18 Plazas and Terraces in Zaragoza To Go for a Tardeo

Maria DiCicco
Jun 10
5 min read

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What is a Tardeo in Spain?

The concept of a tardeo, at least by name, is fairly new to me despite living part-time in Zaragoza since 2021. I'd been doing this all along without ever realizing it has a name.

Of course it has a name though, all Spanish meal times and snack times have a formal, official name for imbibing heavily throughout the day. From merienda (elevensies to the Shire) and almuerzo (a later occurring luncheon), then comes the tardeo.

The tardeo in Spain is essentially an extension of the long lingering lunch that can often last for hours, carrying the good times to the city plazas, squares and terraces for more drinking, without the late night romp.

Frankly, I love this about Spain. I often seek the bed sheets by 10 in Spain if I can, and the tardeo is a perfect excuse to skip the often deadly siesta nap. When I have my siesta nap after long lunches, I often feel WORSE than when I laid down, completely dogged by the food and drink of it all. So what do we do? We simply continue the party!

Here's a round up of some open air plazas, terraces and squares to enjoy tardeo in Zaragoza. Be sure to download and print my Tapas Crawl Bingo before you get going! Salud!

Plaza España

The heartbeat of the Historic Center, Plaza España has a number of terraces for having a tardeo drink. Get a plate of pulpo to enhance the experience!

Weather not great? Go indoors to the food court in Puerto Cinegia just behind the restaurants for a drink and some grub or enjoy a game on the big screen. Caesar Augustus himself will be joining you.

Plaza Santa Marta

In my backyard essentially, Plaza Santa Marta is a hidden gem of tapas bars within the city, with great outdoor spaces in the shade. Casa Domino offers the best of the bunch - be sure to try their cheeses and sobreasada.

Plaza de Nuestra Señora del Pilar

Just about everything centers around this plaza, but be aware - the food along the plaza sucks. Don't eat at any of these places.

Instead, grab a drink or do what we like to do - set up shop at Dino's (Gelati Dino) for table service ice cream and drinks.

Plaza de San Francisco

Popular for many reasons, Plaza San Francisco is right on the light rail, and it offers a playground adjacent to many bars. YES! Kids play, mom and dad have a drink. It's pretty great.

Drinks Along the Gran Via

Drinks are also popular all over the Gran Via. When you see a local watering hole that looks busy, go ahead and pop a squat for a drink.

City Parks

Practically any park in town has a bar. Go to Parque Grande for a fun day out. We like having drinks on the terrace at La Tagliatella in the park.

Plaza de Los Sitios

This is the higher end hub of Zaragoza. There's a playground and a pretty park, and several bars overlooking it.

Plaza de San Felipe

This plaza has several options for outside appetizing, including Montal and Do ña Hipolita. Montal offers upscale charcuterie plates and cheese flowers, or simple local specialties like migas, while Doña Hipolita is a citywide franchise for smoothies and breakfasty items.

Plaza de Sas Santiago

La Migueria sits adjacent to Plaza de Sas Santiago, which is super fun for varied migas plates, or you can sit in at Chocolatería Valor Zaragoza for some churros con chocolate and a heaping helping of Bailey's to pair with it. For the record, this is not the best place for churros in the city and they often don't have fresh ones on hand. Instead go to Churreria La Fama or Churrisimo!

But, you can't beat a drink in a good location so sit in this plaza next to Calle Alfonso, great for watching pedestrians and passerbys.

Calle Alfonso: Cafe 1885

We always enjoy a high end gin and tonic at Cafe 1885, which is in fact where I had my very first ever gin and tonic many moons ago. It's a charmingly cute spot for indoor or outdoor beverages at any time of day, but if you snag an outside table you'll really enjoy the people watching and occasional buskers on the opposite corner at night.

Plaza de Ariño

This plaza sits alongside the popular artery of Don Jaime, boasting La Bouganvilla as its primary outside terrace. Mostly for meals, you can also go for a drink and some raciones if you wish. It's a very inviting patio in the right weather!

Optionally, grab some candy or snacks from El Rincon and people watch a long the ledge.

Across the River at Le Pastis

This outdoor terrace is perfect. It's chill, it's slow-paced, and it's on the river. Enjoy some yummy tapas and just relax. Enjoy the sunset walk back across the pedestrian bridge.

Plaza Sinues Urbiola

This plaza sits in front of the modern Teatro Principal, with the underrated La Terraza del Teatro at its core serving up tardeo drinks and morning pastries.

El Tubo: El Patio del Plata

This courtyard alcove is lit up with colorful party lights and has a festive atmosphere all the time. Enjoy sitting under the shade of trees and try some of their cocktails.

Plaza La Seo

There's nowhere to properly sit for a long drink, but this is a perfect one to relax and chat by the fountain in front of the Roman Forum. At night, the sunset is gorgeous and the square is lively with kids chasing pigeons or playing near the fountain.

Plaza San Pedro Nolasco

This quiet, shaded square is in front of the Teatro Romano. Sit outside GastroNolasco for some incredible vegetable-forward tapas!

Plaza Nstra. Sra. del Carmen and Calle de Cadiz

Sit down at El Chipre for a goblet of gin and tonic before some pizza to soak it all up around the corner at Pasta Nostra, which opens at 8:30pm.

Or, follow the path of Calle de Cadiz, also just around the corner, for multiple options for outside drinks and tapas.

Restaurante Bambola

Over by the aquarium, pair your morning visit with lunch at Bambola. Request their outside tables, which overlook a sizeable playground - perfect for kids to enjoy while mom and dad have one of their many rice dishes on offer.

Before You Go

Enjoy your tardeo with a fun tapas crawl bingo game for you and your friends! I created the perfect companion for your next night out in Spain, simply download the PDF and check off the tapas and drinks as they are enjoyed!