We just booked our flight into and out of Barcelona for the running of the bulls.. Pamplona is sold out... what to do??? Are there nearby towns? Safe for women in their late 20s?

Many people your age simply party all night. Join the crowd.

When is it?

Usually July 6-14 i think

yes! we leave the 3rd and im coming back the 8th

I looked in on Pamplona several years ago as I was in the area. A boring grey town. Amazing what difference a few tons of meat running through the streets make.

Although it was many years ago, the sanfermin was one of the best parties I ever attended. Try to staying in San Sebastian, a seaside resort north or Pamplona. A train ride is about 1 1/2 hours. It will be crowded. I was in my 20s, by myself and stayed at a campsite, where I met others. You will be fine, Take normal precautions.
http://horarios.renfe.es/hir/ingles.html

There are nearby towns. I was in Pamplona for the running of the bulls in July 1998, and I had booked a hotel just outside town, but I was able to find an in-room hotel while walking around Pamplona, and I switched. Frankly, I would have preferred to be outside town -- the fireworks kept me up all night (I stayed at the Trey Reyes).

San Sebastian is too far. The runs start at 6:00 am, with bullfights later that day, and partying late into the night.

We were there just last September. It was a WONDERFUL town -- But you are flying in and out of Barcelona? How are you getting to Pamplona -- bus, train, car, flying? You may want to work with a Spain-based TA to pin down the details. Do a search on "Maribel" here, and look for her references to a TA in the Rioja region (e.g. Pamplona/San Sebastian/Vitoria)
I'll dig out my note to see where we may have driven through nearby Pamplona. Regardless, you may want to plan for an all-nighter visit to Pamplona. People party late and in droves.

thanks. its kinda an on the fly trip. my girl friends and i decided we shouldnt cross it off our to do before we die lists just because we havent done it yet... so we just booked tickets today. i havent thought about the pam-bcn route but there are flights still avaialble so im ok with that. and overnight trains... thanks for the advice. party all night? yikes.

there are a couple of parks just outside of the city where a lot of people camp and sleep out in the open, so you have two options.....

Party All Night

or

Sleep in the park

Funnnnn!

We stayed in San Sebastian, took the bus to Pamplona, partied all night, then took the morning bus back. If SS isn't on your itinerary, consider it. It's a wonderful town.