Welcome to Pamplona, the capital of the Navarre region of Spain. Known for the annual Running of the Bulls festival, Pamplona is a beautiful and historic city with plenty to offer visitors throughout the year. In this 3-day travel guide, we will highlight some of the most important places to see, where to eat and sleep, and even some free tours to take advantage of while you are here.
Travel Tips in Pamplona
- Best time to visit: May to September, when the weather is warm and sunny
- Language: Spanish and Basque are both spoken in Pamplona, but most people speak Spanish
- Currency: Euro (EUR)
- Getting around: Pamplona is a small city and easy to explore on foot. However, there are also buses and taxis available.
What to See in Pamplona
There are many beautiful and historic places to see in Pamplona. Here are some of the most important ones:
- Plaza del Castillo: This is the heart of Pamplona, a large square surrounded by cafes and shops. It is a great place to sit and people-watch.
- Citadel of Pamplona: This 16th-century fortress was built to protect the city from invaders. It is now a popular park with beautiful gardens and great views of the city.
- Pamplona Cathedral: This stunning Gothic cathedral dates back to the 14th century and is home to many treasures, including a 13th-century cloister and the mausoleum of King Carlos III.
- San Fermin Festival Museum: This museum is dedicated to the famous Running of the Bulls festival and has many exhibits and displays about the history and traditions of the festival.
- Navarra Museum: This museum has a collection of art and artifacts from the region, including works by famous artists like Pablo Gargallo and Jorge Oteiza.
These are just a few of the many places to see in Pamplona. For more information, visit the official tourism website of the city of Pamplona: https://www.pamplona.es/en
Routes in Pamplona
Pamplona has many great walking routes to explore the city and its surroundings. Here are some of our favorites:
- The Old Town Route: This route takes you through the historic Old Town of Pamplona, where you can see the Cathedral, the Plaza del Castillo, and many other beautiful buildings and landmarks.
- The Citadel Route: This route takes you through the Pamplona Citadel, a beautiful fortress with great views of the city.
- The Camino de Santiago Route: Pamplona is one of the main starting points for the famous Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route. You can walk a small section of the route and get a taste of this historic pilgrimage.
- The Parks and Gardens Route: Pamplona has many beautiful parks and gardens, including the Taconera Park and the Yamaguchi Park. This route takes you through some of the best green spaces in the city.
Where to Sleep in Pamplona
There are many great places to stay in Pamplona, from budget hostels to luxury hotels. Here are some of our recommendations:
- Hostal Navarra: This budget-friendly hostel is located in the heart of the Old Town and offers clean and comfortable rooms.
- Hotel Tres Reyes: This luxury hotel is located near the Citadel and offers beautiful rooms, a swimming pool, and a restaurant serving delicious local cuisine.
- Hotel Pamplona Catedral: This charming hotel is located next to the Pamplona Cathedral and offers cozy rooms and a rooftop terrace with great views of the city.
Where to Eat in Pamplona
Pamplona is known for its delicious cuisine, especially its pintxos (small tapas-style dishes). Here are some of our favorite places to eat:
- Bar Gaucho: This bar is known for its delicious pintxos, especially the grilled mushrooms and the croquettes.
- Bar Txoko: This traditional bar is a favorite among locals and offers a great selection of pintxos and other local dishes.
- Casa Otano: This restaurant is located in a beautiful 18th-century building and serves delicious Basque cuisine, including grilled meats and seafood.
Free Tours in Pamplona
One of the best ways to explore Pamplona is by taking a free tour. Here are some of the best free tours in the city:
- Free Walking Tour of Pamplona: This tour takes you through the Old Town and other historic landmarks of the city, including the Cathedral and the Plaza del Castillo.
- Free Tapas Tour of Pamplona: This tour takes you to some of the best bars and restaurants in the city, where you can sample delicious local pintxos and other dishes.
- Free Camino de Santiago Tour: This tour takes you through the section of the Camino de Santiago that passes through Pamplona, giving you a taste of this historic pilgrimage.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time to visit Pamplona?
The best time to visit Pamplona is from May to September, when the weather is warm and sunny.
What is the Running of the Bulls?
The Running of the Bulls is an annual festival that takes place in Pamplona in July. Participants run through the streets of the city with bulls, culminating in a bullfight in the afternoon.
What is pintxos?
Pintxos are small tapas-style dishes that are a specialty of the Basque region of Spain, including Pamplona. They are usually served on a small slice of bread and are often eaten as a snack or with drinks.
