Pamplona packs centuries of history into its compact Old Town, from Roman-era walls to a Gothic cathedral, all within walking distance. The city is best known for the San Fermin bull runs, but beyond July’s festival madness, it offers a rich food scene centered on pintxos bars, green parkland along the Arga River, and one of Spain’s best-preserved fortress complexes.. For more, see our pamplona. Here are the top things to do in Pamplona, with practical details for each.
Things to Do in Pamplona: Historic Landmarks
Plaza del Castillo
Pamplona’s main square is the social heart of the city and the gathering point for the San Fermin opening ceremony (the Chupinazo). The arcaded plaza is lined with cafes and bars, including the historic Cafe Iruna (opened 1888), a favourite haunt of Ernest Hemingway. The square was originally a medieval market and later served as a bullring until the mid-19th century. Today it’s a pedestrian-only space perfect for a morning coffee or evening glass of Navarre rosado wine. Free to access, open 24/7.. For more, see our Pamplona weather by month. The tourist information office sits at the northern end of the square.
Pamplona Cathedral (Santa Maria la Real)
This 14th-century Gothic cathedral dominates the Old Town’s highest point. The neoclassical facade (designed by Ventura Rodriguez in 1783) hides a richly decorated interior with a carved walnut choir and the tomb of Charles III of Navarre. The cloister is considered one of Europe’s finest Gothic examples, with intricate stone tracery and a peaceful garden. Entry costs 5 euros (includes cloister, bell tower tour is an additional 3 euros). Open Monday to Saturday 10:30-19:00, Sunday 10:30-14:00.. For more, see our best time to visit Pamplona. The bell tower tour runs at 11:15 AM and gives access to Spain’s largest working bell, weighing 12,000 kg.
City Walls and Citadel (Ciudadela)
Pamplona’s 16th-18th century fortifications form one of Spain’s best-preserved defensive systems. The star-shaped Citadel (Ciudadela), built in 1571 under Philip II, is now a public park with walking paths, exhibition halls, and summer open-air events. The city walls stretch for 5 kilometres around the Old Town, with several bastions and gates still intact. The best walking route starts at the Portal de Francia gate, follows the walls past the Rincón del Caballo Blanco viewpoint, and ends at the Citadel park. Free access, open daily.. For more, see our Pamplona events and festivals. Allow 1-2 hours for the full circuit.
Things to Do in Pamplona: Museums and Culture
Museo de Navarra
Housed in a 16th-century former hospital, this museum covers Navarre’s history from prehistoric times through to 20th-century art. Highlights include Roman mosaics from the nearby archaeological site of Andelos, a striking 12th-century Romanesque capital from the old cathedral, and Goya’s portrait of the Marquis of San Adrian. The ground-floor section on Pamplona’s Roman origins (Pompaelo) is particularly strong. Entry costs 2 euros (free on Saturday afternoons and Sundays). Open Tuesday to Saturday 9:30-14:00 and 17:00-19:00, Sunday 11:00-14:00.. For more, see our best neighborhoods in Pamplona. Closed Monday.
Occidens Museum (Cathedral Diocesan Museum)
Located within the cathedral complex, this modern museum explores the roots of Western civilisation through audiovisual displays and archaeological finds from the cathedral’s excavations. The underground rooms reveal layers of Roman, Visigothic, and medieval Pamplona. Well-produced and consistently rated by visitors for its presentation quality. Entry included with the cathedral ticket (5 euros).. For more, see our where to stay in Pamplona. Same hours as the cathedral.
Things to Do in Pamplona: Outdoor Activities and Day Trips
Parque de la Taconera
Pamplona’s oldest and most romantic park occupies the former Taconera bastion and gardens. The park’s moat area has been converted into a small zoo-like enclosure with free-roaming deer, peacocks, and ducks in a sunken garden setting. French-style geometric flower beds, century-old trees, and ornate gates add to the 19th-century atmosphere. The park connects directly to the city walls walking route.. For more, see our Pamplona travel tips. Free, open daily from 7:00 to 22:00 (closes earlier in winter).
Bardenas Reales (Day Trip)
This UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, 70 km south of Pamplona (about 50 minutes by car), is a semi-desert badlands landscape of eroded clay, sandstone, and chalk formations. The 42,000-hectare park looks like something from another planet and has been used as a filming location for Game of Thrones. You can drive a 34 km loop road through the main formations in about 2 hours. Guided 4×4 tours depart from the nearby town of Arguedas (from 35 euros per person). No public bus reaches the park directly , a rental car or organised tour is necessary. Best visited in spring or autumn when temperatures are moderate. Summer temperatures in the Bardenas can exceed 40°C (104°F).
Camino de Santiago
Pamplona is the first major city on the French Way (Camino Frances) of the Camino de Santiago after crossing the Pyrenees from Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port. Even if you’re not walking the full pilgrimage, you can follow the camino route through the Old Town along Calle Mayor and Calle del Carmen, passing the cathedral and the Portal de Francia gate. The municipal albergue (pilgrim hostel) at Calle Compania 4 offers a glimpse of the camino community. Walking a segment of the trail in the hills above Pamplona , such as the Alto del Perdon with its iconic windmill and pilgrim silhouettes , takes about 2-3 hours and gives panoramic views back to the city.
