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

Should you visit Linz or Pamplona?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Linz and Pamplona can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Linz

Linz is a beautiful, cultural, and historic town. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and food.

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. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and hiking.

Linz and Pamplona: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
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


Is there more to do in Linz or Pamplona?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Pamplona. Although Linz and Pamplona are about the same size, Pamplona has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Pamplona is better known for its food, nightlife, hiking, and big city activities, while Linz is more popular for its museums, shopping, and impressive beauty. Linz is well known for its Baroque architecture, modern art museums, and great pastries. Pamplona is well known for being the home of the Running of the Bulls Festival. Also, Pamplona is famous for The Running of the Bulls Festival.

How is Linz different from Pamplona?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Linz
Pamplona

Linz 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.

Linz offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The city has a lot of history which can be experienced with visits to The Castle of Linz, St. Martin's Church, and the New Cathedral. There are also several modern museums such as Ars Electronica Center, the OK Center, and the Lentos Art Museum.

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 Linz or Pamplona? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Linz
Pamplona

Pamplona is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Linz is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its restaurants.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Pamplona. 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).

Linz is becoming an appealing option for foodies. You'll find an endless supply of bakeries around town that serve cakes, tarts, and biscuits. A trip to Linz isn't complete without a sampling of the local pastries.

Is Linz or Pamplona Better for Nightlife?

Linz
Pamplona

Pamplona is a well-known place for nightlife and partying. However, Linz is not a good town for its evening party scene.

Pamplona offers plenty to do in the evening. 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.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Linz. The town isn't exactly a party place, but you'll find a good theater and some live music venues that are worth checking out.

Is Linz or Pamplona Better for its Old Town?

Linz
Pamplona

Both Linz and Pamplona have notable historic old towns worth visiting.

Many people head to Linz to see the old town. The old town is filled with Baroque architecture and a market square. There are a number of interesting buildings and great cafes in the area.

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


Is Linz or Pamplona Better for Hiking?

Linz
Pamplona

Pamplona is a well-known place for the nearby hiking options. However, Linz 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.

Linz is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Linz or Pamplona?

Linz
Pamplona

Linz 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.

Linz is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. There are a number of shopping streets around town, but the most popular is Landstraße. You'll find all kinds of retail stores with everything from clothing to furniture available.

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 Linz or Pamplona Better for Families?

Linz
Pamplona

Both Linz and Pamplona are notable to visit with kids.

Linz is a family-friendly place to visit. Pöstlingberg Adventure World is a highlight for kids. You can take the tram up the mountain and see the views, visit the Grottenbahn, or explore the zoo. Kids will also appreciate the Ars Electronica Center, which is a futuristic museum in town as well as the The Linz Castle Museum.

Pamplona is a family-friendly town. 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 Linz or Pamplona Better for Couples?

Linz
Pamplona

Linz is a well-known place for its romantic activities. Also, Pamplona is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for couples.

Linz is a very popular place to visit for couples. The city is filled with beautiful baroque architecture. There's a lively main square and many great restaurants that couples will appreciate. There are also shopping areas and museums to explore.

Pamplona is a good 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 Linz or Pamplona Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Linz
Pamplona

Pamplona is a well-known place for backpackers. Also, Linz is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Pamplona is a great city to visit for backpackers. 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.

Plenty of backpackers visit Linz. Backpackers will find more budget hotels than hostels in town, so it can be a bit challenging to meet other travelers. Even so, this is a beautiful city that is well worth a visit.

Is Linz or Pamplona Better for Students?

Linz
Pamplona

Pamplona is a city with good options for students. However, Linz 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.

Linz is not popular with students.


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

Linz
Pamplona

Both Linz and Pamplona offer notable public transit options.

Linz has a few public transit options. There are buses and streetcars that travel throughout the town.

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

Is Linz or Pamplona a more walkable city?

Linz
Pamplona

Linz and Pamplona both are excellent when exploring on foot.

Linz is a very walkable town. The tourist areas are easy to explore 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 Linz Worth Visiting? and Is Pamplona Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Pamplona or Linz?

How long in Linz or Pamplona?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Linz 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 Linz. However, 1-2 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Pamplona than Linz 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 Linz or Pamplona? Ideal Length of Stay
    Linz 1-2 
    Pamplona 1-2

One day in Linz or Pamplona?

The beautiful town of Linz 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.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Pamplona. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.


A weekend in Linz or Pamplona?

Linz is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this town makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Linz, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Pamplona is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. Hikers are also drawn to this area. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Five days in Linz or Pamplona?

Linz 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.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the laid-back destination of Pamplona. This city offers something for everyone. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Linz or Pamplona?

Linz 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 town offers something for everyone.

The laid-back city of Pamplona offers nightlife and food. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week 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.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Austria, The Best 10-Day Tours in Austria, The Best 3-Week Tours in Spain, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Spain.


Which place is cheaper, Pamplona or Linz?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Linz is €114, 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 Linz and Pamplona in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Linz 58
    Pamplona 67
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Linz 116
    Pamplona 134
Compare Hotels in Linz and Pamplona

Looking for a hotel in Linz 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 Linz


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: Linz Hotel Prices and Pamplona Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Linz 41
    Pamplona 24

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Linz

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Linz:

  • Linz Private Transfer from Linz Airport to Wels city: $68
  • Linz Private Transfer from Linz city centre to Linz Airport: $70
  • Linz Private Transfer from Linz Airport to City centre: $70
  • Private Transfer from Linz to Munich, Hotel-to-hotel, English-speaking driver: $180
  • Transfer from Linz to Munich: Private daytrip with 2 hours for sightseeing: $212

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 Linz or Pamplona?

Prices for flights to both Pamplona and Linz 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
    Linz 32
    Pamplona 41
Typical Food Prices in Linz

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


  • Leberkäse (Sausage Loaf)
    4.20
  • Lunch
    8.50

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.
    Linz 13
    Pamplona 34

Tours and Activities in Linz

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

  • Linz Harbor Cruise: $15
  • Detective Trail puzzle tour for the whole family: $16
  • What the bloody hell is there in Linz? 1,5 hour walking tour: $24
  • Linz Crime Experience: self-guided crime tour: $42
  • Murder Crime Game Self-Guided Interactive Tour: $74
  • Private History Tour with a Linzer Cake Tasting: $149
  • Linz Exploration: Private Walking Tour with Local Guide: $176
  • Linz Old Town Highlights Walking Tour with Pöstlingbergbahn: $191
  • Linz Cultural Marvels Walking Tour: $205
  • Literature in Adalbert Stifter Institute Private Tour: $210
  • Family Tour of Linz's Old Town, Pöstlingberg and Grottenbahn: $210
  • Literature in Adalbert Stifter Institute Private Tour : $214

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
    Linz 16
    Pamplona 31

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 Linz 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 Linz Expensive? and Is Pamplona Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Linz or Pamplona?

Pamplona has a larger population, and is about 7% larger than the population of Linz. When comparing the sizes of Linz 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 Linz 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 Linz or Pamplona in the Summer?

Both Pamplona and Linz are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Linz for the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Pamplona in the summer for the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

Linz is around the same temperature as Pamplona in the summer. The daily temperature in Linz averages around 20°C (68°F) in July, 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 Linz. Linz usually receives more sunshine than Pamplona during summer. Linz gets 236 hours of sunny skies, while Pamplona receives 209 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Linz usually receives more rain than Pamplona. Linz gets 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Pamplona receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Linz 20°C (68°F) 
    Pamplona 20°C (68°F)

Should I visit Linz or Pamplona in the Autumn?

Both Pamplona and Linz during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Linz in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Pamplona for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene during these months.

In the autumn, Linz is cooler than Pamplona. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Linz in October average around 11°C (52°F), and Pamplona averages at about 16°C (60°F).

In the autumn, Linz often gets less sunshine than Pamplona. Linz gets 129 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. Linz usually gets less rain in October than Pamplona. Linz gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Pamplona receives 155 mm (6.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Linz 11°C (52°F) 
    Pamplona 16°C (60°F)

Should I visit Linz or Pamplona in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Linz and Pamplona. Most visitors come to Linz for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Pamplona because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Linz can be very cold during winter. In January, Linz is generally much colder than Pamplona. Daily temperatures in Linz average around -0°C (31°F), and Pamplona fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

Linz usually receives less sunshine than Pamplona during winter. Linz gets 57 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, Linz usually receives less rain than Pamplona. Linz gets 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Pamplona receives 183 mm (7.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Linz -0°C (31°F) 
    Pamplona 8°C (47°F)

Should I visit Linz or Pamplona in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Linz as well as Pamplona. The spring months attract visitors to Linz because of the natural beauty. Also, the activities around the city are the main draw to Pamplona this time of year.

Linz is cooler than Pamplona in the spring. The daily temperature in Linz averages around 11°C (51°F) in April, and Pamplona fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

In the spring, Linz often gets more sunshine than Pamplona. Linz gets 163 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pamplona receives 141 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Pamplona. Linz usually gets less rain in April than Pamplona. Linz gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Pamplona receives 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Linz 11°C (51°F) 
    Pamplona 12°C (54°F)

Typical Weather for Pamplona and Linz

Linz Pamplona
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -0°C (31°F) 34 mm (1.3 in) 8°C (47°F) 183 mm (7.2 in)
Feb 2°C (36°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 9°C (49°F) 147 mm (5.8 in)
Mar 6°C (43°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 10°C (51°F) 148 mm (5.8 in)
Apr 11°C (51°F) 57 mm (2.2 in) 12°C (54°F) 163 mm (6.4 in)
May 15°C (59°F) 74 mm (2.9 in) 15°C (59°F) 139 mm (5.5 in)
Jun 18°C (65°F) 88 mm (3.5 in) 18°C (64°F) 92 mm (3.6 in)
Jul 20°C (68°F) 94 mm (3.7 in) 20°C (68°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Aug 19°C (67°F) 81 mm (3.2 in) 20°C (68°F) 115 mm (4.5 in)
Sep 16°C (61°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 18°C (65°F) 134 mm (5.3 in)
Oct 11°C (52°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 16°C (60°F) 155 mm (6.1 in)
Nov 5°C (42°F) 50 mm (2 in) 11°C (52°F) 190 mm (7.5 in)
Dec 1°C (35°F) 43 mm (1.7 in) 9°C (49°F) 184 mm (7.2 in)