Pamplona has six main neighborhoods that matter for visitors, from the medieval alleys of the Old Town to the green residential streets of Iturrama. The city is compact , you can walk from one side to the other in about 40 minutes , but each barrio has a distinct character, price point, and reason to stay or visit.. For more, see our pamplona. Here’s the breakdown by what matters most for your trip.
Best Neighborhoods in Pamplona: Casco Viejo (Old Town)
The Old Town is Pamplona’s historic core, a dense grid of narrow streets, stone buildings, and 200-plus pintxos bars within a 1 km radius. Plaza del Castillo anchors the area, and the cathedral, city walls, and most museums sit within the Old Town boundaries. This is where the San Fermin bull runs take place , the encierro route runs along Calle Santo Domingo, through Plaza Consistorial, and along Calle Estafeta. Hotels here command the highest prices in the city, particularly the Gran Hotel La Perla on Plaza del Castillo. The area suits first-time visitors who want to walk to everything and don’t mind noise , the pintxos bar scene runs late, especially on weekends.. For more, see our Pamplona weather by month. Average hotel rates: 120-250 euros in standard season, 400-plus euros during San Fermin.
Best Neighborhoods in Pamplona: Ensanche (Second Ensanche)
The Ensanche is Pamplona’s 20th-century expansion district, built in a grid pattern immediately south of the Old Town. Avenida Carlos III, the main shopping street, runs through the neighbourhood with high-street brands, cafes, and the Corte Ingles department store. The Ensanche is more residential and quieter than the Old Town but still a 10-15 minute walk to Plaza del Castillo. Hotels here tend to be modern 3-4 star properties, and the area works well for travellers who want easy access to the centre without the late-night noise. The bus and train stations sit at the southern edge of the Ensanche.. For more, see our best time to visit Pamplona. Average rates: 80-150 euros standard, 250-350 euros during San Fermin.
Best Neighborhoods in Pamplona: Iturrama
Iturrama is a leafy residential neighbourhood west of the city centre, home to the University of Navarra campus and the University Clinic. It’s popular with students, academic visitors, and families. Parque de Yamaguchi and the Pamplona Planetarium sit at its western edge. The neighbourhood is quieter than the centre, with simpler local bars and restaurants rather than tourist-focused pintxos spots. Iturrama is a 25-minute walk to the Old Town or a 10-minute bus ride on lines 4 and 15. Budget hotels and short-term apartment rentals are more common here. Average rates: 50-90 euros in standard season.. For more, see our things to do in Pamplona. Good choice for longer stays or university-related visits.
Best Neighborhoods in Pamplona: San Juan
San Juan is a working-class neighbourhood west of the Citadel with a strong local identity and some of the city’s best traditional taverns. It’s less polished than the Ensanche but more authentic, with neighbourhood plazas where elderly residents play cards and children kick footballs. The area hosts the San Prudencio festival in late April. San Juan’s location puts it 20 minutes on foot from the Old Town, or 10 minutes by bus. Hotel options are limited , mostly small pensions and private apartments , making it a budget-friendly base.. For more, see our Pamplona events and festivals. Average rates: 40-70 euros.
Best Neighborhoods in Pamplona: Rochapea
Rochapea sits north of the Old Town across the Arga River, at the foot of the city walls. This formerly industrial area has been gradually gentrifying and now hosts several craft beer bars, a popular riverside park (Parque de la Runa), and some of Pamplona’s newest apartment buildings. The views up to the Old Town walls from the riverbank are excellent, especially at sunset. Rochapea is a 15-minute walk uphill to Plaza del Castillo. Hotel options include a few modern mid-range properties and an albergue for Camino pilgrims.. For more, see our where to stay in Pamplona. Average rates: 55-100 euros. See our Pamplona travel tips for more information.
