Romantic experiences in Pamplona, eight moments to remember with your partner
Pamplona is a city with a historic centre full of beautiful corners where even Ernest Hemingway, the great American writer, discovered the festivities and love. That said, it’s also a green capital with French-style gardens and a riverside promenade full of trees and animals in their natural environment.
A selection of ideas
An aperitif at Café Iruña
The Plaza del Castillo is the heart of Pamplona where the whole city and its visitors end up sitting on one of its terraces to get a feel for what the city is all about. We suggest you choose Café Iruña, one of the most romantic places in the area that boasts a rich cultural history. It opened in July 1888 and since then has become one of the most stylish cafés in the city.
It was one of Hemingway’s favourite places and, in fact, there’s a statue of him at the bar that retains the spirit of the décor and service of the early 20th century.
Its terrace is one of the most romantic places, especially if you’re lucky enough to visit it when there’s a musical performance taking place at the bandstand in the centre of the square.
The Cathedral of Santa María la Real
Pamplona’s cathedral complex is one of the largest in Spain and has one of the most magnificent cloisters. It’s well worth a relaxed visit for this reason alone. In addition, the Gothic interior of the church contains two royal tombs, those of Charles III the Noble and his wife, Leonor of Trastámara. The Castilian princess found it difficult to adapt to Navarre, and in fact spent little time there. However, her husband arranged for them to be buried together in the Pamplona Cathedral on her death.
We mustn’t leave without visiting the María Bell, the second largest in Spain after the one in Toledo, but the only one that still rings out on the most special occasions.
The Sanfermines route
Jumping in front of a bull in the first days of July in the company of your partner isn’t highly recommended unless you’re both experienced runners. Otherwise, the best thing to do is to walk calmly along the route taken by the bulls and the young men and women in red and white who wait for them from early in the morning, but calmly, at your own pace, while stopping at the corners to how fun these runs can be.
Start from the bullpens on the slope of Santo Domingo in front of the niche with the figure of San Fermín to whom the people sing every day in July seeking his protection. From there, head down to the Plaza Consistorial, where you can see the fenced-off section that remains this way throughout the year, and imagine what these runs are like. Continue along Mercaderes and its incredible curve and the famous Calle Estafeta. As part of your own Sanfermín festivities, you can go as far as the Bullring and see Hemingway again as part of Pamplona’s tribute to the famous writer.
A hot chocolate at Casa Beatriz
Casa Beatriz is one of the most traditional establishments in Pamplona and the best place to have some garroticos, Navarre’s most authentic pastry. This establishment, located at Calle de la Estafeta 22, has been sweetening the lives of the people of Pamplona since 1969 when Pablo Saraldi started the tradition with a romantic decision: to use his wife’s name. For years now, two women, Lourdes and Asunción, have been carrying on his legacy to create a cosy place where you can enjoy a hot chocolate and some of its homemade pastries, the most famous ones in Navarre.
Visiting La Taconera Gardens
This incredible orchard is one of the most romantic places in Pamplona as it was designed in 1830 following French stylistic rules for this type of place. It’s the oldest garden in Pamplona and houses a moat from the old bastion where it’s easy to find animals such as ducks, peacocks, fish, pheasants, geese, and herons.
In addition, among the trees to be enjoyed during the walk are giant sequoias, magnolias, and ginkgoes biloba, a rare and beautiful species.
The most sought-after tree in La Taconera, however, is the sophora japonica. This tree is located near one of the most charming cafés in Pamplona, Café Vienés, an unbeatable place to have a coffee with your partner.
![](https://www.barcelo.com/guia-turismo/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/planes-romanticos-en-pamplona-2.jpg)
![](https://www.barcelo.com/guia-turismo/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/planes-romanticos-en-pamplona-2.jpg)
Jardines de la Taconera y Portal de la Taconera en Pamplona
A bike ride along the river Arga
The Arga River Park is the largest green space in Pamplona, with around one million square metres full of immense flora and fauna. One of the greatest pleasures is to rent a pair of bicycles and ride along the marked trails with your partner to discover the ash, willow and blackthorn trees on the route, which are very typical of northern Spain. There are also otters and beavers that come in and out of the water all the time.
If you’d rather not cycle, you can choose one of the hiking routes in the park to walk along Pamplona’s historic bridges, such as San Pedro, which is the oldest one, or get a different view of the walled area.
Discover Yamaguchi Park
This place that celebrates the twinning of the Japanese city of Yamaguchi and Pamplona is one of the most romantic spots in the Navarrese capital. Designed by Japanese architects who followed the rules for the typical gardens in the Asian country, the most visited parts of the park include a lake and a pagoda.
As well as waterfalls to be discovered on a walk here, there are also giant sequoias, ginkgoes biloba, and the popular Japanese almond trees.
Another spot worth visiting as a couple is the Galaxy Garden, which reproduces the Milky Way with bushes and flowers. A romantic walk through space.
![](https://www.barcelo.com/guia-turismo/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/planes-romanticos-en-pamplona.jpg)
![](https://www.barcelo.com/guia-turismo/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/planes-romanticos-en-pamplona.jpg)
Yamaguchi Park (Yamaguchi Park), a Japanese garden in Pamplona
Tips and advice
Pamplona is a perfect city to explore on foot, so we recommend wearing comfortable shoes that allow you to enjoy walking in the green areas and on the cobblestones in the historic centre. We also recommend you bring a waterproof jacket or umbrella if you visit in spring or autumn, which are the two seasons when it rains the most in the capital of Navarre.
A difficult time to get to Pamplona is in July, during the San Fermín festivities. If you want to enjoy the city during these days, you should plan your visit and make reservations in advance because many thousands of tourists arrive in the Navarrese capital during the first 15 days of July.
Where to stay in Pamplona
One of the most romantic hotels in the Navarrese capital is the Occidental Pamplona, located near Yamaguchi Park, one of the most stunning green areas.
The four-star hotel has rooms designed for all types of guests, whether as a couple, with friends, or with the family. It offers easy access to both the city (it’s very close to the centre) and to the rest of the region, as it’s easy to reach by car, bus, or train.
The Occidental Pamplona has all kinds of amenities and services to make your stay as comfortable as possible. In addition, its facilities include a restaurant with a very interesting gastronomic offering and a lobby bar, perfect for a drink at any time.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the essential things to do in Pamplona as a couple?
You can't leave Pamplona without exploring the Sanfermines route with your partner, seeing the cathedral, and strolling through the Taconera Gardens.
What are the most romantic spots in Pamplona?
There are many places in Pamplona that look like something out of a romantic film, but one of the places most chosen by couples is the Taconera Gardens.
What are the most romantic restaurants in Pamplona?
Pamplona's old pubs have a very special romantic charm, such as El Gaucho; but if you're looking for a more upmarket atmosphere, you can head to El Búho Sky Bar, which offers incredible views.
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Calle Estafeta: the most famous street in Pamplona
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Where to eat well in Pamplona at prices that suit everyone
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The Taconera Gardens, an oasis in Pamplona
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