Visiting Pamplona Spain: 10 Best Things To Do in Pamplona

Pamplona is one of the craziest cities in Spain offering a wide range of activities and events to attend for thirling-seeking travelers. Among the top things to do in Pamplona include the wild Bull Running event, also known as “Fiesta de San Fermin”. Apart from this, the city also offers several tourist sites to explore such as the Gothic Cathedral, lovely city square, and much more.

Pamplona is also popular for being home to some world-class restaurants and cafes with a vibrant and refreshing ambiance. Let’s have a look at the top 10 best places with things to do in Pamplona that you can include in your itinerary. 

10 Best Things To Do In Pamplona 

1. Plaza del Castillo

Plaza del Castillo is one of the most popular things to do in Pamplona and it lies in the heart of the city. It serves as the social and cultural hub where both tourists and locals hang out from daytime through evening. The square is also used for hosting various events such as religious events, concerts, and much more.

Widely regarded as “Cuarto de Estar” meaning the living room, Plaza del Castillo is encompassed by several restaurants, and Renaissance structures in addition to restaurants and cafes offering outdoor sitting. The concerts and live shows are usually held in the middle of the square at the stone bandstand.  

Location: City Center 

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2. Iglesia de San Saturnino

The most remarkable historical landmark in Pamplona, Iglesia de San Saturnino is a 13th-century church where the tower represents the architectural design of the early Roman era, and the rest of the church has some influences from the Gothic style. The church may seem like a fortress for once as it was initially used as a defense tower against its neighborhood. 

Today, the towers are the same towers that you may see in the postcard image of Pamplona. On 6th July, a huge crowd gathers around the clock tower of the church from where the counting San Fermin starts. Travelers are allowed to visit this church all year round both for worship and cultural visit.     

Location: San Saturnino

3. San Sebastian

The place that is not to be missed while you are visiting Pamplona Spain is the breathtaking city of San Sebastian. If you are looking for a place to escape the hustle-bustle of the city San Sebastian is among the best places to go out in Pamplona. The wonderful island is home to two golden sand beaches which are worth for day out. 

Location: Bay of Biscay Coastline

Also Read: 11 Amazing Things To Do In Seville, Spain On Your First Visit

4. Ciudadela

Ciudadela is a beautiful fortress that was built in the late 17th century while its construction started in the late 16th century. It was laid down by King Felipe II in order to defend the city from French invaders. Later it was converted into a prison and housed some notable figures.

Today, it hosts a range of cultural and events and is also used for exhibiting remarkable artworks. There is a lush ground that surrounds the fortress, which is now used as a public park where numerous outdoor activities are held. 

Opening Days: Tuesday, Saturday, and Sunday

Location: del Ejército

5. Museo de Navarra

The Museo de Navarra is sitauted in an old hospital dating back to teh 1556. The collection of this museum highlights the history of people who ever lived in the region of Navarre. The Museum of Navara is arguably one of the best places to see in Pamplona if you are keen to learn more about the history of Pamplona.

Talking about its diverse collection of artifacts, the elements dating back to the Roman era are the main center of attractions. Some of the collections include religious paintings from the middle age and treasures of the Moorish kingdom. The thing which you should miss in the historic museum is Francisco Goya’s painting “Marques de San Adrian”. 

Location: Calle de Santo Domingo 

6. Urbasa Andia Natural Park

Just an hour away from the city of Pamplona are two mountain ranges named Urbasa and Andia. Between these mountains is the green pastures corridor with beech forest. Combining these mountains is what makes the Urbasa Andia Natural Park covers an area of 21,488 hectares and is divided into 4 parts i.e Urbasa Mountain, Andia Mountain, Monte de Limitaciounes, and Urederra River. 

Talking about the Andia region of the forest is home to several caves and countless sinkholes. Andia mountain is accessible throughout the year, however, coming here during winters can be challenging and is quite difficult to access on foot due to moisture caused by mud. 

Location: Navarre

Also Read: 10 Must-Visit Tourist Attraction In Madrid For A Memorable Autumn Vacation

7. Fiesta de San Fermin

Fiesta de San Fermin is the most popular Spanish festival which various events including folk music, bullfights, and the well-known Bull Running event. The festival is celebrated in the memory of Saint Firmianus or San Fermin every year on July 7. The event starts in the early morning and goes on till the day ends.  

The Bull event is attended by millions of people including locals and travelers adjoined by spectators. The participants are followed by several crazy Bulls and cheered by the thousands of spectators watching from the stand. The race lasts up to three to four minutes covering around 800 meters. 

Arriving Time:

• Participants - 7:00 AM
• Spectators - 6:00 to 6:30 AM 

Tip for Travelers: The event may be thrilling but it is dangerous, thus people below 18 years of age are not allowed to participate. Those attending this event must possess advanced fitness levels and must be quick runners. 

8. Iglesia de San Nicolas

Iglesia de San Nicolas is yet another church in Pamplona that looks more like a fortress due to its unique Romanesque structure. It is said to be the only church in the city that still stands in its original form. Though there were three towers in the earlier times unfortunately they were destroyed after the destruction of old Roman buildings. 

An annual show is a celebrated year every February 3rd where a lively street market is held. From this market, you can purchase various homemade products and food items including caramel candies, roscoe, spice cake, doughnuts, almonds, and cinnamon. 

Timings: 9:30 AM to 12:30 AM / 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM

9. El Sadar 

If your football fan, then does consider watching a football match right here in El Sadar. El Sadar serves as the home ground to the football club of Atletico Osasuna. Atletico is presently the only football team in Pamplona’s Navarre region. The best time to watch a match is during the ongoing La Liga season when over 70% of the seats get filled. 

Opened on September 2 in 1967, El Sadar used two host matches between three teams and had a capacity of around 25,000 spectators. It was later expanded in 1989 but the capacity was reduced to 20,000 due to all sitting. Today, El Sadar can accommodate up to 23,500 spectators at once.  

Timings: 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM

Ticket Price: 90 EUR 

Location: del Sadar, Navarra

10. Taconera Gardens

Taconera is the oldest park in the city and is laid down in a French-style setting between trimmed trees and deciduous groves. Those willing to spend some time in tranquility may consider visiting Taconera Gardens. The garden is one of the favorite spots for couples especially when they are here for their honeymoon. 

You won’t get enough of this park as it has so much to offer for every type of traveler. The Garden also has various influences from regions like America, Asia, and Africa. 

Timings: 24 Hours 

Ticket Price: Not Required 

Location: Taconera, Navarra

Also Read: 10 Upcoming Festivals In Spain To Attend