Pamplona
Pamplona
Pamplona, a vibrant city in northern Spain, is famous worldwide for its annual San Fermín festival and the heart-pounding Running of the Bulls (encierro). But there's much more to this historic capital of Navarre than just this week-long celebration.
Founded by the Roman general Pompey in 75 BC, Pamplona boasts remarkable medieval architecture, including its impressive city walls and the stunning Gothic Cathedral. The old town, with its narrow streets and lively Plaza del Castillo, serves as the beating heart of local life.
The cuisine here is exceptional, featuring regional specialties like pintxos (Basque-style tapas), hearty stews, and local wines from Navarre. Food markets like Santo Domingo showcase the region's agricultural bounty.
Beyond the excitement of San Fermín, Pamplona offers a relaxed atmosphere where locals enjoy evening paseos (strolls) and gather in cafés. The city also serves as a key stop on the famous Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route, welcoming travelers from around the world.
With the Pyrenees mountains nearby and beautiful parks within the city limits, Pamplona balances urban charm with easy access to nature. It's a place where ancient traditions and modern Spanish life blend seamlessly.
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Things to do in Pamplona
Top things to do in Pamplona by theculturetrip.com
Where to stay in Pamplona
Best hotels in Pamplona:
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Sancho Ramirez (budget hotel)
Sancho Ramirez is a comfortable hotel located next to Yamaguchi Park in Pamplona. The rooms are bright and spacious, with wooden floors and modern amenities like air conditioning and free WiFi. It's about a 20-minute walk to the old town, but there are plenty of shops and restaurants nearby if you don't feel like venturing far.
One of the best things about this hotel is the on-site restaurant, La Barrica del Sancho. They serve up delicious Basque and Navarran dishes, including tasty tapas and hearty stews. There's also a cozy bar area where you can grab a drink and watch some TV. If you're looking to stay active, guests get free access to a gym just down the street.
The staff here are really friendly and helpful. They're happy to provide tips on what to see and do in Pamplona. While it's not right in the heart of the action, the quieter location by the park makes for a peaceful stay. Overall, it's a solid mid-range option if you want comfort without breaking the bank.
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Habitación Centro Pamplona (homestay)
Habitación Centro Pamplona recently renovated room has a great location, just a short walk from the cathedral and town hall. You'll find everything you need - comfy beds, a private bathroom, and even a little patio to relax on. The decor is simple but stylish, with hardwood floors and nice touches like a coffee machine.
One of the best things about this place is how central it is. You're steps away from Plaza del Castillo and all the tapas bars and restaurants in the historic center. It's perfect for exploring the city on foot. The hosts are friendly and helpful if you need any tips. Just keep in mind that being in the middle of things means it can get a bit noisy at night, especially during festivals. Overall though, it's a comfortable base in a prime spot for checking out Pamplona.
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Gran Hotel La Perla (luxury hotel)
Gran Hotel La Perla is located right on Plaza del Castillo, it puts you in the center of all the action. The hotel has hosted famous guests like Ernest Hemingway and Charlie Chaplin over its 140+ year history.
The rooms are spacious and elegant, with modern amenities like free WiFi mixed with classic decor. Many have balconies overlooking the lively streets below. The staff are known for providing top-notch, personalized service to make guests feel at home.
While it's a splurge, the location can't be beat for exploring Pamplona on foot. You're steps away from the bullring, charming old town streets, and plenty of pintxos bars. It's the perfect luxurious home base for experiencing the San Fermín festival or just soaking in the city's rich culture year-round.
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Hotel Tres Reyes (medium range hotel)
Hotel Tres Reyes is close to the old town, so you can easily walk to all the main sights and attractions. The rooms are really comfortable and spacious, with nice views of the city or gardens.
One of the best things about this place is the outdoor pool - it's perfect for cooling off after a day of exploring in the summer. The breakfast buffet gets rave reviews too, with tons of options to choose from. And the staff are known for being super friendly and helpful.
While parking can be a bit tricky since spaces are limited, the location more than makes up for it. You're right next to Taconera Park and just a short stroll from the main plaza. Overall, it's a solid choice if you want to be in the center of the action in Pamplona.
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Best hostels in Pamplona:
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Albergue Plaza Catedral (hostel)
Albergue Plaza Catedral location can't be beat if you want to be in the middle of all the action, especially during the famous San Fermín festival in July.
The hostel has a mix of dorm rooms with bunk beds, some with nice views of the garden or city landmarks. There's a big shared kitchen that's great for cooking your own meals and meeting other travelers. The common areas are comfortable spots to relax and swap stories about your adventures.
While it's not fancy, Albergue Plaza Catedral offers good value in an unbeatable location. Just keep in mind it can get noisy, especially during festivals. But if you're looking for a social atmosphere and don't mind basic accommodations, it's a solid budget-friendly option for exploring Pamplona.