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

Should you visit La Rochelle or Pamplona?

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

Should I visit La Rochelle 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.

La Rochelle

La Rochelle is a laid-back, quaint, and charming coastal town. This is a great small town that is just waiting to be explored. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Pamplona

Pamplona is a historic, elegant, and laid-back city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. Visitors also love the hiking, shopping, and museums.

La Rochelle and Pamplona: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in La Rochelle or Pamplona?

You'll generally find more things to do in Pamplona than La Rochelle. Pamplona is bigger than La Rochelle, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Pamplona is better known for its nightlife, hiking, and big city activities, while La Rochelle is more popular for its museums, food, beaches, historical sights, and small town charm. Pamplona is more touristy than La Rochelle and is popular for being the home of the Running of the Bulls Festival. Also, Pamplona is famous for The Running of the Bulls Festival. La Rochelle is well known for its medieval towers, maritime history, and beautiful setting.

How is La Rochelle different from Pamplona?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in La Rochelle or Pamplona?

La Rochelle 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.

La Rochelle offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Filled with history, the town itself is like a living museum. Within town there are many sights such as the Vieux Port, La Rochelle Aquarium, Musée d'Histoire Naturelle, and Musée du Nouveau Monde de La Rochelle.

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 La Rochelle or Pamplona? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

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

For foodies, La Rochelle is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. It may be small, but its filled with delicious cafes, bistros, and local restaurants. Seafood is the obvious choice in this coastal town and many visitors head to Vieux Port to eat, as many restaurants there offer waterfront views. If you want something a little less touristy, head to the St. Nicolas District, which was the town's former fishing district. Rue de la Fourche is also a charming road with many places to grab a bite or a drink. Or head to Rue St Jean-du-Perot, which is just off the old port.

Pamplona has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. 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).

Is La Rochelle or Pamplona Better for Nightlife?

Pamplona is great for nightlife and partying. Also, La Rochelle is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal town for its evening party scene.

Many people head to Pamplona for the nightlife scene. 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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in La Rochelle. While it's known as a peaceful, seaside town, you'll still find wine bars, pubs, and even a club or two around town.

Is La Rochelle or Pamplona Better for Beaches?

La Rochelle is a popular place for the beache. However, Pamplona is not a beach destination.

La Rochelle is a good option for a beach vacation. There are three main beaches in town that each attract a crowd on warm summer days. Plage de la Concurrence, Plage Chef de Baie, and Plage des Minimes are the closest beaches to La Rochelle, and they are popular for sunbathing and water sports. They have a mix of sand, pebbles, and cliffside views that attract locals and tourists alike.

Pamplona is not a beach destination.

Is La Rochelle or Pamplona Better for its Old Town?

La Rochelle 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.

La Rochelle has a unique history which comes to life in its historic area. The old town is filled with wandering cobblestone streets, charming squares, and cafes that spill into the street.

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

Is La Rochelle or Pamplona Better for Hiking?

Pamplona is great for hiking. Also, La Rochelle is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal town for the nearby hiking options.

Many visitors go to Pamplona for the hiking trails. 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.

Many people include a hike when visiting La Rochelle. There are many coastal walks just outside of town that take you along the scenic coastline. It's beautiful to stroll through the countryside and pass through many quaint villages.

Is the Shopping Better in La Rochelle or Pamplona?

If you're looking to go shopping, La Rochelle and Pamplona both offer plenty of notable spots.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting La Rochelle. The old town is filled with boutique shops as well as some name brands. Another fun place to visit is Les Halles, which is an indoor market with fresh produce, seafood, and many local cheeses.

Many visitors go to Pamplona to go shopping. 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 La Rochelle or Pamplona Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either La Rochelle or Pamplona.

La Rochelle offers lots of family activities. It's a coastal town with a port that you can explore. There's also an aquarium and many great seafood restaurants. A nice day trip is to go to l'Ile de Ré, which has nice beaches, some with playgrounds.

Pamplona is a family-friendly place to visit. 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 La Rochelle or Pamplona Better for Couples?

La Rochelle is terrific for its romantic activities. Also, Pamplona is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for couples.

La Rochelle makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. This beautiful coastal town is seeped in history. There are beautiful squares, romantic parks, and cobblestone streets that you can wander down. It's also nice to take a coastal walk before grabbing dinner at a local seafood restaurant.

Pamplona is a good coastal town for couples to visit. 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 La Rochelle or Pamplona Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Pamplona is great for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, La Rochelle is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal town for backpackers.

Many backpackers 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.

La Rochelle is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There aren't a ton of hostels in the area, but there are just enough that you should be able to find a place to stay.

Is La Rochelle or Pamplona Better for Students?

For students, both La Rochelle and Pamplona are notable places to visit.

It's common for students to visit La Rochelle. It's a touristy city with a lot for students to see and do, but the atmosphere is generally quiet and peaceful.

Pamplona is a good coastal town 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.

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

La Rochelle and Pamplona both offer notable public transit to get you around.

While La Rochelle offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. Public transit around town is operated by Yeló, and mostly consists of buses.

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

Is La Rochelle or Pamplona a more walkable city?

La Rochelle and Pamplona are high quality when it comes to walkability.

La Rochelle is a very walkable coastal town. It's filled with meandering cobblestone streets that are best explored on foot. Most places around town can be explored on foot.

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 La Rochelle Worth Visiting? and Is Pamplona Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Pamplona or La Rochelle?

How long in La Rochelle or Pamplona?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in La Rochelle or Pamplona to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in La Rochelle 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 La Rochelle, and 1-2 days is enough time in Pamplona.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Pamplona than La Rochelle 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 La Rochelle or Pamplona?

La Rochelle is a small town where visitors enjoy the 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.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the elegant city of Pamplona. Hikers are also drawn to this area. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A weekend in La Rochelle or Pamplona?

La Rochelle is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this coastal town 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 La Rochelle, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the laid-back destination of Pamplona. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. This city offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in La Rochelle or Pamplona?

La Rochelle is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. 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.

The elegant city of Pamplona offers shopping and museums. 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. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A week in La Rochelle or Pamplona?

La Rochelle is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. 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 coastal town offers something for everyone.

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Pamplona. Anyone can find something fun to do here. 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Paris, The Best 10-Day Tours from Paris, The Best 3-Week Tours in Spain, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Spain.

When comparing the travel costs between La Rochelle and Pamplona, we can see that Pamplona 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 La Rochelle Expensive? and Is Pamplona Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, La Rochelle or Pamplona?

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

Both Pamplona and La Rochelle during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to La Rochelle because of the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Pamplona this time of year.

La Rochelle is around the same temperature as Pamplona in the summer. The daily temperature in La Rochelle averages around 20°C (67°F) in July, and Pamplona fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

In Pamplona, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in La Rochelle. In the summer, La Rochelle often gets more sunshine than Pamplona. La Rochelle gets 267 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pamplona receives 209 hours of full sun.

La Rochelle usually gets less rain in July than Pamplona. La Rochelle gets 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Pamplona receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit La Rochelle or Pamplona in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both La Rochelle and Pamplona. The hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the small town atmosphere are the main draw to La Rochelle this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Pamplona for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, La Rochelle is around the same temperature as Pamplona. Typically, the autumn temperatures in La Rochelle in October average around 15°C (59°F), and Pamplona averages at about 16°C (60°F).

La Rochelle usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Pamplona during autumn. La Rochelle gets 141 hours of sunny skies, while Pamplona receives 144 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Pamplona receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, La Rochelle usually receives less rain than Pamplona. La Rochelle gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Pamplona receives 155 mm (6.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit La Rochelle or Pamplona in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to La Rochelle as well as Pamplona. Many travelers come to La Rochelle for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, many visitors come to Pamplona in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, La Rochelle is generally cooler than Pamplona. Daily temperatures in La Rochelle average around 7°C (44°F), and Pamplona fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

In the winter, La Rochelle often gets less sunshine than Pamplona. La Rochelle gets 72 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pamplona receives 85 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Pamplona. La Rochelle usually gets less rain in January than Pamplona. La Rochelle gets 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain, while Pamplona receives 183 mm (7.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit La Rochelle or Pamplona in the Spring?

Both Pamplona and La Rochelle are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to La Rochelle in the spring for the beaches and the small town charm. Also, most visitors come to Pamplona for the activities around the city during these months.

La Rochelle is around the same temperature as Pamplona in the spring. The daily temperature in La Rochelle averages around 11°C (52°F) in April, and Pamplona fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

La Rochelle usually receives more sunshine than Pamplona during spring. La Rochelle gets 187 hours of sunny skies, while Pamplona receives 141 hours of full sun in the spring.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Pamplona. In April, La Rochelle usually receives less rain than Pamplona. La Rochelle gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Pamplona receives 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Pamplona and La Rochelle