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

Should you visit York or Pamplona?

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

Should I visit York or Pamplona? 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.

York

York is a medieval, fanciful, and historic city. 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. It's also known for hiking, shopping, and museums.

York and Pamplona: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in York or Pamplona?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Pamplona than York. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Pamplona is very popular for its hiking and big city activities, while York attracts visitors for its museums, food, and historical sights. York is famous for its markets, old town, and its many ghost tours. 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 York different from Pamplona?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

York 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.

York offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Popular museums include the York Castle Museum, the National Railway Museum, Castle Howard, and JORVIK Viking Centre.

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 York or Pamplona? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

York 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, York is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. Meat pies, fudge, and fish and chips are just some of the culinary experiences you'll find here. The Shambles Market has vendors that sell a wide variety of cuisines. There are also food trucks throughout town that offer affordable and delicious meal options.

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 York or Pamplona Better for Nightlife?

Both York and Pamplona are high quality when it comes to partying.

York offers plenty to do in the evening. The young population and thriving tourist scene means there's no shortage of nightlife around town. Check out a pub or music venue to experience everything that city has to offer.

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.

Is York or Pamplona Better for its Old Town?

York 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.

York has a unique history which comes to life in its historic area. The charming old town is filled with shops and restaurants. There are street performers, fudge shops, and all of the Harry Potter merchandise that a person could need.

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

Is York or Pamplona Better for Hiking?

Pamplona is a well-known place for the nearby hiking options. However, York is not a hiking destination.

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.

York is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in York or Pamplona?

Both York and Pamplona are nice shopping destinations.

York is a great destination for shopping. The old town has many great candy stores that sell fudge and other local specialties. There are also Harry Potter stores that sell potions, t-shirts, games, and more.

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.

Is York or Pamplona Better for Families?

York is terrific for its family-friendly activities. Also, Pamplona is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, York is a very family-friendly destination. The city does an amazing job bringing history to life in a way that kids will enjoy. The JORVIK Viking Centre transports visitors back in time and introduces them to a fully immersive viking experience. The York Dungeon is great for older kids as long as they don't scare easily. Actors and special effects offer a terrifying and entertaining visit through a York dungeon. Harry Potter fans will enjoy exploring the potion shops and broomstick stores along the iconic Shambles, which is said to be an inspiration for J.K. Rowling's Diagon Alley.

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 York or Pamplona Better for Couples?

York 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.

York is a very popular place to visit for couples. Couples can explore the history and entertainment venues that make York an enjoyable destination. There are museums, restaurants, and outdoor markets that make this a great weekend 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 York or Pamplona Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both York and Pamplona are high quality destinations for backpackers.

Backpackers come from all over to visit York. There are a few hostels around town as well as nightlife venues and entertainment spots that appeal to backpackers and younger travelers. For great and affordable food, grab a meal at one of the many food trucks around town.

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.

Is York or Pamplona Better for Students?

Pamplona is a popular place for students. However, York is not popular with students.

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.

York is not popular with students.

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

Both York and Pamplona offer nice public transit options.

York has a few public transit options. There is a reliable and efficient bus system around town.

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

Is York or Pamplona a more walkable city?

Pamplona is a well-known place for its walkability. Also, York is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its high level of walkability.

Pamplona is very walkable. 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.

York is a somewhat walkable place. The old town has many pedestrian streets that are easily explored on food.

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

Should I spend more time in Pamplona or York?

How long in York or Pamplona?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in York or Pamplona to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in York than Pamplona because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for York, and 1-2 days is enough time in Pamplona.

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

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

One day in York or Pamplona?

The city of York 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.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Pamplona. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

A weekend in York or Pamplona?

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

Pamplona is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. Hikers are also drawn to this area. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Five days in York or Pamplona?

York is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. 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.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the historic destination of Pamplona. This city offers something for everyone. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in York or Pamplona?

York is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. 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.

The elegant city of Pamplona offers nightlife and food. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week 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.

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

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

Which is Bigger, York or Pamplona?

Pamplona has a larger population, and is about 34% larger than the population of York. When comparing the sizes of York 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 York or Pamplona?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit York or Pamplona in the Summer?

Both Pamplona and York are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to York because of the family-friendly experiences. Also, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Pamplona this time of year.

In the summer, York is cooler than Pamplona. Typically, the summer temperatures in York in July average around 16°C (62°F), and Pamplona averages at about 20°C (68°F).

It's quite sunny in Pamplona. York usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Pamplona during summer. York gets 196 hours of sunny skies, while Pamplona receives 209 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, York usually receives less rain than Pamplona. York gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Pamplona receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit York or Pamplona in the Autumn?

Both Pamplona and York during the autumn are popular places to visit. The shopping scene are the main draw to York this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Pamplona for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene.

In October, York is generally cooler than Pamplona. Daily temperatures in York average around 11°C (52°F), and Pamplona fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

In the autumn, York often gets less sunshine than Pamplona. York gets 112 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pamplona receives 144 hours of full sun.

Pamplona gets a good bit of rain this time of year. York usually gets less rain in October than Pamplona. York gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Pamplona receives 155 mm (6.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit York or Pamplona in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both York and Pamplona. Many travelers come to York for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Pamplona in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in York. York is much colder than Pamplona in the winter. The daily temperature in York averages around 4°C (39°F) in January, and Pamplona fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

York usually receives less sunshine than Pamplona during winter. York gets 61 hours of sunny skies, while Pamplona receives 85 hours of full sun in the winter.

Pamplona receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, York usually receives less rain than Pamplona. York gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Pamplona receives 183 mm (7.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit York or Pamplona in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to York as well as Pamplona. Also, most visitors come to Pamplona for the activities around the city during these months.

In the spring, York is much colder than Pamplona. Typically, the spring temperatures in York in April average around 8°C (46°F), and Pamplona averages at about 12°C (54°F).

In the spring, York often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Pamplona. York gets 151 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pamplona receives 141 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Pamplona. York usually gets less rain in April than Pamplona. York gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Pamplona receives 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Pamplona and York