Pamplona Spain Visitor & Tourist Information



Pamplona Spain is an ancient city located in the beautiful region of Navarre. The city is brimming with history, culture, and vibrant traditions. From its famous festival to its captivating landmarks, there's something for everyone to enjoy in this charming city.

Pamplona Spain is most renowned for the San Fermín Festival, an exhilarating week-long celebration that takes place in July. The festival is highlighted by the Running of the Bulls, where brave participants sprint through the streets alongside these majestic creatures.

Pamplona spain

You can join the locals in their traditional white attire and red scarves, and immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere of music, dance, and revelry.

One of the city's iconic attractions is the Pamplona Cathedral, a magnificent Gothic masterpiece. Step inside and marvel at the intricate architectural details, explore the sacred chapels and visit the Treasury Museum to see a collection of religious art and artefacts.

For a peaceful retreat, head to Ciudadela Park, a verdant oasis in the heart of Pamplona.

Take a leisurely stroll through its lush gardens, relax by the tranquil lake, or simply find a spot to have a picnic and soak in the natural beauty.

As you explore the city, don't miss Plaza del Castillo, the bustling central square lined with charming cafes, restaurants, and shops.

Grab a seat at one of the outdoor terraces, sip a coffee or a refreshing drink, and indulge in people-watching as the vibrant city life unfolds before your eyes.

Visiting the City Walls is a must, these ancient fortifications offer panoramic views of the city and provide a glimpse into its storied past.

Take a leisurely walk along the ramparts and imagine the tales of battles and conquests that took place here.

When it comes to cuisine, Pamplona offers a delightful blend of traditional Navarre dishes and Basque influences.

Make sure to try pintxos, a popular local speciality. These small bites of culinary delight are served in bars throughout the city and showcase the region's flavours and creativity. Pair your pintxos with a glass of local Navarre wine for a truly authentic experience.

Pamplona Puente De La Reina
 Puente De La Reina - Pamplna

5 interesting facts about Pamplona

  1. A popular local dish is called Pisto, a variety of Spanish-type ratatouille with spicy sausage.
  2. The famous Running of the Bulls festival used to be held in Autumn, this was changed in 1591 due to people being fed up with the wet weather.
  3. The famous author Ernest Hemingway loved the San Fermin festival, which includes the bull run and was fascinated by bullfighting so spent much time in the city.
  4. The nearby Roncal Valley is surrounded by several mountains which are more than 2000m high and offer some fabulous photographic opportunities.
  5. Being so far north Pamplona benefits from a more fertile environment than much of Spain.

Places To Visit In Pamplona Spain

Plaza del Castillo Pamplona Spain
Plaza del Castillo

San Fermín Festival: Pamplona is famous for the San Fermín Festival, where the thrilling Running of the Bulls takes place. Experience the excitement and join the locals in this week-long celebration of music, dancing, and traditional events.

Pamplona Cathedral: Admire the stunning Gothic architecture of the Pamplona Cathedral. Explore its intricate interior, including the Chapel of San Fermin and the Treasury Museum.

Ciudadela Park: Relax and unwind in the beautiful Ciudadela Park. Stroll through its lush gardens, enjoy a picnic, or rent a boat to explore the park's charming lake.

Plaza del Castillo: Visit the lively Plaza del Castillo, the heart of Pamplona. This bustling square is lined with cafes, restaurants, and shops, perfect for enjoying a cup of coffee or indulging in some retail therapy.

Pamplona City Walls: Discover the ancient city walls that surround Pamplona Spain. Take a leisurely walk along the fortified ramparts and enjoy panoramic views of the city.

Museo de Navarra: Immerse yourself in the art and history of the Navarre region at the Museo de Navarra. Marvel at the collection of Roman artefacts, medieval art, and contemporary works.

Café Iruna: Step into the historic Café Iruna and soak in the ambience of this iconic establishment. Enjoy a coffee or a traditional pintxo while admiring the stunning Belle Époque decor.

Yamaguchi Park: Escape the city bustle and unwind in the tranquil Yamaguchi Park. This Japanese-inspired garden features beautiful cherry blossom trees, serene ponds, and peaceful walking paths.

Baluarte Congress Centre: If you're interested in modern architecture, visit the Baluarte Congress Centre. Its striking design and cultural events make it a prominent landmark in the city.

Navarrería Quarter: Explore the historic Navarrería Quarter, known for its narrow streets, medieval buildings, and charming squares. Don't miss the Church of San Saturnino and the impressive Arch of Cuchillería.

 

The Grand Cathedral

Pamplona Cathedral - Pamplona Travel Guide
Pamplona Cathedral

Work on this Grand cathedral began in the thirteenth century and took one hundred and fifty years to fully complete. Some new additions to the cathedral happened as recently as the early nineteenth century.

The cathedral is a cultural masterpiece showing several elements of architectural styles including Gothic, Neoclassical, and Renaissance. It also houses the second-largest bell in Spain, several religious artefacts, and a crypt that holds the remains of several Spanish Kings and Queens.

The Palace of Navarra

Pamplona Navarra Palace

This is the most visible piece of Pamplona’s heritage, designed by  José de Nagusia in 1840. It is now an administrative centre, although visits to the palace can be scheduled by appointment.

The exterior of the building is home to two great sculptures representing King Sancho the Great and King Sancho VII the Strong.

There is also a sculpture of Navarre’s coat of arms flanked by one man from the north of Navarre and another man from Navarre’s mountain region.

The interior of the Palace of Navarra building is just as exquisite, here you will find the Throne Room, the Session Room, the Chapel, and the President’s office.

The Museum of Navarra

Navarra Museum

The Navarra Museum stands opposite the Royal Palace and is well worth visiting, it houses the greatest art collections and archaeological findings in Navarra. Some date back to pre-historical periods while most fall within the Roman, Medieval, Renaissance and Baroque periods.

The most prized works of art at this museum include the Mosaic of Theseus, Goya’s portrait of the Marqués de San Adrián, and the Chest from Leyre

Saint Nicholas Church

St Nicholas Church

Built-in the twelfth century, the Saint Nicholas church had both religious and military functions. Its purpose was to dissuade opposing forces from attacking Pamplona.

This is why the church has unusually thick walls, three watchtowers, and wrought iron nails.

The interior of the church is Gothic. It also has a Baroque organ considered to be the most important in Pamplona Spain.

The Town Hall

Pamplona Town Hall

The City Hall is located in the heart of the Old Quarter and is where thousands of people gather on the 6th of July each year to welcome the start of the San Fermin Fiestas.

This historic 13th building was the baser from which King Carlos III enacted a law to stop the centuries of infighting between the three boroughs of the area, Navarrería, San Saturnino and San Nicolas.

The building has been renovated on numerous occasions but none took away its beautiful Baroque and neoclassical facade.

Cafe Iruna

Cafe Iruna Pamplona

If there is one authentic bar/restaurant you should visit in Pamplona, then it has to be Cafe Iruna, one of Ernest Hemingway's favourite haunts.

A great place to hang out and enjoy a local beer, tapas or a delicious daily menu.

The decor and authentic atmosphere at the Cafe Iruna are quite unique, you can even relax in Hemmingway's corner, an area dedicated to its famous patron.

If you want to follow in the footsteps of Hemmingway head off to the Plaza Castillo where you find his favourite bars such as Bar Txoko, Hotel Quintana, Hotel La Perla,  and Cafe Suizo.

The City Walls

Pamplona Fortress City

The city walls were integral to Pamplona's past with the Spanish government designated them as a national monument in 1937.

The people of Pamplona built these walls during the Roman conquest, French invasions and war with invading Muslims.

Only three-quarters of the old city walls survived these various onslaughts even though they were repeatedly rebuilt. You can find “The French Entrance,” the Taconera Gardens, and “The Old Fortress” along these City Walls.

Historic Parks

Taconera Park Pamplona
Taconera Park

Another must-visit in the city is Pamplona’s exquisite gardens, some of which date as far back as Roman times when Pompey, the great general of Rome, built a base in the area to fight Sertorius, a great adversary of Rome.

Taconera Park is one of the oldest parks in this city offering wide paths for pedestrians, sculptures at every corner and pretty ornamental flower beds.  Other picturesque parks include Media Luna Park,  Yamaguchi and Arga Park.

The Gastronomy of Pamplona Spain

San Fermin Lunch
Typical San Fermin Lunch

Pamplona has a rich gastronomic tradition that draws on both Spanish and Basque culinary influences. One of the most famous local specialities is pintxos, small snacks typically served on bread with a variety of toppings.

Popular dishes in Pamplona include lamb stew (cordero al chilindrón), made with tomatoes and peppers, and cod (bacalao) prepared in a variety of ways. Chistorra, a type of spicy sausage is another favourite that's often served with bread or roasted peppers.

Pamplona is also known for its excellent wine, with the Navarra region producing a wide variety of high-quality wines. Visitors can enjoy wine tastings and tours at bodegas throughout the region, including Bodegas Irache and Bodegas Ochoa.

Overall, Pamplona is a foodie's paradise, offering a range of delicious local specialities and culinary experiences that should be tried and enjoyed at every possible occasion.

Some of the most popular dishes in Pamplona and the Navarre Region are:

- Winter vegetables: Navarre is known for its high-quality vegetables, such as asparagus, artichokes, and leeks. They are usually cooked with olive oil, garlic and salt, and sometimes with ham or eggs. They are a delicacy that can be enjoyed from January to February.

- Idiazabal cheese: This is a cheese made from raw sheep's milk that has a smoky and slightly spicy flavour. It is protected by a designation of origin and can be eaten with quince paste or honey. It is one of the most typical cheeses of the region, along with Roncal cheese.

- Chistorra: This is a thin sausage made from pork, garlic, salt and paprika. It is cured for a short time and then fried or grilled. It can be eaten as a snack, as part of a sandwich or as an ingredient in other dishes, such as scrambled eggs.

- Ajoarriero: This is a dish made from salt cod, potatoes, garlic, eggs and oil. It is cooked slowly until it becomes a creamy paste that can be spread on bread or eaten with a spoon. It is said that this dish was invented by mule drivers who carried salt cod across the mountains.

- Cazuelica: This is a small clay pot filled with a stew or soup made with local ingredients, such as meat, vegetables, beans or mushrooms. It is usually accompanied by bread. It is a traditional dish that can be found in many bars and restaurants, especially during Cazuelica Week in October.

- Canutillos: These are sweet pastries made from thin dough that is rolled into tubes and filled with cream or custard. They are then fried and sprinkled with sugar or honey. They are typical of Pamplona and are often eaten during the San Fermín festival.

Recommended Bars & Restaurants

Cafe Iruna: A favourite haunt of Ernest Hemingway a great place to enjoy excellent coffee and a quick homemade tapa.

Restaurant Besseriberri: This is a popular fine dining restaurant offering unique cuisine prepared by the amazing young chef Inaki Andradas.  This master chef offers a gastronomic infusion of food with its roots firmly in the Navarra region. You will need to make your reservation well in advance to avoid disappointment.

Restaurant Jostexo: This is a family-run eatery offering traditional recipes creatively served. Another one named after the famous patron saint of Pamplona is the Restaurant San Fermin which serves a variety of dishes from the Navarra region.

Getting to Pamplona Spain

Pamplona is well-connected to the rest of Spain and Europe by a variety of transportation options. The city has its own airport, Pamplona Airport, which is located about 6 kilometres from the city center. It offers flights to destinations within Spain as well as to other major European cities such as London and Paris.

Pamplona is also well-connected by train, with the main train station, Pamplona Station, located in the city center. It offers daily connections to major cities in Spain such as Barcelona, Madrid, and Bilbao.

For those traveling by car, Pamplona can be accessed via the AP-15 motorway, which connects the city to other major cities in the region. The A-12 motorway also connects Pamplona to Logroño and Burgos.

In addition, the city has a central bus station, Pamplona Bus Station, which offers connections to cities throughout Spain and other European countries.

Overall, Pamplona is easily accessible by air, train, bus, and car, making it a convenient destination for travellers from around the world.

FAQs - Frequently Asked Questions

 

Yes, most certainly Pamplona is well worth visiting. The city is most famous for its annual Running of the Bulls during the San Fermín Festival in July, a spectacle that draws massive crowds. Beyond this event, Pamplona has a charming old town, beautiful parks, and historic sites like the Pamplona Cathedral. The city also offers a rich culinary scene that includes delicious tapas bars. It's a smaller city compared to other Spanish destinations like Barcelona or Madrid, but it provides a unique cultural experience, especially if you're interested in Basque and Navarrese traditions.

Pamplona is most famous for the Running of the Bulls, part of the San Fermín Festival held every July. This centuries-old tradition attracts thrill-seekers and spectators from around the world. The city is also known for its historic architecture and rich Basque and Navarrese culture.

Yes, Pamplona is a highly walkable city, especially its historic center. The narrow streets, squares, and parks make for pleasant strolls. Most attractions, like the famous Plaza del Castillo and the Pamplona Cathedral, are within walking distance of each other, making it convenient for visitors.

The number of days needed in Pamplona largely depends on what you wish to see and do. However, for a basic experience that covers major attractions like Plaza del Castillo, Pamplona Cathedral, and perhaps a bullfight if in season, a 2-3 day visit is generally sufficient.

Getting around Pamplona is fairly easy, as it's a compact city with a walkable center. Public buses are also available for longer distances. Taxis and rideshare services are convenient options as well. Biking is another viable means of transportation, with bike lanes throughout the city.

Yes, Pamplona is a significant stop on the Camino de Santiago, specifically on the French Way (Camino Frances) route. Many pilgrims choose to start or rest here, as the city offers various amenities, historical landmarks, and a rich cultural experience that adds to the Camino journey.

Pamplona is located inland and is approximately 80-85 kilometres away from the Bay of Biscay, the nearest sea. The closest coastal city is San Sebastian. A drive from Pamplona to San Sebastian would take about 1 to 1.5 hours, depending on traffic and route.

Pamplona is not a small town; it is the capital of the Navarre region in northern Spain. With a population of around 200,000, it's a medium-sized city offering a blend of historical landmarks, modern amenities, and cultural activities.

 

Recommended Pamplona Hotels

Whether you're seeking luxury, mid-range comfort, or budget-friendly accommodations, Pamplona has a variety of options to suit your needs:

Gran Hotel La Perla: Located on Plaza del Castillo, this iconic hotel has hosted famous guests like Ernest Hemingway. It offers luxurious rooms, exquisite dining, and a rooftop terrace with stunning views of the city.

Hotel Tres Reyes: This elegant hotel features spacious rooms, a swimming pool, and a lovely garden area. It's a great choice for travellers seeking a comfortable stay with easy access to Pamplona's attractions.

Plaza Catedral Hostel: Ideal for budget-conscious travellers, this hostel offers dormitory-style rooms and private options. It provides a friendly atmosphere and is within walking distance of the city's highlights.

Pamplona Weather

Here's a brief overview of the weather in Pamplona through the seasons:

Spring (March to May): Spring in Pamplona is generally mild and pleasant. Temperatures start to warm up, with daytime highs ranging from 12°C to 20°C (54°F to 68°F). Spring showers are common, making the city's lush greenery come to life. It's a lovely time to visit as flowers bloom, and outdoor activities become more enjoyable.

Summer (June to August): Pamplona's summers are warm and relatively dry. Daytime temperatures range from 25°C to 30°C (77°F to 86°F). It's a popular time for tourists, especially during the San Fermín festival in July when temperatures can soar. Clear skies and warm evenings make it perfect for outdoor dining and exploring the city.

Autumn (September to November): Autumn in Pamplona is characterized by mild temperatures that gradually cool down. Daytime highs range from 19°C to 14°C (66°F to 57°F) in September, dropping to 10°C to 14°C (50°F to 57°F) by November. It's a great season for exploring the city's historic sites as crowds thin out.

Winter (December to February): Winters in Pamplona are chilly and occasionally snowy. Daytime temperatures hover between 6°C and 11°C (43°F to 52°F), while nighttime temperatures often drop below freezing. It's a quieter time for tourism, but the city's cosy cafes and cultural attractions are still inviting.

PAMPLONA WEATHER