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

Should you visit Pamplona or Bergamo?

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

Should I visit Pamplona or Bergamo? 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.

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 museums, nightlife, and food.

Bergamo

Bergamo is a under-rated, historical, and fascinating city. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Pamplona and Bergamo: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Pamplona or Bergamo?

You'll generally find more things to do in Pamplona than Bergamo. Pamplona is bigger than Bergamo, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Pamplona is better known for its nightlife, hiking, and big city activities, while Bergamo is more popular for its impressive beauty. Pamplona is more touristy than Bergamo and is known for being the home of the Running of the Bulls Festival. Also, Pamplona is famous for The Running of the Bulls Festival. Bergamo is well known for its historical buildings and beautiful squares.

How is Pamplona different from Bergamo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Plenty of people visit the notable sights and museums in both Pamplona and Bergamo.

Pamplona offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. 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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Bergamo. There are historical buildings as well as fascinating museums that are worth checking out. Highlights include the Basilica of St. Mary Major, Colleoni Chapel, the Accademia Carrara, and the Cathedral of Sant'Alessandro.

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

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

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).

Bergamo has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. You'll find traditional restaurants around town that serve the local specialties, many of which have their roots in peasant dishes. The flavors are humble but high quality and the food is fresh and masterfully prepared.

Is Pamplona or Bergamo Better for Nightlife?

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

Pamplona has plenty to do after the sun goes down. 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.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Bergamo. Despite not being high on the itinerary of many travelers, the city has a great nightlife scene that includes many local bars and clubs. You can enjoy a local brew or sip some Italian wine while you enjoy the atmosphere of the old town.

Is Pamplona or Bergamo Better for its Old Town?

It's fun to wander around the notable old towns in both Pamplona and Bergamo.

Many people head to Pamplona to see the old town. You'll find elegant buildings and grand plazas around the Old Quarter.

Bergamo has an old town worth visiting. Since the old town was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the town has become more popular with visitors. Still, you can enjoy the authentic and less touristy vibe of this beautiful city.

Is Pamplona or Bergamo Better for Hiking?

Pamplona is notable for the nearby hiking options. However, Bergamo 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.

Bergamo is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Pamplona or Bergamo?

Both Pamplona and Bergamo are notable shopping destinations.

Pamplona offers some nice shopping areas. You'll find some good markets around town. It's also fun to shop for local handicrafts or souvenirs to remember your trip by.

Bergamo has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There are a number of shopping areas around town including shopping malls and shopping streets. You'll find most of the major brands as well as some interesting boutique shops.

Is Pamplona or Bergamo Better for Families?

Pamplona is a nice place to visit for its family-friendly activities. However, Bergamo is a mediocre city for its kid-friendly activities.

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.

Bergamo is not always a place people visit with their families. It's a beautiful city that is filled with history, and for kids there are pedestrian streets to explore and great Italian food. There's also the Museo di Scienze Naturali, which is worth checking out.

Is Pamplona or Bergamo Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Pamplona and Bergamo make for a notable place to visit.

Pamplona makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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.

Bergamo is a good city for couples to visit. Couples will appreciate the beautiful architecture and impressive squares. There are also great restaurants and pedestrian streets that are fun to wander through.

Is Pamplona or Bergamo Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Pamplona is notable for backpackers. Also, Bergamo is not as famous, but is still a good city 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.

Bergamo is a good city to visit for backpackers. While it's not the most popular backpacker city in Italy, it does have a couple of hostels and guesthouses that offer affordable rates and a young vibe.

Is Pamplona or Bergamo Better for Students?

Pamplona and Bergamo are both notable destinations for students and younger travelers.

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.

Plenty of students visit Bergamo. The university attracts international students and the city makes a great base for learning and exploring.

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

Both Pamplona and Bergamo offer notable public transit options.

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

Bergamo has some public transit options. There are buses around town as well as two funiculars, one connecting Città Bassa with the Città Alta and the other connecting Città Alta to San Vigilio.

Is Pamplona or Bergamo a more walkable city?

Pamplona and Bergamo both are very good when exploring on foot.

Pamplona is a very walkable city. 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.

Bergamo is a very walkable destination. There are many pedestrian streets and the best way to explore the city is on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Bergamo or Pamplona?

How long in Pamplona or Bergamo?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Pamplona and Bergamo. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Bergamo than in Pamplona. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Pamplona, and 2-3 days is enough time in Bergamo.

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

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

In Pamplona, you'll find nightlife and food. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

The city of Bergamo offers food and shopping. 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.

A weekend in Pamplona or Bergamo?

In Pamplona, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Pamplona has to offer.

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

Five days in Pamplona or Bergamo?

Pamplona is a great place to explore. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Bergamo 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 Pamplona or Bergamo?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Pamplona. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Pamplona. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Bergamo 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.

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

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Pamplona and Bergamo, we can see that Bergamo 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 Bergamo would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Bergamo 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 Pamplona Expensive? and Is Bergamo Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Pamplona or Bergamo?

Pamplona has a larger population, and is about 71% larger than the population of Bergamo. When comparing the sizes of Pamplona and Bergamo, 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 Pamplona or Bergamo?

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 Pamplona or Bergamo in the Summer?

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

Pamplona is cooler than Bergamo in the summer. The daily temperature in Pamplona averages around 20°C (68°F) in July, and Bergamo fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

It's quite sunny in Bergamo. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Pamplona. Pamplona usually receives less sunshine than Bergamo during summer. Pamplona gets 209 hours of sunny skies, while Bergamo receives 286 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Pamplona usually receives more rain than Bergamo. Pamplona gets 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain, while Bergamo receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Pamplona or Bergamo in the Autumn?

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

In the autumn, Pamplona is a little warmer than Bergamo. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Pamplona in October average around 16°C (60°F), and Bergamo averages at about 14°C (57°F).

In the autumn, Pamplona often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Bergamo. Pamplona gets 144 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bergamo receives 137 hours of full sun.

Bergamo gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Pamplona. Pamplona usually gets more rain in October than Bergamo. Pamplona gets 155 mm (6.1 in) of rain, while Bergamo receives 103 mm (4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Pamplona or Bergamo in the Winter?

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

The weather in Bergamo can be very cold. In January, Pamplona is generally much warmer than Bergamo. Daily temperatures in Pamplona average around 8°C (47°F), and Bergamo fluctuates around 2°C (36°F).

Pamplona usually receives less sunshine than Bergamo during winter. Pamplona gets 85 hours of sunny skies, while Bergamo receives 98 hours of full sun in the winter.

Pamplona gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Pamplona usually receives more rain than Bergamo. Pamplona gets 183 mm (7.2 in) of rain, while Bergamo receives 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Pamplona or Bergamo in the Spring?

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

Pamplona is around the same temperature as Bergamo in the spring. The daily temperature in Pamplona averages around 12°C (54°F) in April, and Bergamo fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In the spring, Pamplona often gets less sunshine than Bergamo. Pamplona gets 141 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bergamo receives 169 hours of full sun.

Pamplona receives a lot of rain in the spring. Pamplona usually gets more rain in April than Bergamo. Pamplona gets 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain, while Bergamo receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Bergamo and Pamplona