The city of Pamplona in Spain is known for its yearly Running of the Bulls or El Encierro event. In recent years, the government has tried to draw attention to many of the other beautiful aspects of this capital city of the Navarrese region. Pamplona is one of the greenest cities in Spain. It used to be a former bastion of the Roman Empire. Today, it is known for its rich history, culture, modern art museums, magnificent religious monuments, and beautiful open recreational spaces. Remember that if you plan your trip around the El Encierro event, it is recommended to book ahead as the hotels become full very quickly as tourists from all over flock to Pamplona to witness this festival.
There are many car rental companies in Pamplona, including Carflexi, Budget, Hertz, Avis, Thrifty, Europcar, Sixt, Dollar and many others. Many tourists prefer to do a car rental comparison before arriving in Pamplona, or even the hotel you are staying at can compare car rental prices for you. If you want a cheap car rental or an SUV on rent, the best thing to do is to research beforehand about all types of rental cars available in Pamplona.
Here are the top things to do when you are in Pamplona.
1. Explore the Ciudadela de Pamplona
Located in the Vuelta del Castillo Park, the Ciudadela de Pamplona is a renaissance-era citadel that is designed in the shape of a star. Construction of the fortress started in the 1570s and was completed in 1645. Since the fort never faced a siege, it has remained in an excellent state of preservation. This bastion now hosts a variety of art exhibitions and concerts around the year. During the San Fermin celebrations in July, there is a nightly fireworks competition that takes place from inside the citadel walls.
2. Check out the Pamplona Cathedral
This 15th-century cathedral is known for its rich history. The cathedral is located at the centre of the erstwhile Roman town of Ompaelo, and this was the first Christian cathedral to be built in this region. However, with the arrival of the Moors, the original cathedral was demolished and rebuilt after the city was recaptured.
Today, this French-style gothic building is an impressive structure to check out in Pamplona. While touring the cathedral, check out the choir, fitted with beautifully carved stalls from the renaissance period.
Located on the grounds is the Diocesan Museum, which is home to many religious arts collected from many lost churches in and around the Navarre region.
3. Explore the Plaza del Castillo
The locals refer to this central square as el Cuarto de Estar or their living room. This is the epicentre of all the social life in Pamplona. This central square of the city has been a significant venue for political demonstrations, military parades, and even bullfights. Park your rental car on one side and stroll along the square as you check out the beautiful shops, bars, and restaurants here. Don’t forget to visit the Cafe Iruna, which is where Ernest Hemingway spent his time writing his iconic novel The Sun Also Rises – a book that captured Pamplona’s cityscape in a wonderfully realistic manner.
