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

Should you visit Gothenburg or Pamplona?

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

Should I visit Gothenburg 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: Gothenburg or Pamplona?

Gothenburg

Gothenburg is the second largest city in Sweden with a population of about 500,000. It is located on the western coast at the edge of the Gota River. It's a very friendly and welcoming city with a great vibe. Part of its energy comes from the Gothenburg University, which, with over 60,000 students, is the largest university in the country. Historically, Gothenburg has working class roots which are still apparent today, particularly in the city's harbour area. Recently there has been a growing number of expensive restaurants and cafes, showing that the demographic continues to evolve.

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 10-Day Tours in Sweden, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Sweden, The Best 3-Week Tours in Spain, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Spain.


Which place is cheaper, Pamplona or Gothenburg?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Gothenburg is $97, while the average daily cost in Pamplona is $141. 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 Gothenburg and Pamplona in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Gothenburg $40
    Pamplona $72
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Gothenburg $80
    Pamplona $144
Compare Hotels in Gothenburg and Pamplona

Looking for a hotel in Gothenburg 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 Gothenburg


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: Gothenburg Hotel Prices and Pamplona Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Gothenburg $18
    Pamplona $26

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Gothenburg

Also for Gothenburg, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Landvetter Airport Bus Transfer Arrival: $15
  • Landvetter Airport Bus Transfer Departure: $15
  • Transfer From Gothenburg Hotel To Gothenburg Museum of Art: $32
  • Goteborg City to Goteborg Landvetter Airport (GOT) - Departure Private Transfer: $55
  • Private Transfer from Gothenburg city to Goteborg Cruise Port: $64
  • Private Transfer From Gothenburg Landvetter Airport to Gothenburg Hotels: $95
  • Gothenburg Private Transfer from Central Gothenburg to Gothenburg Airport: $95
  • Private Transfer Gothenburg Airport GOT to Gothenburg by Sedan: $102
  • Goteborg Landvetter Airport (GOT) to Goteborg City - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $109
  • City Highlights Bike Tour with Transfer: $110
  • Are Resort to Trondheim Vaernes Airport(TRD) - Departure Transfer: $114
  • Private Transfer From Gothenburg To Alingsås: $119

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Pamplona

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Pamplona:

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

Is it cheaper to fly into Gothenburg or Pamplona?

Prices for flights to both Pamplona and Gothenburg 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
    Gothenburg $38
    Pamplona $44

Typical Food Prices in Pamplona

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


  • Lunch for 2
    $11
  • Ice Cream
    $4.82
  • Coffee
    $1.39

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Gothenburg $15
    Pamplona $36

Tours and Activities in Gothenburg

For Gothenburg, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Universeum Entry Ticket: $21
  • Gothenburg 24-Hour Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Ticket: $30
  • Hop-On Hop-Off 24-Hour Sightseeing Boat: $30
  • Lilla Bommen: 4-Hour Guided Boat Tour to Vinga Island: $31
  • City Sightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $31
  • Land & Water Amphibious Bus Sightseeing Tour: $31
  • 24h Gothenburg Hop-On Hop-Off Boat Tour: $32
  • City Sightseeing Gothenburg Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $32
  • Paddan Sightseeing Cruise on the Savean River: $33
  • Guided boat tour to Vinga in Gothenburg: $33
  • Archipelago cruise with guide: $36
  • Entry Ticket To Gothenburg Museum of art with pickup: $37

Tours and Activities in Pamplona

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

  • Biarritz and French Basque coast small group tour, lunch included: $260
  • Bilbao and Guggenheim Museum small group tour: $218
  • From San Sebastian: Pamplona City Tour: $91
  • Logroño historic&cultural guided walking tour: $32
  • Pamplona - Private Historic Walking Tour: $427
  • Pamplona Private Tour with Castle of Javier : $240
  • Pamplona pintxo tasting paired with Spanish wines small group tour: $72
  • Private City Tour Pamplona: $174
  • Private tour of Fuenterrabia and San Sebastian.: $283
  • Private tour of Getaria, Zumaia, Zarautz and Orio. : $204
  • Private tour of Lourdes and the three sacred temples: $240
  • Private tour of the jewels of Bilbao, with Guggenheim and pintxos tasting. : $251

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Gothenburg $20
    Pamplona $33

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 Gothenburg and Pamplona, we can see that Pamplona is more expensive. And not only is Gothenburg much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Gothenburg would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Gothenburg 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 Gothenburg.

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


Which is Bigger, Gothenburg or Pamplona?

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

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Gothenburg or Pamplona in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Gothenburg as well as Pamplona. Additionally, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Pamplona this time of year.

In July, Gothenburg is generally cooler than Pamplona. Daily temperatures in Gothenburg average around 16°C (61°F), and Pamplona fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Pamplona. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Gothenburg this time of the year. In the summer, Gothenburg often gets more sunshine than Pamplona. Gothenburg gets 243 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pamplona receives 209 hours of full sun.

Gothenburg usually gets less rain in July than Pamplona. Gothenburg gets 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Pamplona receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Gothenburg 16°C (61°F) 
    Pamplona 20°C (68°F)

Should I visit Gothenburg or Pamplona in the Autumn?

Both Pamplona and Gothenburg are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Pamplona for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene.

Gothenburg is much colder than Pamplona in the autumn. The daily temperature in Gothenburg averages around 9°C (47°F) in October, and Pamplona fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

Gothenburg usually receives less sunshine than Pamplona during autumn. Gothenburg gets 94 hours of sunny skies, while Pamplona receives 144 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Pamplona. In October, Gothenburg usually receives less rain than Pamplona. Gothenburg gets 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Pamplona receives 155 mm (6.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Gothenburg 9°C (47°F) 
    Pamplona 16°C (60°F)

Should I visit Gothenburg or Pamplona in the Winter?

Both Pamplona and Gothenburg during the winter are popular places to visit. Also, many visitors come to Pamplona in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Gothenburg. In the winter, Gothenburg is much colder than Pamplona. Typically, the winter temperatures in Gothenburg in January average around -2°C (29°F), and Pamplona averages at about 8°C (47°F).

In the winter, Gothenburg often gets less sunshine than Pamplona. Gothenburg gets 40 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pamplona receives 85 hours of full sun.

Pamplona gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Gothenburg usually gets less rain in January than Pamplona. Gothenburg gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Pamplona receives 183 mm (7.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Gothenburg -2°C (29°F) 
    Pamplona 8°C (47°F)

Should I visit Gothenburg or Pamplona in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Gothenburg and Pamplona. Also, most visitors come to Pamplona for the activities around the city during these months.

In April, Gothenburg is generally much colder than Pamplona. Daily temperatures in Gothenburg average around 5°C (41°F), and Pamplona fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

Gothenburg usually receives more sunshine than Pamplona during spring. Gothenburg gets 182 hours of sunny skies, while Pamplona receives 141 hours of full sun in the spring.

Pamplona receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Gothenburg usually receives less rain than Pamplona. Gothenburg gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Pamplona receives 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Gothenburg 5°C (41°F) 
    Pamplona 12°C (54°F)

Typical Weather for Pamplona and Gothenburg

Gothenburg Pamplona
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -2°C (29°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 8°C (47°F) 183 mm (7.2 in)
Feb -2°C (29°F) 41 mm (1.6 in) 9°C (49°F) 147 mm (5.8 in)
Mar 1°C (34°F) 50 mm (2 in) 10°C (51°F) 148 mm (5.8 in)
Apr 5°C (41°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 12°C (54°F) 163 mm (6.4 in)
May 11°C (51°F) 51 mm (2 in) 15°C (59°F) 139 mm (5.5 in)
Jun 15°C (59°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 18°C (64°F) 92 mm (3.6 in)
Jul 16°C (61°F) 68 mm (2.7 in) 20°C (68°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Aug 16°C (60°F) 77 mm (3 in) 20°C (68°F) 115 mm (4.5 in)
Sep 12°C (54°F) 81 mm (3.2 in) 18°C (65°F) 134 mm (5.3 in)
Oct 9°C (47°F) 84 mm (3.3 in) 16°C (60°F) 155 mm (6.1 in)
Nov 4°C (38°F) 84 mm (3.3 in) 11°C (52°F) 190 mm (7.5 in)
Dec 0°C (32°F) 75 mm (3 in) 9°C (49°F) 184 mm (7.2 in)