Hotels in Pamplona: Where to Stay in 2025

Pamplona sits in the heart of Navarre, tucked between the Pyrenees and the Ebro plain, and it punches well above its size in terms of history, gastronomy, and atmosphere. The city is compact enough to explore largely on foot, with a medieval old town enclosed by impressive Renaissance walls, a cathedral that took two centuries to complete, and a bar-hopping culture centered on the streets around Plaza del Castillo.

Outside of San Fermin week (the famous Running of the Bulls, held each year from July 6 to 14), Pamplona moves at a relaxed, very Spanish pace. Markets, pintxos bars, weekend pilgrim traffic on the Camino de Santiago, and a lively student population give the city energy year-round. Choosing the right neighborhood makes a real difference to your experience, whether you are here for the festival, a Camino stopover, or simply to eat and explore Navarre.

• Casco Antiguo (Old Town): The first choice for most visitors. Walled medieval streets, the cathedral, the bullring, and the best concentration of pintxos bars are all here. Ideal for first-timers and festival visitors, though it gets loud at night.
• Plaza del Castillo area: The living room of Pamplona, ringed by cafes and terraces. Staying close to the square means you are central to everything without being deep in the narrowest alleys.
• Ensanche (New Town): The 19th-century grid expansion south of the old town. Wider streets, local restaurants, and a calmer atmosphere while still being a 10-minute walk from the historic core. Good for business travelers and repeat visitors.
• Rochapea: A working-class neighborhood just across the river Arga, increasingly popular for its authentic tapas bars and lower accommodation prices. A short walk or bus ride to the center.
• University area (Iturrama and Ermitagana): Home to the University of Navarra campus, with affordable cafes and a young crowd. A practical base if you are combining a city stay with day trips toward the Pyrenees or wine country.
• Outskirts and surrounding villages: Several properties in the API data are located 13 to 25 km from the city center, meaning they sit in the rural Navarre countryside or nearby towns rather than in Pamplona itself. These can suit travelers with a car who want a quieter retreat and plan to drive into the city.

• Book far in advance for San Fermin: Accommodation across Pamplona and the surrounding region fills up months before July 6. Prices during festival week are significantly higher than the rest of the year. If you are flexible, late June or mid-July offers the atmosphere of a post-festival city at normal rates.
• Get your distances right: Several hotels in our listings are 13 to 25 km from Pamplona city center, meaning they are outside the city in surrounding towns or rural areas. Always confirm the exact location and plan accordingly if you do not have a car.
• Use the bus network: Pamplona's urban bus network (TCC) covers the city well. Regional buses connect to nearby towns, and a direct bus service links Pamplona Bus Station to Madrid and other major cities. The train station (Pamplona-Iruña) handles regional and some long-distance routes.
• Fly into Pamplona or use nearby airports: Pamplona Airport (PNA) is about 6 km from the city center and handles a modest number of routes. Bilbao Airport (BIO) and Zaragoza Airport (ZAZ) are roughly 90 minutes away by road and open up more flight options, especially from outside Spain.
• Best seasons to visit outside July: Spring (April to June) and early autumn (September to October) offer mild temperatures, green Navarrese countryside, and far fewer crowds. Winters are cold but quiet, and the city's Christmas market and local festivities keep the calendar interesting.

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