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

Should you visit Pamplona or Venice?

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

Should I visit Pamplona or Venice? 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. It's also popular because of the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Venice

Venice is a romantic, cultural, and magical city. You'll find world class beauty here as well. It also has a unique and quaint vibe that attracts lots of visitors. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and food.

Pamplona and Venice: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Pamplona or Venice?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Venice than Pamplona, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Venice is more popular for its museums, historical sights, shopping, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Pamplona is known for its food, nightlife, hiking, and big city activities. Venice is more touristy than Pamplona and is popular for its many canals, famous gondolas, iconic architecture, romantic squares, and beautiful bridges. It is also home to St. Mark's Basilica. Pamplona is popular for being the home of the Running of the Bulls Festival.

How is Pamplona different from Venice?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Venice 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 Venice are among the most recognizable in the world. The many historic and famous landmarks in town include St. Mark's Basilica, St. Mark's Square, Doge's Palace, and the Rialto 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 Venice? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Pamplona is great for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Venice is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

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).

Venice offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. For the best dining experience, you should try to avoid the touristy restaurants that serve the typical pizza and pasta. Instead, find a local eatery that specializes in the region's traditional flavors like fish and vegetables.

Is Pamplona or Venice Better for Nightlife?

Pamplona is great for its evening party scene. However, Venice is not a good destination for nightlife.

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 Venice specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. If you want to party, your best option is to head to the Lido area where you'll find night clubs and bars. A better alternative for enjoying your evening is to order a late night meal and a glass of wine at a local restaurant in Venice.

Is Pamplona or Venice Better for its Old Town?

Venice 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.

Venice has a unique history which comes to life in its historic area. The city's historic area is unlike anywhere else in the world. The canals, colorful buildings, are world-renowned architecture, make this among the most recognized historic settings in the world.

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

Is Pamplona or Venice Better for Hiking?

Pamplona is great for hiking. However, Venice is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Pamplona for the hiking trails. 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.

Venice is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Pamplona or Venice?

Venice 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 Venice make it a world-class shopping destination. There are many unique items that people purchase in town. Some of the most popular include Murano glass, Burano lace, Venetian masks, and local fabrics.

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 Venice Better for Families?

Venice 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.

Venice is a very kid-friendly city. Even for kids, visiting this city is all about soaking up the atmosphere and sense of place. It is unlike anywhere else in the world. The canals, historic buildings, gondolas, and plazas offer a special environment, even for kids who may be burned out from exploring cities. Attractions that appeal to kids include visiting the prisons at Doge's Palace, shopping for masks, and taking a ride on a gondola.

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 Venice Better for Couples?

Venice is terrific for its romantic activities. Also, Pamplona is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for couples.

Venice makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. With its many truly unique romantic experiences, this city makes for a truly memorable honeymoon or romantic getaway. Ride a gondola, get lost in the city, and enjoy pasta and music around town to make the experience unlike any other.

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 Venice Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Pamplona and Venice are great 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 Venice. Many backpackers stay just out of town to save a bit of money, but, even though it's not cheap, this city is well-established on the backpacker trail.

Is Pamplona or Venice Better for Students?

Venice 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 Venice. Because of its well-established reputation, this city attracts many international students for both semester and full length programs. There are many programs to choose between, and many students focus on the region's art, architecture, history, and language.

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

Venice 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 Venice can take you anywhere. There is a comprehensive boat and ferry system that includes aporettos, alilagunas, private water taxis, gondolas, and traghettos.

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

Is Pamplona or Venice a more walkable city?

Venice 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 Venice on foot. Because it is small, it's easy to walk to all of the major tourist attractions.

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 Venice Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Venice or Pamplona?

How long in Pamplona or Venice?

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

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

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

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

One day in Pamplona or Venice?

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 Venice offers food and shopping. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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 Venice?

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.

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

Five days in Pamplona or Venice?

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.

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

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.

Venice is a great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Venice 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 Sightseeing Tours in Italy, and The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Italy.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Pamplona and Venice, we can see that Venice 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 Venice would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Venice 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 Venice Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Pamplona or Venice?

Venice has a larger population, and is about 40% larger than the population of Pamplona. When comparing the sizes of Pamplona and Venice, 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 Venice?

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 Venice in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Pamplona as well as Venice. 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 Venice for the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Pamplona is cooler than Venice. Typically, the summer temperatures in Pamplona in July average around 20°C (68°F), and Venice averages at about 23°C (73°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Venice. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Pamplona this time of the year. In the summer, Pamplona often gets less sunshine than Venice. Pamplona gets 209 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Venice receives 287 hours of full sun.

Pamplona usually gets more rain in July than Venice. Pamplona gets 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain, while Venice receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Pamplona or Venice in the Autumn?

Both Venice 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 Venice in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Pamplona is generally a little warmer than Venice. Daily temperatures in Pamplona average around 16°C (60°F), and Venice fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).

Pamplona usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Venice during autumn. Pamplona gets 144 hours of sunny skies, while Venice receives 134 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Pamplona. In October, Pamplona usually receives more rain than Venice. Pamplona gets 155 mm (6.1 in) of rain, while Venice receives 67 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Pamplona or Venice in the Winter?

Both Venice 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 Venice for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Venice can be very cold during winter. Pamplona is much warmer than Venice in the winter. The daily temperature in Pamplona averages around 8°C (47°F) in January, and Venice fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

In the winter, Pamplona often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Venice. Pamplona gets 85 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Venice receives 88 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Pamplona. Pamplona usually gets more rain in January than Venice. Pamplona gets 183 mm (7.2 in) of rain, while Venice receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Pamplona or Venice in the Spring?

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

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

Pamplona usually receives less sunshine than Venice during spring. Pamplona gets 141 hours of sunny skies, while Venice receives 154 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 Venice. Pamplona gets 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain, while Venice receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Venice and Pamplona