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

Should you visit Pamplona or Naples?

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

Should I visit Pamplona or Naples? 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 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 museums, nightlife, and food.

Naples

Naples is a gritty, colorful, and fascinating city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Pamplona and Naples: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Pamplona or Naples?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Naples than Pamplona, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Naples is more popular for its museums, food, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Pamplona is known for its hiking. Pamplona is more touristy than Naples and is known for being the home of the Running of the Bulls Festival. Naples is popular for its colorful atmosphere, long running history, and influence on world cuisine as the birthplace of pizza. It is also home to Piazza del Plebiscito.

How is Pamplona different from Naples?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Naples 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.

Naples offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Most of the sights are concentrated in the city's historic center. The Naples Harbor is a gateway to the Mediterranean. Also worth visiting are the National Archeological Museum, Capodimonte Royal Palace, Castel Nuovo, and the Catacombs of San Gennaro.

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 Naples? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Naples 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, Naples is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. As the birthplace of pizza, the city has a well known food reputation. Many local dishes, including an authentic Napoli pizza, use simple flavors such as olive oil, garlic, and tomatoes. The dishes are lighter than their northern counterparts and tomatoes are a very popular ingredient. In addition to the pizza, you should try Lasagna Al Forno Napoletana and Spaghetti Alla Vognole. Also check out a pizza making class.

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 Naples Better for Nightlife?

Both Pamplona and Naples are very good when it comes to partying.

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.

Naples has a large number of nightlife venues. The nightlife scene includes small bars, wineries, and dance clubs, but much of the energy and activity is actually focused on being outdoors. There is plenty of live music and many nightclubs are actually "disco bars" that are found tucked away in the city's historic center.

Is Pamplona or Naples Better for its Old Town?

Naples is a well-known place for its old town. Also, Pamplona is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its historic old town charm.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Naples. Most of the city's tourist attractions are found in the historic center, which includes beautiful fountains, grand churches, and an impressive network of catacombs and caves.

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

Is Pamplona or Naples Better for Hiking?

Pamplona is well known for its hiking experiences. However, Naples 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.

Naples is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Pamplona or Naples?

Naples 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.

Naples is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. There are shopping streets and districts that have boutique clothing vendors, high end brands, and major chains. There's plenty of diversity in the shopping scene and some of the best shopping areas include Via Toledo, the Chiaia District, and Poggioreale Market.

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 Naples Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Pamplona or Naples.

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.

Naples is a family-friendly city. Despite its rough-around-the-edges reputation, the city actually has some fun kid-friendly activities. As the birthplace of pizza, a childhood favorite, eating is a kid approved activity. You can even try your hand at pizza making classes. Other fun kid-friendly activities include exploring the underground city, going to The Science Centre of Citta della Scienza, and running around Parco di Capodimonte.

Is Pamplona or Naples Better for Couples?

Naples 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.

Naples is a very popular place to visit for couples. Dining on pizza, wine tasting, or taking a cruise on the Gulf of Naples all make this city a great couples destination. There are also many romantic day trips in the area, so many couples use Naples as a base for exploring the region.

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 Naples Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Pamplona and Naples are very good destinations for backpackers.

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 and backpackers visit Naples. It's more affordable than most of northern Italy, and it has plenty of hostels to choose from. The city makes a great stop for backpackers who want to see a different part of Italy. While not completely off the backpacker trail, Naples is not inundated with tourists the way some other Italian cities are.

Is Pamplona or Naples Better for Students?

Pamplona and Naples are both good 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 Naples. It's a large city with a lot to see and do. Students also appreciate the many day trips that are available in the area.

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

Naples 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 Naples can get you to some places easily. There's a metro with two metro lines as well as four suburban train lines. There are also funiculars, regional trains, and ferries to the surrounding areas.

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

Is Pamplona or Naples a more walkable city?

Pamplona and Naples 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.

Naples is a very walkable destination. The historic center is flat and easy to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Naples or Pamplona?

How long in Pamplona or Naples?

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

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

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

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

One day in Pamplona or Naples?

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.

Naples is a big city with plenty to do. 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 Naples?

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.

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

Five days in Pamplona or Naples?

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.

Naples is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. 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 Naples?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the historic 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.

Naples is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. 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 3-Week Tours in Spain, The Best Bicycle Tours in Spain, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Italy, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Italy.

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

Which is Bigger, Pamplona or Naples?

Naples has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Pamplona. When comparing the sizes of Pamplona and Naples, 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 Naples?

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 Naples in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Pamplona and Naples. Many travelers come to Pamplona for the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Naples in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Pamplona is cooler than Naples. Typically, the summer temperatures in Pamplona in July average around 20°C (68°F), and Naples averages at about 23°C (74°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Naples this time of the year. In Pamplona, it's very sunny this time of the year. Pamplona usually receives less sunshine than Naples during summer. Pamplona gets 209 hours of sunny skies, while Naples receives 313 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Pamplona usually receives more rain than Naples. Pamplona gets 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain, while Naples receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Pamplona or Naples in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Pamplona as well as Naples. 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 Naples for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.

In October, Pamplona is generally around the same temperature as Naples. Daily temperatures in Pamplona average around 16°C (60°F), and Naples fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

In the autumn, Pamplona often gets less sunshine than Naples. Pamplona gets 144 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Naples receives 189 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Naples. Pamplona receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Pamplona usually gets more rain in October than Naples. Pamplona gets 155 mm (6.1 in) of rain, while Naples receives 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Pamplona or Naples in the Winter?

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

Pamplona is around the same temperature as Naples in the winter. The daily temperature in Pamplona averages around 8°C (47°F) in January, and Naples fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

Pamplona usually receives less sunshine than Naples during winter. Pamplona gets 85 hours of sunny skies, while Naples receives 115 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Naples. It's quite rainy in Pamplona. In January, Pamplona usually receives more rain than Naples. Pamplona gets 183 mm (7.2 in) of rain, while Naples receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Pamplona or Naples in the Spring?

Both Naples and Pamplona during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Pamplona because of the activities around the city. Furthermore, the activities around the city are the main draw to Naples this time of year.

In the spring, Pamplona is around the same temperature as Naples. Typically, the spring temperatures in Pamplona in April average around 12°C (54°F), and Naples averages at about 13°C (55°F).

In the spring, Pamplona often gets less sunshine than Naples. Pamplona gets 141 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Naples receives 189 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Pamplona. Pamplona usually gets more rain in April than Naples. Pamplona gets 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain, while Naples receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Naples and Pamplona