I’m always up for exploring new places. Especially in countries that I’ve traveled to over and over again. So when the Spain tourism board asked me to be apart of a campaign that would explore lesser known cities, I jumped at the opportunity. And that’s how I ended up exploring Pamplona, Spain. So if you’re looking to head to one of the Spain Cities that people don’t know about, you should definitely think about spending 48 hours in Pamplona.
48 Hours In Pamplona
Pamplona is most known for the Running of the Bulls, or San Fermin. So, most people will only visit the Northern city during the months of July. But, if you’re looking to visit during a less busy time, you can still experience this city during other times of the year.
*I will say that I found it incredibly hard being by myself and only speaking a little bit of Spanish. Very few people seemed to be speak English, and I found that to make simple acts like ordering food very intimidating. If you’re not comfortable speaking Spanish and you usually travel solo, I’d save Pamplona for a time when someone can visit with you. I think you’ll end up having more fun.*
How To Get To Pamplona
If you’re traveling to Pamplona from London, you’ll probably end up flying into Bilbao airport. I flew from London Heathrow Airport on a British Airways flight. When I arrived at Bilbao airport, I hopped on the airport bus that takes you to the main bus station in Bilbao. This station is called Terminus. A ticket from the airport to the bus station is 3 Euro. From there, you’ll hop on a bus to Pamplona. I suggest booking this online, ahead of time, as the bus was completely full even though it was the off season. I booked mine using GoEuro. The ticket will cost 14 Euro.
Another way to get to Pamplona is to fly into France. If you’re doing this, you would fly into Biarritz. From there, you could grab a 90 minute bus into the Pamplona city center. Pamplona does have an airport, but there only internal flights from Barcelona and Madrid that fly to and from there.
Where To Stay In Pamplona
If you’re visiting Pamplona during July when the Running of The Bulls festival is taking place, you want to book your accommodation very far in advance. Especially if you’re interested in finding a balcony room that faces the route of the festival. You can book hotels, AirBnB’s, hostels and more.
I stayed at Hotel Maisonnave. And while the hotel was very comfortable and the front desk staff were incredibly helpful and accommodating, it was a really loud hotel. I think that there was some sort of rhythmic gymnastics competition going on in Pamplona, so a lot of the teams were staying at the same hotel as me. Unfortunately the young girls spent the nights running back and forth in the hallways, screaming, and banging on doors. I did complain to the front desk and after they came up, the girls quieted down.
I really think this hotel would be fine during a weekend when a competition like that isn’t going on!
How To Spend 48 Hours in Pamplona
Day 1
After arriving to Pamplona, head to your hotel and check in! You’ve probably arrived during Siesta time if it’s during the week, so use this time to get settled and spend a few hours roaming around the city. I find that getting lost is the best way to dive right in! Spend your afternoon wandering through the old city of Pamplona.
When you’re hungry, stop in somewhere for Pinxtos. It will still be early, so it won’t be too crowded. (Most people choose to eat dinner around 9:30/10:30 PM). Bar Restaurante Zanpa is a great place to grab a glass of wine, and a few Pinxtos, which are appetizers you can order from a bar. It’s a really cheap way to fill up, and a great way to taste several things.
As it’s your first day and you woke up very early for your flight, either pop into a bar for a quick night cap, or head back to your hotel early so you can get a good night of rest before exploring tomorrow.
Day 2 Morning
Wake up early and head to Café Iruña for breakfast. Café Iruña is a famous establishment in Pamplona because it used to be one of the hangouts for Ernest Hemingway. In fact, he spent many hours there writing books like, The Sun Also Rises. I suggest ordering yourself a Tortilla con Queso, Jamon, y Patatas and a fresh orange juice. After you finish eating, head into the smaller bar to get a photo with the bronze bust of Ernest Hemingway, himself, at the counter.
After lunch take a wander over to Mercado de Santo Domingo. The market is where the locals do their shopping. It’s open from early morning until around 2:30 PM. You can find cheese, Iberico ham, pastries, cookies, fresh fish, fresh produce, and more here. I suggest strolling through the stalls! It’s a great place to pick up some food for a picnic if the weather permits as well!
From there, it’s time to walk the Encierro, which is the pathway that the bulls run during the San Fermin festival. The streets that make up the route are Santo Domingo, Ayuntamiento, Mercaderes, and Estafeta. If you take this route, you can see the narrow streets that the bulls run up on their way to the Plaza de Toros de Pamplona. As long as your trip to Pamplona isn’t during the Running of the Bulls or the wintertime, you can actually visit the bull ring and the exhibit . I’m pretty sure that the sign said it cost 6 Euro and an audio guide is included in the visit.
Day 2 Afternoon
When you’re finished in there, it’s time to refuel. Head to Beatriz for Garroticos. The cake shop is open until 2 pm on Saturdays, and closes for Siesta during the week. I suggest heading here early because you will end up waiting in line. I bought an entire box of Garroticos for about 8 Euro. The mouthwatering chocolate pastry is so delicious! One will cost you 1 Euro.
After enjoying a tase Garroticos, it’s time for something savory. Pop into Viandas de Salamanca Jamones y Embutidos for a delicious Iberico Jam cone and a cheese cone. Grab them to go so you can continue exploring the colorful streets of Pamplona.
When y0u’re all fueled up, it’s time to take a wander outside of the city. Make your way to the Citadel, which was a fortress built in the 16th century. Visit the informational rooms located within the walls. Afterwards, take a stroll around the old city walls. You can walk on top of them or within them. There is even a moat! While walking here you’ll come across many locals walking their dogs or taking walk. I ended up sitting here for quite sometime as it was incredibly peaceful to experience!
When you’re done there, it’s time to head back to your hotel for a Siesta before heading out for the evening!
Day 2 Evening
If you’re feeling well rested, it’s time to head to another Pinxto’s Bar for some delicious food. Bar Gaucho is by far the most popular location for them and locals and tourists seem to agree on this. They serve up some pretty unique Pinxtos and it can get pretty crowded here. But if it’s nice out, grab your order and head outside to one of the tables in the front.
If you’re there during the warmer months, I suggest going for a walk after dinner and popping into the different bars that are scattered on the streets. If you’re there during the winter, more specifically, Christmastime, then head to the Plaza del Castillo, which is the main square. There’s a small Christmas Market set up here for you to enjoy!
Day 3
It’s the last day of your 48 Hours in Pamplona, and it’s best to experience it outdoors! Grab some of your Garroticos and take a walk through one of the many parks in Pamplona. The Jardines de la Taconera is absolutely stunning to walk through. There are beautiful trees, a bird sanctuary nearby, and it’s located next to the Camino de Santiago, which is a pilgrimage walk through Spain. Walking through the park will take you right next to the river where you can see things like the Ate Berria, which is a bridge that connects the old city to the outer city and the Corralles de Santo Domingo, which is where the bulls are kept during San Fermin.
As you make your way back into the old city of Pamplona, make a pit stop at the Pamplona Cathedral. It costs 5 Euro to enter, which I found a bit steep since there was absolutely no information in English inside the church. However, it’s a gorgeous building to visit. You can explore the main building, the cloisters, and the old kitchen.
Head back to your hotel when you’re finished to collect your belongings and head to the bus station to grab your bus back to Bilbao!
This post was sponsored by Visit Spain, but as always all opinions are my own.
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