Pamplona Travel Guide
Pamplona Travel Guide
Things to Do in Pamplona Spain
Visitors searching for the best Pamplona attractions will find a historic Spanish city known for its medieval streets, lively culture, and world-famous festival, the Pamplona Running of the Bulls. Located in northern Spain, Pamplona blends rich history with vibrant traditions.
Here are some of the top things to do in Pamplona:
• Experience the Pamplona Running of the Bulls Route
Even outside the festival, visitors can walk the famous route where the annual bull run takes place during the San Fermín Festival, passing through narrow streets and historic landmarks.
• Explore the Old Town (Casco Antiguo)
Pamplona’s historic center is filled with narrow streets, plazas, tapas bars, and centuries-old buildings that showcase the city’s Spanish heritage.
• Visit Plaza del Castillo
The main square of Pamplona, surrounded by cafés and historic buildings, often considered the heart of the city.
• Walk the City Walls of Pamplona
Well-preserved fortifications that offer scenic views and a glimpse into the city’s military history.
• Visit Pamplona Cathedral
A stunning Gothic cathedral with a beautiful cloister and historic significance.
• Explore Parque de la Taconera
A peaceful park with gardens, walking paths, and views of the old city walls.
Because of its walkable layout and historic charm, Pamplona is easy to explore on foot.
🚶 Hemingway’s Pamplona Self-Guided Walking Tour
This immersive walking tour takes you through the heart of Pamplona, guiding you along the same streets that inspired Hemingway’s novel The Sun Also Rises and helped bring global attention to the Pamplona Running of the Bulls.
As you walk, your phone becomes your personal guide, automatically playing stories as you reach each location — blending history, literature, and local culture into one seamless experience.
Highlights include:
• The Plaza de Toros (bullring), where Hemingway’s fascination with bullfighting began
• The famous Running of the Bulls route, including Calle Estafeta and its legendary turns
• Landmarks and cafés Hemingway frequented during his time in Pamplona
• Stories behind the San Fermín Festival and the traditions that still define the city today
This tour brings Pamplona to life by connecting real locations with the stories that shaped its global reputation.
Why Take a Self-Guided Tour?
Unlike traditional tours, this experience gives you complete flexibility:
• Go anytime — available 24/7 with no schedule
• Explore at your own pace, stopping wherever you want
• Avoid crowds and large tour groups
• Revisit the tour anytime — it never expires
Whether you're a literature lover, a history enthusiast, or simply looking for unique things to do in Pamplona, this tour offers a deeper, more personal way to experience the city.
What's Free and What has a Fee
Pamplona offers many free attractions along with some paid experiences.
Free Things to Do
Many of the best Pamplona attractions are free.
• Walking the Old Town
• Exploring Plaza del Castillo
• Walking the Running of the Bulls route
• Visiting parks and city walls
• Exploring local streets and markets
Attractions With Fees
Some attractions require admission.
• Pamplona Cathedral
• Museums and cultural sites
• Festival events during San Fermín
Visitors can enjoy much of Pamplona without spending much.
How to Get Here
Pamplona Airport (PNA)
• About 15 minutes from the city center
Nearby major airports:
• Bilbao — about 2 hours
• Madrid — about 4 hours
By Train
Pamplona is well connected by rail.
• High-speed trains from Madrid and Barcelona
By Car
Driving times:
• Bilbao — about 2 hours
• San Sebastián — about 1 hour
Where to Stay
Hotels in Old Town Pamplona
Typical price range: €120–€250 per night
• Gran Hotel La Perla – Historic hotel overlooking Plaza del Castillo
• Hotel Tres Reyes
• Maisonnave Hotel
Staying here puts you close to major attractions.
Boutique & Unique Stays
Typical price range: €100–€220 per night
• Pamplona Catedral Hotel
• Hotel Palacio Guendulain
• Aloha Hostel Pamplona
Budget Hotels
Typical price range: €60–€120 per night
• Hotel Avenida
• Hostal Arriazu
• Hotel Pompaelo
When to Visit
Pamplona can be visited year-round.
July (San Fermín Festival)
• home of the Pamplona Running of the Bulls
• busiest and most energetic time
Spring
• mild weather
• fewer crowds
Fall
• comfortable temperatures
• great for exploring
Winter
• quieter atmosphere
• fewer tourists
How Much Time You'll Need
One Day Pamplona Itinerary
Many visitors follow one-day Pamplona itineraries.
Morning
• Walk the Old Town
• Visit Pamplona Cathedral
Afternoon
• Explore the Running of the Bulls route
• Visit parks and city walls
Evening
• Enjoy tapas and local cuisine
• Walk Plaza del Castillo
Two Day Pamplona Itineraries
With more time visitors can:
• explore museums
• visit nearby towns
• enjoy more local dining experiences
Pamplona Running of the Bulls
The Pamplona Running of the Bulls is one of the most famous events in the world.
Held each July during the San Fermín Festival, participants run through the streets alongside bulls in a tradition that dates back centuries.
Even if you don’t visit during the festival, walking the route provides insight into the event and its significance.
What is Pamplona known for?
Pamplona is known for the Running of the Bulls and its historic Old Town.
When is the Running of the Bulls?
The event takes place every year in July during the San Fermín Festival.
Is Pamplona worth visiting outside the festival?
Yes. The city offers history, culture, and a relaxed atmosphere year-round.
