Free walking tours in Pamplona and what to see

Must-sees

Pamplona’s Old Town is best explored on foot. The Plaza del Castillo is its centre. From there runs Calle Estafeta, part of the San Fermín bull run route, which ends at the bullring. The Plaza del Ayuntamiento, with its Baroque façade, is where the chupinazo rocket opens the fiesta. The churches of San Saturnino and San Nicolás show the city’s medieval past.

The cathedral of Santa María la Real has a superb Gothic cloister. Beside it the city walls begin, and you can follow them to the Portal de Francia, where Camino de Santiago pilgrims enter. The Ciudadela, a star-shaped 16th-century fortress, is now a large park. The Museum of Navarre and the Taconera park complete the visit.

Free tours and guided visits

Free tours cover the Old Town, the bull run route, the cathedral and the walls. They explain San Fermín, the Camino de Santiago and Hemingway’s relationship with the city. You tip what you like at the end. The paid guided visit to the cathedral and its cloister is worth it. From Pamplona there’s a wide range of day trips. The best known go to the royal palace of Olite, the Bardenas Reales desert, the Irati forest and Roncesvalles.

How long to spend

Two days are enough for the city. Day one, the Old Town, the bull run route and the cathedral. Day two, walk the walls, the Ciudadela and the Taconera, and visit the Museum of Navarre. If you want to see Navarre, add one or two days for Olite, the Bardenas or the Pyrenees. During San Fermín the city changes completely, and you need to book well in advance.

Where to stay

The Old Town is the best area for being close to everything and enjoying the bar scene. If you prefer somewhere quieter, the First and Second Ensanche, next to the Plaza del Castillo and the Ciudadela, have pleasant streets and are a few minutes’ walk away. During San Fermín the Old Town is very noisy, so think about what you’re looking for before you book.