Things To Do
in Pamplona
Pamplona is the capital of Navarra in northern Spain, perched on the Arga River amid rolling green hills. The city blends a well-preserved medieval Old Town with a lively student atmosphere and rich Basque-Navarrese cuisine. It is best known for the San Fermín festival and the running of the bulls, yet it offers museums, green spaces, and scenic viewpoints all year.
Wandering the narrow streets reveals historic walls, inviting plazas, and a thriving pintxos scene.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
You wander through the labyrinth of cobblestone streets in the historic Old Town, feeling centuries of history underfoot. The scent of freshly baked churros drifts from a nearby churrería, tempting you to stop for a sweet breakfast. Sunlight filters through wrought iron balconies as lively locals greet you in each hidden plaza.
You visit the majestic Pamplona Cathedral and admire its Gothic and Baroque features while sunlight dances on stained glass. A leisurely lunch at a terrace café on Plaza del Castillo lets you sample pintxos with local cider. Street musicians fill the air with jaunty tunes as you watch life unfold around the square.
As twilight falls, you embark on a tapas crawl through narrow alleys, savoring jamón ibérico and grilled txistorra. Locals spill into buzzing bars, raising glasses of chilled rosado in welcoming toasts. The soft glow of lanterns and distant laughter creates a warm, communal atmosphere that captures the spirit of Pamplona at night.
You join a guided tour of the iconic bullring, where the scent of polished wood and dust lingers underfoot. A seasoned local guide recounts the adrenaline-filled history of the Running of the Bulls, pointing out key archways and gates. You can almost hear the thunderous hooves echoing through the corridors as you stand in the very arena itself.
At the Bullfighting Museum, you explore vintage posters and centuries-old capes that tell tales of bravery and controversy. Interactive displays allow you to relive famous runs through the winding Calle Estafeta. Between exhibits, you sample chocolate churros at the museum café, feeling the energy of past festivals swirl around you.
You wander to a traditional tavern where locals share stories over glasses of crisp local cider. Pintxos of chorizo al vino and manchego cheese accompany lively conversations about past Encierros. Outside, the soft hum of flamenco guitar strings drifts through narrow streets, wrapping you in the festive nighttime aura.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $12-18 |
| ☕Coffee | $2-4 |
| 🚇One-way ticket (local transport) | $1.60-2.50 |
| 🎬Movie ticket | $8-12 |
| 🥛Milk (1 liter) | $1-2 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Vibrant culinary scene and pintxos culture
- Compact historic center that's easy to explore on foot
- Crowds during San Fermín can be intense
- Summer heat and tourist influx can raise prices and crowds
- "Hola, ¿cómo estás?" - Hi, how are you?
- "Gracias" - Thank you
- "¿Dónde está el baño?" - Where is the bathroom?
- "¿Cuánto cuesta?" - How much does it cost?
- "¡Por favor!" - Please!
Places to Visit in Pamplona
Visit one of these nice places.
Gothic and romantic architecture with sweeping interiors and stained glass; early mornings offer soft light.
Ancient ramparts with elevated walkways and panoramas across the old town and river.
Central square framed by historic buildings and lively street life; ideal for candid photography and people-watching.
Famous narrow street known for its vibrant bars and historic run route; great for atmospheric street scenes.
Food in Pamplona
Pamplona Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Small, skewered bites featuring bread, toppings like peppers, anchovies, or chistorra; best found along the old-town pintxos bars.
Must-Try!
Thin, spicy sausage often served as a skewer or grilled with peppers; a staple in Navarrese bars.
A hearty Navarrese stew with beans, cabbage, and cuts of meat; perfect for cooler days.
White beans stewed with chorizo, a comforting and popular regional dish.
Seasonal mixed vegetables prepared simply to showcase fresh Navarra produce.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Historic market offering fresh produce, regional specialties, and a chance to sample local bites.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Lunch around 2 pm and dinner around 9–10 pm; greet with a handshake or a kiss on both cheeks in social settings.
Some shops close briefly in the afternoon; evenings are lively and social in the streets.
Use formal 'usted' in first meetings; switch to 'tú' with friends and family.
Safety
Tipping in Pamplona
Ensure a smooth experience
Service is typically included in many restaurants, but leaving a small tip (around 5-10%) for good service is common in bars and nicer restaurants.
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted; cash remains convenient for small purchases and markets. Contactless payments are common.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild temperatures and blooming streets; great for walking tours and early-year festivals.
Hot days with long evenings; expect crowds around San Fermín (July 6–14) and festival activities.
Crisp air and harvest-season produce; comfortable for hiking in nearby hills and exploring wine regions.
Cool to cold, with occasional rain; festive lights and indoor cultural events in the evenings.
Pamplona at Night
Hiking in Pamplona
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Forested canyons and limestone landscapes with panoramic viewpoints and moderate-to-challenging routes.
A dramatic desert-like landscape with expansive routes suitable for hikers and photographers.
River-side paths with varying difficulty, ideal for day hikes near Pamplona.
Airports
How to reach Pamplona by plane.
Small regional airport serving domestic flights and limited international routes; located about 9 km from the city.
Major international gateway about 150 km away; good rail connections to Pamplona.
Approximately 180 km away; convenient for trips from the Basque coast and southern France.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Residents with a blend of Basque and Navarrese cultural influences.
A sizeable student population due to the presence of universities and educational centers.
Visitors, expatriates, and students who add a cosmopolitan layer to the city.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Widely followed; local clubs play a central role in city life and regional leagues.
A traditional sport with several courts around Navarra; regular festivals and matches.
Iconic festival event featuring the encierro; crowds from around the world attend in July.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Pamplona.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are common in pintxos bars; look for grilled peppers, mushroom dishes, and egg-based bites. Ask for 'sin carne' or 'vegetariano' and request veggie toppings on pintxos.