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

Should you visit Pamplona or Sarajevo?

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

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

Sarajevo

Sarajevo is a beautiful, overlooked, and quaint city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the hiking, shopping, and museums.

Pamplona and Sarajevo: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Pamplona or Sarajevo?

You'll generally find more things to do in Sarajevo than Pamplona. Sarajevo is bigger than Pamplona, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Sarajevo is better known for its museums, food, historical sights, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Pamplona is more popular for its nightlife. Pamplona is more touristy than Sarajevo and is popular for being the home of the Running of the Bulls Festival. Sarajevo is well known for its worn torn past, but today it is a city that is filled with culture, natural beauty, and incredible food. Also, Sarajevo is famous for The Old Town.

How is Pamplona different from Sarajevo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Sarajevo 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.

Sarajevo offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The sights in the city reflect its history and culture. Famous places to visit include Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque, the Latin Bridge, Kovači Memorial Cemetery, and the Sarajevo Tunnel Museum.

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 Sarajevo? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Sarajevo 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, Sarajevo is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. Bosnia isn't the first place that comes to mind when you think of food, but it is actually among the best. The dishes are heavy on meat and pastry, with the perfect amount of seasoning. Favorite dishes include Bosnian burek and cevapi. And it's easy to dine your way through this beautiful city as restaurants are very affordable.

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 Sarajevo Better for Nightlife?

Pamplona is a very popular place for nightlife and partying. Also, Sarajevo is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its evening party scene.

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.

Sarajevo has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. After immersing yourself in history for the day, the nighttime offers the perfect opportunity to unwind. Locals and tourists come together at the city's many bars and nightclubs where you can listen to music, dance, or chat with locals over a cold beer.

Is Pamplona or Sarajevo Better for its Old Town?

Sarajevo 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.

Sarajevo has a unique history which comes to life in its historic area. The city's old town, which is known as Baščaršija, is filled with a history charm that is unlike any other European city. The wooden shops, wandering lanes, and striking minarets highlight the area's beautiful culture and long-running history.

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

Is Pamplona or Sarajevo Better for Hiking?

Sarajevo is terrific for the nearby hiking options. Also, Pamplona is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its hiking trails.

People visit Sarajevo specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. If you have a way to get out of town, you'll be rewarded with a natural beauty that is untouched and pristine - a rare find in Europe. There are a number of popular trails that are popular with locals and tourists alike. While landmines remain a concern in off-the-beaten-path areas, if you stay on marked trails, they pose no real threat.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting 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.

Is the Shopping Better in Pamplona or Sarajevo?

Sarajevo 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.

Sarajevo is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. This city offers a unique opportunity to shop for traditional hand-crafted good in the old town. The goods are handmade and reflect the city's long running history as a center for trade. Popular items for purchase include coffee sets, jewelry, and handmade carpets.

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 Sarajevo Better for Families?

Pamplona is a good destination for its kid-friendly activities. However, Sarajevo is lacking in good options for its family-friendly activities.

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.

Sarajevo doesn't usually come to mind when thinking about kid-friendly destinations. Older kids will really benefit from the history and cultural lessons that coincide with a visit to this beautiful city. There are also some fun activities that they can enjoy including a zoo, an indoor play area, and an amusement park not far outside of town.

Is Pamplona or Sarajevo Better for Couples?

Pamplona is a good destination for its romantic activities. However, Sarajevo is lacking in good options for couples.

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.

Sarajevo is not always the best place to visit for a couple. Romance isn't the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Sarajevo, but the city has amazing food and world class cultural sights that will make for a truly rewarding trip.

Is Pamplona or Sarajevo Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Pamplona and Sarajevo are superb 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 Sarajevo. This city is among the most culturally captivating places in Europe. Although it's often overlooked by tourists and backpackers, the affordability, stunning beauty, and unique personality make it a truly amazing place to visit.

Is Pamplona or Sarajevo Better for Students?

Pamplona is a good destination for its student-friendly activities. However, Sarajevo is not popular with students.

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.

Sarajevo is not popular with students.

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

Sarajevo 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 Sarajevo can get you to some places easily. It includes a tram, trolleybus, bus and minibus network.

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

Is Pamplona or Sarajevo a more walkable city?

Pamplona is a very popular place for its high level of walkability. Also, Sarajevo is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its ease of walking around.

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.

Sarajevo is a somewhat walkable city. Most of the touristy areas in the central part of the city are walkable, but there are also some sights outside of town that you will need a taxi to visit.

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

Should I spend more time in Sarajevo or Pamplona?

How long in Pamplona or Sarajevo?

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

Families should spend more time in Pamplona than Sarajevo. 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.

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

One day in Pamplona or Sarajevo?

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 Sarajevo 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.

A weekend in Pamplona or Sarajevo?

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.

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

Five days in Pamplona or Sarajevo?

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.

Sarajevo 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 Sarajevo?

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.

Sarajevo 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 3-Week Tours in Spain, The Best Bicycle Tours in Spain, The Best Cultural Tours in Bosnia and Herzegowina, and The Best Budget Tours to Bosnia and Herzegowina.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Pamplona and Sarajevo, we can see that Pamplona is more expensive. And not only is Sarajevo much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Sarajevo would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Sarajevo 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 Pamplona would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Pamplona than you might in Sarajevo.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Pamplona Expensive? and Is Sarajevo Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Pamplona or Sarajevo?

Sarajevo has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Pamplona. When comparing the sizes of Pamplona and Sarajevo, 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 Sarajevo?

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 Sarajevo in the Summer?

Both Sarajevo and Pamplona during the summer are popular places to visit. 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 Sarajevo because of the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

Pamplona is cooler than Sarajevo in the summer. The daily temperature in Pamplona averages around 20°C (68°F) in July, and Sarajevo fluctuates around 26°C (78°F).

In Sarajevo, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Pamplona. In the summer, Pamplona often gets less sunshine than Sarajevo. Pamplona gets 209 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sarajevo receives 323 hours of full sun.

Pamplona usually gets more rain in July than Sarajevo. Pamplona gets 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain, while Sarajevo receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Pamplona or Sarajevo in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Pamplona and Sarajevo. The autumn months attract visitors to Pamplona because of the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene. Also, the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Sarajevo this time of year.

In the autumn, Pamplona is around the same temperature as Sarajevo. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Pamplona in October average around 16°C (60°F), and Sarajevo averages at about 17°C (62°F).

Pamplona usually receives less sunshine than Sarajevo during autumn. Pamplona gets 144 hours of sunny skies, while Sarajevo receives 178 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Sarajevo receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Pamplona gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Pamplona usually receives around the same amount of rain as Sarajevo. Pamplona gets 155 mm (6.1 in) of rain, while Sarajevo receives 153 mm (6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Pamplona or Sarajevo in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Pamplona as well as Sarajevo. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Pamplona this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Sarajevo for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Pamplona is generally a little warmer than Sarajevo. Daily temperatures in Pamplona average around 8°C (47°F), and Sarajevo fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).

In the winter, Pamplona often gets less sunshine than Sarajevo. Pamplona gets 85 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sarajevo receives 113 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Sarajevo. Pamplona receives a lot of rain in the winter. Pamplona usually gets more rain in January than Sarajevo. Pamplona gets 183 mm (7.2 in) of rain, while Sarajevo receives 148 mm (5.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Pamplona or Sarajevo in the Spring?

Both Sarajevo and Pamplona are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Pamplona for the activities around the city. Also, many visitors come to Sarajevo in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

Pamplona is cooler than Sarajevo in the spring. The daily temperature in Pamplona averages around 12°C (54°F) in April, and Sarajevo fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).

Pamplona usually receives less sunshine than Sarajevo during spring. Pamplona gets 141 hours of sunny skies, while Sarajevo receives 174 hours of full sun in the spring.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Sarajevo. It's quite rainy in Pamplona. In April, Pamplona usually receives more rain than Sarajevo. Pamplona gets 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain, while Sarajevo receives 127 mm (5 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Sarajevo and Pamplona