A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Braga vs. Pamplona for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Braga or Pamplona?

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

Should I visit Braga or Pamplona? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Where Should I go: Braga or Pamplona?

Braga

Located in the Cavado Valley of Northern Portugal, Braga is a medium sized city with both historical and modern characteristics. There is a university in town, known as Universidade do Minho, which gives the city a young feel with a lot of life. There are also many bars, clubs, and activities around to keep you entertained.

Pamplona

Pamplona is a city in northern Spain located on the snow-capped foothills of the Pyrenees Range. With the backdrop of mountains, the city is surrounded by a setting ideal for skiing, mountaineering, hiking, wildlife and breathtaking scenery. Yet Pamplona itself is a place full of lively culture and stunning architecture. With a long history, the place is embedded in tradition and perhaps most famous for its annual "running of the bulls" celebrated in July, also known as the San Fermin festival.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Porto, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Portugal, The Best 3-Week Tours in Spain, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Spain.


Which place is cheaper, Pamplona or Braga?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Braga is €112, while the average daily cost in Pamplona is €131. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Braga and Pamplona in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Braga 54
    Pamplona 67
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Braga 108
    Pamplona 134
Compare Hotels in Braga and Pamplona

Looking for a hotel in Braga or Pamplona? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Braga


Hotels in Pamplona


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Braga Hotel Prices and Pamplona Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Braga 20
    Pamplona 24

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Braga

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Braga:

  • Braga Private Transfer:To/From the Oporto Airport: $102
  • Traditional Vinho Verde Tour in Bowl with Private Transfer (Porto and Braga): $131

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Pamplona

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Pamplona:

  • Private Transfer from Pamplona city to San Sebastian: $244
  • Private Transfer from Pamplona city to San Sebastian Airport: $244
  • Private Transfer from Pamplona Airport to Laguardia town: $282

Is it cheaper to fly into Braga or Pamplona?

Prices for flights to both Pamplona and Braga change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Braga 40
    Pamplona 41

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Braga

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Braga.

  • Small-Group Braga Food Tour With A Local Guide: $84

Typical Food Prices in Pamplona

Some typical examples of dining costs in Pamplona are as follows:


  • Lunch for 2
    10
  • Ice Cream
    4.50
  • Coffee
    1.30

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Braga 16
    Pamplona 34

Tours and Activities in Braga

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Braga are as follows:

  • Casa dos Coimbras ( Chapel and Tower ) ticket & drink: $5.35
  • Scavenger Hunt and City Highlights Walking Tour: $7.65
  • Braga Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tourer Hunt: $7.82
  • Tuk Tuk City Tour: $16
  • Bravaes Kayak Park Private Adventure: $38
  • Small-Group Braga Half-Day Tour with Bom Jesus: $42
  • Small-Group Braga Half-Day Tour with Bom Jesus: $43
  • Guimarães Old Town Private Walking Tour: $54
  • KAYAK TOUR I Descent of the River Lima in Kayak: $55
  • Stand Up Paddle Tour: $55
  • Lagoons and Waterfalls Tour - Serra do Soajo: $60
  • Tour Soajo - Peneda-Gerês National Park: $60

Tours and Activities in Pamplona

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Pamplona are as follows:

  • Logroño historic&cultural guided walking tour: $32
  • Pamplona pintxo tasting paired with Spanish wines small group tour: $72
  • From San Sebastian: Pamplona City Tour: $91
  • Private City Tour Pamplona: $174
  • Private tour of Getaria, Zumaia, Zarautz and Orio. : $204
  • Bilbao and Guggenheim Museum small group tour: $218
  • Tour of the Bardenas " The great desert of Europe" and Tudela. : $234
  • San Sebastian & Basque Coast Tour From Pamplona: $235
  • Pamplona Private Tour with Castle of Javier : $240
  • Private tour of Lourdes and the three sacred temples: $240
  • San Sebastian And Basque Coast Tour From Pamplona: $240
  • Private tour of the jewels of Bilbao, with Guggenheim and pintxos tasting. : $251

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Braga 21
    Pamplona 31

Sample the Local Flavors in Braga

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Braga:

  • Wine Tasting & Lunch | Quinta de Santa Cristina Vinho Verde: $50
  • Green Wine Region-Small Group Tour with Lunch and Wine Tastings, from Porto city: $142
  • Douro Valley Private Tour from Lunch & Wine Tour: $288
  • Vinho Verde Private Wine Tour: $535

Sample the Local Flavors in Pamplona

Also in Pamplona, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Half Day Rioja Wine Tour: $218
  • Wine tour of La Rioja, with two winery visits, and La Guardia. : $221
  • Wine Tour: 2 Wineries From Logroño: $240
  • Rioja Wine Tour: 2 Wineries From Pamplona: $240
  • Wine Tour: Winery & Traditional Lunch From Logroño: $251
  • Rioja Wine Tour: Winery & Traditional Lunch From Pamplona: $251
  • Rioja Wine Tour: $283


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Braga and Pamplona, we can see that Pamplona is more expensive. And not only is Braga much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Braga would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Braga 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 Pamplona would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Pamplona than you might in Braga.

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


Which is Bigger, Braga or Pamplona?

Pamplona has a larger population, and is about 59% larger than the population of Braga. When comparing the sizes of Braga 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 Braga 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 Braga or Pamplona in the Summer?

Both Pamplona and Braga are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Pamplona this time of year.

In July, Braga is generally around the same temperature as Pamplona. Daily temperatures in Braga average around 21°C (69°F), and Pamplona fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

It's quite sunny in Pamplona. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Braga. Braga usually receives more sunshine than Pamplona during summer. Braga gets 308 hours of sunny skies, while Pamplona receives 209 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Braga usually receives less rain than Pamplona. Braga gets 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Pamplona receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Braga 21°C (69°F) 
    Pamplona 20°C (68°F)

Should I visit Braga or Pamplona in the Autumn?

Both Pamplona and Braga during the autumn are popular places to visit. Also, many travelers come to Pamplona for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene.

Braga is around the same temperature as Pamplona in the autumn. The daily temperature in Braga averages around 17°C (62°F) in October, and Pamplona fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

In the autumn, Braga often gets more sunshine than Pamplona. Braga gets 184 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. It rains a lot this time of the year in Braga. Braga usually gets less rain in October than Pamplona. Braga gets 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Pamplona receives 155 mm (6.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Braga 17°C (62°F) 
    Pamplona 16°C (60°F)

Should I visit Braga or Pamplona in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Braga and Pamplona. Also, many visitors come to Pamplona in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Braga is a little warmer than Pamplona. Typically, the winter temperatures in Braga in January average around 10°C (50°F), and Pamplona averages at about 8°C (47°F).

Braga usually receives more sunshine than Pamplona during winter. Braga gets 124 hours of sunny skies, while Pamplona receives 85 hours of full sun in the winter.

Pamplona receives a lot of rain in the winter. Braga gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Braga usually receives around the same amount of rain as Pamplona. Braga gets 171 mm (6.7 in) of rain, while Pamplona receives 183 mm (7.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Braga 10°C (50°F) 
    Pamplona 8°C (47°F)

Should I visit Braga or Pamplona in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Braga as well as Pamplona. Also, most visitors come to Pamplona for the activities around the city during these months.

In April, Braga is generally a little warmer than Pamplona. Daily temperatures in Braga average around 14°C (56°F), and Pamplona fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Braga this time of the year. In the spring, Braga often gets more sunshine than Pamplona. Braga gets 217 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pamplona receives 141 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Pamplona. Braga receives a lot of rain in the spring. Braga usually gets less rain in April than Pamplona. Braga gets 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Pamplona receives 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Braga 14°C (56°F) 
    Pamplona 12°C (54°F)

Typical Weather for Pamplona and Braga

Braga Pamplona
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 10°C (50°F) 171 mm (6.7 in) 8°C (47°F) 183 mm (7.2 in)
Feb 11°C (51°F) 169 mm (6.7 in) 9°C (49°F) 147 mm (5.8 in)
Mar 12°C (54°F) 112 mm (4.4 in) 10°C (51°F) 148 mm (5.8 in)
Apr 14°C (56°F) 112 mm (4.4 in) 12°C (54°F) 163 mm (6.4 in)
May 16°C (60°F) 89 mm (3.5 in) 15°C (59°F) 139 mm (5.5 in)
Jun 19°C (66°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 18°C (64°F) 92 mm (3.6 in)
Jul 21°C (69°F) 16 mm (0.6 in) 20°C (68°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Aug 20°C (69°F) 22 mm (0.9 in) 20°C (68°F) 115 mm (4.5 in)
Sep 20°C (67°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 18°C (65°F) 134 mm (5.3 in)
Oct 17°C (62°F) 131 mm (5.2 in) 16°C (60°F) 155 mm (6.1 in)
Nov 13°C (55°F) 152 mm (6 in) 11°C (52°F) 190 mm (7.5 in)
Dec 11°C (51°F) 176 mm (6.9 in) 9°C (49°F) 184 mm (7.2 in)