The northern Spanish city of Pamplona is famous the world over due to its contentious and nail-biting 'Running of the Bulls' event which occurs each July. But there’s far more to see and do in the capital of the Navarre province than just this. From fine wine and haute cuisine to medieval landmarks and leafy parks, you’ll be hard pressed to ever find yourself bored when in this spellbinding city.
Many of Pamplona’s landmark sites and must-see attractions lie within its remarkably compact Casco Antiguo (or Old Town). Centred on the Plaza de Castillo – lined with fashionable cafés and historic bars where the famed writer Ernest Hemingway whiled away the hours – this area of the city offers notable gems such as the Palacio de Navarra and the Pamplona-Iruña City Hall. If you’re feeling more active, hike the 23 or so kilometres to Puente la Reina which is a part of the famed El Camino de Santiago – Europe's longest and most storied pilgrimage route.
Bordered by France to the north and the Basque Country to the west, Pamplona offers an eclectic mix of cuisines which is evident when trying its local fare. Regional delicacies include tasty bull’s tail stew and Chistorra sausage – made from a mixture of pigs’ lung, picante and a range of different spices. Don’t miss trying the Trucha de Navarra – a fried whole trout stuffed with thin slices of jamón serrano – and Txistorra – the Navarrese version of chorizo. For Michelin-star quality food that won’t break the bank, head to Restaurant Baserriberri for creative pintxos served with dry ice.