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There are an array of things to do in Spain, with Pamplona sharing quite a few of those!
Pamplona is a vibrant city that is bursting with energy and culture, offering a tapestry of sights and sounds that will leave you spellbound.
Whether you’re looking to embrace history, indulge in gastronomic delights, or immerse yourself in the revelry of its iconic festivals, Pamplona has something to offer every traveler.
Buckle up and get ready to embark on a journey of discovery through the enchanting streets of Pamplona.
Without further ado listed below are some of the most fun things to do in Pamplona:
1. Plaza del Castillo
A large square located in the heart of Pamplona, Spain.
What to see or do: Take a walk around the square and admire the beautiful architecture and views of the surrounding buildings.
Visit the nearby tourist attractions like the Palacio de Navarra and the Cathedral of Santa Maria, both located just a short distance away.
Don’t miss: The peaceful atmosphere in the morning or the lively activity in the evenings, when locals and tourists fill the area with energy and excitement.
Insider travel tips: Check out the restaurants and bars situated in the perimeter of the square to enjoy a drink or a meal while taking in the vibrant atmosphere.
During the San Fermin Festival in July, Plaza del Castillo becomes the center of the city’s festivities, hosting concerts, fireworks, and other events.
2. San Fermín Festival
San Fermín Festival is a world-renowned event in Pamplona, Spain that celebrates the patron saint of the Navarre region, San Fermín.
It is famously known for the Running of the Bulls or encierro that takes place each morning and attracts thrill-seekers from around the globe.
What to see or do: Besides the Running of the Bulls, the festival is also known for its religious processions, music concerts, bullfights, street performances, and cultural displays.
You can also immerse yourself in the local traditions like wearing the traditional white outfit with red neckerchief and sash.
Don’t miss: The Running of the Bulls is the highlight of San Fermín Festival. The exciting spectacle involves daring runners sprinting alongside a group of bulls.
The best place to see the action is from the narrow cobblestone streets of the old town.
Insider travel tips: – Be prepared for the crowd as the population of Pamplona nearly triples during the festival.
3. Pamplona Cathedral
Pamplona Cathedral is a Gothic-style cathedral located in the heart of Pamplona, Navarra, Spain.
What to see or do: Marvel at the ornate Gothic architecture of the cathedral, including its impressive façade, intricate altarpiece, and stunning cloister.
Admire the collection of religious artifacts and artwork within the interior, including an exquisite reliquary containing a fragment of the True Cross.
Don’t miss: The cathedral’s famous medieval clock tower, which houses a collection of life-sized automata that perform twice daily. Visitors can witness the chiming of the clock and the movements of the figures.
Insider travel tips: – Check the cathedral’s opening hours ahead of time, as they can vary depending on the season and holidays.
4. City walls and fortifications
The city of Pamplona boasts a well-preserved set of city walls and fortifications that date back to the 16th century.
What to see or do: Take a leisurely stroll along the 5-kilometer-long wall, punctuated by 5 entrance gates, and see the impressive fortifications that protected the city.
Don’t miss: The Citadel, a pentagonal fortress located near the city center. It houses the Military Museum of Navarra and offers stunning views of the city from its ramparts.
Insider travel tips: Visit the walls early in the morning or late in the afternoon, when the light is best for photography. If you’re interested in history, take a guided tour to learn more about the significance of the fortifications.
Finally, check out the famous Running of the Bulls, which takes place in Pamplona every July and runs through streets that were once part of the fortifications.
5. Plaza de Toros de Pamplona
Plaza de Toros de Pamplona, also known as the Pamplona Bullring, is a historic arena that dates back to 1922 and is considered one of the most iconic bullfighting venues in Spain.
What to see or do: Visitors can attend a bullfighting event or take a tour of the arena to learn about the history and culture of bullfighting in Spain.
The tour includes the bullring, the chapel where bullfighters pray before a fight, and a museum with exhibits on the history of bullfighting.
Don’t miss: If you’re attending a bullfight, don’t miss the opening ceremony where the bullfighters parade through the streets of Pamplona towards the arena.
Another highlight is the moment when the bull enters the ring for the first time.
Insider travel tips: If you want to attend a bullfight, book tickets in advance as they tend to sell out quickly during the annual Running of the Bulls festival in July.
Also, keep in mind that bullfighting can be a controversial topic, so it’s important to learn about the ethical issues surrounding it before attending.
6. San Nicolás Church
San Nicolás Church is a historic church located in Pamplona, Spain, and is one of the most prominent examples of Baroque architecture in the city.
What to see or do: Visitors can explore the ornate interior of the church and view its impressive altarpiece, which dates back to the 18th century.
The church also features beautiful stained glass windows and a unique octagonal bell tower.
Don’t miss: Make sure to take a close look at the altarpiece, which depicts scenes from the life of Saint Nicholas of Bari, the patron saint of the church.
Insider travel tips: Entry to San Nicolás Church is free, and it is located within walking distance of many other historic landmarks in Pamplona, including the city’s famous bullring and the Castle Square.
The Archivo Real y General de Navarra is a historical archive that contains documents related to the history of Navarra, a region in northern Spain.
What to see or do: Visitors can explore the various collections of documents, including maps, photographs, manuscripts, and more. Many of the documents date back to medieval times, providing a glimpse of life in Navarra centuries ago.
Don’t miss: The archive’s most famous document is the Fueros de Navarra, a set of laws that date back to the Middle Ages and offer insight into Navarra’s legal system at the time.
Insider travel tips: – Visitors should be aware that the archive is only open to researchers and historians by appointment, so it’s best to plan ahead.
A historic palace located in Pamplona, Spain, which serves as the headquarters for the regional government of Navarre.
What to see or do: Visitors can explore the palace’s impressive architecture and interior, including the grand staircase, decorated ceilings, ornate furniture, and artwork from various periods.
Guided tours are available, which include a visit to the government chambers and gardens.
Don’t miss: The highlight of the palace is the Salón del Trono, or Throne Room, which features an impressive polished granite floor, beautiful stained glass windows, and a large chandelier.
Insider travel tips: Pre-book your tour in advance to avoid any disappointment. Photography is not allowed inside the palace, so make sure to keep your cameras and phones tucked away.
Take a stroll in the stunning gardens and enjoy the magnificent views of the city.
9. Ciudadela de Pamplona
A fortified citadel located in Pamplona, Spain that was built in the 16th century.
What to see or do: Take a walk around the ramparts to enjoy the panoramic views of the city, explore the underground tunnels that connect the different parts of the citadel, and visit the Interpretation Center to learn about the history of the citadel and the city of Pamplona.
Don’t miss: The San Fermin Festival that takes place every July which features the famous Running of the Bulls that starts in the citadel.
Insider travel tips: Wear comfortable shoes as there’s a lot of walking involved, and make sure to bring a camera to capture the views from the top of the ramparts.
Also, check the schedule of events at the Interpretation Center to plan your visit accordingly.
10. Plaza Consistorial
Plaza Consistorial is the main square located in the heart of Pamplona, Spain.
What to see or do: The square is surrounded by some of the most important buildings in the city, including the Town Hall and the Church of San Saturnino.
Visitors can enjoy the stunning architecture and soak up the atmosphere of this historic square.
Don’t miss: The square is famous for being the location of the “Chupinazo,” which is the rocket that marks the beginning of the San Fermin festival.
It’s a must-see event if you’re in Pamplona during this time.
Insider travel tips: Make sure to try some of the delicious tapas in one of the many bars and restaurants surrounding the square. It’s also a great spot to people watch and take in the local culture.
The Museo de Navarra is one of Pamplona’s main cultural attractions, hosting a collection of artifacts and artwork from the prehistoric times to the 20th century.
What to see or do: Visitors can explore a diverse range of exhibits, including archaeological finds, religious art, paintings, sculptures, and ceramics.
Don’t miss: One of the highlights of the museum is the prehistoric and Roman collections, which showcase the history and evolution of the region.
Don’t miss the Roman mosaics that are more than 2000 years old.
Insider travel tips: – The museum is closed on Mondays, so plan your visit accordingly.
12. Parque de la Ciudadela
Parque de la Ciudadela is a public park in Pamplona, Spain.
What to see or do: – Walk around and enjoy the lush greenery and beautifully landscaped gardens.
Don’t miss: – The beautiful pavilion situated in the center of the park, which showcases an impressive collection of tropical plants.
Insider travel tips: – Parque de la Ciudadela is a perfect place for a picnic or a peaceful morning walk.
13. Iglesia de San Saturnino
Gothic-style church in Pamplona, Spain dedicated to Saint Saturninus.
What to see or do: Admire the stunning architecture and stained glass windows, attend a mass or religious ceremony.
Don’t miss: The bell tower, which offers panoramic views of the city.
Insider travel tips: Visit during the San Fermín festival to witness the famous “Procession of San Saturnino,” which carries the saint’s statue through the streets.
Keep in mind that the church may be closed to visitors during religious services or events.
The Museo Universidad de Navarra is a contemporary art museum located in the city of Pamplona, Spain.
What to see or do: The museum has an impressive collection of modern and contemporary art from around the world, with works by artists such as Pablo Picasso, Eduardo Chillida, and Antoni Tapiés.
Visitors can explore the permanent collection or take part in guided tours or workshops.
Don’t miss: One of the highlights of the museum is the building itself, which was designed by award-winning architect Rafael Moneo. The stunning building is worth a visit in its own right.
Insider travel tips: -Visitors should check the museum’s website before their visit as it often hosts temporary exhibitions and events.
15. Bodega Otazu
Bodega Otazu is a spectacular winery situated in the Navarra region of Spain, just a short drive from Pamplona.
What to see or do: Take a guided tour of the winery and learn about the wine-making process in one of the most modern and innovative wineries in Spain.
Admire the impressive collection of contemporary art from artists such as Anish Kapoor and Eduardo Chillida, which is exhibited throughout the property.
After the tour, indulge in a wine tasting experience with a knowledgeable sommelier to guide you through the flavors of their exquisite wines.
Don’t miss: The tasting room, where you can enjoy stunning views of the vineyards while sipping on a glass of award-winning wine. Be sure to try their Tempranillo-based wines, which are known for their exceptional quality.
Insider travel tips: Book a table at the onsite restaurant, one of the best in the region. The delicious food and stunning views over the vineyards will elevate your visit to Bodega Otazu to the next level.
It’s best to book ahead of time to avoid disappointment. For a unique experience, visit the winery during the harvest season, which takes place between September and October.
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