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

Should you visit Montpellier or Pamplona?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Montpellier and Pamplona. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Montpellier

Montpellier is a bustling, beautiful, and friendly city. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the beaches, shopping, and museums.

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. Other popular activities here include food, hiking, and shopping.

Montpellier and Pamplona: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Montpellier or Pamplona?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Pamplona than Montpellier. While Montpellier is larger than Pamplona, Pamplona has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Pamplona is more popular for its food, nightlife, hiking, and big city activities, while Montpellier is known for its museums, beaches, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty. Pamplona is more touristy than Montpellier and is known for being the home of the Running of the Bulls Festival. It is also home to The Running of the Bulls Festival. Montpellier is popular for its relaxed atmosphere, grand boulevards, and authentic personality.

How is Montpellier different from Pamplona?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Montpellier 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.

Montpellier offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. With such a long history, the city has many landmarks and monuments. Also make sure you visit Musée Fabre and Saint-Pierre Cathedral.

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 Montpellier or Pamplona? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Pamplona is a great destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Montpellier is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Dining out in Pamplona is an experience not to be missed. 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).

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Montpellier. The dishes are made with fresh ingredients produced in the agricultural areas just outside of town. The area is known for its seafood and fish stews.

Is Montpellier or Pamplona Better for Nightlife?

Pamplona is a great destination for its evening party scene. Also, Montpellier is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife.

The people in Pamplona know how to have a good time. 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.

If you're looking for night time activities Montpellier has a few options to choose from. The weather is mild, making for a nice evening out. The population is also young, so you can expect a lot of activity during the evenings, particularly in the area around Place Jean Jaurés. Make sure you enjoy local wine and champagne while you're in town.

Is Montpellier or Pamplona Better for Beaches?

Montpellier is a well-known place for the beache. However, Pamplona is not a beach destination.

Montpellier is considered a top beach destination. The coastline near Montpellier feels pristine and beautiful. You can also visit Villeneuve-lès-Maguelone to the southwest of town, which is a protected area.

Pamplona is not a beach destination.

Is Montpellier or Pamplona Better for its Old Town?

Montpellier 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.

Montpellier has a unique history which comes to life in its historic area. Known as L'Écusson the town's old town dates back to the Middle Ages. It is a pedestrian area that is filled with boutiques, restaurants, and churches.

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

Is Montpellier or Pamplona Better for Hiking?

Pamplona is a great destination for its hiking experiences. However, Montpellier is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Pamplona. 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.

Montpellier is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Montpellier or Pamplona?

Montpellier 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.

Montpellier is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. Head to Rue de la Loge for some of the city's best shopping.

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 Montpellier or Pamplona Better for Families?

Both Montpellier and Pamplona are good family-friendly destinations.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Montpellier. Popular activities for kids include taking a ride on the carousel in the Comedie, visiting the playground - Jardin Champs de Mars, and visiting the botanical garden - Jardin des Plantes.

Pamplona offers lots of family activities. 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 Montpellier or Pamplona Better for Couples?

Montpellier 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.

Montpellier is a very popular place to visit for couples. Rich in history and beautiful architecture, this city offers a romantic setting for a great couple's getaway.

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 Montpellier or Pamplona Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Montpellier and Pamplona are superb places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Montpellier is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. With a young population and a number of hostels to choose from, Montpellier attracts its share of backpackers.

Pamplona is very popular with the backpacker crowd. 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 Montpellier or Pamplona Better for Students?

Montpellier 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 Montpellier. Montpellier is a popular university town that is home to many trendy university students. It's also where you'll find the youngest population of any city in France.

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

Montpellier is a well-known place 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.

Public transit in Montpellier can get you to some places easily. There are a number of options for getting around town including the tramway, bus, and tourist train.

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

Is Montpellier or Pamplona a more walkable city?

Montpellier and Pamplona both are superb when exploring on foot.

Montpellier is a very walkable destination. Many of the sights and attractions are easily accessible on foot and can be enjoyed as part of a self-guided walking tour.

Pamplona is very walkable. 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 Montpellier Worth Visiting? and Is Pamplona Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Pamplona or Montpellier?

How long in Montpellier or Pamplona?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Montpellier 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 Montpellier.

One day in Montpellier or Pamplona?

The beautiful city of Montpellier offers food and shopping. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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 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 Montpellier or Pamplona?

Montpellier 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. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Montpellier, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the historic 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 Montpellier or Pamplona?

Montpellier 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.

The historic 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 Montpellier or Pamplona?

Montpellier is a great place to explore. 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 city 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 in France, The Best 2-Week Tours in France, The Best 3-Week Tours in Spain, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Spain.

When comparing the travel costs between Montpellier 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 Montpellier Expensive? and Is Pamplona Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Montpellier or Pamplona?

Montpellier has a larger population, and is about 29% larger than the population of Pamplona. When comparing the sizes of Montpellier 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 Montpellier 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 Montpellier or Pamplona in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Montpellier and Pamplona. The beaches and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Montpellier this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Pamplona for the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Montpellier is generally a little warmer than Pamplona. Daily temperatures in Montpellier average around 23°C (73°F), and Pamplona fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Pamplona this time of the year. In Montpellier, it's very sunny this time of the year. Montpellier usually receives more sunshine than Pamplona during summer. Montpellier gets 351 hours of sunny skies, while Pamplona receives 209 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Montpellier usually receives less rain than Pamplona. Montpellier gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Pamplona receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Montpellier or Pamplona in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Montpellier as well as Pamplona. Many travelers come to Montpellier for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Pamplona in the autumn for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene.

Montpellier is around the same temperature as Pamplona in the autumn. The daily temperature in Montpellier averages around 15°C (60°F) in October, and Pamplona fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

In the autumn, Montpellier often gets more sunshine than Pamplona. Montpellier gets 187 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pamplona receives 144 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Pamplona. Montpellier receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Montpellier usually gets less rain in October than Pamplona. Montpellier gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Pamplona receives 155 mm (6.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Montpellier or Pamplona in the Winter?

Both Pamplona and Montpellier are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Montpellier in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Pamplona for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

In the winter, Montpellier is cooler than Pamplona. Typically, the winter temperatures in Montpellier in January average around 7°C (44°F), and Pamplona averages at about 8°C (47°F).

Montpellier usually receives more sunshine than Pamplona during winter. Montpellier gets 147 hours of sunny skies, while Pamplona receives 85 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Pamplona. In January, Montpellier usually receives less rain than Pamplona. Montpellier gets 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Pamplona receives 183 mm (7.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Montpellier or Pamplona in the Spring?

Both Pamplona and Montpellier during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Montpellier for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Pamplona because of the activities around the city.

In April, Montpellier is generally around the same temperature as Pamplona. Daily temperatures in Montpellier average around 13°C (55°F), and Pamplona fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

It's quite sunny in Montpellier. In the spring, Montpellier often gets more sunshine than Pamplona. Montpellier gets 230 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pamplona receives 141 hours of full sun.

Pamplona gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Montpellier usually gets less rain in April than Pamplona. Montpellier gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Pamplona receives 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Pamplona and Montpellier