A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Belfast vs. Pamplona for Food, Nightlife, Backpackers, and Families

Should you visit Belfast or Pamplona?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Belfast or Pamplona, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Belfast

Belfast is a under-rated, authentic, and affordable city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the nightlife and shopping.

Pamplona

Pamplona is a laid-back, historic, and elegant city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for museums, nightlife, and food.

Belfast and Pamplona: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Belfast or Pamplona?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Pamplona than Belfast. While Belfast is larger than Pamplona, Pamplona has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Pamplona is more touristy than Belfast and is known for being the home of the Running of the Bulls Festival. It is also well known for The Running of the Bulls Festival. Belfast is famous for being the birthplace of the Titanic and the location of the era of the "Troubles".

How is Belfast different from Pamplona?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Pamplona and Belfast. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Belfast or Pamplona?

Pamplona is a nice place to visit for its sights and museums. However, Belfast does not have museums and landmarks.

Pamplona is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Although most people visit in July for the Running of the Bulls, throughout the year there are some interesting museums and sights around town. You can check out the Cathedral of Pamplona, the Museo de Navarra, and the main plaza in town, Plaza del Castillo.

Belfast does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Belfast or Pamplona? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Pamplona is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Belfast is not a good city for its restaurants.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Pamplona makes for a great culinary experience. Local cuisine includes lots of fresh vegetables like mushrooms, artichokes, asparagus, and onion. You'll find many unique dishes in the area, and you shouldn't leave without trying the txistorra (sausage), revuelto de setas (eggs and mushrooms), and ajoarriero (cod).

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Belfast. While many restaurants have moved towards more modern cuisines, there are still places that hold tight to the traditions of the area. Traditional dishes include pasties, full Irish breakfasts, and oysters.

Is Belfast or Pamplona Better for Nightlife?

Pamplona is a well-known place for nightlife. Also, Belfast is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife and partying.

Pamplona offers plenty to do in the evening. There's a good sized university population that keeps the nightlife active around town. The Old Quarter is likely where you'll find the most going on, particularly around Calle San Nicolás and Calle Estafeta. Earlier in the evening the crowd is pretty young, but as the evening passes you'll find the crowd matures a bit.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Belfast. The city has a number of bars and clubs with local DJs or musicians.

Is Belfast or Pamplona Better for its Old Town?

Pamplona is a nice place to visit for its historic old town. However, Belfast does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors go to Pamplona to see the historical old town. You'll find elegant buildings and grand plazas around the Old Quarter.

Belfast does not have a historic old town.

Is Belfast or Pamplona Better for Hiking?

Pamplona is a well-known place for the nearby hiking options. However, Belfast is not a hiking destination.

Pamplona is a popular spot for hiking. It's a stop off on the famed Camino de Santiago, so if you want to walk part of the route, this is a nice place to explore.

Belfast is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Belfast or Pamplona?

Both Belfast and Pamplona are nice shopping destinations.

Belfast is a great destination for shopping. The main shopping areas in the city are Victoria Square Shopping Centre and CastleCourt.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Pamplona. You'll find some good markets around town. It's also fun to shop for local handicrafts or souvenirs to remember your trip by.

Is Belfast or Pamplona Better for Families?

Belfast and Pamplona are both nice destinations for the whole family.

Belfast is a family-friendly place to visit. The city has several great kid-friendly museums, a zoo, and a few indoor or outdoor activity centers where you can let kids play and explore.

Pamplona is a family-friendly city. The city is very green, with many parks and gardens where kids can stretch their legs. There's also the Pamplona Planetarium and several museums that relate to environmental education.

Is Belfast or Pamplona Better for Couples?

Pamplona is a nice place to visit for romance. However, Belfast is not a good city for its romantic activities.

Pamplona is a nice destination for couples. Although it's most known for the Running of the Bulls in July, the city also has some interesting sights at other times of the year. Couples can walk around the city walls, or explore the many parks in town. There are also some interesting museums.

Most people don't think of Belfast as a couple's destination. There are gardens and parks to explore, several nice hotels with spas, and an Observatory on the 23rd floor of the Grand Central Hotel.

Is Belfast or Pamplona Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Pamplona is a well-known place for backpackers. However, Belfast is not a good city for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Pamplona. Backpackers are drawn to this city during July for the Running of the Bulls festival. It's also a stop along the Camino de Santiago, which brings in a young, budget-oriented crowd.

Belfast is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's a reasonably affordable destination with a few hostels to choose from, but most backpackers don't make their way to this city.

Is Belfast or Pamplona Better for Students?

Belfast and Pamplona are both nice destinations for students and younger travelers.

Belfast is a good city to visit for students. The city's affordability has made it a popular option for international students headed to the area.

Plenty of students visit Pamplona. This is a quiet city, which appeals to some students. The laid back atmosphere makes it a nice place to relax and learn.

Is Belfast or Pamplona Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Pamplona is a nice place to visit for its public transit. However, Belfast is not a good city for times when you don't have a car.

Pamplona has a few public transit options. There's a comprehensive bus system around town.

Public transit is mostly limited in Belfast. There is a bus service in the city.

Is Belfast or Pamplona a more walkable city?

Pamplona is a well-known place for its walkability. Also, Belfast is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its high level of walkability.

Pamplona is very walkable. It's a stop off on the Camino de Santiago, so many people arrive on foot. It's also an easy city to explore on foot.

Belfast is a somewhat walkable place.

For even more information, also check out Is Belfast Worth Visiting? and Is Pamplona Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Pamplona or Belfast?

How long in Belfast or Pamplona?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Belfast or Pamplona to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Belfast than Pamplona because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Belfast, and 1-2 days is enough time in Pamplona.

Families should spend more time in Pamplona than Belfast. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Pamplona, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Pamplona than Belfast. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Pamplona that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Pamplona than Belfast if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Pamplona.

One day in Belfast or Pamplona?

The city of Belfast offers shopping and nightlife. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

In Pamplona, you'll find nightlife and food. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A weekend in Belfast or Pamplona?

Belfast is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Belfast, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

In Pamplona, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Pamplona has to offer.

Five days in Belfast or Pamplona?

Belfast is a popular choice for travelers. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Pamplona is a great place to explore. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Belfast or Pamplona?

Belfast is a great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Pamplona. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Pamplona. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to United Kingdom, The Best Tours for Seniors to United Kingdom, The Best 3-Week Tours in Spain, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Spain.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Belfast and Pamplona, we can see that Belfast is more expensive. And not only is Pamplona much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Pamplona would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Pamplona and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Belfast would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Belfast than you might in Pamplona.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Belfast Expensive? and Is Pamplona Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Belfast or Pamplona?

Belfast has a larger population, and is about 42% larger than the population of Pamplona. When comparing the sizes of Belfast and Pamplona, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.

When is the best time to visit Belfast or Pamplona?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Belfast or Pamplona in the Summer?

Both Pamplona and Belfast are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Belfast in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Pamplona for the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Belfast is cooler than Pamplona. Typically, the summer temperatures in Belfast in July average around 15°C (59°F), and Pamplona averages at about 20°C (68°F).

It's quite sunny in Pamplona. Belfast usually receives less sunshine than Pamplona during summer. Belfast gets 151 hours of sunny skies, while Pamplona receives 209 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Belfast usually receives less rain than Pamplona. Belfast gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Pamplona receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Belfast or Pamplona in the Autumn?

Both Pamplona and Belfast during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Belfast for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Pamplona because of the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene.

In October, Belfast is generally much colder than Pamplona. Daily temperatures in Belfast average around 9°C (48°F), and Pamplona fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

In the autumn, Belfast often gets less sunshine than Pamplona. Belfast gets 92 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pamplona receives 144 hours of full sun.

Pamplona gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Belfast usually gets less rain in October than Pamplona. Belfast gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Pamplona receives 155 mm (6.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Belfast or Pamplona in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Belfast and Pamplona. The winter months attract visitors to Belfast because of the shopping scene and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Pamplona this time of year.

The weather in Belfast can be very cold. Belfast is much colder than Pamplona in the winter. The daily temperature in Belfast averages around 4°C (39°F) in January, and Pamplona fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

Belfast usually receives less sunshine than Pamplona during winter. Belfast gets 50 hours of sunny skies, while Pamplona receives 85 hours of full sun in the winter.

Pamplona receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Belfast usually receives less rain than Pamplona. Belfast gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Pamplona receives 183 mm (7.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Belfast or Pamplona in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Belfast as well as Pamplona. The activities around the city are the main draw to Belfast this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Pamplona for the activities around the city.

In the spring, Belfast is much colder than Pamplona. Typically, the spring temperatures in Belfast in April average around 8°C (46°F), and Pamplona averages at about 12°C (54°F).

In the spring, Belfast often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Pamplona. Belfast gets 150 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pamplona receives 141 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Pamplona. Belfast usually gets less rain in April than Pamplona. Belfast gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Pamplona receives 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Pamplona and Belfast