What to See in Pamplona in a Weekend: the Complete Guide
Pamplona is one of those cities that surprises first-time visitors. The capital of Navarre in northern Spain, rich in history, gastronomy and street life, two days are more than enough to get a real feel for the city. This guide covers what to see in Pamplona in a weekend so you don't miss a thing — and helps you find the best accommodation in Pamplona so your trip goes smoothly from the moment you arrive.
Day 1: The Old Town and the City Walls
The Citadel and the Walls of Pamplona
The best starting point for visiting Pamplona is the Citadel, a Renaissance fortress from the 16th century that today serves as a public park and cultural venue. From here, the walls that encircle the old town begin — a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Walking along the rampart path with views over the Taconera Park is a must-do experience, and completely free.
Plaza del Castillo
The heart of Pamplona. Plaza del Castillo is the meeting point for locals and visitors alike. Its café terraces, century-old arcades and lively atmosphere at any hour of the day make it the perfect place for a morning coffee or an evening glass of wine. Don't miss stepping inside the Café Iruña, with its early 20th-century décor — it was one of Ernest Hemingway's favourite spots in the city.
The Old Town: Streets Full of History
Just steps from the square, Pamplona's old town unfolds as a network of medieval streets full of life. Calle Estafeta, famous as the route of the San Fermín bull run, is worth a peaceful stroll outside of festival time. Calle de la Navarrería, the oldest neighbourhood in the city, preserves its medieval street layout and is home to some of the most traditional bars. If you visit Pamplona in July, this street takes on an incredible energy during the San Fermín festival.
The Cathedral of Santa María la Real
At the far end of the old town stands the Cathedral of Santa María la Real, one of the finest examples of Gothic architecture in Spain. Its cloister, considered one of the most beautiful in Europe, is worth the visit on its own. The cathedral museum holds pieces of great historical value, including the reliquary of the Holy Thorn and the tomb of King Charles III of Navarre and his wife.
Day 1 Evening: Pintxos and Navarrese Wine
Pamplona is a pintxos city. As the evening comes in, bars throughout the old town lay out their best creations on the counter and the whole city seems to spill out into the streets. The ritual is simple: order a glass of wine or beer, pick a pintxo from the bar, pay and move on to the next place. Calle San Nicolás, Calle Estafeta and Calle San Gregorio have the highest concentration of bars. Come hungry — the quality is consistently high.
If you visit Pamplona in March, make sure you catch the Pintxo Week, when the best bars in the city compete with their most creative recipes.
Day 2: Museums, Nature and Day Trips
The Museum of Navarre
The second morning is ideal for visiting the Museum of Navarre, housed in a 16th-century hospital building. Its collections span from prehistory to the 20th century, with a particular focus on Navarrese art. Highlights include Roman mosaics from local archaeological sites and an important collection of paintings by Goya.
The Media Luna Park and the Arga River
Pamplona has a special relationship with its river. The Media Luna Park, which follows the course of the Arga, is the green lung of the city and offers a walk of several kilometres down to the Riverside Park. It is also the route taken by many pilgrims on the Camino de Santiago as they pass through Pamplona — one of the most scenic stretches of the first stage of the French Way.
Yamaguchi Park
Close to the city centre and just next to the University of Navarre, Yamaguchi Park is one of Pamplona's most peaceful and pleasant corners. Donated by the Japanese city of the same name as a symbol of friendship, it combines Oriental-style gardens with open grass areas. Our apartments in Pamplona are just a few minutes' walk from this park — it becomes your own garden during your stay.
Day Trip from Pamplona: Leyre Monastery or the Bardenas Reales
If time allows, the area around Pamplona is well worth exploring. Less than an hour by car, the Monastery of Leyre is one of the most impressive Romanesque complexes in Spain. In the opposite direction, the Bardenas Reales offer a striking semi-desert landscape declared a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve — one of the most surprising natural settings on the Iberian Peninsula.
Where to Stay in Pamplona: Apartments in the Centre
To enjoy the city without complications, the best option is a well-located tourist apartment in Pamplona that lets you walk to and from the centre whenever you like. At Gestión de Alojamientos Pamplona we offer apartments sleeping from 2 to 8 people, just 15 minutes on foot from the old town, next to Yamaguchi Park and very close to the Clínica Universidad de Navarra.
Our tourist apartments in Pamplona include a fully equipped kitchen, free WiFi, cleaning service and optional parking. If you're coming in July, take a look at our San Fermín accommodation page for availability and special conditions during the festival.
Book your Pamplona apartment at the best price →
Practical Tips for Your Weekend in Pamplona
- Getting there: Pamplona has its own airport 6 km from the centre, with flights to Madrid and Barcelona. By train or bus it is easily reached from the rest of Spain and from France.
- Best time to visit: The city is pleasant year-round. Spring and autumn are ideal for walking. If you visit in July, you will experience the San Fermín festival — a unique event anywhere in the world.
- Getting around: The old town is entirely walkable. For the parks and outlying areas, the urban bus network is efficient and affordable.
- Food and drink: Don't leave without trying Navarrese beef chops, lamb chilindrón stew and, of course, pintxos paired with a glass of DO Navarra wine.
- Camino de Santiago: If you are walking the French Way, Pamplona is the first major stop on the route. Our apartments are just 3 minutes from the official path — perfect for a rest before continuing your journey.
Pamplona in a Weekend: More Than You Expect
Pamplona is a city that wins you over gradually. It doesn't have the scale of Madrid or the international fame of Barcelona, but it has something few Spanish cities still hold onto: authenticity. Its streets, its food culture and the warmth of its people mean that those who visit almost always want to come back.
If you are planning a trip to Pamplona, the team at Gestión de Alojamientos will be happy to help make your stay perfect. Book directly on our website for the best guaranteed rate.
Any questions about what to see or how to plan your weekend in Pamplona? Get in touch and we will help you put together the perfect itinerary.
