Pamplona, Spain — Summer 2022

In July of 2022, I spent the better part of two weeks in Pamplona — just as the city prepared for its most famous (or infamous) celebration: San Fermín, the Running of the Bulls. Although I wasn’t staying for the festival itself (along with its skyrocketing prices and shoulder-to-shoulder crowds), watching workers put up the wooden barricades and seeing the whole city buzz with anticipation was its own special experience.

I arrived in Spain with almost no expectations — and quickly fell in love. The food and wine in Navarra were unforgettable: crispy croquetas, thin slices of jamón ibérico, tender octopus with paprika, and local wines enjoyed from café tables spilling into the streets. Afternoons melted into warm evenings where grabbing a bottle from a corner shop and settling along a lively plaza felt like the perfect way to live.

My apartment overlooked Plaza del Castillo, the heart of Pamplona. From my balcony I watched musicians parade, children chase balloons, and tourists wander in search of ice cream. It felt lively and local at the same time — energetic without losing its charm.

I was lucky to tour the city’s historic highlights: City Hall, the stunning Cathedral of Santa María la Real, and even the famous bullfighting arena, Plaza de Toros de Pamplona. I sipped coffee at Hemingway’s favorite café, a nostalgic nod to the writer who helped put Pamplona on the global map.

Outside the old town, I visited Estadio El Sadar, home to La Liga team CA Osasuna — a beautiful, modern stadium that anchors the city’s strong football identity. The weather, surprisingly similar to my region back home in the United States, made Pamplona feel familiar and welcoming.

Pamplona brings many of the best parts of European city life — architecture, history, walkability, food — without overwhelming scale. It’s a place that manages to feel both important and intimate. I hope to return one day and explore more of Northern Spain.

📷 Photos#