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

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

London

London is a historic, diverse, and iconic city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the museums, theater, and nightlife.

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.

London and Pamplona: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in London or Pamplona?

Travelers will usually find more to do in London than Pamplona, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. London is more popular for its museums, theatre productions, nightlife, music, shopping, christmas markets, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Pamplona is known for its historical sights and hiking. London is more touristy than Pamplona and is popular for its international reputation, its world-renowned theater productions, and its many different markets. It is also home to Big Ben. Pamplona is popular for being the home of the Running of the Bulls Festival.

Big Ben

How is London different from Pamplona?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

London is terrific for its sights and museums. Also, Pamplona is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in London are among the most recognizable in the world. The city has so many iconic sights that we can't list them all, but some of the most famous include the Tower of London, Buckingham Palace, St. Paul's Cathedral, Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, and the British Museum. You can fill many days exploring the treasures found at each of the venues.

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 London or Pamplona Better for Theater?

London is terrific for its theatre productions. However, Pamplona is not a theatre destination.

The theater and performance venues in London draw crowds from around the world. The West End theater district is where you'll find the most popular musicals. Famous theaters include Apollo Theatre, Palace Theatre, and Piccadilly Theatre. There are often Wednesday matinees that are a bit cheaper than the evening shows. You may also be able to get discounted last minute tickets if you're visiting during the less touristy times.

Pamplona is not a theatre destination.

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

Local dishes at restaurants are fun to try in both London and Pamplona.

London has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. Although food here was once the butt of a number of jokes, the restaurant scene has come a long way, and you can find anything and everything around town. Head to Chinatown to try dim sum or hot pot. There are no shortage of Indian restaurants as well. If you want the best food for the lowest prices, your best bet is to get out of the touristy areas and discover where the locals eat. There are also many markets that are perfect for grabbing a unique lunch or snack. Burrough Market has a number of ethnic and seafood vendors as well as fresh produce and snack options.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Pamplona makes for a great culinary experience. 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 London or Pamplona Better for Nightlife?

London is terrific for nightlife and partying. Also, Pamplona is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its evening party scene.

London is a must-see party destination. Some of the best neighborhoods for nightlife are Camden, West End, Soho, and Shoreditch. There are many festivals, concerts, and shows worth checking out and the nightlife scene is diverse enough that there really is something for everyone.

Pamplona has a large number of nightlife venues. 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 London or Pamplona Better for Music?

London is terrific for its live music scene. However, Pamplona is not a live music destination.

Live music, and music in many other forms, is everyone in London Famous music venues include Dominion Theatre, the Roundhouse, and Dublin Castle.

Pamplona is not a live music destination.

Is London or Pamplona Better for its Old Town?

Pamplona is very good for its historic old town charm. However, London 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.

London does not have a historic old town.

Is London or Pamplona Better for Hiking?

Pamplona is a great city for hiking. However, London 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.

London is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in London or Pamplona?

London is terrific for its shopping opportunities. Also, Pamplona is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its shopping areas.

The abundance of shops in London make it a world-class shopping destination. With so much iconic shopping around town, it's hard to decide where to go. Head to Oxford Street, Regent Street, or Piccadilly Circus for a quintessential British shopping experience.

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 London or Pamplona Better for Christmas?

London is terrific for its Christmas activities. However, Pamplona does not offer Christmas activities.

London is a world class destination during the Christmas season. There's Hyde Park Winter Wonderland, outdoor ice skating, and beautiful Christmas lights throughout the city. You can also listen to Christmas Carols in Trafalgar Square or see a classic Christmas show.

Pamplona does not offer Christmas activities.

Is London or Pamplona Better for Christmas Markets?

London is terrific for its Christmas markets. However, Pamplona does not offer Christmas markets.

The Christmas markets in London are not to be missed. The city has many Christmas markets. There is Winter Wonderland Christmas market, Southbank Centre Winter Market, and Selfridges Christmas Market, among many others.

Pamplona does not offer Christmas markets.

Is London or Pamplona Better for Families?

London is terrific for its family-friendly activities. Also, Pamplona is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, London is a very family-friendly destination. Whether you do a Harry Potter Tour, take a ride on the London Eye, or enjoy afternoon tea, there are plenty of activities for kids around town. The Harry Potter Studio Tour is fun for everyone, but should be booked well in advance as it sells out. Theatre enthusiasts will enjoy catching a musical in West End and sampling dim sum or a hot pot in Chinatown. There are often Wednesday matinee showings that are perfect for kids with early bedtimes.

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 London or Pamplona Better for Couples?

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

London makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. With every type of entertainment that you can imagine, this city is the ultimate couple's getaway. There are world class musicals, evening concerts, and restaurants of every style, cuisine, and budget. It's easy for couples to fill days in this vibrant city.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit London. Although the city is very expensive, it has tons of hostels, affordable restaurant options, and great public transit. There's a huge backpacker network here and it's easy to meet other travelers. The nightlife scene is also second to none.

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.

Is London or Pamplona Better for Students?

London is terrific for students. Also, Pamplona is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its student-friendly activities.

Many students frequent London. The city has a number of universities and is a popular study abroad destination. It's also a very diverse city, so international students will feel right at home.

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

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

London is terrific 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.

The thorough and effecient public transit system of London can take you anywhere. From the iconic double decker buses to the Tube, there are plenty of options throughout the city.

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

Is London or Pamplona a more walkable city?

London 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 London on foot. With many walkable areas, it is considered to be one of the world's most walkable major cities.

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 London Worth Visiting? and Is Pamplona Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Pamplona or London?

How long in London or Pamplona?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in London or Pamplona to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in London than Pamplona because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for London, and 1-2 days is enough time in Pamplona.

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

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

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

One day in London or Pamplona?

London is a big city with plenty to do. 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 London or Pamplona?

London is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. 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 London or Pamplona?

London is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in London, five days is sufficent for most. 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 London or Pamplona?

London is a great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that London has to offer. This city offers something for everyone.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the elegant 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 One Week (7-Day) Tours in United Kingdom, The Best 3-Day Tours in United Kingdom, The Best 3-Week Tours in Spain, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Spain.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between London and Pamplona, we can see that London is more expensive. And not only is Pamplona much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Pamplona would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Pamplona 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 London would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in London than you might in Pamplona.

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

Which is Bigger, London or Pamplona?

London has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Pamplona. When comparing the sizes of London 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 London 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 London or Pamplona in the Summer?

Both Pamplona and London during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to London for the city activities, the music scene, and 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, London is generally cooler than Pamplona. Daily temperatures in London average around 18°C (64°F), and Pamplona fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

In Pamplona, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, London often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Pamplona. London gets 195 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pamplona receives 209 hours of full sun.

London usually gets less rain in July than Pamplona. London gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Pamplona receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit London or Pamplona in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both London and Pamplona. The autumn months attract visitors to London because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music 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.

London is cooler than Pamplona in the autumn. The daily temperature in London averages around 12°C (53°F) in October, and Pamplona fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

London usually receives less sunshine than Pamplona during autumn. London gets 107 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, London usually receives less rain than Pamplona. London gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Pamplona receives 155 mm (6.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit London or Pamplona in the Winter?

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

It's quite cold in London in the winter. In the winter, London is much colder than Pamplona. Typically, the winter temperatures in London in January average around 4°C (40°F), and Pamplona averages at about 8°C (47°F).

In the winter, London often gets less sunshine than Pamplona. London gets 52 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pamplona receives 85 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Pamplona. London usually gets less rain in January than Pamplona. London gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Pamplona receives 183 mm (7.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit London or Pamplona in the Spring?

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

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

London usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Pamplona during spring. London gets 147 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, London usually receives less rain than Pamplona. London gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Pamplona receives 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Pamplona and London