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

Should you visit Strasbourg or Pamplona?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Strasbourg and Pamplona can help you decide which place is right for you.

Strasbourg

Strasbourg is a picturesque, impressive, and quaint city. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

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.

Strasbourg and Pamplona: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • 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 old town


Is there more to do in Strasbourg or Pamplona?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Pamplona than Strasbourg. While Strasbourg is larger than Pamplona, Pamplona has more sights and attractions for tourists. Pamplona is very popular for its nightlife, hiking, and big city activities, while Strasbourg attracts visitors for its museums, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty. Strasbourg is famous for its charming beauty, its impressive cathedral, and its quaint houses. Pamplona is famous for being the home of the Running of the Bulls Festival. It is also well known for The Running of the Bulls Festival.

How is Strasbourg different from Pamplona?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Strasbourg or Pamplona?

Strasbourg
Pamplona

Strasbourg 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.

Strasbourg offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. It is filled with grand monuments and historic landmarks. Many are concentrated in La Petite France and highlights include Strasbourg Cathedral, Barrage Vauban, Ponts Couverts, and Église Saint-Thomas.

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 Strasbourg or Pamplona? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Strasbourg
Pamplona

Foodies will find both Strasbourg and Pamplona both to be great destinations.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Strasbourg. The cuisine combines French and German flavors for rich and hearty flavors. Popular dishes include Tarte Flambée, Alsatian Sausages, and Baeckeoffe (meat and vegetable stew). Also make sure you sample the Sauerkraut, munster cheese, and Reisling wine.

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).

Is Strasbourg or Pamplona Better for Nightlife?

Strasbourg
Pamplona

Pamplona is a great city for nightlife. Also, Strasbourg is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife and partying.

The nightlife in Pamplona has something for everybody. 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 Strasbourg. It's most famous for its monuments and charm, but the city also has plenty to do at night. The liveliest areas are The Krutenau (for students and tourists alike), The Grande-île, and La Petite France.

Is Strasbourg or Pamplona Better for its Old Town?

Strasbourg
Pamplona

Strasbourg 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.

Strasbourg has a unique history which comes to life in its historic area. Known as La Petite France, the old town is filled with charming squares, historic monuments, and beautiful architecture.

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


Is Strasbourg or Pamplona Better for Hiking?

Strasbourg
Pamplona

Pamplona is a great city for hiking. However, Strasbourg 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.

Strasbourg is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Strasbourg or Pamplona?

Strasbourg
Pamplona

Strasbourg 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.

Strasbourg is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. The city center is filled with pedestrian shopping streets and boutique stores. For some of the best shopping make sure you check out the main thoroughfare of Grand'Rue. If you want to pick up some trinkets or souvenirs, head to Place de la Cathédrale, and for department store shopping head to Galeries Lafayette Strasbourg.

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 Strasbourg or Pamplona Better for Families?

Strasbourg
Pamplona

You'll find nice kid-friendly activities in either Strasbourg or Pamplona.

Strasbourg offers lots of family activities. Kids who love animals will enjoy a visit to Zoo de l’Orangerie or La Montagne des Singes. If the kids need to stretch their legs you can head to Deux-Rives Garden or on a rainy day check out Planetarium De Strasbourg or the Historical Museum of the City of Strasbourg.

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 Strasbourg or Pamplona Better for Couples?

Strasbourg
Pamplona

Strasbourg 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.

Strasbourg is a very popular place to visit for couples. It's arguably one of the most beautiful cities in the region and it is filled with romance. There is beautiful architecture, romantic restaurants, wine tours, and flower filled parks. The scenic squares and grand cathedrals offer a truly perfect couples getaway.

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 Strasbourg or Pamplona Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Strasbourg
Pamplona

Pamplona is a great city for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Strasbourg 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 Strasbourg. The city has a handful of hostels that offer affordable accommodation for those on a shoestring budget.

Is Strasbourg or Pamplona Better for Students?

Strasbourg
Pamplona

For students, both Strasbourg and Pamplona are nice places to visit.

It's common for students to visit Strasbourg. Students appreciate the mix of traditional culture and international opportunities.

Pamplona is a good city to visit for students. This is a quiet city, which appeals to some students. The laid back atmosphere makes it a nice place to relax and learn.


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

Strasbourg
Pamplona

Strasbourg 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 Strasbourg can get you to some places easily. The city has six tramlines and a number of bus routes.

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

Is Strasbourg or Pamplona a more walkable city?

Strasbourg
Pamplona

Strasbourg and Pamplona are great when it comes to walkability.

Strasbourg is very walkable. One of the best ways to explore the city is 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.

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

Should I spend more time in Pamplona or Strasbourg?

How long in Strasbourg or Pamplona?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Strasbourg or Pamplona to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Strasbourg than Pamplona because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Strasbourg, and 1-2 days is enough time in Pamplona.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Pamplona than Strasbourg 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 Strasbourg or Pamplona? Ideal Length of Stay
    Strasbourg 2-3 
    Pamplona 1-2

One day in Strasbourg or Pamplona?

The beautiful city of Strasbourg 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.

With museums and nightlife around the elegant city of Pamplona, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. 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, one day is sufficent for most.


A weekend in Strasbourg or Pamplona?

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

With nightlife and food around the destination of Pamplona, there's plenty to do. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Five days in Strasbourg or Pamplona?

Strasbourg 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.

Pamplona, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Strasbourg or Pamplona?

Strasbourg is a great place to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. 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.

Pamplona is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours from Paris, The Best 2-Week Tours from Paris, The Best 3-Week Tours in Spain, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Spain.


Which place is cheaper, Pamplona or Strasbourg?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Strasbourg is €138, while the average daily cost in Pamplona 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 Strasbourg and Pamplona in more detail.



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

Looking for a hotel in Strasbourg or Pamplona? 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 Strasbourg


Hotels in Pamplona


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: Strasbourg Hotel Prices and Pamplona Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Strasbourg 44
    Pamplona 24

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Strasbourg

Also for Strasbourg, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Arrival or Departure Transfer: $58
  • Private transfer Strasbourg Airport: $59
  • Private Transfer from Strasbourg Train Station to Hotel: $64
  • Door-to-Door private transfer and driver from Strasbourg to Basel: $233
  • Private Transfer Strasbourg to Europa Park: $251

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 Strasbourg or Pamplona?

Prices for flights to both Pamplona and Strasbourg 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
    Strasbourg 44
    Pamplona 41

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Strasbourg

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

  • Strasbourg Private Food Tour: experience the city like a local!: $93
  • Strasbourg Food Tour : Gourmet private Tour with tastings: $102
  • Strasbourg Traditional Food Tour - Do Eat Better Experience: $108

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

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

Tours and Activities in Strasbourg

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

  • Self-Guided Photo Tour with Photobook: $0.86
  • Strasbourg : Discovery Stroll and Reading Walking Tour: $2.13
  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
  • City Exploration Game and Tour on your Phone: $6.36
  • Self-Guided Tour of Strasbourg’s Grand Île: $6.39
  • Strasbourg Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $6.56
  • Escape Game and Tour: $6.95
  • Strasbourg сity tour: audioguide in your smartphone: $7.49
  • Self Guided City Audio Tour in Strasbourg: $7.65
  • Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt City Tour: $8.02
  • Scavenger Hunt and Walking Tour: $9.84
  • Strasbourg Scavenger Hunt and City Highlights Walking Tour: $10

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

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Strasbourg 19
    Pamplona 31

Sample the Local Flavors in Strasbourg

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Strasbourg:

  • Aperitif at the winemaker with cellar visit and wine tasting in Alsace: $11
  • Wine tasting and immersive cellar tour: $20
  • Wine tour, tasting and picnic basket: $38
  • From Medieval Villages & Wine Tasting Day Trip: $118
  • Medieval Villages and Wine Tasting from Strasbourg: $120
  • Strasbourg : Wine Tour by bike with a local: $150
  • Wine Tasting Private Tour: $545

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


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


Which is Bigger, Strasbourg or Pamplona?

Strasbourg has a larger population, and is about 42% larger than the population of Pamplona. When comparing the sizes of Strasbourg 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 Strasbourg 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 Strasbourg or Pamplona in the Summer?

Both Pamplona and Strasbourg during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Strasbourg for the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Pamplona because of the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Strasbourg is around the same temperature as Pamplona. Typically, the summer temperatures in Strasbourg in July average around 20°C (68°F), and Pamplona averages at about 20°C (68°F).

In Pamplona, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Strasbourg. In the summer, Strasbourg often gets more sunshine than Pamplona. Strasbourg gets 240 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pamplona receives 209 hours of full sun.

Strasbourg usually gets less rain in July than Pamplona. Strasbourg gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Pamplona receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Strasbourg 20°C (68°F) 
    Pamplona 20°C (68°F)

Should I visit Strasbourg or Pamplona in the Autumn?

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

In October, Strasbourg is generally cooler than Pamplona. Daily temperatures in Strasbourg average around 12°C (53°F), and Pamplona fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

Strasbourg usually receives less sunshine than Pamplona during autumn. Strasbourg gets 101 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, Strasbourg usually receives less rain than Pamplona. Strasbourg gets 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Pamplona receives 155 mm (6.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Strasbourg 12°C (53°F) 
    Pamplona 16°C (60°F)

Should I visit Strasbourg or Pamplona in the Winter?

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

It's quite cold in Strasbourg in the winter. Strasbourg is much colder than Pamplona in the winter. The daily temperature in Strasbourg averages around 2°C (35°F) in January, and Pamplona fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

In the winter, Strasbourg often gets less sunshine than Pamplona. Strasbourg gets 42 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pamplona receives 85 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Pamplona. Strasbourg usually gets less rain in January than Pamplona. Strasbourg gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Pamplona receives 183 mm (7.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Strasbourg 2°C (35°F) 
    Pamplona 8°C (47°F)

Should I visit Strasbourg or Pamplona in the Spring?

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

In the spring, Strasbourg is cooler than Pamplona. Typically, the spring temperatures in Strasbourg in April average around 11°C (51°F), and Pamplona averages at about 12°C (54°F).

Strasbourg usually receives more sunshine than Pamplona during spring. Strasbourg gets 161 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, Strasbourg usually receives less rain than Pamplona. Strasbourg gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Pamplona receives 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Strasbourg 11°C (51°F) 
    Pamplona 12°C (54°F)

Typical Weather for Pamplona and Strasbourg

Strasbourg Pamplona
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 2°C (35°F) 33 mm (1.3 in) 8°C (47°F) 183 mm (7.2 in)
Feb 3°C (38°F) 34 mm (1.3 in) 9°C (49°F) 147 mm (5.8 in)
Mar 7°C (45°F) 37 mm (1.5 in) 10°C (51°F) 148 mm (5.8 in)
Apr 11°C (51°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 12°C (54°F) 163 mm (6.4 in)
May 15°C (59°F) 75 mm (3 in) 15°C (59°F) 139 mm (5.5 in)
Jun 18°C (64°F) 75 mm (3 in) 18°C (64°F) 92 mm (3.6 in)
Jul 20°C (68°F) 57 mm (2.2 in) 20°C (68°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Aug 20°C (67°F) 68 mm (2.7 in) 20°C (68°F) 115 mm (4.5 in)
Sep 17°C (62°F) 56 mm (2.2 in) 18°C (65°F) 134 mm (5.3 in)
Oct 12°C (53°F) 43 mm (1.7 in) 16°C (60°F) 155 mm (6.1 in)
Nov 6°C (43°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 11°C (52°F) 190 mm (7.5 in)
Dec 3°C (37°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 9°C (49°F) 184 mm (7.2 in)