DaylightSunset about 9:43 PM. Long evenings, so the sunset stops stay light late.
HappeningSan Fermín runs from 6 to 14 July: the rocket at noon on the 6th, the procession of San Fermín on the 7th, a bull run each morning from the 7th, and Pobre de mí on the night of the 14th.
From average weather, 2021 to 2025: days that are warm but not hot, with few rainy days, score highest. Crowds and prices change through the year, so check them before you book.
Arrival day
Before Day 1. San Fermín runs from 6 to 14 July every year, so Day 1 is 5 July. Book rooms very early and check ahead for the program.Details
The date rule
San Fermín always runs from 6 to 14 July. The rocket is at noon on the 6th, the procession of San Fermín is on the 7th, and a bull run takes place each morning from the 7th. Day 1 here is the 5th, the eve. Hotels sell out, so book early and check ahead.
The bull run
The encierro is dangerous: injuries and deaths happen. This page does not plan taking part. If you watch, it is from an official place, and you must arrive very early, often before dawn. Some people would rather not see a bull event at all, and that is a fair choice.
Being a good guest
White clothes and a red scarf are the custom, and the scarf goes on after the rocket. Expect to be splashed with wine, so wear old clothes. Ask before photos, give people room, and do not climb onto fences or balconies. Stay quiet during the religious moments.
Heat, then Day 1
The old town is packed day and night, and July is hot. Drink water, carry a small bag worn in front, and pick a meeting point in case you lose your group. Buses and trains fill, so plan your way in and out ahead. Day 1 is the eve, spent in the old town around the cathedral.
Day 1. The cathedral and the Navarrería and The bullring and the avenues
5 stops · 1.5 km
Built from the plan’s must-sees, grouped so each day stays close together and ordered by time of day.
1
MorningDangerous, plan carefully
Calle Estafeta
A long, narrow old street that is part of the route of the encierro, which usually starts at eight in the morning. The run is dangerous, and this page does not plan taking part. Watching is from official places that fill very early, so check ahead, or watch on a screen at a cafe. The giants and big-heads parades usually pass through the old town during the morning.
Go whenNot for taking part. If watching, arrive very early, often before dawn.
Local tip This page does not plan running. Watch only from an official place, never from a fence or a balcony not meant for it, and follow police and stewards. Some people would rather skip a bull event, and that is fair.
About 4 min walk0.3 km
2
MorningWorth the time
Pamplona Cathedral
The Gothic cathedral of Pamplona, with a calm cloister, tall vaults and a neoclassical front, in the oldest part of town. A cool and quiet start before the crowds. Dress modestly and check ahead for entry.
Go whenMorning, before the heat and the crowd.
Local tip Walk the cloister, which is the best part. Cover your shoulders and knees, keep your voice low and check ahead for entry during the fiesta.
Lamb stewed with sweet peppers and tomato in a rich, red sauce, a dish of Navarre and Aragon. A rich lunch on a festival day.
Local tip Peppers and lamb are both in the dish. Tell the staff about any allergy first.
About 4 min walk0.3 km
3
MorningWorth a short stop
Puente de la Magdalena
An old stone bridge over the river Arga on the pilgrim road to Santiago, beside the northern edge of the walls. A quiet place to see the river and the old town from below.
Go whenMorning, on a calm day.
Local tip An old bridge on the pilgrim road to Santiago, crossing the river Arga. Look at it from the bank and take care on the steps.
About 3 min walk0.2 km
4
AfternoonWorth the time
Walls of Pamplona
The long ring of old stone ramparts around the old town, with a green path along the top, gates and lookouts over the river valley. A calm walk away from the crowd, in the best shade late in the day.
Go whenAfternoon, where there is shade, or at dusk.
Local tip Walk a stretch of the top and look over the valley. The paths can be uneven and the drop is steep in places, so stay back from the edge.
The bullring at the end of the encierro route, one of the largest in Spain. Bullfights are held here in the evenings in fiesta week and are part of the festival's tradition. Views on them differ widely: some people love them and others object strongly, and you can simply skip them. Look at the building from the outside.
Go whenEvening, from outside, whether or not you go to a fight.
Local tip Bullfights are part of the fiesta and are a matter on which people differ strongly. You do not have to go, and the building is worth seeing from the outside either way.
Salt cod cooked in oil with garlic, peppers and tomato, a Navarre dish with muleteers' roots. A rich, warm dinner from the small old town restaurants.
Local tip It is a fish dish, so tell the staff about any fish allergy. It is also garlicky.
If it rains. Pamplona Cathedral is covered, so keep it. Move Calle Estafeta, Puente de la Magdalena, Walls of Pamplona and Plaza de Toros to a dry day if you can.
Day 2. The old town and its squares and The bullring and the avenues
5 stops · 1.1 km
Built from the plan’s must-sees, grouped so each day stays close together and ordered by time of day.
1
MiddayCrowded, optional
Plaza del Ayuntamiento
The town hall square, where San Fermín opens at noon when a rocket, the chupinazo, goes up from the balcony. The square fills hours early and is extremely tight, and people throw wine and other liquids. It is not for children, wheelchairs or anyone who dislikes crowds, and many watch from a screen or the edge of the streets. Details change, so check ahead.
Go whenVery early on the 6th, if you choose to be there at noon.
Local tip The square is extremely tight, and the crowd pushes. It is not for children, wheelchairs, or anyone who dislikes crowds, and wine and other liquids are thrown. Watching on a screen elsewhere is a fine choice. Check ahead.
About 2 min walkunder 0.1 km
2
MiddayWorth a short stop
Church of San Saturnino
The Gothic church of San Cernin in the heart of the old town, named for a patron saint of the city, with a tall tower. A short stop that shows the deep roots under the fiesta. Check ahead for entry.
Go whenMidday, as a pause in the old town.
Local tip Look at the tall tower from the street first. If you go in, keep your voice low and dress modestly, since services go on during the fiesta.
Lunch
Pintxos in the old town
Pamplona is known for its pintxos, small bites on bread or on a stick, laid out on bar counters in the lanes of the old town. Choose a few, eat standing and move to the next bar.
Local tip Point at what you like and keep your toothpicks for the count. Ask what each contains if you have an allergy.
About 2 min walk0.2 km
3
AfternoonWorth the time
Museum of Navarre
The regional museum, in an old hospital building, with Roman mosaics, Gothic painting and a famous portrait by Goya. A cool, quiet retreat from the heat and the crowds. Check ahead for entry.
Go whenAfternoon, in the heat.
Local tip Start with the Roman mosaics and the Gothic painting, then look for the Goya portrait. Check ahead for entry during the fiesta.
The big square that is the living room of Pamplona, ringed by arcaded cafes and a bandstand. On the eve the benches and terraces fill, people start to dress in white and red, and music drifts through the streets. Plan a meeting point here.
Go whenEvening, for the first night of the fiesta.
Local tip Pick a meeting point and tell your group. Keep your bag in front, drink water and expect to be splashed. Leave a path clear when music passes.
A Navarre vegetable stew of artichoke, peas, green beans and asparagus, simmered gently with a little ham. Regional, light and warm, and often on menus in the old town.
Local tip It often contains ham, so tell the staff if you avoid pork or have a food allergy.
If it rains. Church of San Saturnino and Museum of Navarre are covered, so keep them. Move Plaza del Ayuntamiento, Hemingway Monument and Plaza del Castillo to a dry day if you can.
Day 3. The bullring and the avenues and The old town and its squares
5 stops · 0.5 km
Built from the plan’s must-sees, grouped so each day stays close together and ordered by time of day.
1
MiddayWorth a short stop
Monument to the Fueros
A stone monument to the old laws and liberties of Navarre, at the edge of the old town, near the government palace. A short stop, and a good place to meet.
Go whenMidday, as a meeting point.
Local tip The monument is a good, easy place to meet your group. Look at the carvings, then move on.
About 2 min walkunder 0.1 km
2
AfternoonWorth a short stop
St Nicholas' Church
A fortress-like church on a quiet street in the lower town, with thick walls and a calm interior. A pause away from the heat. Dress modestly and keep your voice low if a service is on.
Go whenAfternoon, out of the sun.
Local tip A cool, plain interior and a quiet street. Dress modestly and step in only if no service is on.
A thin, spiced pork sausage from Navarre, grilled and served in a roll or on a plate. Bars and stalls near the center sell it through the fiesta.
Local tip It contains pork and paprika, so tell the staff about any allergy first.
About 2 min walk0.2 km
3
AfternoonWorth a short stop
Palace of Navarre
The seat of the regional government, a palace of the 1800s beside the square and the monument. Look at the front from the street, since the inside is not open to casual visits.
Go whenAfternoon, from the street.
Local tip It houses the regional government, so it is seen from the outside. A quick look is plenty.
A bronze group of bulls and runners in the street near the bullring, made to show the run as it is. A short stop that explains the scene and its closeness without taking part.
Go whenMorning or afternoon, on a quiet day.
Local tip A bronze group of bulls and runners near the bullring that shows the scene plainly. Look for the people at the front, and notice how close they are.
About 2 min walk0.1 km
5
EveningCheck ahead
Teatro Gayarre
The classic theatre of Pamplona, just off the main square, named after a famous tenor. Concerts and plays take place through the year, though many events pause during the fiesta.
Go whenEvening, if a performance is on.
Local tip The theatre sits just off the main square. Check ahead for a concert or play, since many events pause during the fiesta.
If it rains. St Nicholas' Church and Teatro Gayarre are covered, so keep them. Move Monument to the Fueros, Palace of Navarre and Monumento al Encierro to a dry day if you can.
Day 4. The bullring and the avenues and The walls, the park and the citadel
5 stops · 4.1 km
Built from the plan’s must-sees, grouped so each day stays close together and ordered by time of day.
1
MorningCheck ahead
Church of San Lorenzo
The church with the chapel of San Fermín, where the saint's image is kept. On the 7th the procession of San Fermín usually sets out from here in the mid morning, after the run, with clergy, giants, bands and the city council. It is a religious procession, so keep your voice low and give the crowd room. Check ahead for the route and time.
Go whenMid morning of the 7th, for the procession.
Local tip Give the procession room, keep your voice low and do not cross in front of it. Details of route and time change, so check ahead.
About 2 min walk0.2 km
2
MorningA calm morning
Parque de la Taconera
A green park on the western edge of the old town, with lawns, old trees and the moats of the old ramparts around it. A calm morning before the fiesta begins, and a cool place to sit in the heat.
Go whenMorning, before the fiesta begins.
Local tip Walk the shady paths and the ramparts at the edge, and sit for a while. It is the quietest green space in the middle of town.
About 6 min walk0.5 km
3
MorningA slow stroll
Paseo de Sarasate
A tree-lined walk beside the old town, with benches and shade. A calm place for a slow stroll, and the road in and out is busy, so check ahead.
Go whenMorning of the 8th, for a quiet walk.
Local tip A wide, shady promenade that is easy on tired feet. Cross the roads with care, since traffic is diverted during the fiesta.
About 24 min walk2.0 km
4
AfternoonA cool indoor stop
Museo Universidad de Navarra
A contemporary art museum on the university campus, west of the center, with changing exhibitions. A cool, quiet afternoon away from the old town.
Go whenAfternoon, by taxi, on a hot day.
Local tip A contemporary art museum on the university campus, west of the center. Check ahead, since opening depends on exhibitions.
About 18 min walk1.5 km
5
EveningWorth the time
Citadel of Pamplona
A star-shaped fortress and its wide green moat and lawns at the southern edge of the old town. Walk its paths at dusk, and ask where the nightly fireworks are, since they are usually launched near here. Check ahead.
Go whenEvening, around sunset (about 9:43 PM).
Local tip Walk the grass and the paths along the walls. Fireworks are usually launched near here at night, so ask a local where to stand. Mind the crowd afterward.
Trout from the clear rivers of Navarre, fried and filled with cured ham, a regional classic. A fine supper before the first night of the fiesta.
Local tip It contains ham and fish, so tell the staff about any allergy. Watch for small bones.
If it rains. Church of San Lorenzo and Museo Universidad de Navarra are covered, so keep them. Move Parque de la Taconera, Paseo de Sarasate and Citadel of Pamplona to a dry day if you can.
Day 5. Towns and monasteries around Pamplona
2 stops · 87.0 km
Built from the plan’s must-sees, grouped so each day stays close together and ordered by time of day.
Drive from Citadel of PamplonaAbout 52 min by car43.7 km
Where Day 4 ended.
1
MorningWorth the time
Monastery of Leyre
An old monastery in the foothills of the Pyrenees, with a Romanesque crypt and a long view over a reservoir. A quiet day out, often by car, with a mountain setting.
Go whenMorning, by car or a tour, on a clear day.
Local tip An old monastery in a mountain setting with a Romanesque crypt. Access depends on the season and services, so check ahead.
A plate of sheep's cheese from the valleys of Navarre with honey and a few nuts. A simple taste of the region before you leave.
Local tip It contains dairy and nuts, so tell the staff about any allergy first.
If it rains. Everything today is outdoors, so swap this day with a drier one if you can.
Day 6. Towns and monasteries around Pamplona, part 2
2 stops · 88.4 km
Built from the plan’s must-sees, grouped so each day stays close together and ordered by time of day.
Drive from RoncesvallesAbout 1 h 7 min by car64.4 km
Where Day 5 ended.
1
MorningWorth the time
Olite
A walled medieval town south of Pamplona with a royal palace-castle with many towers, once a court of the kings of Navarre. A good day out for a longer visit.
Go whenMorning, for a day out of town by car.
Local tip A walled medieval town with a royal palace-castle. Roads and parking are crowded during the fiesta, so check ahead for the way there and back.
If it rains. Everything today is outdoors, so swap this day with a drier one if you can.
Departure day
After the last day. The fiesta runs on until the night of 14 July, so buses and trains out of town are busy. Check ahead.Details
Check-out
The streets are cleaned in the early hours, and the old town is quietest in the morning after a late night. Ask your hotel to hold your bags, and pack the evening before so the last morning is slow.
Leaving town
Buses and trains fill during the fiesta, and the nearest airport is small. Book your way home ahead, leave a wide margin and check ahead for road closures around the old town.
The fiesta goes on
After you leave, the bull run continues each morning to the 14th, and the closing song, Pobre de mí, is sung on the night of the 14th. The crowds do not thin until the end.
Questions people ask
When is the best time to visit Pamplona?
By average weather from 2021 to 2025, April to October are the most comfortable months for walking around Pamplona. This plan is built for early July, which is one of the best months. Crowds and prices change through the year, so check them before you book.
How many days does this plan cover?
It covers 6 days in Pamplona, planned for early July. Each day is built around a small number of stops, with room to rest.
Who is this plan for?
It was planned for most travelers. The pace and the places reflect that, so check it fits how you travel.
Is anything on this plan booked?
No. Places marked "book ahead" need a reservation. Hours, prices and availability change, so confirm before you go.
Can I plan my own days like this?
Yes. Archie drafts a day by day plan for your dates and takes your pace, the weather and who is travelling into account. You can start one from the Archie app.
Can I change this plan?
Yes. It is a starting point you can change to fit your own trip: swap a place, add a day or move the pace.
How much walking is there?
Each day has about 0.5 to 43.3 kilometers between its stops, and 74.5 kilometers in all across 6 days. A short hop is a walk and a longer one a ride. Distances are straight-line estimates, so allow extra for the streets.
3 days in San SebastiánAbout 60 km awayAn easy add-on
4 days in MadridAbout 320 km away
3 days in BarcelonaAbout 350 km away
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