5-Day Spain road trip from Zaragoza to Tarragona and Barcelona

Welcome to Zaragoza, the perfect starting point for your road trip in Spain! Pick up your rental car and let the adventure begin. You will spend 1 night immersing yourself in Zaragoza's charm before embarking on the next leg of your journey.

Zaragoza is a beautiful city with plenty to discover. Soak in the lovely atmosphere and sit down for a bit to eat or drink.

As afternoon approaches, head to your chosen hotel in Zaragoza. Check-in typically starts around 2 to 4 PM at hotels in Spain. We recommend staying at a hotel in a central location for easy access to the best attractions, restaurants, and bars in the city.

As dinnertime approaches, it's time to head out for a bite to eat in Zaragoza. If you are looking to dine at a popular restaurant in the city, it's often a good idea to reserve a table in advance.

Enjoy an outstanding dining experience at Gente Rara. Holding an impressive 1 Michelin-star rating and a remarkable menu, Gente Rara consistently impresses both foreign and local guests, earning praise for its exceptional creative and contemporary cuisine.

Another renowned restaurant is Cancook, one of the best Bib Gourmand 1-star Michelin fine dining venues in Zaragoza. Take your pick from the creative menu, where each dish is a masterpiece meticulously crafted to delight your senses.

Prepare yourself for an unforgettable dining experience at La Prensa in Zaragoza. With its prestigious 1-Michelin star rating, the menu is crafted to delight your palate and take you on a culinary journey. This acclaimed restaurant serves contemporary dishes that have garnered numerous reviews from satisfied guests.

If you’re up for getting a drink after dinner, Meli Del Tubo is a great place to go. Around 2,986 customers have rated this popular bar an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars.

Rock & Blues Cafe has an atmosphere and drink selection that guests especially enjoy. Rock & Blues Cafe has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 2,922 reviews and is considered one of the best you can experience in the city.

Another top-rated alternative for a celebratory drink is La Flor de Lis. If this is where the night will take you, you’re in for a fun time in Zaragoza. This bar has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 2,460 customers.

Raise a toast to the start of your 5-day road trip in Spain!

On day 2 of your exciting self-drive vacation in Spain, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 2 destinations, Zaragoza and Tarragona. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your selected hotel in Tarragona, where you’ll be staying for 1 night.

Start your sightseeing with a visit to Puerta del Carmen. This city gate is a popular stop on travelers’ itineraries in Zaragoza, with an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 6,734 visitors.

CaixaForum Zaragoza is another popular place of interest you can visit today. The average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 5,566 reviews gives you an idea of other visitors’ experience at this attraction.

If it’s still bright and early, make your way to José Antonio Labordeta Grand Park. Visitors have rated this park an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 19,535 reviews.

Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar is another unique site you can experience today. This attraction is a co-cathedral rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars in 34,215 reviews.

Make your way to the fantastic Parque del Agua Zaragoza (Water Park), perhaps the most famous park in Zaragoza. This attraction is rated 4.5 out of 5 stars by 5,110 travelers.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop. Tarragona, home to many well-known sights in the region, is a lovely destination on today’s itinerary. Keep in mind that your travel time from Zaragoza to Tarragona may take around 2 hours 31 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

At the end of the day, you will drive to Tarragona, where you'll have a room waiting for you at the perfect place to stay. Check in and enjoy some downtime.

As dinnertime approaches, it's time to head out for a bite to eat in Tarragona. If you are looking to dine at a popular restaurant in the city, it's often a good idea to reserve a table in advance.

Make sure to book a table at La Xarxa, a luxury dining venue in Tarragona. This local gem’s delectable modern and rice dishes cuisine is sure to leave a lasting impression. La Xarxa is highly regarded in the culinary world and boasts an impressive track record of satisfied customers.

Make a reservation at Restaurant Casa Balcells while immersing yourself in Tarragona. This distinguished restaurant offers imaginative dishes, with a remarkable rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,900 guests.

Discover the culinary treasures of AQ, a beloved dining establishment within Tarragona. Its exquisite menu promises to tantalize your taste buds and transport you to culinary bliss. Renowned for its exceptional service, it has earned a 4.6 out of 5-star rating from 1,289 satisfied customers.

CReeA is an excellent example. This bar is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 605 customers.

You can also enjoy drinks at a popular bar that locals recommend, like El Galliner de l'Antiquari. This bar has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 799 customers.

Ol’ Dirty Burgers La Cantonada is another of the best bars in the city of Tarragona that serves various drinks. This bar is rated an average of 4.2 out of 5 stars by 1,311 customers.

As the sun sets on another day of adventure, rest up and recharge for the next leg of your road trip in Spain.

Experience an unparalleled adventure on day 3 of your road trip in Spain. This exciting part of your journey invites you to discover the renowned landmarks in 4 vibrant destinations - Tarragona, Sant Cugat del Vallès, Sabadell, and Barcelona. After a day filled with exploration and new experiences, you will retreat to the hotel of your choice in Barcelona. You will spend 1 night here for some well-deserved relaxation.

When you’re ready for some sightseeing, make your way to Roman circus of Tárraco. This much-appreciated chogang elementary school is rated 4.5 out of 5 stars in 7,761 reviews.

Next up is Balcó del Mediterrani. This scenic viewpoint has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 16,291 visitors.

Another top sightseeing recommendation is Tarragona Amphitheatre. This roman amphitheatre has been rated 4.5 out of 5 stars in 15,655 reviews.

After soaking in Tarragona’s unique atmosphere, jump into the car with a full heart and drive in the direction of your next destination: Sant Cugat del Vallès. Expect your car journey to take a minimum of 1 hour 13 min. When you arrive in Sant Cugat del Vallès, it's time to take a break from the road.

After soaking in Sant Cugat del Vallès’s unique atmosphere, jump into the car with a full heart and drive in the direction of your next destination: Sabadell. Expect your car journey to take a minimum of 24 min. When you arrive in Sabadell, it's time to take a break from the road.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to Barcelona, where you'll have a hotel waiting for you. Check in and spend some time relaxing before you head out to explore the city.

After a day of adventure, treat yourself to an exquisite dinner at one of Barcelona's best restaurants.

Lasarte is the Bib Gourmand restaurant to visit if you’re craving culinary excellence. This 3-star Michelin restaurant has a diverse and enticing menu selection, which includes its delicious and signature creative meals.

Elevate your dining experience at a 3-star Michelin restaurant in Barcelona, ABaC. At this Bib Gourmand awardee, savor a combination of exceptional flavors with a memorable dining experience. This renowned restaurant’s meal selection includes its signature creative dishes, which are sure to tickle your taste buds.

Another culinary gem in Barcelona you shouldn’t miss is Cocina Hermanos Torres. Enjoy a menu that has earned it a prestigious 3-star Michelin rating. Delivering a food experience like no other, this Bib Gourmand restaurant’s creative menu and exceptional service make it a must-visit destination for those seeking exceptional dining in the area.

Hemingway Gin & Cocktail Bar is one of the best bars in Barcelona and the perfect place for an after-dinner drink. This bar has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 893 customers.

You may also want to check out La Whiskeria - Whisky & Cocktail Bar. Equally popular, this bar offers a great drink list and a nice atmosphere for your celebrations. La Whiskeria - Whisky & Cocktail Bar is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 743 customers.

Alternatively, head out to Cerveseria Catalana. Cerveseria Catalana has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 14,751 customers and is a top choice among travelers as well as locals.

Raise your glass to another unforgettable day in Spain!

On day 4 of your road trip in Spain, you will get a true taste of the freedom a self-drive vacation in Europe entails. Today’s travel plans include stops at the most scenic, wondrous, and interesting places in Barcelona, Manresa, and Zaragoza. In the evening, you’ll end up in Zaragoza, where you will stay for 1 night.

Journey into the unknown at Cathedral of the Holy Cross and Saint Eulalia, a unique attraction awaiting your visit. This remarkable catholic cathedral has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 62,263 reviews.

When you’re ready to continue your sightseeing, Plaça de Catalunya is a recommended place to visit. This square is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 175,036 reviews.

Another must-see attraction in Barcelona is Sagrada Família. This spectacular minor basilica gets over 4,527,427 visitors every year. Rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 226,955 travelers, this popular tourist destination in Barcelona offers an experience you will remember.

When you’ve had your share of Barcelona, prepare for your next destination. Admire the views and listen to some good music as you drive in the direction of Manresa. Your travel time is around 49 min.

When you’re ready to jump back into the car and say goodbye to Manresa, you’ll hit the road in the direction of Zaragoza. This drive usually takes around 2 hours 37 min. When you arrive, enjoy some sightseeing.

After soaking up all the sights of today's itinerary, you'll be ready to hit the road in the direction of Zaragoza. Zaragoza offers plenty of top-rated hotels and other places to stay on any travel budget. Check in at the hotel of your choice and take some time to relax before you head out to explore.

Indulge in a memorable dining experience at one of Zaragoza's most popular restaurants, and connect with friendly locals for an authentic adventure.

Plan ahead and secure a table at El Fuelle, an acclaimed dining establishment in Zaragoza. This restaurant and its exquisite cuisine have earned the admiration of diners far and wide. Its commitment to culinary excellence shines through its 4.3 out of 5-star rating from 3,804 satisfied guests.

Do not overlook the culinary excellence of Bar Cervino while experiencing the best of Zaragoza. This renowned restaurant presents a refined menu, distinguished with an exceptional rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars, celebrated by 1,983 discerning diners.

Indulge in the rich flavors of Restaurante La Rinconada de Lorenzo | Zaragoza, an elegant culinary destination in Zaragoza. A menu crafted to perfection guarantees a dining experience that will satisfy even the most discerning palate. Its stellar reputation is reflected in its 4.5 out of 5-star rating from 1,936 previous guests.

After your meal, we recommend you get a drink at one of the best bars in Zaragoza, Restaurante Palomeque. This bar is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,397 customers.

Travelers and locals alike also recommend Be A Legend Bar. This bar has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 683 customers.

Bula del Tubo is another popular place for a drink, considered one of the best in the city. This bar has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 711 customers.

As the day draws to a close, take a moment to unwind and prepare for the next exciting chapter of your road trip in in Spain.

Day 5 of your road trip in Spain is your departure day. This is your chance to catch a last glimpse of Zaragoza before saying goodbye to this wonderful destination. If you've still got time left, we recommend doing some last-minute shopping or sightseeing.

As your final day in Spain unfolds, don’t miss the chance for a last-minute shopping spree in Zaragoza’s shopping district. Your accommodation’s convenient location near the city’s shopping area offers the luxury of time, so you don’t have to limit yourself from leisurely strolling its streets amidst a collection of establishments.

Look for the perfect gift for your loved ones back home, or buy yourself a little keepsake to remind you of Spain.

Before you conclude your road trip in Spain, drop by another restaurant for a last chance at a memorable dining experience in Zaragoza.

You’ll then say farewell to Zaragoza. Drive to the airport, return your car, and take the opportunity to get some last-minute souvenirs before you board your flight home. We wish you a pleasant journey and hope you leave with many wonderful memories of your road trip in Spain!