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

Should you visit Saint-Etienne or Pamplona?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Saint-Etienne and Pamplona. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Saint-Etienne

Saint-Etienne is a historic, park-filled, and industrial city. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the hiking, museums, and nightlife.

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.

Saint-Etienne and Pamplona: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Saint-Etienne or Pamplona?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Pamplona. Although Saint-Etienne and Pamplona are roughly the same size, Pamplona has more sights and attractions for tourists. Pamplona is better known for its food, nightlife, historical sights, hiking, shopping, and big city activities, while Saint-Etienne is more popular for its impressive beauty. Pamplona is more touristy than Saint-Etienne and is popular for being the home of the Running of the Bulls Festival. Also, Pamplona is famous for The Running of the Bulls Festival. Saint-Etienne is well known for its industrial and manufacturing past.

How is Saint-Etienne different from Pamplona?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Pamplona and Saint-Etienne. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Saint-Etienne or Pamplona?

Visiting museums and landmarks is a fun activity in both Saint-Etienne and Pamplona.

Saint-Etienne offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are several great museums in town including the Musée d'Art et d'Industrie, Musée de la Mine, Musée des Verts, and the planetarium.

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 Saint-Etienne or Pamplona? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Pamplona is great for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Saint-Etienne is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Pamplona has a huge number of terrific 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).

Saint-Etienne may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. Try the many local cheeses which are a defining part of the cuisine in the area. You'll find some local restaurants around town where you can sample local flavors.

Is Saint-Etienne or Pamplona Better for Nightlife?

Pamplona is great for nightlife and partying. Also, Saint-Etienne is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its evening party scene.

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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Saint-Etienne. The nightlife is centered around sipping wine or visiting one of the clubs in town.

Is Saint-Etienne or Pamplona Better for its Old Town?

Pamplona is a good destination for its old town. However, Saint-Etienne does not have a historic old town.

Plenty of visitors enjoy exploring the old town in Pamplona. You'll find elegant buildings and grand plazas around the Old Quarter.

Saint-Etienne does not have a historic old town.

Is Saint-Etienne or Pamplona Better for Hiking?

Pamplona is great for hiking. Also, Saint-Etienne is not as popular, but is still a nice city for the nearby hiking options.

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.

Saint-Etienne is a good destination for hiking. You'll find several great hikes just outside of town. It's a great way to experience the surrounding countryside.

Is the Shopping Better in Saint-Etienne or Pamplona?

Pamplona is a good destination for its shopping opportunities. However, Saint-Etienne is not a good destination for its shopping areas.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Pamplona. You'll find some good markets around town. It's also fun to shop for local handicrafts or souvenirs to remember your trip by.

Saint-Etienne has some good spots for those that want to go shopping. Shopping malls and several boutique shopping areas make up the city's shopping scene.

Is Saint-Etienne or Pamplona Better for Families?

Both Saint-Etienne and Pamplona are notable family-friendly destinations.

Saint-Etienne offers lots of family activities. There are several kid-friendly museums as well as plenty of natural settings just outside of town. Your kids can run around and stretch their legs nearby at Crest of the Partridge or on a rainy day, the planetarium is a fun place to visit.

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.

Is Saint-Etienne or Pamplona Better for Couples?

Pamplona is a good destination for its romantic activities. However, Saint-Etienne is not a good destination 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.

Saint-Etienne is not always the best place to visit for a couple. There are museums, parks, gardens, and beautiful architecture that make this a wonderful place for couples.

Is Saint-Etienne or Pamplona Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Pamplona is great for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Saint-Etienne is not a good destination for backpackers.

Many 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.

Saint-Etienne is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's not high on the backpacker trail, but there are hostels and plenty of activities to enjoy.

Is Saint-Etienne or Pamplona Better for Students?

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

It's common for students to 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.

Saint-Etienne is not popular with students.

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

Saint-Etienne and Pamplona both offer notable public transit to get you around.

While Saint-Etienne offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are tram and bus options available in town.

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

Is Saint-Etienne or Pamplona a more walkable city?

Pamplona is great for its high level of walkability. Also, Saint-Etienne is not as popular, but is still a nice city 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.

Saint-Etienne is a somewhat walkable city. There are several walkable areas in the city.

For even more information, also check out Is Saint-Etienne Worth Visiting? and Is Pamplona Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Pamplona or Saint-Etienne?

How long in Saint-Etienne or Pamplona?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Saint-Etienne or Pamplona to fill your time. In our opinion, Pamplona has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Pamplona than Saint-Etienne. However, 1-2 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Pamplona than Saint-Etienne 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.

One day in Saint-Etienne or Pamplona?

The city of Saint-Etienne offers museums and nightlife. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the historic destination of Pamplona. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Your budget might influence how long you stay. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then one day is just the right amount of time to spend here.

A weekend in Saint-Etienne or Pamplona?

Saint-Etienne 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. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Saint-Etienne, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

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. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Five days in Saint-Etienne or Pamplona?

Saint-Etienne 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.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the historic destination of Pamplona. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. 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.

A week in Saint-Etienne or Pamplona?

Saint-Etienne is a great place to explore. 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.

You'll find food and shopping around the city of Pamplona. 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. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Paris, The Best 10-Day Tours from Paris, The Best 3-Week Tours in Spain, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Spain.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Saint-Etienne and Pamplona, we can see that Pamplona is more expensive. And not only is Saint-Etienne much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Saint-Etienne would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Saint-Etienne 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 Saint-Etienne.

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

Which is Bigger, Saint-Etienne or Pamplona?

Pamplona has a larger population, and is about 10% larger than the population of Saint-Etienne. When comparing the sizes of Saint-Etienne and Pamplona, 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 Saint-Etienne or Pamplona?

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 Saint-Etienne or Pamplona in the Summer?

Both Pamplona and Saint-Etienne during the summer are popular places to visit. The hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Saint-Etienne this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Pamplona for the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

Saint-Etienne is around the same temperature as Pamplona in the summer. The daily temperature in Saint-Etienne averages around 22°C (71°F) in July, and Pamplona fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

In Pamplona, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Saint-Etienne. In the summer, Saint-Etienne often gets more sunshine than Pamplona. Saint-Etienne gets 285 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pamplona receives 209 hours of full sun.

Saint-Etienne usually gets less rain in July than Pamplona. Saint-Etienne gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Pamplona receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Saint-Etienne or Pamplona in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint-Etienne and Pamplona. Many travelers come to Saint-Etienne for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, many visitors come to Pamplona in the autumn for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Saint-Etienne is cooler than Pamplona. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Saint-Etienne in October average around 14°C (56°F), and Pamplona averages at about 16°C (60°F).

Saint-Etienne usually receives less sunshine than Pamplona during autumn. Saint-Etienne gets 127 hours of sunny skies, while Pamplona receives 144 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Pamplona receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Saint-Etienne usually receives less rain than Pamplona. Saint-Etienne gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Pamplona receives 155 mm (6.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Saint-Etienne or Pamplona in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Saint-Etienne as well as Pamplona. Many visitors come to Saint-Etienne in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, most visitors come to Pamplona for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Saint-Etienne can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Saint-Etienne is generally much colder than Pamplona. Daily temperatures in Saint-Etienne average around 4°C (39°F), and Pamplona fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

In the winter, Saint-Etienne often gets less sunshine than Pamplona. Saint-Etienne gets 62 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pamplona receives 85 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Pamplona. Saint-Etienne usually gets less rain in January than Pamplona. Saint-Etienne gets 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Pamplona receives 183 mm (7.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Saint-Etienne or Pamplona in the Spring?

Both Pamplona and Saint-Etienne are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Saint-Etienne for the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Pamplona because of the activities around the city.

Saint-Etienne is around the same temperature as Pamplona in the spring. The daily temperature in Saint-Etienne averages around 11°C (53°F) in April, and Pamplona fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

Saint-Etienne usually receives more sunshine than Pamplona during spring. Saint-Etienne gets 174 hours of sunny skies, while Pamplona receives 141 hours of full sun in the spring.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Pamplona. In April, Saint-Etienne usually receives less rain than Pamplona. Saint-Etienne gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Pamplona receives 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Pamplona and Saint-Etienne