From Wikitravel

Pamplona (Basque: Iruña) [1] is a city in Navarra, Spain. It is most famous world-wide for its San Fermín festival also known as "The Running of the Bulls" held each year from July 6th - 14th, which features the daily bullrun or "Encierro" in spanish. Pamplona is a beautiful green city and ranks the highest in enviroment and recycling cities in Spain & Europe. There are many interesting things to do and explore in Pamplona for traveler as it is a main city on the route of St. James (Camino de Santiago), Wine routes & tours, Roman mosiacs and buildings and it is a city with beautiful parks and river running through it also. There city has three universities, Public: Universidad Pública de Navarra & Private: Universidad de Navarra, and two campus´ located in different parts of the city.

[edit] Understand

[edit] Get in

[edit] By plane

Pamplona has a little airport connected with several cities (Iberia fly several times a day from Madrid and Barcelona; TAP from Lisbon). Nearby, there are international airports like Bilbao (156 km), Zaragoza (170 km), or Biarritz, France (115 km) with several flights from the UK, Ireland, or Germany.

[edit] By train

Daily trains from and to Madrid, Barcelona, Vitoria, Galicia, and Asturias. Urban busses links train station and downtown.

[edit] By car

Hire a car and drive from Madrid 4 hrs. - Barcelona 4 hrs. - Biarritz 1.5 hrs. - Bilbao 1.5 hrs.

Underground parking is widely available.

[edit] By bus

The cheapest way to get in Pamplona. Several daily services from Madrid, Barcelona, San Sebastián, Bilbao, Vitoria, Zaragoza and other towns.

[edit] Get around

A great place to walk the streets, with live music and wonderful people. Lots of alcohol and dancing in the streets all night long and, by 6AM, you'd better go get a good place to watch the running of the bulls. It's at 8AM, and after that, a good breakfast and run to sleep.

[edit][add listing] See

Besides the evening bullfights, at 11AM some mornings during San Fermin, there is a chance to enter the bullring for free, and watch student bullfighters hone their craft. Pamplona's bullring is the second largest in Spain.

July 5th is becoming an extra day of fun, as PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) has a "running of the nudes" to protest the bullfights. Sadly though no one is totally naked, it's against the law.

TIP: To gain free access to tha main event in the bullring after the bullrun is to run at the last segment of the bullrun to gain access to the bullring for free.

• Museo de Navarra, Cuesta de Santa Domingo, ☎ 94 842 64 92, [2]. Tues-Sat: 9:30-2 and 5-7; Sun: 11-2. This major museum of Pamplona is located in a 16th century hospital. Includes rich collections of Roman artifacts including 2nd century mosaics. Also has Romanesque art and an important Goya portrait. Gothic and Renaissance paintings, and murals from the 13th century are another must see here. adults: 2 euros students/seniors: 1 euro under 15: free.  edit

[edit][add listing] Do

• Sanfermines,
• Festival of San Fermín [3], city-wide. July 6 - July 14. The city festival of Pamplona. The festival begins with the txupinazo: a rocket fired from the city council's balcony at 12PM of the 6th. A large street party ensues that night and for the rest of the week. The best-known feature is the encierro (running of the bulls), which is done every day at 8AM. 6 bulls run through the town center towards the plaza de toros (bull ring); the adventurous and foolhardy run in front of them. Note that in July 6 there is not encierro as allegedly the festival starts at noon.

If you are wanting to run with the bulls, then arrive at the track at about 7:30AM. You will form up behind a line of police that will be glad to take you out of the crowd if you are drunk. Also having a camera when you run is not allowed.

Pamplona Cathedral Pamplona's gothic cathedral was constructed during the 14th and 15th centuries. The church also has a neoclassical facade which was completed by famous architect Ventura Rodriguez in 1783. The cathedral is listed as one of the most important religious buildings in Spain. There is a museum located next to the cathedral which has more interesting information on the history and architecture of the building. Definitely worth stopping by if your in Pamplona.

Plaza de Toros is a bullring in Pamplona which is still currently used for bullfights. The stadium was built in 1922, and holds over 19,000 people. Most notably Plaza de Toros is the ending point for the annual Running of the bulls at the festival of San Fermin.

[edit] Learn

Many people are surprised to learn that San Fermin has a nightly fireworks show. Each night a different company (many international) competes for a prize. This happens nightly near the ciudadela or fortress, former citadel to defend the city and nowadays the biggest park of all.

Pamplona has many old palaces, most of them in the heart of the city. One of them, on the outskirts of town in Gorraiz used to belong to Sir Lancelot (of King Arthur fame). He received this palace upon marrying a Spaniard. The palace has a nice upper class bar and restaurant, and an excellent wine cellar below.

[edit] Work

English teaching is the main source of income for many tourists who come and eventually fall in love with Pamplona. Contact CLEN College, they always have a lot of openings. Another alternative is to work in pubs and bars. In Sanfermines, many tourists end p working for some hostels to get free lodging. They may be soliciting fellow tourists to get a room in the hostel where they are lodged or giving out pamphlets to tourists.

[edit][add listing] Buy

You can buy good wine, Patxaran, ham, and tins of peppers the best are from Lodosa, and of course asparagus from Navarra. Presents can be bought on every corner, like small bulls, red & white clothes, festival T-shirts, etc. also you can find the Shop of Kukuxumusu, the shop situated at the beginning of Estafeta Street.

In Old Town you will find kiosks throughout selling Navarrese handicrafts.

• Echeve, Calle Mercaderes 29, ☎ 94 822 42 15. Sells handcrafted items including vests, ceramics, hats, woodcarvings, and botas(wineskins used by locals to squirt wine into their open mouths.)  edit
• Las Tres ZZZ, Calle Comedias 7, ☎ 94 822 44 38, [4]. Las Tres ZZZ sells wineskins, neckerchiefs, and a type of belt known as a gerriko commonly used by weight lifters and sports enthusiasts to support their backs while performing heavy-duty lifting.  edit
• Zara, Av. Carlos 3 no. 7, ☎ 94 822 75 04. Ideal place for finding the latest in fashion, and accessories.  edit

[edit][add listing] Eat

Outside Sanfermines day, many eateries close at 3:30PM. Dinner is served up from 9 P.M. There is plenty of restaurants in the old city, from budget menús del día for lunch to more expensive and renown venues. Navarra's cuisine stands out for the quality of its vegetables, e.g. sparragus, artichokes, piquillo red peppers. Plus, visitors can always try typical spanish dishes.

In Pamplona, tapas are called "pintxos", and in contrast with other places in the south of Spain do not come free of charge with drinks. However, most of these "pintxos" are small-sized nouvelle cuisine dishes, so it is really worth to try. Remember that going out to a bar to have a drink and some "pintxos" is pretty much a social event, and there is not a settled time for it. Normally, the same bars that offer "pintxos" prepare menús del día and dinner at spanish lunch and dinner time.

• San Nicolas bar, San Nicolas 13, ☎ 948 221319. Several tables of the restaurant are hidden in the depths, behind a door after the bar. Tried and recommended: coffee. Not recommended: fish soup, grilled salmon, flan (all from menu del dia). Same owners as Cafe Ciudadela. menu del dia: €15.  edit

• Bar La Bodeguica, Aldapa 4, ☎ 948 227969. In the old town near central market (Burgo de Navarreria) . Tried and recommended: lasagna vegetable, cider. (all from menu del dia). Small, quite and nice place. menu del dia: €12.  edit
• Casa Otano, (San Nicolas 5), ☎ 94 822 70 36, [5]. Daily 1-4 PM Mon-Sat 9-11:30. Located in the oldest part of town a very popular tavern-styled restaurant. Three large dining rooms Casa Otano is known by many for feeding generations of Pamplona residents since the 1950's. The restaurant specializes in serving its own traditional dishes and succulent meats. Mid- High.  edit
• Europa, Calle Espoz y Mina 11, Pamplona, ☎ + 94 822 18 00, [6]. Mon-Sat 1-3:30 and 9-11:30. In the center of pamplona near plaza del Castillo Europa is regarded among the best restaurants in the region. The chef and culinary artist Pilar Idoate is a native of Pamplona. He prepares a menu seasonally which always includes some of the finest cuisine the town has to offer. Main Courses: 20-28 Euros Fixed Price Menu: 44-62 Euros.  edit
• Josetxo, Plaza Principe de Viana 1, ☎ 94 822 20 97, [7]. Mon-Sat 1:30-3:30 and 9-11. Considered one of the finest restaurants in town.Run by a family who has over 30 years experience in the business.The chef puts a creative touch into all his dishes and is equipped with only the freshest ingredients. Restaurant specialties vary with the season. Main Courses 18-34 Euros.  edit
• Meson Pirineo, Estafeta 41, Pamplona, ☎ 94 820 77 02. Daily: 1-4 PM Mon-Sat: 8-10:30 PM. Great for big appetites, huge portions of Basque specialties. They offer many of the areas specialties, and specialize in a hearty bean stew that is very filling. Main Courses: 8-32 Euros.  edit
• Sarasate, Calle San Nicolas 19, ☎ 94 822 57 27. Daily 1-4 PM; Fri-Sat 8:30. Specializes in having some of the best vegetarian platters in town. Serving vegan and gluten-free offerings, and using the freshest vegetables from the country side. Fixed Price Lunch: Euros; Fixed Price Dinner: 18 Euros.  edit

[edit][add listing] Drink

In Pamplona you can find good wine from Navarra, try it! it's really good. You can order it in every bar as "tinto" (red wine) or as "clarete" or "rosado" (rose wine). Besides there's a liquor called "Patxaran" that should be tried.

You should also make sure you try the Sangria. It's a red wine punch, usually with some fruit, red wine, and some honey to sweeten. The alcoholic content can vary greatly from place to place.

Calle San Nicolas, Calle Estafeta, and Calle de Jarauta are all lined with different bars, pubs, and bodegas. Most do not have signs so feel free to wander around in and out of these places.

• Alhambra, Bergamin 7. Pamplona 31002 Pamplona, ☎ + 34 948 245007, [8]. 1-3 PM 9-11 PM. One of the best and most stable restaurants in Pamplona. Dating back to the end of world war 2. Alhambra is only about 15 minutes walking from the cathedral. Features local wines, regional specialties, and many eqsquisite dishes. high.  edit
• Marengo, Av. Bayona 2, ☎ 94 826 55 42. Thurs-Sat: 11pm- 6am. Marengo is the most popular club in town. Hosts a crowd primarily in their 20's and 30's who like to dance the entire night away. Recorded music is played, and dress nice because you won't get in without the bouncer's approval of dress code. 15 Euros at the door.  edit
• Reverendos, Monasterio de Velate 5, ☎ 94 826 15 93, [9]. Pamplona's most popular disco a great place to dance and let off some steam. Many people in their 20's and 30's come here to do some dancing, have some drinks, and meet people of the opposite sex. Reverendos operates all hours of the night. 10 Euros (includes drinks).  edit
• Cafe Iruna, Plaza del Castillo 44, ☎ 94 822 20 64, [10]. 9 AM- 9:30 PM. During the cold months many people can be found gathered around the bar ordering plates of food along with drinks. The places does very well as a cafe/bar, but becomes more like a restaurant during the lunch hour. Daily Menu: 13 Euros; Full Lunch(1 to 3:30): 10-12 Euros.  edit

[edit][add listing] Sleep

• Alojamientos Acella, Travesía Acella 3 bajo, ☎ +34 948 261 000 (info@hostalacella.com), [11]. Rooms and apartments from 1 to 6. Free internet WIFI, pets allowed.  edit

• Avenida, Zaragoza 5, Pamplona 31003, ☎ 94 824 54 54, [12]. Established in 1989 considered one of the best inns in town. Midsize guest rooms have sleek and modern furnishings, watercolors add a warm touch. Single: 89 Euros; Double: 145 Euros.  edit

• Hotel Eslava, Plaza Virgen de la O 7, Pamplona 31001, ☎ 94 822 22 70, [13]. This hotel contains 28 units and is a 10 minute walk from the bus station. This recently renovated hotel manages to combine old and new spirits of Spain. Rooms are tastefully decorated, and many contain balconies with views of the city. Single: 69 euros; Double: 145 euros.  edit

• Hotel Tres Reyes, Jardines de la Taconera 1, ☎ 94 822 66 00, [14]. One of the finest hotels in Pamplona is just a short walk west of Old Town and close by to the ancient citadel. All rooms provide tasteful furnishings, plenty of sunlight, and many have balconies. Hotel also has a restaurant/ bar, outdoor pool, sauna, exercise room, and babysitting service. The only hotel considered to be nicer is Iruna Park. Double: 170-599 Euros; Suite: 471-790 Euros.  edit

• NH Iruna Park Hotel, Arcadio Maria Larraona 1, ☎ 94 819 71 19, [15]. Guest rooms are comfortable and bathrooms come well equipped. Located near the University of Pamplona. Includes a restaurant, bar, babysitting service, and room service. Double: 129-391 Euros; Suite: 212-576 Euros.  edit

• Apartments Gestión de Alojamientos, Travesía Acella 1, ☎ +34 948 250 250 (info@gestiondealojamientos.com), [16]. The best option for accommodation in Pamplona. In the area of the Clínica Universitaria de Navarra and Universidad de Navarra, 15 minutes walking distance from the old town of Pamplona. Apartments from 1 to 4 rooms.  edit

[edit] Budget

• Many sleep in the open for free in the parks throughout Pamplona.

• The El Molino campground is nearby Pamplona. It has campsites, cabins and rooms. Definitely requires booking during San Fermín festival. Is about 25 min from the center of Pamplona and there are standard €40 per shuttle rides, and there are always others around keen to share.

• A good camp close to Pamplona is Lizarra at Estella. Approx. 1/2 away by coach. Has bar, restaurant, shop, showers, & pool.

• Camp in Tali Mendi, Zarautz (on the coast) Approx. 1hr 15 minutes away by coach. Few hundred metres from the beach.

• Some people rent their apartments in sanfermines. Booking in advance is a must. Prices can vary quite a lot.

• A good option is to have a room in one of the makeshift hostals on Calle Estafeta (a segment where the bulls run and where the fun is located). Always bargain for a terrace when asking for the price. Price range between €30 to €100 per night.

[edit] Mid-range

• There are a number of Hotels/Hostels in the city, although you will need to book very early.

[edit] Splurge

• NH El Toro, Ctra. de Guipúzcoa, km. 5, 31195 Berrioplano, Pamplona, E-mail: nhtoro@nh-hotels.com Tel.: +34 94 8302211 Fax: +34 94 8302085 [17]. This hotel is 5km out of Pamplona- good for families. There are two other NH hotels in Pamplona [18], nearere the centre.

• Oasis Pamplona, Plaza Europa, 8, Imarcoin, 31110, Navarra, ☎ +948 314 444 (opamplonajrec@hotelesoasis.com, fax: +948 314 445). [19] On the doorstep of industrial areas - Navarra Ciudad del Transporte, Talluntxe, and Landazabal.  edit

La Perla, is regarded as one of the classiest hotels in Pamplona. Trip Advisor has voted it the number one hotel to stay at in the city. The average nightly stay varies from 162- 1,485 euros($227- $2,084) per night.This hotel boasts its own restaurant and bar, beautiful furnishings, and beautiful views of the central plaza. Plaza De Castillo, De 1 Pamplona Navarra 31001 Spain. phone: "+1 800 238 0767"

[edit] Stay safe

• Watch out for the bulls!
• There is quite a lot of pickpockets at sanfermines time, experts at spotting visitors, so try to be careful, do not leave things unattended. Suspect from those gypsies that just want to talk to you or do palm reading.
• At sanfermines do not wear flip-flops or sandals, as streets are quite filthy and there can be broken glass pieces on the ground. Traditionally locals wear white t's and pants, a red neckerchief and some kind of red scarf round their waist. You can buy this outfit at street shops and mingle with the crowd.

[edit] Contact

[edit] Cope

• Luggage There is a place near the bus station where knapsacks, luggage, and items can be stored free. This is expected to be moved after the 2007 San Fermines as the existing bus station is going to be torn down, the new one is nearby where the "barracas" or carnival. The new bus station opened in November 2007.

[edit] Get out

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