Hotels in Pamplona, Navarra, Spain

Colourful Pamplona is a riveting city of ancient cobblestone streets and wild festivals. There are ample hidden historical treasures in town, including atmospheric monuments and tucked-away alleyways. The food and drink scene is also unrivalled, offering vibrant Basque specialities and excellent cider houses. That’s not to mention the fantastic museums and galleries you can explore on your next holiday in Pamplona.

You can choose from a wide variety of accommodation options in Pamplona, including vibrant hotels in the heart of the old town and quieter spots by the river.

Neighbourhoods of Pamplona

There are many neighbourhoods to discover in Pamplona:

• Casco Viejo: Pamplona's old town is the most picturesque area of the city. It's where you'll find a wealth of ancient alleyways and the city's top attractions. It's a great place to stay for those wanting an atmospheric experience.
• Rochapea: North of the Arga, this large residential area has some great budget stays with excellent views of Runa Park.
• Ensanche Viejo : A historic neighbourhood that was developed extensively in the 19th century, you’ll find plenty of fantastic hotel options here. There are also a number of historical sites, including the magnificent Ciudadela de Pamplona and Puerta del Socorro.
• Segundo Ensanche : This area saw development in the 20th century, with some excellent architectural sites and hotels to stay in. It’s also where you’ll find the city’s famed 1920’s bullring, Plaza de Toros de Pamplona.

What to see and do in Pamplona

Pamplona is a remarkable city with a number of excellent historical attractions. You'll find the fascinating Pamplona City Walls around the Citadel, once the centre of the city. To learn more about these structures, you can visit the Interpretation Centre of the Fortifications. The city's premier religious building is La Catedral de Santa María la Real de Pamplona, an impressive neoclassical cathedral with a striking Gothic interior that has hosted many royal crownings. For history, the Museo de Navarra does a great job of displaying regional art and artefacts. There are also ample bullfighting-related monuments and sites around town, including the famed sculpture, Monumento al Encierro.

What to eat in Pamplona

Pamplona has a vibrant food scene with plenty of international options, but it's also a centre of great Basque restaurants. Try some regional specialities like pintxos (tapas), marmitako (fish stew), leche frita (custard dessert), chuletón (steak) and txistorra (sausages). You can finish your meal with a glass of the local after-dinner drink, pacharán, or hit the cider houses (sagardotegi) for a sampling of the famed regional beverage.

Typical events and festivals in Pamplona

Pamplona hosts a number of religious and cultural festivals of significance, including the dance festival, Baile de la Era, and the religious pilgrimage of San Juan de Xar. The most famous festival, however, is San Fermin, when bulls stampede the streets after traditionally-dressed men. This festival takes place in July and consists of a number of celebrations not limited to the bull run. Some one million people participate in the festivities every year.

How to move around in Pamplona

Pamplona is serviced by a comprehensive bus network with a train station linking the city with Madrid and Barcelona. The city is also well serviced by taxi cabs. If you'd like to explore more of the surrounding countryside on day trips, a rental car is advised.

The climate in Pamplona

Pamplona has a warm and temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 12.3°C. You can expect highs in summer of 27°C, with winters dropping to the occasional 3°C.

More interesting facts about and sights in Pamplona

Pamplona isn't short on parks and open spaces. One of the most interesting gardens in the city is Yamaguchi Park, a Japanese botanical garden in the San Juan district complete with pagodas, bridges, fountains and cherry blossom trees. It’s an excellent picnic spot.