Travel blog - Tips to explore the world on a budget: Pamplona

Pamplona is the capital of Spain's Navarra region and is famous for the San Fermín festival each July, when runners dash alongside bulls through the old streets. But there’s much more to this Basque city than the thrill of the bull run. You’ll find elegant boulevards with Belle Époque buildings, lively cobblestone lanes filled with pintxos bars, and ancient walls surrounding a well-preserved Old Town. Here, Gothic churches and Renaissance palaces reflect the city’s Roman roots, medieval history, and its role on the Camino de Santiago. Ernest Hemingway wrote about Pamplona in "The Sun Also Rises," making it a literary landmark. Whether you’re exploring the citadel, tasting txistorra sausage in busy plazas, or walking the ramparts above the Arga River, Pamplona offers a true taste of northern Spanish culture. This Freetour.com guide will help you discover the city’s top sights, food, and hidden gems, with expert advice and useful tips for every stop.