Things to Do in Zaragoza in November

November Weather in Zaragoza

15°C (59°F) High Temp

6°C (43°F) Low Temp

33 mm (1.3 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is November Right for You?

Advantages

Autumn leaves transform the Ebro riverbanks and Parque Grande into golden corridors - peak foliage occurs mid-November with temperatures perfect for 2-3 hour walking tours
Hotel rates drop 40-50% compared to summer peaks, with premium hotels near Plaza del Pilar averaging €80-120 versus €150-200 in high season
Indoor attractions like Aljafería Palace and Goya Museum have minimal crowds - you can spend 30-45 minutes in the Mudéjar throne room without tour groups
November marks the start of truffle season in Aragón - local restaurants feature seasonal menus with black truffle dishes at €25-40 per plate versus imported truffles year-round

Considerations

Daylight ends by 6:00 PM, limiting evening photography opportunities at Basilica del Pilar when the towers are best lit by natural sunset light
Morning fog along the Ebro River occurs 12-15 days in November, obscuring views from Puente de Piedra until 10:00-11:00 AM
Outdoor terrace dining season ends - the famous tapas crawl along Calle del Temple moves indoors with reduced capacity and longer waits

Best Activities in November

Basilica del Pilar and Historic Quarter Walking

November's cool temperatures make 3-4 hour walking explorations of the Casco Histórico comfortable without summer's heat exhaustion. Morning fog adds atmospheric drama to Plaza del Pilar photography, and you'll have the baroque interiors largely to yourself. The reduced crowds mean unobstructed views of Goya's frescoes in the Holy Chapel.

Booking Tip: Free-walking tours operate daily at 11:00 AM and 4:00 PM, typically €10-15 per person. Book audio guides at the basilica entrance for €3. Check current tour availability in the booking section below.

Aljafería Palace Mudéjar Architecture Tours

The palace's courtyards and halls are ideal for November visits - no summer heat reflecting off the marble floors, and the golden hour light (4:30-5:30 PM) streams perfectly through the horseshoe arches. Crowds are minimal, allowing proper appreciation of the intricate Islamic geometric patterns.

Booking Tip: Entry tickets €5, guided tours €8. Book 2-3 days ahead for English-language guided tours at 11:00 AM and 4:00 PM. Self-guided visits allow more flexibility with the changing November light conditions.

Ebro River Cycling and Autumn Foliage

The Ebro cycling path from Parque del Agua to Ranillas showcases peak autumn colors in November. The 12 km (7.5 mile) route is comfortable in cool temperatures, with riverside cafés open for warm breaks. Morning mist creates dramatic photo opportunities along the water.

Booking Tip: Bike rentals €12-18 per day from multiple city center locations. Electric bikes available for €20-25 daily. The dedicated cycle path is well-maintained and separate from traffic. No advance booking required for bike rentals.

Goya Museum and Art Quarter Exploration

November's reduced tourist numbers make the Museo Goya and nearby Museo Pablo Gargallo perfect for unhurried visits. The intimate galleries are comfortable in cool weather, and you can study Goya's etchings and paintings without crowds. Combine with visits to local art galleries in the Magdalena quarter.

Booking Tip: Museum entry €6, combined tickets for multiple museums €12. Open Tuesday-Sunday 10:00 AM-8:00 PM. Audio guides available in English for €3. Allow 2-3 hours for both major art venues.

Traditional Aragonese Cooking Classes

November marks the beginning of hearty Aragonese winter cuisine season. Learn to prepare migas, ternasco, and seasonal dishes using local ingredients like cardoon and black truffles. Indoor cooking classes are perfect for cool November days, and seasonal ingredients are at their peak.

Booking Tip: Half-day cooking classes typically €65-85 per person including meal and wine. Book 5-7 days ahead as class sizes are limited to 8-12 people. Many classes operate from restored traditional kitchens in the old quarter.

Monastery of Veruela Day Trips

Located 70 km (43 miles) from Zaragoza, this Cistercian monastery is surrounded by forests at peak autumn color in November. The 12th-century architecture combined with golden beech and oak trees creates spectacular photography opportunities. Cool temperatures make the 2 km (1.2 mile) monastery grounds walk pleasant.

Booking Tip: Entry €4, guided tours €7. Accessible by rental car (1-hour drive) or organized day tours €35-45 per person. Tours typically run Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday. Check current availability in booking section below.

November Events & Festivals

Mid to Late November

Semana de Cine de Zaragoza (Zaragoza Film Week)

Independent film festival featuring Spanish and international cinema across multiple venues in the historic quarter. Screenings, director talks, and cultural events provide perfect indoor entertainment during cool November evenings. Many films include English subtitles.

November 29th

San Saturnino Festival

November 29th patron saint celebration with traditional Aragonese music, dance, and food in Plaza San Felipe. Local vendors sell seasonal specialties including roasted chestnuts and churros con chocolate. Smaller and more authentic than summer festivals.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Layered clothing system - mornings start at 6°C (43°F) but afternoons reach 15°C (59°F), requiring easy adjustment throughout the day

Waterproof walking shoes - November brings 10 rainy days with wet cobblestones in the historic quarter becoming slippery

Compact umbrella - afternoon showers last 30-45 minutes and can be heavy, especially along the exposed Ebro riverfront

Light wool sweater or fleece - essential for evening tapas walks when temperatures drop quickly after sunset at 6:00 PM

Scarf and light gloves - morning fog combined with 70% humidity creates a chill factor, especially near the river

Camera rain cover - November's variable weather can change quickly, and historic architecture photos are best captured in natural light

Comfortable walking boots - expect 8,000-12,000 steps daily exploring the old quarter's uneven medieval streets

Portable phone charger - reduced daylight hours mean more reliance on phone flashlights and GPS navigation in narrow streets

Light day pack - perfect for carrying layers as you move between cool outdoor sites and warm interior attractions

SPF 30 sunscreen - UV index of 3 still requires protection during midday sightseeing, especially with reflection off Ebro River

Insider Knowledge

Visit Basilica del Pilar between 2:00-4:00 PM when afternoon light illuminates the dome frescoes naturally - most tourists come in morning when artificial lighting washes out Goya's details

Book restaurant reservations by 11:00 AM for same-day evening dining - November's cooler weather brings locals back to indoor restaurants, filling popular spots by 9:00 PM

The city's public bike system Bizi operates year-round but November requires the app download in advance - tourist SIM cards often have connectivity issues at docking stations

Local residents shop for winter clothes in November - visit El Corte Inglés or Calle Alfonso I for 30-50% discounts on quality Spanish leather goods and wool items before December tourist rush

Avoid These Mistakes

Assuming restaurants close early due to cool weather - Zaragoza's dining culture remains active until midnight, but terrace seating disappears so indoor reservations become essential

Overdressing for indoor attractions - many historic buildings including Aljafería Palace maintain 18-20°C (64-68°F) heating, making heavy coats uncomfortable during 2-3 hour visits

Planning outdoor photography after 5:30 PM - November's early sunset means golden hour ends by 5:45 PM, leaving insufficient light for quality architecture photos