Things to Do in Pamplona: 20 Essential Activities
Pamplona is far more than the Running of the Bulls. The capital of Navarra boasts exceptional historical heritage, world-class gastronomy, urban parks that rival the best in Europe, and a vibrant cultural scene throughout the year. With just 200,000 inhabitants, everything is walkable in a city that combines small-town charm with big-city offerings.
We have selected the 20 essential activities to help you make the most of your visit, whether you are coming for a weekend or a full week. From medieval monuments to pintxo routes, nature trails and charming markets.
Monuments and Historic Sites
Pamplona was founded by the Roman general Pompey in 74 BC and served as the capital of the Kingdom of Navarra for centuries. This rich past is reflected in an extraordinary monumental heritage concentrated mainly in the Old Town.
1. Walk the medieval walls
Pamplona preserves over five kilometres of walls declared a National Monument. The complete walk around the perimeter takes approximately one hour and offers spectacular views of the River Arga and surrounding valleys. It is one of the best-preserved fortifications in Europe.
2. Visit the Cathedral of Santa Maria
The 14th-century Gothic cathedral houses one of Europe's most beautiful cloisters and a Cathedral Museum with exceptional sacred art. Do not miss the cloister doorway, considered a masterpiece of French Gothic in Spain. Admission: 5 euros.
3. Explore the Ciudadela
This pentagonal 16th-century fortress, designed under Philip II, is now the city's most unique park. Its moats and bastions host art exhibitions, open-air concerts and a perfect space for walking. Free entry all year round.
4. Plaza del Castillo and Cafe Iruna
Pamplona's main square is a grand arcaded plaza surrounded by terrace cafes. Cafe Iruna, founded in 1888 and frequented by Ernest Hemingway, preserves its original decor. Sitting here with a coffee is a journey through time. Hemingway immortalised these corners in The Sun Also Rises.
5. Museum of Navarra
Housed in a 16th-century medieval hospital, it traces the history of Navarra from prehistory. Highlights include Goya's portrait of the Marquis of San Adrian and exceptional Roman mosaics. Free on Saturday afternoons and Sundays.
6. Follow the bull-running route
The 875-metre San Fermin bull-running route can be walked any day of the year. From the Santo Domingo corrals to the bullring, passing through the Mercaderes curve and Calle Estafeta. Information panels explain each section.
Parks, Gardens and Green Routes
Pamplona is one of Spain's greenest cities, with over 20 square metres of green space per inhabitant. The River Arga flows through the city creating a beautiful natural corridor that can be explored on foot or by bicycle.
7. Arga River Park
A path stretching over 15 kilometres follows the Arga through the city. Perfect for jogging, walking or cycling. The sections between the Magdalena Bridge and the Landaben meander are particularly beautiful, with riparian forests where herons and kingfishers nest.
8. Taconera Gardens
Pamplona's oldest park, created in the 19th century, combines geometric gardens with a small zoo where deer, ducks, peacocks and swans live in the moats of the old walls. Ideal for families with children.
9. Yamaguchi Park
A Japanese garden created as a symbol of twinning with the Japanese city of Yamaguchi. It features koi carp ponds, a zen dry garden and a planetarium. A haven of calm in the heart of the city.
10. Mount Ezcaba
Just 20 minutes by car, Mount Ezcaba offers hiking trails with panoramic views of Pamplona and the Pyrenees. The 19th-century fortress at its summit is an exceptional viewpoint. Perfect for a half-day excursion.
Eating and Drinking in Pamplona
Pamplona is a top-tier gastronomic destination. The pintxo culture (Navarra's version of tapas) turns every outing into a unique experience: hopping from bar to bar, sampling each establishment's speciality. For a more detailed guide, see our article on where to eat in Pamplona.
11. Pintxo crawl through the Old Town
Calle San Nicolas, Calle Estafeta and the Navarreria area contain dozens of pintxo bars. The ritual is simple: order a beer or Navarra wine and choose a pintxo from the bar. Average price: 3-4 euros per pintxo with a drink. Set aside at least two evenings to explore the full range.
12. Santo Domingo Market
A renovated municipal market where you can buy fresh local produce: Roncal and Idiazabal cheese, Navarra asparagus, piquillo peppers, chistorra sausage, olive oil and D.O. Navarra wines. Open Monday to Saturday mornings.
13. Navarra wine tasting
Navarra produces excellent roses and Garnacha reds. Several specialist shops and bars in the centre offer guided tastings. The Ribera Navarra wineries are less than an hour's drive for those who want to visit the vineyards.
14. Traditional Navarrese cuisine
Do not leave without trying ajoarriero (salt cod with tomato and peppers), pochas (fresh white beans), lamb al chilindron and grilled ribs. Set lunch menus at restaurants in the centre offer these dishes at unbeatable value.
Culture and Entertainment
Pamplona offers a cultural programme that surprises with its variety. The Baluarte, the city's congress centre and auditorium, is one of the largest in Spain and hosts world-class performances throughout the year.
15. Baluarte: concerts and shows
The Navarra Congress Palace and Auditorium hosts the Navarra Symphony Orchestra season, international theatre productions, dance and major concerts. Its contemporary architecture is worth a visit in its own right.
16. University of Navarra Museum
Designed by Rafael Moneo, this contemporary art museum houses photography and painting collections featuring artists such as Picasso, Rothko, Kandinsky and Tapies. The building itself is a work of art. Guided tours recommended.
17. Pamplona Planetarium
Located next to Yamaguchi Park, it offers astronomical projections and interactive science exhibitions. Ideal for families, with special sessions for children. Reduced hours in summer.
18. Camino de Santiago
Pamplona is a key stop on the French Way of the Camino de Santiago. You can walk iconic sections such as the entry via the Magdalena Bridge or the exit towards the Sierra del Perdon. A unique experience even if you are not a pilgrim.
Shopping and Day Trips from Pamplona
The Old Town preserves charming traditional shops, and Pamplona's privileged location provides access to stunning natural landscapes in under an hour's drive.
19. Old Town shops
Streets such as Zapateria, Curia, Comedias and Mercaderes are filled with Navarrese craft shops, independent fashion boutiques and gourmet food stores. From San Fermin scarves to cured cheeses and homemade pacharan liqueur, you will find authentic souvenirs far from the typical tourist shop.
20. Essential day trips
The Irati Forest (Europe's second-largest beech forest), the Bardenas Reales (a desert declared a Biosphere Reserve), the Foz de Lumbier (gorge with griffon vultures), Olite (spectacular medieval castle) and the Pyrenean valleys of Roncal and Salazar. All within 90 minutes' drive from your apartment in Pamplona.
Your perfect base to discover Pamplona
Our apartments in the historic centre put you minutes from all these activities. Space, a fully equipped kitchen and the best location to experience the city like a local.