A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Bremen vs. Pamplona for Old Town, Attractions, Food, and Nightlife

Should you visit Bremen or Pamplona?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Bremen and Pamplona can help you decide which place is right for you.

Bremen

Bremen is a historic, beautiful, and colorful city. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Pamplona

Pamplona is a elegant, laid-back, and historic city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Bremen and Pamplona: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Home to the Running of the Bulls Festival
Things to Consider
  • Less popular old town


Is there more to do in Bremen or Pamplona?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Pamplona than Bremen. While Bremen is larger than Pamplona, Pamplona has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Pamplona is more popular for its food, hiking, and big city activities, while Bremen is known for its museums, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty. Pamplona is more touristy than Bremen and is known for being the home of the Running of the Bulls Festival. It is also home to The Running of the Bulls Festival. Bremen is popular for its beautiful historic center and its role as a cultural hub in Germany.

How is Bremen different from Pamplona?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Bremen
Pamplona

Bremen is a well-known place for its sights and museums. Also, Pamplona is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

Bremen offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Many of the city's landmarks are located around the famous Marktplatz. You can tour the Bremen Town Hall or wander around the Medieval Schnoor Quarter. Also make sure you check out the Cathedral of St. Peter.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Pamplona. 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.


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

Bremen
Pamplona

Pamplona is notable for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Bremen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

Dining out in Pamplona is an experience not to be missed. 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).

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Bremen. The food is hearty and filling with many meat heavy dishes. Vegetarians may struggle to find local options. Traditional regional dishes include Kohl und Pinkel (kale and sausage), Labskaus (meat and stew), and fried smelt.

Is Bremen or Pamplona Better for Nightlife?

Bremen
Pamplona

Evening events are great in both Bremen and Pamplona.

Bremen has plenty to do after the sun goes down. There's a variety of evening activities including cocktail bars, trendy clubs, and fine dining restaurants. Head to the Viertel District for some of the most lively clubs.

Pamplona has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. 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.

Is Bremen or Pamplona Better for its Old Town?

Bremen
Pamplona

Bremen is terrific for its old town. Also, Pamplona is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its historic old town charm.

Bremen has a unique history which comes to life in its historic area. The old town is beautiful with its charming streets and beautiful buildings. There's a main market square which is filled with many landmarks and tourist sights.

Pamplona has an old town worth visiting. You'll find elegant buildings and grand plazas around the Old Quarter.


Is Bremen or Pamplona Better for Hiking?

Bremen
Pamplona

Pamplona is notable for the nearby hiking options. However, Bremen 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.

Bremen is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Bremen or Pamplona?

Bremen
Pamplona

Bremen is a well-known place for its shopping opportunities. Also, Pamplona is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its shopping areas.

Bremen is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. The city offers a mix of historic shopping areas and large shopping malls. Some of the biggest shopping malls include Karstadt Bremen, Lloyd Passage, and Weserpark.

Pamplona has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. 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 Bremen or Pamplona Better for Families?

Bremen
Pamplona

Bremen is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Pamplona is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Bremen is a very kid-friendly city. Kids will appreciate a Sunday visit to the Bremen Town Musicians play which performs popular fairy tales. If the season isn't right, there are many other kid-friendly activities around town including Bürgerpark, the puppet theater, or visiting the beach at Café Sand. Popular museums in town for kids include Universum and Bremer Geschichtenhaus.

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 Bremen or Pamplona Better for Couples?

Bremen
Pamplona

Both Bremen and Pamplona are good destinations to visit as a couple.

Bremen is a good city for couples to visit. From its beautiful old town to its many great restaurants and shopping streets, couples will enjoy a romantic trip away in this beautiful city.

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.

Is Bremen or Pamplona Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bremen
Pamplona

Pamplona is notable for backpackers. Also, Bremen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Pamplona is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. 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.

It's common for backpackers to visit Bremen. Backpackers love the old town and lively atmosphere. There are enough tourists around that you'll find a decent social scene and the atmosphere makes for a great visit.

Is Bremen or Pamplona Better for Students?

Bremen
Pamplona

Pamplona is very good for students. However, Bremen is not popular with students.

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

Bremen is not popular with students.


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

Bremen
Pamplona

Bremen is a well-known place for its public transit. Also, Pamplona is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit in Bremen can get you to some places easily. The city has both trams and buses that offer easy accessibility to most of the tourist areas.

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

Is Bremen or Pamplona a more walkable city?

Bremen
Pamplona

Bremen is terrific for its high level of walkability. Also, Pamplona is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its ease of walking around.

It is easy to get around Bremen on foot. It's one of the most walkable cities in Europe.

Pamplona is a very walkable destination. 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.

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

Should I spend more time in Pamplona or Bremen?

How long in Bremen or Pamplona?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Bremen or Pamplona to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Bremen than Pamplona because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Bremen, and 1-2 days is enough time in Pamplona.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Pamplona than Bremen 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.


  • How many days in Bremen or Pamplona? Ideal Length of Stay
    Bremen 2-4 
    Pamplona 1-2

One day in Bremen or Pamplona?

The beautiful city of Bremen offers food and shopping. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Pamplona. Hikers are also drawn to this area. One day is often enough time to do most activities.


A weekend in Bremen or Pamplona?

Bremen 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. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Bremen, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Pamplona is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Bremen or Pamplona?

Bremen 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Pamplona. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Bremen or Pamplona?

Bremen is a great place to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. 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.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the historic destination of Pamplona. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Music Tours in Germany, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Germany, The Best 3-Week Tours in Spain, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Spain.


Which place is cheaper, Pamplona or Bremen?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Bremen is €147, 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 Bremen and Pamplona in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Bremen 76
    Pamplona 67
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Bremen 152
    Pamplona 134
Compare Hotels in Bremen and Pamplona

Looking for a hotel in Bremen 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 Bremen


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: Bremen Hotel Prices and Pamplona Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Bremen 45
    Pamplona 24

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bremen

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bremen:

  • Private Transfer from Bremerhaven Port to Hamburg Airport (HAM): $65
  • Private Transfer from Bremerhaven Cruise Port to Hamburg Hotels: $65
  • Private Transfer From Bremen City to Hanover City: $94
  • Private Transfer From Bremen to Hamburg, English Speaking Driver: $175
  • Private Transfer From Bremen to Hamburg With a 2 Hour Stop: $233

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 Bremen or Pamplona?

Prices for flights to both Pamplona and Bremen 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
    Bremen 36
    Pamplona 41
Typical Food Prices in Bremen

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


  • Croissant & Cappacino
    3.90
  • Fish and Chips
    3.20
  • Pizza and Cola
    7.00
  • Chinese Food Lunch
    8.00
  • Vietnamese Soup
    5.00
  • Sandwich and Coffee
    8.00
  • Pastry and Coffee
    4.00

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.
    Bremen 34
    Pamplona 34

Tours and Activities in Bremen

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

  • Exploration Game & City Tour on your Phone: $6.36
  • Complete Self-guided Audio Tour on your Phone: $7.43
  • Bremen City Exploration Private Game and Tour on your Phone: $7.62
  • Scavenger Hunt and City Centre Walking Tour: $8.45
  • Public Tour of the Town Hall in English: $9.62
  • Guided Historical Walking Tour in Bremen : $11
  • Walking Tour of Historic Schnoor District: $13
  • Night Watchman Guided Tour for Children (in German): $13
  • Guided Tour of City Center: $13
  • Übersee Museum Entrance Ticket: $14
  • Detective Trail 2.5-hour puzzle tour for families: $16
  • Experience Bremen by bike: $16

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
    Bremen 34
    Pamplona 31

Sample the Local Flavors in Bremen

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

  • 3-Hour Beck's Brewery Tour: $22

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 comparing the travel costs between Bremen and Pamplona, we can see that Bremen is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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


Which is Bigger, Bremen or Pamplona?

Bremen has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Pamplona. When comparing the sizes of Bremen 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 Bremen 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 Bremen or Pamplona in the Summer?

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

In July, Bremen is generally cooler than Pamplona. Daily temperatures in Bremen average around 17°C (63°F), and Pamplona fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

It's quite sunny in Pamplona. Bremen usually receives less sunshine than Pamplona during summer. Bremen gets 191 hours of sunny skies, while Pamplona receives 209 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Bremen usually receives less rain than Pamplona. Bremen gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Pamplona receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Bremen 17°C (63°F) 
    Pamplona 20°C (68°F)

Should I visit Bremen or Pamplona in the Autumn?

Both Pamplona and Bremen during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Bremen because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene are the main draw to Pamplona this time of year.

Bremen is much colder than Pamplona in the autumn. The daily temperature in Bremen averages around 10°C (50°F) in October, and Pamplona fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

In the autumn, Bremen often gets less sunshine than Pamplona. Bremen gets 100 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. Bremen usually gets less rain in October than Pamplona. Bremen gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Pamplona receives 155 mm (6.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Bremen 10°C (50°F) 
    Pamplona 16°C (60°F)

Should I visit Bremen or Pamplona in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Bremen and Pamplona. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Bremen this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Pamplona for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Bremen in the winter. In the winter, Bremen is much colder than Pamplona. Typically, the winter temperatures in Bremen in January average around 1°C (33°F), and Pamplona averages at about 8°C (47°F).

Bremen usually receives less sunshine than Pamplona during winter. Bremen gets 41 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, Bremen usually receives less rain than Pamplona. Bremen gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Pamplona receives 183 mm (7.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Bremen 1°C (33°F) 
    Pamplona 8°C (47°F)

Should I visit Bremen or Pamplona in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Bremen as well as Pamplona. Many travelers come to Bremen for the natural beauty. Additionally, many visitors come to Pamplona in the spring for the activities around the city.

In April, Bremen is generally much colder than Pamplona. Daily temperatures in Bremen average around 8°C (46°F), and Pamplona fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

In the spring, Bremen often gets more sunshine than Pamplona. Bremen gets 153 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pamplona receives 141 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Pamplona. Bremen usually gets less rain in April than Pamplona. Bremen gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Pamplona receives 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Bremen 8°C (46°F) 
    Pamplona 12°C (54°F)

Typical Weather for Pamplona and Bremen

Bremen Pamplona
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 1°C (33°F) 56 mm (2.2 in) 8°C (47°F) 183 mm (7.2 in)
Feb 1°C (35°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 9°C (49°F) 147 mm (5.8 in)
Mar 4°C (40°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 10°C (51°F) 148 mm (5.8 in)
Apr 8°C (46°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 12°C (54°F) 163 mm (6.4 in)
May 13°C (55°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 15°C (59°F) 139 mm (5.5 in)
Jun 16°C (60°F) 70 mm (2.7 in) 18°C (64°F) 92 mm (3.6 in)
Jul 17°C (63°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 20°C (68°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Aug 17°C (63°F) 68 mm (2.7 in) 20°C (68°F) 115 mm (4.5 in)
Sep 14°C (57°F) 57 mm (2.2 in) 18°C (65°F) 134 mm (5.3 in)
Oct 10°C (50°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 16°C (60°F) 155 mm (6.1 in)
Nov 5°C (41°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 11°C (52°F) 190 mm (7.5 in)
Dec 2°C (36°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 9°C (49°F) 184 mm (7.2 in)