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

Should you visit Pamplona or Rome?

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

Should I visit Pamplona or Rome? 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 nightlife, food, and hiking.

Rome

Rome is a bustling, fun-filled, and popular city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. You'll find world class beauty here as well. And you can't forget about the food, shopping, and museums.

Pamplona and Rome: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Pamplona or Rome?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Rome than Pamplona, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Rome is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, music, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Pamplona is known for its historical sights and hiking. Rome is more touristy than Pamplona and is known for its iconic archaeological sites such as the Colosseum and the Roman Forum, as well as its gelato, Italian cuisine, and strong religious roots. It is also home to The Colosseum. Pamplona is popular for being the home of the Running of the Bulls Festival.

The Colosseum

How is Pamplona different from Rome?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Rome 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 Rome are among the most recognizable in the world. The historical sights around the city are among the most impressive in the world. Almost anywhere you look you'll find a notable landmark but some of the most famous include the Colosseum, the Pantheon, the Trevi Fountain, the Vatican, and the Roman Forum.

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 Rome? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Rome 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, Rome is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. Homemade pasta, fresh sauces, and fine wine all make the food scene among the best. Also make sure you try the gelato.

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 Rome Better for Nightlife?

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

Rome is a must-see party destination. You'll find a huge concentration of bars and clubs in the Testaccio area. There are late night clubs with salsa dancing, merengue, and live DJ's spinning every type of music.

Pamplona has a large number of nightlife venues. 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.

Is Pamplona or Rome Better for Music?

Rome is terrific for its live music scene. However, Pamplona is not a live music destination.

Live music, and music in many other forms, is everyone in Rome Popular music venues include Live Alcazar, Atlantico Live, and Beba do Samba.

Pamplona is not a live music destination.

Is Pamplona or Rome Better for its Old Town?

Pamplona is a city with good options for its historic old town charm. However, Rome does not have a historic old town.

Pamplona offers a nice historic old town area. You'll find elegant buildings and grand plazas around the Old Quarter.

Rome does not have a historic old town.

Is Pamplona or Rome Better for Hiking?

Pamplona is a great destination for its hiking experiences. However, Rome 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.

Rome is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Pamplona or Rome?

Rome is terrific for its shopping opportunities. Also, Pamplona is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its shopping areas.

The abundance of shops in Rome make it a world-class shopping destination. For the biggest brand names, head to Via del Corso, which is near the Spanish Steps. Popular items to buy include Italian ceramics, shoes, leather goods, and jewelry.

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 Rome Better for Families?

Rome is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Pamplona is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Rome is a very kid-friendly city. What kid wouldn't be thrilled to be surrounded by pizza and spaghetti restaurants? In addition to kid-friendly food options, there are also a number of great activities that the whole family can enjoy including exploring the Colosseum, taking a gladiator class, and eating gelato.

Pamplona is a family-friendly city. 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 Pamplona or Rome Better for Couples?

Rome 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.

Rome is a very popular place to visit for couples. With many beautiful buildings, world class restaurants, and world renowned sights, this city makes a great romantic destination.

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 Rome Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Rome 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 Rome. Backpackers will find no shortage of hostels where they can stay, particularly near the main train station where accommodation is particularly cheap (but not always the best quality).

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 Rome Better for Students?

Rome 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 Rome. The city is a popular study abroad destination and you'll find plenty of international students here.

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 Rome Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Rome is terrific 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.

The thorough and effecient public transit system of Rome can take you anywhere. There's a metro system, trams, and a comprehensive bus system that goes around the city.

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

Is Pamplona or Rome a more walkable city?

Rome 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 Rome on foot. You'll find many of the most popular sights in a compact area that's easily explored on foot. Do watch out for traffic, which can be a bit chaotic at times.

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 Rome Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Rome or Pamplona?

How long in Pamplona or Rome?

Both Pamplona and Rome have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Rome than in Pamplona. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Pamplona, and 3-7 days is enough time in Rome.

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

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

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

One day in Pamplona or Rome?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Pamplona. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

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

Pamplona is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. Hikers are also drawn to this area. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Rome is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Pamplona or Rome?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the historic destination of Pamplona. This city offers something for everyone. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Rome is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Rome, 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 Rome?

The elegant city of Pamplona offers nightlife and food. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week 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.

Rome is a great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Rome 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 Rome, we can see that Rome 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 Rome would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Rome 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 Rome Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Pamplona or Rome?

Rome has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Pamplona. When comparing the sizes of Pamplona and Rome, 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 Rome?

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 Rome in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Pamplona and Rome. Many visitors come to Pamplona in the summer for the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Rome for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Pamplona is cooler than Rome. Typically, the summer temperatures in Pamplona in July average around 20°C (68°F), and Rome averages at about 25°C (77°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Rome this time of the year. In Pamplona, it's very sunny this time of the year. Pamplona usually receives less sunshine than Rome during summer. Pamplona gets 209 hours of sunny skies, while Rome receives 338 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Pamplona usually receives more rain than Rome. Pamplona gets 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain, while Rome receives 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Pamplona or Rome in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Pamplona as well as Rome. Most visitors come to Pamplona for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene during these months. Additionally, the autumn months attract visitors to Rome because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

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

In the autumn, Pamplona often gets less sunshine than Rome. Pamplona gets 144 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rome receives 198 hours of full sun.

Pamplona receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Pamplona usually gets more rain in October than Rome. Pamplona gets 155 mm (6.1 in) of rain, while Rome receives 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Pamplona or Rome in the Winter?

Both Rome and Pamplona are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Pamplona because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Rome this time of year.

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

Pamplona usually receives less sunshine than Rome during winter. Pamplona gets 85 hours of sunny skies, while Rome receives 127 hours of full sun in the winter.

It's quite rainy in Pamplona. In January, Pamplona usually receives more rain than Rome. Pamplona gets 183 mm (7.2 in) of rain, while Rome receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Pamplona or Rome in the Spring?

Both Rome and Pamplona during the spring are popular places to visit. The activities around the city are the main draw to Pamplona this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Rome for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Pamplona is cooler than Rome. Typically, the spring temperatures in Pamplona in April average around 12°C (54°F), and Rome averages at about 14°C (57°F).

In Rome, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the spring, Pamplona often gets less sunshine than Rome. Pamplona gets 141 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rome receives 204 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Pamplona. Pamplona usually gets more rain in April than Rome. Pamplona gets 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain, while Rome receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Rome and Pamplona