Bucket List: Tourist Spots and Best Things to Do in Pamplona, Spain

It’s hard to talk about Pamplona without mentioning the famous Running of the Bulls and the San Fermin Festival—a legendary celebration that erupts into days of nonstop joy. During this wild, electrifying time, Pamplona’s narrow streets shake with pounding hooves and the roar of the crowd as bulls and steers charge through the old town, while tourists and locals sprint alongside them, doing their best to avoid being knocked down or gored by the powerful animals.

There is much more to the festival than just the bull run, just as there is much more to the city of Pamplona. For most of the year, the city is tranquil, with an atypical history, superb cuisine, beautiful sights, and some of the best wine in Europe. Below are the 15 best things to do in Pamplona, Spain.

Visit Ciudadela de Pamplona

This impressive Citadel is located in the Vuelta del Castillo Park. It is star-shaped, designed and built after the adoption of gunpowder by European armies.

Construction began in the early 1570s and continued through 1645, with later extensions strengthening the outer walls.

The site has never been under siege, so it remains in excellent preservation. Today, the bastions host art exhibitions here; concerts also take place during the summer within the walls of the Citadel. Every July, during the bull-run festival, nightly fireworks usually take place from the walls of the Citadel.

Visit Plaza del Castillo

Plaza del Castillo is the vibrant heart of Pamplona, where history, culture, and everyday life blend seamlessly. Surrounded by elegant buildings, lively cafés, and shaded terraces, the square invites visitors to slow down and soak in its atmosphere. Once a military parade ground and bullfighting arena, it has evolved into a social hub where locals gather to chat, read, or enjoy coffee.

The plaza is especially charming in the evening, when soft lights illuminate the space and conversations fill the air. From here, you can easily explore nearby streets, shops, and historic sites, making Plaza del Castillo the perfect starting point to experience the rhythm, traditions, and welcoming spirit of Pamplona.

Take a trip to Museo Universidad de Navarra

Visit the Museo Universidad de Navarra and discover a space where art, architecture, and creativity converge in a peaceful setting. Located on the University of Navarra campus in Pamplona, the museum is known for its striking modern design by architect Rafael Moneo. Inside, visitors can explore a diverse collection of contemporary art, photography, video, and visual arts, with both permanent and temporary exhibitions that inspire reflection.

The museum also houses an impressive photography archive and frequently hosts cultural events, film screenings, and concerts. Large windows fill the interior with natural light, creating a calm and welcoming atmosphere. Outside, landscaped gardens invite visitors to relax and enjoy the surroundings. Whether you are an art enthusiast or a curious traveler, the Museo Universidad de Navarra offers a thoughtful and enriching cultural experience that adds depth and creativity to any visit to the city.

Run the bulls at the San Fermin Festival

Each July, Pamplona’s San Fermín Festival draws visitors from around the world for one of Spain’s most thrilling and iconic experiences: the running of the bulls. Known as the encierro, this dramatic event takes place early each morning as bulls charge through the city’s narrow streets toward the bullring. Runners, dressed in traditional white clothing with red scarves, test their courage, speed, and nerve alongside the powerful animals.

Long before the run begins, the atmosphere is electric—alive with music, excitement, and anticipation. The run itself is brief, lasting only a few minutes, but it leaves a lasting impression on everyone who takes part or watches.

Beyond the adrenaline, San Fermín is a vibrant celebration of culture, tradition, and community. The festival features parades, dancing, fireworks, and nonstop revelry throughout the city. Whether you choose to run or observe from the sidelines, San Fermín offers an unforgettable glimpse into one of Spain’s most famous and historic festivals.

Marvel in the Ancient City Walls

The Old Walls of Pamplona are a remarkable reminder of the city’s strategic importance and long history. Originally built between the 16th and 18th centuries, these well-preserved fortifications once protected Pamplona from invasions and military threats. Stretching around the old town, the walls feature bastions, ramparts, and fortified gateways that showcase impressive military engineering of the Renaissance period.

Today, they offer a peaceful contrast to their defensive past, with walking paths, green parks, and scenic viewpoints overlooking the Arga River and surrounding landscapes. Visitors can stroll along the walls to enjoy panoramic views of the city and imagine life during earlier centuries. Informative panels help explain their historical role and construction.

Blending history, architecture, and nature, the Old Walls of Pamplona provide a unique way to explore the city while appreciating its cultural heritage and the careful preservation of one of Spain’s finest defensive structures.

Walk in The Riverside Park

The park, spanning roughly 90,000 square meters, is often referred to as the green lung of Pamplona. Visitors can take a leisurely walk or go for a refreshing jog along the 17?kilometer pathway that winds along the banks of the Arga, Elorz, and Sadar rivers.

As you follow the trail, you’ll pass shaded groves, open grassy areas, and scenic viewpoints where you can stop to rest or admire the landscape. The park also offers fishing opportunities in designated areas along the river. When you’re ready to explore beyond the park, simply cross the bridge and wander into the city’s peaceful countryside, where you’ll find even more fresh air, quiet paths, and natural scenery.

Visit the Planetarium

The Pamplona Planetarium is one of the city’s most fascinating attractions, offering an engaging journey through space and science. Located in Yamaguchi Park, the planetarium features a striking spherical dome that immediately captures attention. Inside, visitors can enjoy immersive shows projected onto a large digital dome, exploring stars, planets, galaxies, and astronomical phenomena in a visually stunning way.

Interactive exhibits explain complex scientific concepts in an accessible and entertaining manner, making the experience enjoyable for all ages. The planetarium also hosts temporary exhibitions, workshops, and educational activities throughout the year. What makes it a must-visit tourist spot is its ability to combine learning with wonder, providing a unique experience beyond Pamplona’s historic landmarks.

Surrounded by a beautiful Japanese-style park, the Pamplona Planetarium is perfect for families, students, and curious travelers seeking inspiration, knowledge, and a memorable cultural experience in the city.

Visit Oteiza Museo (Alzuza)

A visit to the Oteiza Museum in Alzuza offers a deep and inspiring look into the life and work of one of Spain’s most influential sculptors, Jorge Oteiza. Located just outside Pamplona, the museum sits on a quiet hillside with sweeping views of the Navarre countryside, creating a reflective atmosphere.

The building, designed in harmony with the landscape, houses Oteiza’s experimental sculptures, sketches, and theoretical works exploring space, form, and abstraction. Visitors can follow the artist’s creative evolution and understand his radical ideas about modern art. The museum also preserves Oteiza’s original workshop, offering a rare glimpse into his working process.

Surrounded by gardens and sculpture installations, the setting encourages contemplation and creativity. Combining art, architecture, and nature, the Oteiza Museum is a must-visit for art lovers seeking a thoughtful, enriching cultural experience near Pamplona.

Go to Camino de Santiago

Travelling the Camino de Santiago via Pamplona is a meaningful and memorable experience for pilgrims and travellers alike. Pamplona is an essential stop on the French Way, one of the most popular routes of the Camino. The city warmly welcomes walkers with its rich history, friendly atmosphere, and excellent facilities.

Pilgrims can explore Pamplona’s old town, admire its medieval streets, churches, and city walls, and gather strength before continuing the journey westward. Leaving the city, the route leads through scenic landscapes of rolling hills, farmland, and small villages, offering moments of reflection and connection with nature.

Along the way, pilgrims share stories, traditions, and a strong sense of community. Whether walking for spiritual, cultural, or personal reasons, starting or passing through the Camino de Santiago in Pamplona offers a perfect balance of urban culture and peaceful countryside on this legendary pilgrimage route.

Visit La Ciudadela and Parque de la Vuelta del Castillo

Visiting La Ciudadela and the Parque de la Vuelta del Castillo offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and relaxation in Pamplona. La Ciudadela is a well-preserved 16th-century Renaissance fortress, once built for military defense and now transformed into a vibrant cultural space. Its star-shaped design, thick walls, and grassy moats invite visitors to explore and learn about the city’s past. Inside, art exhibitions and cultural events are often held throughout the year.

Surrounding the fortress, the Parque de la Vuelta del Castillo provides wide green paths, open lawns, and shaded areas ideal for walking, cycling, or picnicking. Locals frequently gather here to unwind, exercise, or enjoy outdoor activities. Together, La Ciudadela and its surrounding park create a peaceful oasis near the city center, making it a must-visit to experience Pamplona’s history, nature, and everyday life.

Ayuntamiento

Pamplona’s Ayuntamiento, or City Hall, is one of the city’s most iconic and historically rich landmarks. Located in the heart of the old town at Plaza Consistorial, the building dates back to the 18th century and features an elegant Baroque façade with balconies overlooking the square. One of the most interesting facts about the Ayuntamiento is its central role in the San Fermín Festival.

Every year on July 6, the famous chupinazo firework is launched from its balcony, officially marking the start of the celebrations. Thousands gather below dressed in white and red to witness the moment. Inside, the building houses grand halls, historic artwork, and official municipal chambers. Although primarily an administrative center, guided visits are sometimes available.

The Ayuntamiento is also symbolically important as a meeting point between Pamplona’s political history and its vibrant cultural traditions, making it a must-see attraction for visitors exploring the city.

Visit Iglesia de San Nicolas

A visit to the Iglesia de San Nicolás in Pamplona reveals a unique blend of religious and military architecture. Built in the 12th century, the church originally served as both a place of worship and a defensive fortress for the city.

Its solid stone walls, narrow windows, and fortified tower reflect its role as a protective structure in medieval times. Inside, visitors will find a more delicate contrast, including a beautiful Baroque altarpiece and a peaceful interior atmosphere.

Located in the old town, the church sits along a vital pilgrimage route of the Camino de Santiago. The Iglesia de San Nicolás stands as a symbol of Pamplona’s turbulent past and spiritual heritage, offering visitors a fascinating glimpse into how faith and defense were combined in medieval city life.

Visit Plaza de Toros and Bullfighting Monument

A visit to the Plaza de Toros and the Bullfighting Monument in Pamplona offers insight into one of the city’s most famous traditions. The Plaza de Toros, built in 1922, is the fourth-largest bullring in the world and plays a central role during the San Fermín Festival. It is the final destination of the daily bull runs, where the bulls enter the arena after charging through the streets.

Outside the bullring stands the Bullfighting Monument, an impressive bronze sculpture created by Rafael Huerta. The monument dramatically captures the tension and movement of the encierro, showing runners and bulls frozen in action. An interesting fact is that the bullring can hold over 19,000 spectators and is also used for concerts and cultural events outside festival season. Together, these landmarks reflect Pamplona’s history, traditions, and the global fame of San Fermín.

Try Iglesia de San Saturnino

The Iglesia de San Saturnino, also known as San Cernin, is one of Pamplona’s most essential and distinctive churches. Built in the late 13th century, it combines Gothic religious design with strong defensive features, reflecting the turbulent medieval period. Its thick stone walls and two imposing towers once formed part of the city’s fortifications, making the church a place of refuge as well as worship.

An interesting fact is that San Saturnino is dedicated to Pamplona’s patron saint and plays a key role during the San Fermín Festival, when religious ceremonies are held in his honor. Inside, visitors can admire elegant Gothic arches, a beautiful chapel dedicated to San Fermín, and stained-glass windows that fill the interior with color. Located in the old town near lively streets and cafés, the church stands as a powerful symbol of Pamplona’s spiritual heritage and historic resilience.

Book your evening at the Baluarte Conference Center

Baluarte Conference Center is located in the heart of Pamplona, perfectly positioned between the lively shopping district and the historic Citadel. This modern cultural complex serves as one of the city’s leading hubs for the performing arts, hosting a rich program of operas, classical ballet, concerts, and theater productions throughout the year.

Designed to accommodate a wide range of events—from large international conferences and festivals to smaller recitals and lectures—the center features state-of-the-art audiovisual systems, including advanced sound, lighting, and projection equipment. Its spacious, carefully tiered seating provides excellent visibility and acoustics, ensuring a clear, unobstructed view of the stage and a comfortable experience from virtually every angle in the house.

Madrid Travel Tour Packages You Should Try

Klook.com

Follow and subscribe to OutofTownBlog.com  on  Facebook ,  Twitter,  Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube  for more Travel-related updates.

Check out our complete list of recommended Hotels in Pamplona, Spain, via Agoda, or you may also see available Airbnb properties in the city.

Also see:

• Of Narrow Streets and Walls: Walking Tour in Pamplona, Spain
• Wine Tasting and Pintxos Workshop in Pamplona, Spain
• Cider House or Sagardotegia Rules (with apologies to John Irving)
• Where to Stay in Madrid: Hotel Catalonia Gran Via in Madrid, Spain
• Camino de Santiago Day 12: Palas de Rei to Santiago, Spain
• Urbanized in Nature: A Walking Tour of San Sebastian, Spain
• Camino de Santiago Day 11: Sarria to Palas de Rei, Spain