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

Should you visit Pamplona or Florence?

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

Should I visit Pamplona or Florence? 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. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food.

Florence

Florence is a alluring, historical, and artistic city. You'll find world class beauty here as well. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Pamplona and Florence: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Pamplona or Florence?

You'll generally find more things to do in Florence than Pamplona. Florence is bigger than Pamplona, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Florence is better known for its museums, food, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Pamplona is more popular for its nightlife, hiking, and big city activities. Florence is more touristy than Pamplona and is popular for its iconic beauty, world-renowned Renaissance art and architecture, and beautifully maintained gardens. Also, Florence is famous for The Duomo (Santa Maria del Fiore). Pamplona is well known for being the home of the Running of the Bulls Festival.

How is Pamplona different from Florence?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Florence 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 Florence?

Florence 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 Florence are among the most recognizable in the world. Because of it's important role in the Renaissance, the city has many world-renowned museums that you can visit. Famous sights and landmarks include the Uffizi Gallery, the Duomo, and the Academy Gallery.

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 Pamplona or Florence? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Florence is terrific for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Pamplona is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

For foodies, Florence is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. Once you've worked up an appetite exploring museums and churches, you'll find many amazing local restaurants around town. Local dishes incorporate a lot of hearty vegetables and meats. Famous dishes include a Florentine steak dish, rabbit, and a bean bed and cabbage soup.

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).

Is Pamplona or Florence Better for Nightlife?

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

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 Florence. You'll find the most active nightlife in the Santa Croce neighborhood. The area attracts study abroad students as well as tourists who party late into the night.

Is Pamplona or Florence Better for its Old Town?

Florence 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.

Florence has a unique history which comes to life in its historic area. The historic center of the city is where you'll find many of the most beautiful buildings, art works, and quaint streets. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and it was at the heart of the Renaissance period.

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

Is Pamplona or Florence Better for Hiking?

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

Florence is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Pamplona or Florence?

Florence 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.

Florence is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. There are many shops in the tourist heart of the city. Most are geared specifically to tourists so you may have to search to find a more authentic shopping experience. Famous items available in the city include gold jewelry, ceramics, leather, and perfume.

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 Pamplona or Florence Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Pamplona or Florence.

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.

Florence is a family-friendly city. Most famous for its art and history, the city also has a number of activities that kids will enjoy. There's a carousel and a park that are perfect to let the little ones run around. There are a few kid-friendly museums, as well as a historic city center that will mesmerize the old and young alike.

Is Pamplona or Florence Better for Couples?

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

Florence makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. Art and history lovers will enjoy a visit to this truly beautiful city. Couples who enjoy museums, historic buildings, and world-renowned art, will find plenty to do in this 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 Pamplona or Florence Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Florence 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 Florence. The city is part of a popular route through Italy, and you'll find many backpackers and students in town. There are also many hostels, so you should have no trouble meeting other young travelers.

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 Pamplona or Florence Better for Students?

Florence 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 Florence. Many students visit this city as part of a short term study abroad program, or for the entire length of their studies. The city is beautiful, and whether your focus is art, history, or culture, this city will not disappoint.

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

Both Pamplona and Florence offer notable public transit options.

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

Florence has some public transit options. There is a comprehensive bus system.

Is Pamplona or Florence a more walkable city?

Florence 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 Florence on foot. Most people explore the city 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 Pamplona Worth Visiting? and Is Florence Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Florence or Pamplona?

How long in Pamplona or Florence?

Both Pamplona and Florence have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Florence than in Pamplona. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Pamplona, and 2-7 days is enough time in Florence.

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

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

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

One day in Pamplona or Florence?

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.

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

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.

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

Five days in Pamplona or Florence?

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.

Florence is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Florence, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Pamplona or Florence?

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.

Florence is a great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Florence has to offer. 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 Luxury Tours to Italy, and The Best Budget Tours to Italy.

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

Which is Bigger, Pamplona or Florence?

Florence has a larger population, and is about 92% larger than the population of Pamplona. When comparing the sizes of Pamplona and Florence, 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 Florence?

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 Pamplona or Florence in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Pamplona as well as Florence. Many travelers come to Pamplona for the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, many visitors come to Florence in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

Pamplona is cooler than Florence in the summer. The daily temperature in Pamplona averages around 20°C (68°F) in July, and Florence fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Florence. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Pamplona this time of the year. In the summer, Pamplona often gets less sunshine than Florence. Pamplona gets 209 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Florence receives 316 hours of full sun.

Pamplona usually gets more rain in July than Florence. Pamplona gets 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain, while Florence receives 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Pamplona or Florence in the Autumn?

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

In the autumn, Pamplona is around the same temperature as Florence. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Pamplona in October average around 16°C (60°F), and Florence averages at about 16°C (61°F).

Pamplona usually receives less sunshine than Florence during autumn. Pamplona gets 144 hours of sunny skies, while Florence receives 177 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Pamplona. In October, Pamplona usually receives more rain than Florence. Pamplona gets 155 mm (6.1 in) of rain, while Florence receives 96 mm (3.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Pamplona or Florence in the Winter?

Both Florence and Pamplona during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Pamplona for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Florence because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Pamplona is generally a little warmer than Florence. Daily temperatures in Pamplona average around 8°C (47°F), and Florence fluctuates around 7°C (45°F).

In the winter, Pamplona often gets less sunshine than Florence. Pamplona gets 85 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Florence receives 105 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Pamplona. Pamplona usually gets more rain in January than Florence. Pamplona gets 183 mm (7.2 in) of rain, while Florence receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Pamplona or Florence in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Pamplona and Florence. The spring months attract visitors to Pamplona because of the activities around the city. Also, the natural beauty are the main draw to Florence this time of year.

Pamplona is cooler than Florence in the spring. The daily temperature in Pamplona averages around 12°C (54°F) in April, and Florence fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).

Pamplona usually receives less sunshine than Florence during spring. Pamplona gets 141 hours of sunny skies, while Florence receives 192 hours of full sun in the spring.

Pamplona gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Pamplona usually receives more rain than Florence. Pamplona gets 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain, while Florence receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Florence and Pamplona