Pamplona Itinerary for 3 Days / 5 Days
Pamplona, the historic capital of Spain’s Navarre region, is best known for the world-famous San Fermín Festival and the Running of the Bulls, but this charming city offers much more than its iconic event. With its medieval streets, lush parks, rich cuisine, and nearby natural and cultural wonders, Pamplona makes an excellent destination for a 3- to 5-day trip.
Below is a carefully planned itinerary for both three and five days, covering history, food, nature, and day trips — everything you need for a well-rounded experience.
3-Day Pamplona Itinerary
This plan focuses on exploring the city’s highlights, local food, and cultural charm without rushing.
Day 1 – Discover the Historic Heart of Pamplona
Morning:
- Start your visit in the Old Town (Casco Viejo). Wander through narrow cobblestone streets lined with colorful buildings and lively pintxo bars.
- Visit the Pamplona Cathedral (Catedral de Santa María la Real) to explore its Gothic architecture, cloisters, and panoramic views from the bell tower.
- Walk along Calle Estafeta, one of the most famous streets in the city and part of the Running of the Bulls route.
Afternoon:
- Have lunch in Plaza del Castillo, the city’s main square. Dine at Café Iruña, one of Ernest Hemingway’s favorite spots.
- Visit the Town Hall (Ayuntamiento) and the Museo de Navarra, where you can learn about Navarre’s art, history, and archaeology.
- Take a relaxing stroll through Citadel Park (La Ciudadela), a beautifully preserved Renaissance fortress surrounded by greenery.
Evening:
- Enjoy a pintxo crawl in the Old Town. Try small bites of local specialties along Calle San Nicolás and Calle Estafeta.
- End the night with a glass of pacharán (local sloe-berry liqueur).
Day 2 – Culture, Parks, and Local Flavor
Morning:
- Visit Parque de la Taconera, the oldest park in Pamplona. Enjoy its landscaped gardens, sculptures, and the small animal enclosure with deer and peacocks.
- Explore the Church of San Saturnino (San Cernin), dedicated to the city’s patron saint.
- If you’re interested in Hemingway, follow a self-guided “Hemingway Route,” visiting places he mentioned in The Sun Also Rises.
Afternoon:
- Have lunch in Segundo Ensanche, the city’s modern district known for its stylish restaurants and cafés.
- Visit Yamaguchi Park, a peaceful Japanese-style garden dedicated to Pamplona’s sister city in Japan.
- Stop by the University of Navarra Museum, which houses contemporary art collections and often hosts cultural exhibitions (some free days available).
Evening:
- Dine at a local restaurant such as Restaurante Europa or Baserriberri, both known for creative Basque-Navarrese cuisine.
- Take an evening walk along the Arga River Walk (Paseo Fluvial del Arga) for beautiful sunset views.
Day 3 – History, Relaxation, and Local Markets
Morning:
- Explore the Pamplona City Walls Interpretation Center to learn about the city’s medieval defenses.
- Take a peaceful walk along the ramparts for panoramic views of the Arga River valley.
Afternoon:
- Visit Mercado de Santo Domingo, the city’s main market, and sample local products such as chistorra (spicy sausage), queso Roncal (sheep cheese), and pimientos del piquillo (roasted peppers).
- Enjoy a casual lunch at one of the market eateries.
Evening:
- Spend your last night savoring the local atmosphere in Plaza del Castillo. Watch street performances or enjoy a drink on one of its café terraces.
5-Day Pamplona Itinerary
If you have five days, you can explore Pamplona in depth and take day trips to nearby towns and natural landmarks in Navarre.
Day 1 to 3 – Follow the 3-Day Itinerary Above
Spend your first three days getting to know the city’s history, architecture, parks, and cuisine.
Day 4 – Day Trip to Olite or Roncesvalles
Option 1: Olite (40 minutes by car or bus)
- Visit the Royal Palace of Olite (Castillo de Olite), a spectacular medieval fortress that looks like something out of a fairy tale.
- Wander through Olite’s charming old streets and enjoy local wines at one of its bodegas.
Option 2: Roncesvalles (1 hour by car or bus)
- Visit the Collegiate Church of Roncesvalles, an important stop on the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route.
- Enjoy scenic mountain views of the Pyrenees and peaceful forest walks.
Dinner: Return to Pamplona and dine in the Old Town or near your accommodation.
Day 5 – Explore Nature or the Navarra Countryside
Option 1: Bardenas Reales Natural Park
- Take a half-day trip to Bardenas Reales, a semi-desert landscape famous for its striking rock formations. The park is often compared to a movie set and has been featured in TV series like Game of Thrones.
Option 2: Wine and Food Experience
- Spend the day in Navarre’s wine region, visiting vineyards near Olite or Tafalla for wine tastings and traditional Navarrese dishes.
Evening:
- Return to Pamplona and enjoy a relaxed final evening. Have dinner in Plaza del Castillo or a riverside restaurant, reminiscing about your trip.
Additional Tips for Your Itinerary
Final Thoughts
A 3-day visit lets you experience Pamplona’s essence—its medieval beauty, rich culture, and outstanding cuisine. However, a 5-day trip allows you to explore beyond the city, discovering Navarre’s castles, vineyards, and natural landscapes.
Whether you’re a history lover, foodie, or nature enthusiast, Pamplona’s charm, warmth, and walkable character ensure an unforgettable visit at any pace.
