Pamplona
Plaza de Toros
Pamplona is the capital of Navarre province in northern Spain. It’s best known for the Running of the Bulls (Feast of San Fermín) in July. During this legendary multiday festival, bulls are led through the city streets by daredevil runners. A major stop along the Camino de Santiago, a medieval-era pilgrimage route, Pamplona is also home to Gothic-style churches including fortresslike San Nicolás. Here is our guide to Pamplona, Spain.
STAY
HOTEL LA PERLA Set in an elegant 19th-century building on the corner of Plaza del Castillo, this polished hotel was a favorite of Ernest Hemingway. Amenities include a restaurant, and a lounge with a piano. Pl. del Castillo, 1; granhotellaperla.com
HOTEL TRES REYES Nestled on the edge of the Taconera Gardens, this upscale hotel has stylish, modern rooms and suites. Dining options include a polished restaurant, a casual cafe and a lobby bar. There's also a seasonal outdoor pool, a hot tub and an exercise room, plus a business center and meeting space. C. Taconera; hotel3reyes.com
DINE | DRINK
BAR GAUCHO Classic bar known for skewered pintxos like cod meatballs & pork cheek, plus fried bites & wines. C. Espoz y Mina, 7; cafebargaucho.com
BISTROT CATEDRAL Located in front of the Cathedral in the old town with a lovely terrace. C. Navarrería, 20
MANTEROLA Open since 1945, this classic bakery and pastry shop is the perfect stop for coffee and cake. C. de Tudela, 5, BAJO; manterola.es
CAFÉ IRUNA Tapas, steak and wines in an ornate, storied 1888 cafe with a room devoted to author Ernest Hemingway. Pl. del Castillo, 44; cafeiruna.com
LA CUCHARA DE MARTIN A traditional Spanish restaurant in the Taconera park. C. Navas de Tolosa, 1; lacucharademartin.com
BAR TXOKO Cocktails, pintxos, fritos, snacks or a simple coffee. Everything is better enjoyed in a bar with tradition, in the heart of historic Pamplona. Pl. del Castillo, 20; bareltxoko.com
EUROPA Europa restaurant stands in the heart of Pamplona, very close to the Plaza del Castillo and the legendary Calle Estafeta, a world-famous street due to its association with the San Fermín running of the bulls festival. The Idoate Vidaurre family in charge here is almost as well known as the restaurant itself, thanks to its team of siblings for whom the art of hospitality is much more than just a profession. In the kitchen, chef Pilar Idoate creates an updated take on traditional cuisine with strong roots in Basque cooking. It has held an esteemed Michelin star since 1993. C. Espoz y Mina, 11; hreuropa.com
ART | CULTURE | ACTIVITIES
JARDINES DE LA TACONERA Grassy park known for free-roaming peacocks & deer, plus sunset views from the city's ancient wall. C. Taconera, 6; pamplona.es
PLAZA DE TOROS Plaza de Toros de Pamplona is currently used for bullfighting, sporting or cultural events and music concerts. Built in 1922 by Francisco Urcola, the stadium holds 19,720 people. It is the end point of the famous Running of the bulls during the festival of San Fermín. P.º Hemingway, s/n; feriadeltoro.com
PAMPLONA CATHEDRAL Pamplona Cathedral is a Roman Catholic church in the archdiocese of Pamplona, Spain. The current 15th century Gothic church replaced an older Romanesque one. Archaeological excavations have revealed the existence of another two earlier churches. The Neoclassical façade was designed by Ventura Rodríguez in 1783. C. Dormitalería, 1; catedraldepamplona.com