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

Should you visit Zurich 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 Zurich 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.

Zurich

Zurich is a beautiful, historic, and liberal city. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the food, shopping, and museums.

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. And you can't forget about the food, hiking, and shopping.

Zurich and Pamplona: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Zurich or Pamplona?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Pamplona than Zurich. While Zurich is larger than Pamplona, Pamplona has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Pamplona is better known for its hiking and big city activities, while Zurich is more popular for its museums, music, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty. Zurich is well known for its beautiful setting on Lake Zurich as well as its cafes, restaurants, and high prices. Pamplona is well known for being the home of the Running of the Bulls Festival. Also, Pamplona is famous for The Running of the Bulls Festival.

How is Zurich different from Pamplona?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Zurich 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.

Zurich offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Make sure you check out the Museum of Fine Arts, the Fraumünster, as well as the Swiss National Museum.

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 Zurich or Pamplona? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Both Zurich and Pamplona offer a number of superb restaurants to choose from.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Zurich. Many restaurants have a strong German influence, but you'll also find traditional Swiss dishes such as cheese and chocolate fondue. There are also several Michelin star restaurants in town.

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 Zurich or Pamplona Better for Nightlife?

Both Zurich and Pamplona are superb when it comes to partying.

Zurich offers plenty to do in the evening. The city has some of the best nightlife in Switzerland. There are a high concentration of bars and clubs around town, or you could check out one of the badis, which are pools that also act as bars during the summer months. They're usually located by the lake.

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 Zurich or Pamplona Better for Music?

Zurich is a well-known place for its live music scene. However, Pamplona is not a live music destination.

The music scene in Zurich is very popular with diverse venues. There are many nightclubs that offer a variety of music types including electronic music, rock, and even reggae.

Pamplona is not a live music destination.

Is Zurich or Pamplona Better for its Old Town?

Zurich 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.

Zurich has a unique history which comes to life in its historic area. The city has an old town that is split into two parts on each side of the Limmat River. The historic districts are filled with churches, squares, and charming areas that are fun to explore. Walking tours are the best way to explore the old town.

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

Is Zurich or Pamplona Better for Hiking?

Pamplona is a well-known place for the nearby hiking options. However, Zurich 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.

Zurich is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Zurich or Pamplona?

Zurich 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 Zurich make it a world-class shopping destination. Visitors often buy chocolate, watches, and jewelry in this city. You'll find brand names and luxury items that are of high quality. Each neighborhood has its own character with stores ranging from traditional to international.

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 Zurich or Pamplona Better for Families?

Zurich 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.

Zurich is a very kid-friendly city. It's a surprisingly mellow city with a relaxing vibe that makes it easy to explore with kids. Popular family-friendly activities include swimming in the Limmat River, sailing on Lake Zurich, and visiting Josefwiese park, which has a large playground.

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 Zurich or Pamplona Better for Couples?

Zurich 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.

Zurich is a very popular place to visit for couples. One of the most romantic experiences you can have in town is visiting the Zurich Thermal Baths and Spa. There's an outdoor rooftop thermal pool as well as many ways that you can pamper yourselves.

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 Zurich or Pamplona Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Pamplona is a well-known place for backpackers. Also, Zurich is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

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 visit Zurich. The city has a number of hostels to choose from, but, like most of Switzerland, the city is expensive in general.

Is Zurich or Pamplona Better for Students?

Zurich 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 Zurich. The city offers a number of unique experiences for international students. The academics are good and the university campuses are nice.

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

Zurich 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 Zurich can get you to some places easily. The system is made up of streetcars and buses.

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

Is Zurich or Pamplona a more walkable city?

Zurich and Pamplona both are superb when exploring on foot.

Zurich is a very walkable city. There are paths that lead along the rivers and the lake connecting the old town areas to other parts of the city.

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 Zurich Worth Visiting? and Is Pamplona Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Pamplona or Zurich?

How long in Zurich or Pamplona?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Zurich or Pamplona to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Zurich than Pamplona because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Zurich, and 1-2 days is enough time in Pamplona.

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

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

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

One day in Zurich or Pamplona?

The beautiful city of Zurich offers museums and nightlife. 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.

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.

A weekend in Zurich or Pamplona?

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

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.

Five days in Zurich or Pamplona?

Zurich is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. It's no surprise that shopping is why people visit. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Zurich, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

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.

A week in Zurich or Pamplona?

Zurich is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that shopping 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.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the laid-back 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Sightseeing Tours in Switzerland, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Switzerland, The Best 3-Week Tours in Spain, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Spain.

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

Which is Bigger, Zurich or Pamplona?

Zurich has a larger population, and is about 77% larger than the population of Pamplona. When comparing the sizes of Zurich 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 Zurich 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 Zurich or Pamplona in the Summer?

Both Pamplona and Zurich are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The music scene and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Zurich this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Pamplona for the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

Zurich is around the same temperature as Pamplona in the summer. The daily temperature in Zurich averages around 21°C (70°F) in July, and Pamplona fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

It's quite sunny in Pamplona. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Zurich. Zurich usually receives more sunshine than Pamplona during summer. Zurich gets 241 hours of sunny skies, while Pamplona receives 209 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Zurich usually receives more rain than Pamplona. Zurich gets 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Pamplona receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Zurich or Pamplona in the Autumn?

Both Pamplona and Zurich during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Zurich for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, 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, Zurich is cooler than Pamplona. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Zurich in October average around 13°C (56°F), and Pamplona averages at about 16°C (60°F).

In the autumn, Zurich often gets less sunshine than Pamplona. Zurich gets 120 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. Zurich usually gets less rain in October than Pamplona. Zurich gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Pamplona receives 155 mm (6.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Zurich or Pamplona in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Zurich and Pamplona. Many visitors come to Zurich in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Pamplona for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Zurich can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Zurich is generally much colder than Pamplona. Daily temperatures in Zurich average around 3°C (37°F), and Pamplona fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

Zurich usually receives less sunshine than Pamplona during winter. Zurich gets 55 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, Zurich usually receives less rain than Pamplona. Zurich gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Pamplona receives 183 mm (7.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Zurich or Pamplona in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Zurich as well as Pamplona. Most visitors come to Zurich for the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Pamplona because of the activities around the city.

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

In the spring, Zurich often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Pamplona. Zurich gets 150 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pamplona receives 141 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Pamplona. Zurich usually gets less rain in April than Pamplona. Zurich gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Pamplona receives 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Pamplona and Zurich