Five Fun-Filled Days in Pamplona on a Budget

Experience Pamplona's rich cultural heritage on a shoestring budget.

21 June 2023

A trip to Pamplona on a limited budget can still be a fulfilling and exciting experience. Start by exploring the historic Old Town, with its impressive Gothic cathedral and charming narrow streets. The city is also known for its world-famous Running of the Bulls festival in July, where travelers can watch the action from a distance or participate in other cultural events. Finally, save money on food by enjoying delicious pintxos (tapas) at local bars and cafes.

Travel plan

Getting latest place information
Day 1

Arrival

  • Check into Hotel Europa, a budget-friendly, clean and centrally-located hotel.
  • Experience the vibrant energy of Pamplona by strolling through the streets of the Old Town.
  • Enjoy a delicious, authentic Basque meal at Bar Gaucho, known for its pintxos and warm atmosphere.
  • Visit the stunning Cathedral of Santa Maria la Real to admire the Gothic architecture and beautiful stained glass windows.
  • Take a guided tour of the iconic San Fermin Bullring and learn about the history and culture of bullfighting.
Day 2

History and Culture

  • Immerse yourself in the art and history of Navarra by visiting the Museo Universidad de Navarra.
  • Walk through the parks and gardens of the Ciudadela, a 16th century fortress.
  • Indulge in some local sweets at the Pasteleria Arrese, a charming bakery with a variety of traditional pastries.
  • Learn about the history of wine-making in Navarra at the Museo del Vino.
  • Enjoy a sunset walk along the picturesque river Arga.
Day 3

Day Trip to San Sebastian

  • Take a day trip to the stunning coastal city of San Sebastian, just an hour away by bus.
  • Explore the cobbled streets of the Old Town, taste some of the freshest seafood at one of the many Michelin-starred restaurants.
  • Take a dip in the clear waters of Playa de la Concha or hike up Mount Igueldo for stunning views of the city and bay.
  • Visit the Museo San Telmo to learn about Basque culture and history.
  • Take a leisurely stroll along the seafront promenade and sample some pintxos at one of the bars.
Day 4

Adventure Time

  • Get an adrenaline rush hiking in the nearby Pyrenees mountains or paddling down the rivers with the help of Nattur, an adventure tourism company.
  • Enjoy a picnic lunch with a picturesque view of the surrounding mountains.
  • Relax with a spa treatment at the nearby Balneario de Elgorriaga, a historic spa with thermal pools.
  • Visit the picturesque town of Estellan and take a tour of the impressive wine cellars of Bodegas Kastania.
  • End the day with a traditional Navarran dinner at Bar Guretxoko.
Day 5

Food and Wine

  • Sample some of the best regional wines with a guided wine-tasting tour of one of the many vineyards near Pamplona.
  • Enjoy a hearty breakfast at Cafe Iruna, a historic cafe in the heart of the city.
  • Take a tour of the famous Chocolatería de Galarreta and indulge in some delicious hot chocolate and pastries.
  • Lunch at Restaurante Europa, a budget-friendly restaurant with traditional Spanish cuisine.
  • End the trip with a bang and experience the lively nightlife of Pamplona with a pub crawl through the bustling bars in the area.

How to get there

Plane

The best way to get to Pamplona by plane is to fly into Pamplona Airport, which is located approximately 6km from the city center. Flights are available from major cities across Europe, including London, Paris, and Madrid.

Car

The best way to reach Pamplona by car is by taking the AP-15 highway, which connects Pamplona to cities across Spain, including San Sebastian and Zaragoza. It is recommended to rent a car if you plan to explore the surrounding areas as well.

Train

Pamplona Train Station is located in the city center and offers convenient train services to cities across Spain, including Madrid and Barcelona.

Boat

There are no direct boat services available to Pamplona since it is located inland. However, you can reach nearby coastal cities such as Bilbao or San Sebastian by boat and then travel to Pamplona by bus or car.

Bus

Taking a bus to Pamplona is a convenient and affordable option. There are regular bus services available from cities across Spain, including Barcelona, Madrid, and San Sebastian.

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