A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Pamplona vs. Trento for Food, Nightlife, Hiking, and Backpackers

Should you visit Pamplona or Trento?

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

Should I visit Pamplona or Trento? 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 laid-back, historic, and elegant city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Trento

Trento is a youthful, high energy, and dynamic city. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the food, hiking, and shopping.

Pamplona and Trento: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Home to the Running of the Bulls Festival
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for students
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife


Is there more to do in Pamplona or Trento?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Pamplona than Trento. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Pamplona is very popular for its nightlife, historical sights, and big city activities, while Trento attracts visitors for its impressive beauty. Pamplona is more touristy than Trento and is popular for being the home of the Running of the Bulls Festival. It is also well known for The Running of the Bulls Festival. Trento is famous for its beautiful mountain scenery and its historical buildings.

How is Pamplona different from Trento?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Pamplona
Trento

Plenty of people visit the nice sights and museums in both Pamplona and Trento.

Pamplona offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. 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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Trento. Perhaps one of the most popular sights is Castello del Buonconsiglio. The Museum of Science is also fun for kids and adults alike and the Duomo is beautiful.


Is the Food Better in Pamplona or Trento? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Pamplona
Trento

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

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).

Trento has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The food in the region is influenced by nearby countries such as Austria. Carne salada, which is like corned beef, has a long history in the area. Schüttelbrot is a local flatbread and meraner wurst is a bit like a hot dog. You'll also find salamis and various cheeses.

Is Pamplona or Trento Better for Nightlife?

Pamplona
Trento

Pamplona is great for nightlife. However, Trento is not a good destination for nightlife and partying.

Many people head to Pamplona for the nightlife scene. 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.

Most people don't head to Trento specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. Despite the large student population, there aren't a lot of bars and clubs around town. Most parties are held in private residences, so visitors may find the nightlife scene a bit slow.

Is Pamplona or Trento Better for its Old Town?

Pamplona
Trento

Pamplona is very good for its historic old town. However, Trento does not have a historic old town.

Pamplona is a good destination for visiting its old town. You'll find elegant buildings and grand plazas around the Old Quarter.

Trento does not have a historic old town.


Is Pamplona or Trento Better for Hiking?

Pamplona
Trento

If you're looking to go hiking, Pamplona and Trento both have great trails.

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.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Trento. The surrounding countryside has many beautiful hikes and stunning viewpoints that make for a great outing outside of town.

Is the Shopping Better in Pamplona or Trento?

Pamplona
Trento

Both Pamplona and Trento are nice shopping destinations.

Pamplona offers some nice shopping areas. You'll find some good markets around town. It's also fun to shop for local handicrafts or souvenirs to remember your trip by.

Trento has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. Head to the main shopping street, Via Balenzani for boutique shopping. You'll also find artisan shops and other unique vendors around town.

Is Pamplona or Trento Better for Families?

Pamplona
Trento

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Pamplona or Trento.

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.

Trento is a family-friendly city. Outside of town you'll find plenty of outdoor adventures that the kids will enjoy. In town, there's history and fun kid-friendly museums.


Is Pamplona or Trento Better for Couples?

Pamplona
Trento

With fun activities for couples, both Pamplona and Trento make for a nice place to visit.

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.

Trento is a good city for couples to visit. The town mixes old and new in a beautiful setting that makes for a great romantic getaway. Nearby there are outdoor adventures and in town there's a beautiful atmosphere and great restaurants.

Is Pamplona or Trento Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Pamplona
Trento

Pamplona is great for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Trento is not as popular, but is still a nice city for backpackers.

Pamplona is very popular with the backpacker crowd. 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.

It's common for backpackers to visit Trento. There aren't many hostels in town, but there are some fun activities that backpackers will enjoy.

Is Pamplona or Trento Better for Students?

Pamplona
Trento

Trento 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 Trento. It's a popular study abroad destination and you'll find plenty of interesting places to explore in the area.

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

Pamplona
Trento

Both Pamplona and Trento offer nice public transit options.

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

Trento has some public transit options. The city has a number of bus lines through town.

Is Pamplona or Trento a more walkable city?

Pamplona
Trento

Pamplona and Trento both are great 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.

Trento is a very walkable destination. Much of the city can be explored on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Trento or Pamplona?

How long in Pamplona or Trento?

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Pamplona than Trento 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.


  • How many days in Pamplona or Trento? Ideal Length of Stay
    Pamplona 1-2 
    Trento 1-3

One day in Pamplona or Trento?

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 Trento 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 Trento?

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.

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

Five days in Pamplona or Trento?

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.

Trento 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 Trento?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the elegant 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.

Trento 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 Bicycle Tours in Italy, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Italy.


Which place is cheaper, Trento or Pamplona?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Pamplona is €131, while the average daily cost in Trento is €131. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Pamplona and Trento in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Pamplona 67
    Trento 69
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Pamplona 134
    Trento 138
Compare Hotels in Pamplona and Trento

Looking for a hotel in Pamplona or Trento? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Pamplona


Hotels in Trento


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Pamplona Hotel Prices and Trento Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Pamplona 24
    Trento 20

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Pamplona

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Pamplona:

  • Private Transfer from Pamplona Airport to Laguardia town: $282
  • Private Transfer from Pamplona city to San Sebastian: $244
  • Private Transfer from Pamplona city to San Sebastian Airport: $244

Is it cheaper to fly into Pamplona or Trento?

Prices for flights to both Trento and Pamplona change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Pamplona 41
    Trento 42
Typical Food Prices in Pamplona

Some typical examples of dining costs in Pamplona are as follows:


  • Lunch for 2
    10
  • Ice Cream
    4.50
  • Coffee
    1.30

Typical Food Prices in Trento

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Trento:


  • Dinner at Pizzeria (for 2)
    24

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Trento

For Trento, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Lunch or dinner and cooking demo at a local home in Trento: $93
  • Small-group Street food tour in Trento: $97
  • Trento Street Food Tour: $98
  • 3 Hours and a Half Private Cooking Class in Trento: $115
  • Small Group Market tour and Cooking class in Trento: $142
  • Private market tour, lunch or dinner and cooking demo in Trento: $152
  • Cooking Class at a Local's Home: $155
  • Private cooking class with lunch or dinner in Trento: $158
  • Private Pizza & Tiramisu Class at a Cesarina's home with tasting in Trento: $158
  • Market Tour and Private 3-Recipe Home Cooking Class: $202
  • Private Market Tour and Cooking Class with Lunch or Dinner in Trento: $206

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Pamplona 34
    Trento 24

Tours and Activities in Pamplona

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Pamplona are as follows:

  • Biarritz and French Basque coast small group tour, lunch included: $260
  • Bilbao and Guggenheim Museum small group tour: $218
  • From San Sebastian: Pamplona City Tour: $91
  • Logroño historic&cultural guided walking tour: $32
  • Pamplona - Private Historic Walking Tour: $427
  • Pamplona Private Tour with Castle of Javier : $240
  • Pamplona pintxo tasting paired with Spanish wines small group tour: $72
  • Private City Tour Pamplona: $174
  • Private tour of Fuenterrabia and San Sebastian.: $283
  • Private tour of Getaria, Zumaia, Zarautz and Orio. : $204
  • Private tour of Lourdes and the three sacred temples: $240
  • Private tour of the jewels of Bilbao, with Guggenheim and pintxos tasting. : $251

Tours and Activities in Trento

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Trento.

  • Private Audio Guided Walking Tour in Trento: $8.72
  • Trento Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $8.75
  • Trento Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $8.94
  • guided walking tour of the historic centre: $11
  • tour by night: $13
  • Panoramic Cruise: $38
  • Panoramic Waterfall Cruise: $44
  • Romantic Cruise: $44
  • guided e-bike rental tours: $53
  • Sunset Cruise: $55
  • Long Cruise Gargnano: $58
  • Dining Experience at a Local's Home: $91

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Pamplona 31
    Trento 20

Sample the Local Flavors in Pamplona

Also in Pamplona, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Half Day Rioja Wine Tour: $218
  • Wine tour of La Rioja, with two winery visits, and La Guardia. : $221
  • Wine Tour: 2 Wineries From Logroño: $240
  • Rioja Wine Tour: 2 Wineries From Pamplona: $240
  • Wine Tour: Winery & Traditional Lunch From Logroño: $251
  • Rioja Wine Tour: Winery & Traditional Lunch From Pamplona: $251
  • Rioja Wine Tour: $283

Typical Alcohol Prices in Trento

Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Trento are as follows:


  • Beer with Dinner (for 2)
    4.00


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


Which is Bigger, Pamplona or Trento?

Pamplona has a larger population, and is about 84% larger than the population of Trento. When comparing the sizes of Pamplona and Trento, 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 Trento?

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 Trento in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Pamplona as well as Trento. The hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Pamplona this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Trento for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Pamplona is generally cooler than Trento. Daily temperatures in Pamplona average around 20°C (68°F), and Trento fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Trento. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Pamplona this time of the year. In the summer, Pamplona often gets less sunshine than Trento. Pamplona gets 209 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Trento receives 286 hours of full sun.

Pamplona usually gets more rain in July than Trento. Pamplona gets 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain, while Trento receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Pamplona 20°C (68°F) 
    Trento 24°C (75°F)

Should I visit Pamplona or Trento in the Autumn?

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

Pamplona is a little warmer than Trento in the autumn. The daily temperature in Pamplona averages around 16°C (60°F) in October, and Trento fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).

Pamplona usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Trento during autumn. Pamplona gets 144 hours of sunny skies, while Trento receives 137 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Pamplona. In October, Pamplona usually receives more rain than Trento. Pamplona gets 155 mm (6.1 in) of rain, while Trento receives 82 mm (3.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Pamplona 16°C (60°F) 
    Trento 14°C (57°F)

Should I visit Pamplona or Trento in the Winter?

Both Trento and Pamplona during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Pamplona in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to Trento for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Trento can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Pamplona is much warmer than Trento. Typically, the winter temperatures in Pamplona in January average around 8°C (47°F), and Trento averages at about 2°C (36°F).

In the winter, Pamplona often gets less sunshine than Trento. Pamplona gets 85 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Trento receives 98 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Pamplona. Pamplona usually gets more rain in January than Trento. Pamplona gets 183 mm (7.2 in) of rain, while Trento receives 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Pamplona 8°C (47°F) 
    Trento 2°C (36°F)

Should I visit Pamplona or Trento in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Pamplona and Trento. Most visitors come to Pamplona for the activities around the city during these months. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Trento because of the natural beauty.

In April, Pamplona is generally around the same temperature as Trento. Daily temperatures in Pamplona average around 12°C (54°F), and Trento fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

Pamplona usually receives less sunshine than Trento during spring. Pamplona gets 141 hours of sunny skies, while Trento receives 169 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 Trento. Pamplona gets 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain, while Trento receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Pamplona 12°C (54°F) 
    Trento 13°C (55°F)

Typical Weather for Trento and Pamplona

Pamplona Trento
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 8°C (47°F) 183 mm (7.2 in) 2°C (36°F) 55 mm (2.1 in)
Feb 9°C (49°F) 147 mm (5.8 in) 5°C (40°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
Mar 10°C (51°F) 148 mm (5.8 in) 9°C (47°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Apr 12°C (54°F) 163 mm (6.4 in) 13°C (55°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)
May 15°C (59°F) 139 mm (5.5 in) 17°C (63°F) 85 mm (3.3 in)
Jun 18°C (64°F) 92 mm (3.6 in) 21°C (70°F) 86 mm (3.4 in)
Jul 20°C (68°F) 81 mm (3.2 in) 24°C (75°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Aug 20°C (68°F) 115 mm (4.5 in) 23°C (73°F) 88 mm (3.4 in)
Sep 18°C (65°F) 134 mm (5.3 in) 19°C (67°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Oct 16°C (60°F) 155 mm (6.1 in) 14°C (57°F) 82 mm (3.2 in)
Nov 11°C (52°F) 190 mm (7.5 in) 8°C (46°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Dec 9°C (49°F) 184 mm (7.2 in) 3°C (37°F) 51 mm (2 in)