Should we go to Pamplona?
Jun 14th, 2009, 09:57 AM
#1
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Should we go to Pamplona?
We will be in San Sebastian July 3-6 then must make our way back to Barcelona (Vilanova for our last two nights before flying out). I've realized that the fiesta de San Fermin will be taking place then. I know that hotels triple and the town will be crowded and crazy. Having lived in Sevilla I also know that getting to visit a Spanish city during their feria can be an amazing, unforgettable experience, especially for us Americans who don't have these things (New Orleans being the exception). Is this something we should not miss? My wife will be 4 mos. pregnant and I don't want her to be too stressed out. It seems possible that we could drive into town for a night of festivities and see the bulls run in the a.m. before making our way back to Catalonia though. Any thoughts would be appreciated. We're getting very excited about this trip.
Jun 14th, 2009, 12:34 PM
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From your dates, you will be heading into the city on the single busiest day of the fiesta, San Fermín day, the 7th. Regardless, you should plan on spending the night.
As far as finding a place to spend the nigh, someplace comfortable, I'm sure if you check the AC Zizur, you should be able to get a standard double room for under €300/night. The sister hotel, the AC Ciudad, is about 50% more expensive during the fiesta. The AC Zizur is located 9 km from the center of the city, but is on the main bus route. Driving into the city on the 7th, and finding a place to parking, will be rather difficult. The city does ticket and tow during the fiesta and just about everyplace on the street is blue zone parking.
I doubt seriously if you will be able to secure a balcony for the 7th, but you can try, otherwise the best view of the encierro will be on TV, the streets will be packed.
As far as other hotels go, the 3-star Hotel Blanca de Navarra may still have a room available for under €300/night. It's located in the city, south of the Old City.
I really don't think you want to spend the night on the streets waiting for the bulls to run if your wife is pregnant. Talk about being stressful.
One thing to note, the Fiesta de San Fermín is nothing like New Orleans during carnival.
As far as finding a place to spend the nigh, someplace comfortable, I'm sure if you check the AC Zizur, you should be able to get a standard double room for under €300/night. The sister hotel, the AC Ciudad, is about 50% more expensive during the fiesta. The AC Zizur is located 9 km from the center of the city, but is on the main bus route. Driving into the city on the 7th, and finding a place to parking, will be rather difficult. The city does ticket and tow during the fiesta and just about everyplace on the street is blue zone parking.
I doubt seriously if you will be able to secure a balcony for the 7th, but you can try, otherwise the best view of the encierro will be on TV, the streets will be packed.
As far as other hotels go, the 3-star Hotel Blanca de Navarra may still have a room available for under €300/night. It's located in the city, south of the Old City.
I really don't think you want to spend the night on the streets waiting for the bulls to run if your wife is pregnant. Talk about being stressful.
One thing to note, the Fiesta de San Fermín is nothing like New Orleans during carnival.
Jun 15th, 2009, 07:45 PM
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Egbert,
We will be in San Sebastian at the same time and are then going to Pamplona. I booked months ago and have secured balcony tickets and accommodation all at great expense.
I did consider just going for one long night and staying for the running of the bulls in the morning then leaving -all on no sleep. I don't know if I would want to do that being 4 months pregnant. It depends how well she is feeling.
Good luck with the decision.
We will be in San Sebastian at the same time and are then going to Pamplona. I booked months ago and have secured balcony tickets and accommodation all at great expense.
I did consider just going for one long night and staying for the running of the bulls in the morning then leaving -all on no sleep. I don't know if I would want to do that being 4 months pregnant. It depends how well she is feeling.
Good luck with the decision.
Jun 15th, 2009, 09:58 PM
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Thre is a group from UK called Pamplona Posse.
You could try Graeme Gallaway there and see what he has available. You never know, business might be slow this year.
Accommodation is in appartments in the centre of the city and he organises balcony and bull fight tickets.
[email protected];
You could try Graeme Gallaway there and see what he has available. You never know, business might be slow this year.
Accommodation is in appartments in the centre of the city and he organises balcony and bull fight tickets.
[email protected];
Jun 16th, 2009, 11:11 AM
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Your best option for an overview is the fantastically helpful tourism department of Navarras province. contact them through turismo.navarra.es.
The best chance of getting seats/accom/anything in Pamplona during San Fermin is with a local tourism agency called Erreka. try [email protected]
If they can't help, no-one can
The best chance of getting seats/accom/anything in Pamplona during San Fermin is with a local tourism agency called Erreka. try [email protected]
If they can't help, no-one can
