attractions, Food, Old Town, and Couples

Should you visit Cadiz or Zaragoza?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Cadiz and Zaragoza can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Cadiz

Cadiz is a friendly, undiscovered, and historic port city. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and shopping.

Zaragoza

Zaragoza is a cultural, historical, and compact city. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

Cadiz and Zaragoza: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cadiz or Zaragoza?

You'll generally find more things to do in Zaragoza than Cadiz. Zaragoza is bigger than Cadiz, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Zaragoza is better known for its museums, food, and impressive beauty, while Cadiz is more popular for its beaches. Zaragoza is more touristy than Cadiz and is known for its grand landmarks, local cuisine, and rich cultural scene. Also, Zaragoza is famous for the Basilica of Our Lady of Pilar. Cadiz is well known for its long-running maritime history and its charming old town.

How is Cadiz different from Zaragoza?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Zaragoza and Cadiz. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Cadiz or Zaragoza?

Zaragoza is a well-known place for its sights and museums. Also, Cadiz is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for its museums and history.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Zaragoza. For such a small city, it really has a large number of cultural and historical attractions. The Basilica of Our Lady of Pilar is the most recognizable sight, but there's also the Museum of the Roman Forum of Caesaraugusta, the cathedral of Zaragoza, and the Aljafería Palace, among others.

Cadiz offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. As the oldest city in Europe, there are countless historic sights and monuments to see. Some of the most interesting historic sights include Catedral Nueva, the Arcos de los Blancos, Torre Tavira, and Museo de Cádiz.

Is the Food Better in Cadiz or Zaragoza? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Zaragoza is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Cadiz is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for its restaurants.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Zaragoza makes for a great culinary experience. There are authentic restaurants that cater to locals and tourists alike. You'll also find some interesting food tours around town. Tapas are popular, as is chocolate and fresh, traditional recipes.

Cadiz has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. The restaurants are good, but if you don't have reservations you're out of luck. Many restaurants fill up during the peak summer months. If you do have reservations then you can expect fresh seafood including everything from oysters to prawns and even fresh caught fish like Bluefin tuna. Make sure you try the shrimp fritters and papas con choco (cuttlefish and potato stew). Tapas are a great way to sample a number of small local dishes. Also finish your meal off with some churros.

Is Cadiz or Zaragoza Better for Nightlife?

Both Cadiz and Zaragoza are notable when it comes to partying.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Cadiz. The nightlife scene is diverse, with both cultural activities and dance clubs to choose from. Whether you're looking for a late night party or a more mellow evening on the town, there are a number of options available.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Zaragoza. The nightlife is at its best on weekends, when students and young locals head out on the town. Many evenings start with tapas and wine, but there are nightclubs and dancing as well.

Is Cadiz or Zaragoza Better for Beaches?

Cadiz is a moderate port city for the beach. However, Zaragoza is not a beach destination.

The beach in Cadiz is worth checking out. The beaches remain relatively undiscovered on the international level, so you won't have to deal with the crowds that you find at many Spanish beaches. They are urban beaches that make a good place to cool off, but aren't particularly scenic. The beaches are popular with nearby locals, and the atmosphere remains chill and relaxed. While there are many beaches to choose from outside of town, the closest in town beach is La Caleta. It's even been featured in a few Hollywood films such as Die Another Day.

Zaragoza is not a beach destination.

Is Cadiz or Zaragoza Better for its Old Town?

Both Cadiz and Zaragoza have high quality historic old towns worth visiting.

Cadiz is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. The old town offers a patchwork network of cobblestone streets that intertwine plazas, churches, and historic buildings.

There are many historical things to see in the old town of Zaragoza. The old town is small but filled with monumental buildings and an authentic atmosphere.

Is the Shopping Better in Cadiz or Zaragoza?

Both Cadiz and Zaragoza are high quality shopping destinations.

Cadiz is an extremely popular place for shoppers. There's a diverse mix of local boutiques, food markets, shopping centers, and street markets where you can pick up everything from local items to European fashion. If you happen to be in town on a weekend, keep in mind that many shops are only open in the morning on Saturdays and closed all day Sundays.

Zaragoza is well-known for its shopping. The city has many local shops selling locally produced items and interesting souvenirs. There are also boutiques, markets, and vintage shops that are fun to browse though.

Is Cadiz or Zaragoza Better for Families?

Both Cadiz and Zaragoza are notable to visit with kids.

Cadiz is a family-friendly place to visit. The city has beaches where everyone can splash around, as well as some parks and playgrounds where kids can get their energy out. Outside of town you'll find waterparks and other fun activities as well.

Zaragoza is a family-friendly port city. When your kids get their fill of architecture and history, you can head to the Zaragoza Aquarium. Also worth a visit is the Emoz Museum, which is an origami museum. And if you need a break from sightseeing, take a kayak out on the Ebro River.

Is Cadiz or Zaragoza Better for Couples?

Zaragoza is a well-known place for romance. Also, Cadiz is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for its romantic activities.

Zaragoza is a very popular place to visit for couples. Filled with culture, beauty, and monumental buildings, this is a small and romantic city. It's particularly romantic at night when the streets are quiet and many of the buildings are lit up.

Cadiz makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. With its history and beaches, there are many romantic activities that couples can enjoy. Wander around old town and enjoy local cuisine. Visit the historic ruins and take a hike outside of the city.

Is Cadiz or Zaragoza Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Cadiz and Zaragoza are notable destinations for backpackers.

Cadiz is a good port city to visit for backpackers. One of the biggest draws to the city is there huge Carnival festival every February. This is a popular time to visit and backpackers will appreciate the lively atmosphere.

Plenty of backpackers visit Zaragoza. There are enough hostels around town to choose from, and while it's not the backpacker haven that some Spanish cities are, it still sees a good number of young travelers.

Is Cadiz or Zaragoza Better for Students?

Zaragoza is a city with good options for students. However, Cadiz is not popular with students.

Zaragoza is a good city to visit for students. International students enjoy this small city because it has a local vibe where they can practice their Spanish and enjoy an authentic experience.

Cadiz is not popular with students.

Is Cadiz or Zaragoza Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Zaragoza is a well-known place for its public transit. Also, Cadiz is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit in Zaragoza is fairly effecient and thorough. There are buses and trams around the city.

Cadiz has some public transit options. There are five bus lines around town. The buses are comfortable and air conditioned.

Is Cadiz or Zaragoza a more walkable city?

Cadiz and Zaragoza both are high quality when exploring on foot.

Cadiz is very walkable. It is a walkable city that is historic and compact enough to explore on foot. It can be a bit of a walk to get from the old town to the beach though.

Zaragoza is a very walkable port city. The city center is very walkable.

For even more information, also check out Is Cadiz Worth Visiting? and Is Zaragoza Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Zaragoza or Cadiz?

How long in Cadiz or Zaragoza?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Cadiz and Zaragoza. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Zaragoza than in Cadiz. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Cadiz, and 1-3 days is enough time in Zaragoza.

Families should spend more time in Zaragoza than Cadiz. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Zaragoza, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Zaragoza than Cadiz. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Zaragoza that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Zaragoza than Cadiz if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Zaragoza.

One day in Cadiz or Zaragoza?

The port city of Cadiz offers food and shopping. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

In Zaragoza, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this authentic destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

A weekend in Cadiz or Zaragoza?

Cadiz is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this port city makes for a great vacation. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Cadiz, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Zaragoza. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Cadiz or Zaragoza?

Cadiz is a popular choice for travelers. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Zaragoza is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Zaragoza. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Cadiz or Zaragoza?

Cadiz is a great place to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This port city offers something for everyone.

You'll find food and shopping around the compact destination of Zaragoza. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Contiki Tours to Spain, The Best G Adventures Tours to Spain, The Best 3-Day Tours from Madrid, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Madrid.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Cadiz and Zaragoza, we can see that Cadiz is more expensive. And not only is Zaragoza much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Zaragoza would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Zaragoza and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Cadiz would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Cadiz than you might in Zaragoza.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Cadiz Expensive? and Is Zaragoza Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Cadiz or Zaragoza?

Zaragoza has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Cadiz. When comparing the sizes of Cadiz and Zaragoza, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.

When is the best time to visit Cadiz or Zaragoza?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Cadiz or Zaragoza in the Summer?

Both Zaragoza and Cadiz are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Cadiz for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Zaragoza because of the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Cadiz is generally around the same temperature as Zaragoza. Daily temperatures in Cadiz average around 25°C (77°F), and Zaragoza fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).

It's quite sunny in Zaragoza. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Cadiz. Cadiz usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Zaragoza during summer. Cadiz gets 356 hours of sunny skies, while Zaragoza receives 344 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Cadiz usually receives less rain than Zaragoza. Cadiz gets 0 mm (0 in) of rain, while Zaragoza receives 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Cadiz or Zaragoza in the Autumn?

Both Zaragoza and Cadiz during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Cadiz because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Zaragoza this time of year.

Cadiz is a little warmer than Zaragoza in the autumn. The daily temperature in Cadiz averages around 20°C (68°F) in October, and Zaragoza fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

It's quite sunny in Cadiz. In the autumn, Cadiz often gets more sunshine than Zaragoza. Cadiz gets 235 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zaragoza receives 196 hours of full sun.

Cadiz usually gets more rain in October than Zaragoza. Cadiz gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Zaragoza receives 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cadiz or Zaragoza in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Cadiz and Zaragoza. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Cadiz this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Zaragoza for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Cadiz is much warmer than Zaragoza. Typically, the winter temperatures in Cadiz in January average around 13°C (55°F), and Zaragoza averages at about 8°C (46°F).

Cadiz usually receives more sunshine than Zaragoza during winter. Cadiz gets 174 hours of sunny skies, while Zaragoza receives 131 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Cadiz usually receives more rain than Zaragoza. Cadiz gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Zaragoza receives 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Cadiz or Zaragoza in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Cadiz as well as Zaragoza. Many travelers come to Cadiz for the beaches and the natural beauty. Additionally, many visitors come to Zaragoza in the spring for the natural beauty.

In April, Cadiz is generally a little warmer than Zaragoza. Daily temperatures in Cadiz average around 17°C (63°F), and Zaragoza fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Zaragoza. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Cadiz this time of the year. In the spring, Cadiz often gets more sunshine than Zaragoza. Cadiz gets 253 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zaragoza receives 217 hours of full sun.

Cadiz usually gets more rain in April than Zaragoza. Cadiz gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Zaragoza receives 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Zaragoza and Cadiz