The fortress from the 16th century was originally shaped like a regular pentagon with a bastion in each corner; today only three bastions remain. The citadel is the perfect example of military architecture from the Spanish Renaissance. The fortress is located in the Vuelta del Castillo park, a popular recreational spot in the city.

The medieval fortifications around the market towns of San Cernín, San Nicolás and Navarrería were connected to form a single, circular wall after the three towns merged to become Pamplona in the 15th century. It was then expanded with the construction of the citadel. Today, a five-kilometer footpath runs along the wall with a spectacular view of the old town. To find out more about this national monument and the city’s history, visit the modern information center on Calle Emilio Arrieta.

A town hall has stood in this location since the early 15th century. The current building originates from the 1950s, but the beautiful façade, with its baroque and classicist elements, remains unchanged since the 18th century. The magnificent reception floor and assembly hall can be viewed on a guided tour.

The Gothic Santa María cathedral crowns the highest point of Navarrería, the old town, which was once the site of the Roman settlement Pompaelo. The carefully restored interior is well worth seeing, as is the Museo Diocesano with its cathedral treasures. The former kitchen, where the St. James pilgrims were fed in the Middle Ages, is also accessible to the public. The bells of the cathedral are particularly impressive, which include the cast-iron bell La Maria, made in 1534, the biggest in Spain. The bell is rung only on days of religious significance.

In the little village of Alzuza, nine kilometers north-east of Pamplona city center, the Oteiza Museum was opened in 2003, housed in a spectacular red cube. The sculptor Jorge de Oteiza (1908-2003) spent a large part of his life in Alzuza. The museum exhibits a selection of the artist’s work, consisting of sculptures, pieces from his experimental workshop, as well as collages and drawings.

The Plaza del Castillo is the central hub of life in the old town center. Here the locals meet for a break during the daytime, and in the evening, enjoy the nightlife in the little streets of the surrounding old town. The huge square is lined with beautifully restored town houses from the 18th century. Many of them now house cafés and restaurants. A music pavilion built in 1943 takes pride of place in the center of the square.

Pamplona’s bull-fighting arena is the finishing point of the traditional bull run during the Fiesta San Fermín: Between July 6 and 14, six bulls are driven through the city center along a kilometer route every day, ending at the arena. This spectacle is called encierro and was first made world famous by Ernest Hemingway’s portrayal in the novel “The Sun Also Rises”, published in 1926. A monument in front of the arena commemorates the author. 

In 1956, the regional museum of Navarra was opened in the former hospital of Nuestra Señora de la Misericordia. Exhibits of the region’s historical and artistic heritage are displayed on four levels in chronological order. Showpieces in the collection include the Roman mosaic “Bacchus’ Victory” from the 1st century AD, the “Portrait du Marquis de San Adrián” by Francisco de Goya (1804), as well as a collection of contemporary art.

This nature reserve is located around 40 kilometers north of Pamplona. It includes a botanical garden, that is more than 100 years old, and an open-air sculpture gallery. The well-signed hiking paths through the landscape of the Baztan river are between three and eleven kilometers long, and some are also approved for cyclists.

The monastery at Roncesvalles, around 50 kilometers north of Pamplona, is one of the most-visited stations of the Way of Saint James, as it is where three of the four routes to Santiago de Compostela intersect. The abbey church from the 13th century is part of the former Augustine monastery of the Colegiata.

This restaurant, which was awarded a Michelin star in 2017, is located near the Plaza del Castillo. The restaurant’s Basque-inspired menu is just as modern as its simple yet elegant interior. It is located in the hotel of the same name.

This family business, managed by Koldo Rodero, offers uniquely creative cuisine of the highest standard – the tasters from the Guide Michelin 2017 were so impressed that they awarded it a star. Two tasting menus are offered daily.

Meat and fish dishes prepared on the charcoal grill are served on simple wooden tables. The house specialties include txogitxu, Basque luxury steak from aged cows.

All around the Plaza Consistorial in the old town, there is a wide variety of cafés and sandwich bars. A visit to this one is particularly worthwhile, thanks to its excellent coffee selection and adjacent, well-stocked book shop.

This tapas bar is located in the San Juan district. Here you can taste exceptional pintxos (appetizers) in many different varieties.

Café Iruña is an institution. It opened in 1888, and to this day remains true to its original style: Its Belle-Époque decor, with its elaborately decorated ceilings and large wall mirrors, is almost unchanged. Ernest Hemingway spent a lot of time here and described the café extensively in his novel “The Sun Also Rises” (1926). These days, it serves as a meeting point in the evenings, before moving on to the streets of the old town.

The Canalla (in English: rascal) is a large, trendy discotheque on the party mile of Avenida de Bayona west of the Jardines de la Taconera. Particularly at the weekends, it attracts a young crowd who like to dance to indie, rock and pop. The disco also has a restaurant.

This rustic bar hosts jazz jam sessions every Thursday, and at the weekends, rock and metal gigs. During the week, guests come for the easy-going atmosphere and the large selection of local beers.

The gastro-pub near the Yamaguchi park serves import beers such as Guinness on draught, as well as a solid selection of pintxos (appetizers) and other simple dishes.

This small bar always attracts a crowd, as its cocina en miniatura (“miniature cuisine”) is one of the best in the city; the cocktail menu is delectable too.