Pamplona City Walls
Explore Pamplona's historic City Walls, a 5km circuit of Roman and medieval fortifications offering stunning river views and a glimpse into the past.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Pleasant weather, fewer crowds
Pamplona City Walls
Best Time
Pleasant weather, fewer crowds

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore Pamplona's historic City Walls, a 5km circuit of Roman and medieval fortifications offering stunning river views and a glimpse into the past.
"Enjoyed the walks around here, it's a good use of the land and site. Beautiful."
👟 Comfortable Walking Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking! Wear comfy shoes to explore the extensive walls and enjoy the views.
📅 Book Accommodation Early
For San Fermín, book lodging months ahead or risk sleeping in the park!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Portal de Francia
Main Gate
Marvel at this historic gate, still operational with its original pulley system, a testament to medieval engineering.

Panoramic River Views
Along the Walls
Enjoy breathtaking vistas of the Río Arga and the charming city of Pamplona as you stroll along the ramparts.

Bastions and Moats
Throughout the Walls
Explore the impressive bastions and moats that once defended this strategic fortress, showcasing its military history.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Book Ahead for San Fermín
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Comfortable Walking Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking! Wear comfy shoes to explore the extensive walls and enjoy the views.
📅 Book Accommodation Early
For San Fermín, book lodging months ahead or risk sleeping in the park!
📸 Capture the Views
Bring your camera or phone to snap stunning panoramic shots of the river and city.
🚶♀️ Explore the Entire Circuit
The walls stretch about 5km, so allow ample time to walk their full length and appreciate the scale.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Comfortable Walking Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking! Wear comfy shoes to explore the extensive walls and enjoy the views.
📅 Book Accommodation Early
For San Fermín, book lodging months ahead or risk sleeping in the park!
📸 Capture the Views
Bring your camera or phone to snap stunning panoramic shots of the river and city.
🚶♀️ Explore the Entire Circuit
The walls stretch about 5km, so allow ample time to walk their full length and appreciate the scale.
🚫 No Valuables During Festival
During San Fermín, be extra cautious with your belongings; pickpocketing can be an issue.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Pamplona City Walls for their historical significance, impressive preservation, and beautiful panoramic views of the Río Arga and the city. Many enjoy leisurely walks along the ramparts, finding them a well-maintained and scenic part of Pamplona. However, some note that signage can be minimal, and during peak festival times, crowds can detract from the experience.
"The walls, stretching approximately 5 kilometers, were built to defend Pamplona, a strategic fortress located between the Spanish and French border. Notable features include bastions, moats, and gates, with the Portal de Francia, which operates with a pulley system, still in use today. Walking along the walls offers panoramic views of the Río Arga and the city of Pamplona."
Seokjin Ham
"Not much to see here.
Pamplona, originally called Pompaelo, was founded by the Roman general Pompey in 75 BCE.
The Walls of Pamplona date back to the Roman period but were significantly expanded and fortified during the medieval era and the Renaissance. The walls that exist today are from the 16th to 18th centuries."
Kent Wang
"Nice external old walls and dors"
David Gurevitz
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Pamplona City Walls are easily accessible from the city center. You can walk to most sections from the main plazas. Public transport options are also available within Pamplona, with buses stopping near the wall entrances.
Parking can be challenging, especially during peak season or festivals. Several public parking garages are available in the city center, a short walk from the walls. Consider using public transport or walking if possible.
Yes, the Pamplona City Walls have multiple access points, allowing you to start your exploration from various locations around the city. The Portal de Francia is a notable entry point.
Parts of the city walls run parallel to sections of the Running of the Bulls route, particularly in areas like Santo Domingo street. You can often see the bulls being kept near the start of the run along the walls.
If you're in the city center, walking is the most convenient way to reach the Pamplona City Walls. Many sections are just a few minutes away on foot.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, walking along the main sections of the Pamplona City Walls is generally free and open to the public. Access to specific historical buildings or museums within the walls might require a ticket.
The outdoor sections of the Pamplona City Walls are typically accessible at all times. However, any associated visitor centers or specific gates might have limited hours, especially during holidays.
The primary experience of walking along the Pamplona City Walls is free. Some specific attractions or guided tours related to the walls may have a fee.
Yes, you can visit the Pamplona City Walls during the San Fermín festival, but expect large crowds. Some areas might be temporarily affected by festival activities.
Guided tours are often available and can provide deeper historical context. Check with the local tourist information office for schedules and booking information.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can walk along the ramparts, enjoy panoramic views of the Río Arga and the city, explore historic bastions and moats, and see the Portal de Francia gate.
The walls stretch approximately 5 kilometers. Walking the entire circuit can take 1-2 hours, depending on your pace and how often you stop to admire the views.
Yes, the walls are generally safe for children, but supervision is recommended, especially near the edges. It's a great way for kids to learn about history and enjoy outdoor activity.
Look for spots offering clear views of the Río Arga, the city skyline, and the architectural details of the fortifications. The Portal de Francia is also a photogenic spot.
While signage might be minimal, guided tours offer detailed historical context. You can also research Pamplona's Roman and medieval history beforehand to enhance your visit.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, the city center of Pamplona is adjacent to the walls and offers numerous restaurants, cafes, and tapas bars. You'll find a wide variety of culinary options.
While there aren't designated picnic areas on the walls themselves, you can find pleasant spots in nearby parks or along the riverbanks for a picnic before or after your walk.
Pamplona is known for its Navarrese cuisine, featuring local produce, lamb, and excellent pintxos (Basque-style tapas). Don't miss trying local specialties.
Some restaurants and cafes in the city center may offer views towards the walls or the surrounding landscape. It's worth exploring options with outdoor seating.
During San Fermín, many bars and food stalls are open. While it's festive, be mindful of your surroundings and belongings, especially in crowded areas.
📸 📸 Photography
Golden hour, shortly after sunrise and before sunset, offers beautiful lighting for photography. Midday can be harsh, but still offers good opportunities for architectural shots.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive views and fortifications. A standard zoom lens is versatile for general shots. A smartphone with a good camera is also sufficient.
Generally, there are no restrictions on photography for personal use. However, commercial photography or drone usage may require permits.
The Portal de Francia, the bastions, the views of the Río Arga, and the city skyline are all excellent subjects. Look for interesting textures and historical details.
Drone usage is typically regulated in urban areas. It's advisable to check local regulations with the Pamplona tourism office before flying a drone over the city walls.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider focusing on sections with fewer steep inclines and ensuring constant supervision, especially near the edges. The Portal de Francia with its pulley system can be a particular point of interest for kids. Pack snacks and water, as amenities directly on the walls are limited, though the city center is always nearby with plenty of options.
🚶 Budget Travelers
To save further, consider packing your own picnic lunch to enjoy in a nearby park or along the Río Arga, rather than dining at restaurants. Utilize public transport or walk to reach the walls from your accommodation, avoiding taxi fares. If visiting during San Fermín, booking hostel accommodation well in advance is key to keeping costs down.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Bring a wide-angle lens to encompass the expansive views and a standard zoom for more detailed shots. Be mindful of the lighting conditions; midday sun can be harsh, but it's excellent for highlighting the textures of the stone. During San Fermín, the vibrant atmosphere adds another layer to photography, though crowds can be a challenge.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Walk Through History: The Pamplona City Walls
One of the most striking features is the Portal de Francia, a historic gate that still operates with a functional pulley system, a rare surviving example of its kind. Walking along the approximately 5-kilometer circuit of the walls offers not only a journey through military history but also provides panoramic views of the Río Arga and the picturesque cityscape of Pamplona. It's a popular spot for locals and visitors alike to enjoy a leisurely stroll and appreciate the blend of history and natural beauty.
While the walls themselves are a significant historical monument, their integration into the modern city is also noteworthy. They are well-maintained and offer a green, accessible space for recreation. The restored city walls are a point of pride for Pamplona, serving as a constant reminder of its rich past while offering a pleasant environment for daily life.
Experiencing San Fermín from the Walls
Some sections of the walls run parallel to parts of the bull run route, such as Santo Domingo street. This proximity allows visitors to get a sense of the scale and energy of the event, even if they are not directly on the running path. The Corrales del Gas, where the bulls are kept before the run, is located near the walls, offering a glimpse into the preparations.
It's important to note that visiting the walls during San Fermín means contending with significant crowds. While the experience is exhilarating, Reddit users advise extreme caution with valuables due to increased pickpocketing risks. For those seeking a less intense but still atmospheric experience, visiting the walls on days adjacent to the main bull runs, or during the opening 'Chupinazo' ceremony, can be a good compromise.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit