Things to do in Pamplona Spain. Pamplona, the capital of Navarra, is a beautiful city with many places to visit, excellent cuisine and a very good atmosphere. Despite being popular for San Fermines, Pamplona is much more than these popular festivals.
In this post I tell you what to do in Pamplona , I also add some great accommodation options and information about some very interesting guided tours.
Ideally, you should dedicate a full weekend to Pamplona, or at least 2 days, 1 night.
1. Visit the Citadel of Pamplona and its Mirallas
The set is impressive, so I recommend you take some time to explore the place calmly, without rushing.
Some of the places of the wall that attract the most attention are; the Parque de la Taconera, the Plaza de la Virgen de la O (incredible views), the Paseo del Redin (for its viewpoints) and of course, the Citadel itself. The citadel has a perfect pentagonal shape . You can also take a walk along the banks of the Arga River. You will have another perspective of the walls and the Magdalena Bridge.
To complete the visit, I recommend that you also visit the Pamplona Fortifications Interpretation Center . This way you will be able to learn more about the history and evolution of defensive constructions that have always characterized the city.
2. The Cathedral of Santa Maria
This imposing building is located in the historic center of Pamplona. And right in the same place where the Roman Pompaelo was located , now is the Cathedral. It is Gothic in style and the façade is neoclassical. It was declared a Historical Heritage of Spain in 1931. The royal tombs of Carlos III of Navarra and Eleanor of Castile and the Gothic cloister stand out.
3. Castle Square and historic center
The Plaza de Castillo is the nerve center of the city. It is a huge ported space surrounded by elegant buildings dating from the 18th century and a beautiful central kiosk , which draws a lot of attention.
In the same square we find the Cathedral of Santa Maria.
This square is always full of people and good atmosphere. This building stands out for its beautiful baroque façade and bright colors.
There is a church built in his honor. You can distinguish it by its two towers and a porticoed atrium.
Nor can you miss visiting the chapel of San Fermin that is inside the Parroquia de San Lorenzo . It is worth entering to enjoy this beauty.
4. Alleys
The historic center impresses with its size and beauty. There are always people, at any time of the day, especially in the evening, when people go out for a walk and a drink.
In the historic center you can visit the General Archive of Navarra and its model of the city . If you have time, you cannot miss the Museum of Navarra and the Church of San Nicolas.
5. Yamaguchi Park, Pamplona’s Japanese garden
Moving away a little from the historic center you will find a beautiful green area. Yamaguchi Park is a small Japanese park with a lot of charm. Although there are many green areas in the city, this is undoubtedly my favorite.
It has a botanical collection of 80,000 m2 and was the result of the twinning of the city of Pamplona with Yamaguchi (Japan), which was evangelized by the Patron Saint of Navarre, San Francisco Javier in the 16th century.
6. Visit the Pamplona Planetarium
The Pamplona Planetarium is a cultural center for scientific and technological dissemination. It is an interesting and fun activity to do in Pamplona, especially if you go with children.
It will allow you to learn more about astronomy and the mysteries of the universe .
Without moving from your seat, you will see some projections that will take you to travel through space , in which you can visualize nine thousand stars , advance the passing of hours, days and years, discover new firmaments, observe birth and death of a star, escape the laws of space and time, and witness the birth of the universe itself.
7. The Fort of San Cristobal
The Fort of Alfonso XII or San Cristobal is a military fortress on Mount San Cristobal. It was never used for defensive purposes.
One of the best things to do here is to enjoy the impressive views of Pamplona.
8. Noain Aqueduct
The NoAin Aqueduct or Subiza Aqueduct is a work carried out during the reign of Carlos III of Spain to convey drinking water to the city of Pamplona until 1898. Today, although it no longer has this purpose, it is still in use. good condition. Its length is 1 km with 96 arches . It is located on the outskirts of the city and you can get closer to photograph it.
9. Enjoy Navarra gastronomy
In Navarra you eat great and if you are one of those who likes to try the traditional dishes of the place, you cannot miss: Peppers stuffed with cod, asparagus from Navarra, artichokes with clams, trout, pochas with chistorra, lamb with chilindron, veal…
10. And what else to do in Pamplona?
If you have more time to continue getting to know the city, there are several interesting places to visit;
- Stroll through the Jardines de la Taconera , where there is also a small zoo.
- Find the Monument to the Running of the Bulls , a sculpture that celebrates the San Fermines
- Visit the Church of San Lorenzo and marvel at its medieval facade.
- Visit the Pamplona Art Museum ; the Museo Catedral de Pamplona Occidens (or at least come to admire the magnificent building)
- And also the Museum of Contemporary Art