A Travel Price Comparison for Spain Pamplona vs. Girona for Old Town, Attractions, Food, and Nightlife

Should you visit Pamplona or Girona?

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

Should I visit Pamplona or Girona? 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 food, hiking, and shopping.

Girona

Girona is a charming, beautiful, and colorful city. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. This is an attractive and quaint destination worth visiting as well. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and food.

Pamplona and Girona: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Pamplona or Girona?

You'll generally find more things to do in Pamplona than Girona. Pamplona is bigger than Girona, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Pamplona is better known for its nightlife, hiking, and big city activities, while Girona is more popular for its museums, historical sights, shopping, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Pamplona is more touristy than Girona 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. Girona is well known for its ancient ruins, colorful old town, grand cathedral, and impressive local cuisine.

How is Pamplona different from Girona?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Girona 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.

Girona offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Wander the ancient city walls, explore the beautiful Girona Cathedral, and learn about the Church of Sant Feliu. There are also some interesting museums in town including the Museum of Jewish History, the Archaeology Museum, and the Film Museum. Also make sure you walk across the famed Eiffel Bridge.

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 Girona? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

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

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).

Girona has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The small city is filled with cafes and restaurants that spill out into the street. There are also markets such as El Lleó Marketplace where you can check out fresh, local items. Many restaurants also have Catalonian style tapas, seafood such as octopus, and garlic shrimp. For breakfast, there are many pastry shops where you can enjoy a European breakfast.

Is Pamplona or Girona Better for Nightlife?

Pamplona is a well-known place for nightlife and partying. However, Girona is not a good city 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 Girona. It's a surprisingly quiet town, especially compared to other nearby party cities, but there are some nightclubs, bars, and music venues that are worth checking out.

Is Pamplona or Girona Better for its Old Town?

Girona 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.

Girona has a unique history which comes to life in its historic area. It's a beautiful medieval old town with many wandering streets that are lined with storefronts and classic European cafes.

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

Is Pamplona or Girona Better for Hiking?

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

Girona is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Pamplona or Girona?

Girona 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.

Girona is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. In and around the old town you'll find modern shops, local eateries, charming markets, and anything you might need to purchase. There's also no shortage of souvenir and trinket shops, but they have a bit of personality and character to them.

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 Girona Better for Families?

Pamplona is a good destination for its family-friendly activities. However, Girona is not a good 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.

Girona is not always a place people visit with their families. While the old town is beautiful, with charming colorful buildings, the city itself doesn't have a wide number of activities for kids. There are ice cream shops where they can enjoy a sweet treat. There are also several museums and many restaurants have kid-friendly menus.

Is Pamplona or Girona Better for Couples?

Girona 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.

Girona is a very popular place to visit for couples. The setting is both beautiful and romantic. Couples can enjoy wandering the streets, popping in the many shops, and soaking up the atmosphere. There are also many great restaurants that make for a wonderful night out. Head up the hills towards the cathedral for the best viewpoints, or wander along the river and enjoy the colorful atmosphere.

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 Girona Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Pamplona is a well-known place for backpackers. Also, Girona 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.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Girona. Prices aren't too crazy and it's not hard to find a place to stay for an affordable price, but you won't find the lively backpacker scene that is common in many nearby cities.

Is Pamplona or Girona Better for Students?

Pamplona and Girona 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 Girona. It's a smaller city with affordable accommodation and many great restaurants. It has a quintessential European atmosphere that makes it a fun place to spend some time as a student

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

Both Pamplona and Girona offer notable public transit options.

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

Girona has some public transit options. The town is small enough that you can likely walk anywhere you want to go, but if you need transit, there are 10 local bus routes.

Is Pamplona or Girona a more walkable city?

Girona 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 Girona on foot. Everything is easily accessible on foot and its best not to bring a car into town.

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 Girona Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Girona or Pamplona?

How long in Pamplona or Girona?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Pamplona or Girona to fill your time. In our opinion, Girona has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Girona than Pamplona. However, 1-2 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

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.

The beautiful city of Girona 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.

A weekend in Pamplona or Girona?

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.

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

Five days in Pamplona or Girona?

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.

Girona 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 Girona?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the laid-back 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.

Girona 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best G Adventures Tours to Spain, The Best 3-Day Tours from Madrid, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Madrid, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Barcelona.

When comparing the travel costs between Pamplona and Girona, we can see that Girona 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 Pamplona Expensive? and Is Girona Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Pamplona or Girona?

Pamplona has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Girona. When comparing the sizes of Pamplona and Girona, 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 Girona?

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 Girona in the Summer?

Both Girona and Pamplona are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Pamplona for the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Girona because of the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences.

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

It's quite sunny in Girona. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Pamplona. Pamplona usually receives less sunshine than Girona during summer. Pamplona gets 209 hours of sunny skies, while Girona receives 279 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Pamplona usually receives more rain than Girona. Pamplona gets 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain, while Girona receives 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Pamplona or Girona in the Autumn?

Both Girona and Pamplona during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Pamplona because of the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene. Also, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Girona this time of year.

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

In the autumn, Pamplona often gets less sunshine than Girona. Pamplona gets 144 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Girona receives 170 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Pamplona. Pamplona usually gets more rain in October than Girona. Pamplona gets 155 mm (6.1 in) of rain, while Girona receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Pamplona or Girona in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Pamplona and Girona. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Pamplona this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Girona for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Pamplona is generally around the same temperature as Girona. Daily temperatures in Pamplona average around 8°C (47°F), and Girona fluctuates around 8°C (46°F).

Pamplona usually receives less sunshine than Girona during winter. Pamplona gets 85 hours of sunny skies, while Girona receives 148 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 Girona. Pamplona gets 183 mm (7.2 in) of rain, while Girona receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Pamplona or Girona in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Pamplona as well as Girona. Many travelers come to Pamplona for the activities around the city. Also, many visitors come to Girona in the spring for the small town charm and the natural beauty.

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

In the spring, Pamplona often gets less sunshine than Girona. Pamplona gets 141 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Girona receives 177 hours of full sun.

Pamplona receives a lot of rain in the spring. Pamplona usually gets more rain in April than Girona. Pamplona gets 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain, while Girona receives 73 mm (2.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Girona and Pamplona