What to do in Pamplona: discover the city beyond San Fermín

When you think of Pamplona, the first thing that usually comes to mind is the bull runs during the San Fermín festival. However, this city in northern Spain has much more to offer. With a rich history, vibrant cultural life, delicious cuisine and a privileged natural environment, Pamplona is a destination that surprises all year round.

If you are planning your trip and wondering what to do in Pamplona, here is a complete guide so you don’t miss a thing.

1. Explore the Old Town: history and medieval charm

One of the main tourist attractions in Pamplona is its well-preserved Old Town. Wandering through its cobbled streets is like travelling back in time. In the heart of the city is the Plaza del Castillo, an iconic square surrounded by terraces and historic buildings.

Be sure to visit the imposing Cathedral of Santa María la Real, a Gothic gem with a neoclassical façade, where you can climb the towers for panoramic views. Also noteworthy are the ancient walls and the Citadel, a 16th-century fortification that has now been converted into a park and cultural space.

2. Experience the spirit of San Fermín all year round

Although the San Fermín festival is held in July, Pamplona keeps its spirit alive all year round. You can walk the famous bull run route from Cuesta de Santo Domingo to the bullring. There are guided tours that recount the origins and curiosities of this festival, which has been declared of International Tourist Interest.

In addition, the Sanfermines Museum (when available) and some cultural centres often offer temporary exhibitions dedicated to this tradition that has spread around the world.

3. Eating in Pamplona: an experience for the palate

To talk about Pamplona is to talk about good food. If you are interested in eating out in Pamplona, you will find a huge variety of options: from pintxos in the bars of the Old Town to restaurants serving signature cuisine.

You can’t leave without trying typical dishes such as lamb chilindrón, Navarre asparagus, or pochas (white beans). For an authentic experience, visit Café Iruña, opened in 1888 and famous for being frequented by Ernest Hemingway. In addition, the area around Calle San Nicolás and Calle Estafeta is ideal for a pintxo tour.

4. Enjoy nature in the city

Pamplona stands out for being a green and pedestrian-friendly city. Just a short walk from the centre, you can enjoy La Taconera Park, with its manicured gardens, sculptures and a small moat where animals such as deer and peacocks live.

Another interesting spot is Yamaguchi Park, a Japanese garden that symbolises the twinning of Pamplona with its namesake city in Japan. And if you want to walk a little further, the Vuelta del Castillo or the Arga river walks are perfect options for relaxing.

5. Excursions from Pamplona: discover Navarre

If you have more than one day in the city, it is worth taking a trip to the surrounding area. Navarre is a region rich in landscapes, history and gastronomy.

You can visit Olite, with its spectacular medieval castle; Estella, a city on the Camino de Santiago; or the Monastery of Leyre and the Yesa reservoir. For lovers of hiking and nature, the Irati Forest and the Oza Forest offer spectacular routes through beech forests and mountains.

Pamplona, a city that surprises

In short, if you’re wondering what to do in Pamplona, the answer is: much more than you can imagine. Whether it’s for its historical legacy, its unique traditions such as San Fermín, its delicious cuisine or its green spaces, Pamplona is a city that combines the best of urban life with the tranquillity of a small capital.

Ideal for a cultural getaway, a gastronomic trip, or a base for exploring Navarre, Pamplona deserves more than just a quick visit. Let yourself be surprised by its hidden corners and discover why many travellers return again and again.