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

Should you visit Limerick 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 Limerick and Pamplona can help you decide which place is right for you.

Limerick

Limerick is a outdoorsy, fun-filled, and historic city. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. 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. It's also popular because of the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Limerick and Pamplona: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Limerick or Pamplona?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Pamplona than Limerick, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Pamplona is more popular for its food, nightlife, historical sights, hiking, and big city activities, while Limerick is known for its impressive beauty. Pamplona is more touristy than Limerick and is popular for being the home of the Running of the Bulls Festival. It is also home to The Running of the Bulls Festival. Limerick is popular for its castle, old town, and outdoor activities.

How is Limerick different from Pamplona?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

You'll find a number of good museums and attractions in both Pamplona and Limerick.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Limerick. The town is famous for King John's Castle as well as St. Mary's Cathedral, and St. John's Square and Cathedral.

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.

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

Pamplona is a great city for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Limerick is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

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).

Limerick offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. You'll find a mix of traditional Irish restaurants and more modern international cuisine. Local specialties to try include Limerick Ham, Cahill's Whiskey Cheese, and Walnut Cheddar.

Is Limerick or Pamplona Better for Nightlife?

Pamplona is a great city for its evening party scene. Also, Limerick is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife.

The nightlife in Pamplona has something for everybody. 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 Limerick. It's a student town so much of the nightlife scene centers around the student population. There are lively pubs and clubs around town so it's not hard to have a fun night out.

Is Limerick or Pamplona Better for its Old Town?

Pamplona is very good for its historic old town charm. However, Limerick does not have a historic old town.

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

Limerick does not have a historic old town.

Is Limerick or Pamplona Better for Hiking?

Pamplona is a great city for hiking. However, Limerick is not a hiking destination.

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.

Limerick is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Limerick or Pamplona?

If you're looking to go shopping, Limerick and Pamplona both offer plenty of good spots.

Limerick has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. You'll find a mix of brand name chains and independent boutiques in the city center. There are several major shopping streets in town including O'Connell Street, and the pedestrian streets of Bedford Row and Cruises Street.

Pamplona is a great destination for 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 Limerick or Pamplona Better for Families?

You'll find good kid-friendly activities in either Limerick or Pamplona.

Limerick offers lots of family activities. Families will enjoy visiting King John's Castle but for kids who need a break from the sightseeing, there are kid-friendly activities around town like Curraghchase Forest Park and the Peoples Park. Families should also check out the Dreamland Fun Center. Museums like Foynes Flying Boat & Maritime Museum are also fun for the whole family.

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 Limerick or Pamplona Better for Couples?

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

Limerick is a good city for couples to visit. There are river cruises, kayaking, and nature to explore. Head to the Curraghchase Forest Park or any of the many beautiful parks around town. Couples can combine history with nature and enjoy a nice, romantic trip through Limerick.

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 Limerick or Pamplona Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Pamplona is a great city for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Limerick is not known for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and 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.

Limerick is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There aren't many hostels in the area so it can be hard to find other likeminded travelers.

Is Limerick or Pamplona Better for Students?

For students, both Limerick and Pamplona are good places to visit.

It's common for students to visit Limerick. The city has a nice student scene with plenty of areas to explore.

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.

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

Limerick and Pamplona both offer good public transit to get you around.

While Limerick offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There's a city bus service that travels around town.

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

Is Limerick or Pamplona a more walkable city?

Pamplona is a great city for its ease of walking around. Also, Limerick is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its walkability.

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.

Limerick is somewhat walkable. There are compact and walkable parts to the city that can be explored on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Pamplona or Limerick?

How long in Limerick or Pamplona?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Limerick or Pamplona to fill your time. In our opinion, Pamplona has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Pamplona than Limerick. However, 1-2 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

Families should spend more time in Pamplona than Limerick. 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 Limerick. 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 Limerick 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 Limerick or Pamplona?

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

The city of Pamplona offers food and shopping. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Limerick or Pamplona?

Limerick 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 Limerick, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Pamplona 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 spend some time hiking while you're in the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Pamplona, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Limerick or Pamplona?

Limerick 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 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.

A week in Limerick or Pamplona?

Limerick 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.

Pamplona is a great place to explore. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Dublin, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Ireland, The Best 3-Week Tours in Spain, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Spain.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Limerick and Pamplona, we can see that Pamplona is more expensive. And not only is Limerick much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Limerick would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Limerick 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 Limerick.

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

Which is Bigger, Limerick or Pamplona?

Pamplona has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Limerick. When comparing the sizes of Limerick 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 Limerick 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 Limerick or Pamplona in the Summer?

Both Pamplona and Limerick during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Limerick 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, Limerick is generally cooler than Pamplona. Daily temperatures in Limerick average around 16°C (60°F), and Pamplona fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

In Pamplona, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Limerick often gets less sunshine than Pamplona. Limerick gets 142 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pamplona receives 209 hours of full sun.

Limerick usually gets less rain in July than Pamplona. Limerick gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Pamplona receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Limerick or Pamplona in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Limerick and Pamplona. The autumn months attract visitors to Limerick because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene are the main draw to Pamplona this time of year.

Limerick is cooler than Pamplona in the autumn. The daily temperature in Limerick averages around 11°C (52°F) in October, and Pamplona fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

Limerick usually receives less sunshine than Pamplona during autumn. Limerick gets 82 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, Limerick usually receives less rain than Pamplona. Limerick gets 92 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while Pamplona receives 155 mm (6.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Limerick or Pamplona in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Limerick as well as Pamplona. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Limerick this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Pamplona for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Limerick is much colder than Pamplona. Typically, the winter temperatures in Limerick in January average around 6°C (42°F), and Pamplona averages at about 8°C (47°F).

In the winter, Limerick often gets less sunshine than Pamplona. Limerick gets 49 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pamplona receives 85 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Pamplona. Limerick usually gets less rain in January than Pamplona. Limerick gets 97 mm (3.8 in) of rain, while Pamplona receives 183 mm (7.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Limerick or Pamplona in the Spring?

Both Pamplona and Limerick are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Limerick for the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Pamplona in the spring for the activities around the city.

In April, Limerick is generally cooler than Pamplona. Daily temperatures in Limerick average around 9°C (48°F), and Pamplona fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

Limerick usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Pamplona during spring. Limerick gets 148 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, Limerick usually receives less rain than Pamplona. Limerick gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Pamplona receives 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Pamplona and Limerick