Pamplona is a wonderfully vibrant Spanish town that hosts one of Spain’s largest festivals (the running of the bulls) and is also one of the major stops along the Camino de Santiago, pilgrimage route. So, depending on the time of year you stop by, you likely get a different experience!
There are a million different reasons for you to fall in love with Pamplona. The rainbow pastel-colored historic streets, centuries-old forts, traditional music, animated parades, and the adrenaline-filled running of the bulls held every year. Even if bullfights are not your cup of tea (they are certainly not mine), the sheer beauty and charm of the city are enough on its own to have you fantasizing about moving to the city.
That being said, you will find very few hostels found in the old city of Pamplona.
But never fear, amigo! That is exactly why I have created this guide on the best hostels in Pamplona. Your one-stop-shop for the best budget stays in town.
Whether you’re up for a few beers in the old town, or just need a comfy place to crash before you continue your journey along the trial – I’ve uncovered the best spots us backpackers and pilgrims could wish for.
So, let’s get into it.
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The Best Hostels in Pamplona
Many backpackers travel to Spain, but not all end up in Pamplona UNLESS they are pilgrims on the Camino de Santiago or they are visiting for the town’s big festival in July. However, this colourful little town is well worth a visit if you’re keen to experience the best of Spanish culture.
Whether you’re keen to dive into the festivities or just keen to find a quiet place to crash, there will be a hostel, B&B or budget hotel for you!
1. Aloha Hostel Pamplona
- Dorm (mixed): From $27
- Private Room: From $104
- Address: Calle Sanguesa 2-1ºpiso, Pamplona, Spain
Looking to save a few extra bucks while you are out on the road? Say hello to Aloha Hostel, a backpacker’s hostel offering some of the cheapest dorm beds in Pamplona. Putting you just a few minutes away from the bus station in downtown Pamplona, you will be within just a few steps of your hostel and all the excitement of downtown from the very second you hop off the bus.
With its very own outdoor terrace and spacious lounge, you will find that there are so many ways to relax at this backpacker’s hostel. Top it off there is a free breakfast served every morning!!
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Free breakfast
- Great Location
- Cosy hang-out spots
- Nice garden patio
It’s not the most social hostel, there are no planned social events. However, if you hang out in the shared lounge or the kitchen, you’ll no doubt get chatting to fellow travellers. It’s one of my top hostels in Spain.
2. Albergue Plaza Catedral
- Dorm (mixed): From $22
- Address: Navarreria, 35, 31001 Pamplona, Spain
You can’t get much closer to the action than this folks! Albergue Plaza Catedral will have you staying just opposite the breathtaking Pamplona Catedral, with all the rest of the most amazing sights of the old town within a stone’s throw away. It’s a fantastic place to stay in Spain.
When you aren’t out sightseeing or hitting up one of the many local pubs, Albergue Plaza Catedral will give you that perfect refuge to recharge your batteries. With its very own lounge and balcony, you will find tons of room to spread out and relax at this laid-back backpackers hostel.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Awesome hang-out areas
- Modern
- Fully-equipped kitchen
- Central location
There is a huge kitchen for whipping up meals and the vibe feels pretty social. The Albergue Plaza Catedral Hostel is ideal for those walking the Camino Trial, but it welcomes all travellers who walk through its doors!
3. Albergue de Pamplona-Iruñako
- Dorm (mixed): From $24
- Address: Carmen 18 Bjo, 31001 Pamplona, Spain
Albergue de Pamplona-Irnako is another great option for backpackers in Pamplona. The hostel feels like it was designed for pilgrims! The beds are super comfy and the privacy curtains are incredible for allowing for a decent night’s sleep.
There is a shared kitchen at the hostel so you can save a few extra bucks by whipping up your own meal. It’s also a great place to chit-chat with fellow travellers and walkers. The vibe of the hostel is chill, not overly social but you’ll no doubt be able to meet a few new friends in the shared areas.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Super comfy pod beds
- Great location in the old town
- Privacy curtains
- Shared kitchen
The hostel is in a great location in the centre of the old town, close to all the essentials you could need. You’ll also be a stone’s through from the ultimate hiking trial in Spain – The Camino de Santiago.
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View on Osprey View on REIMore Epic Pamplona Budget Stays in Pamplona
Although there are only a couple of true hostels (ya, know – dorm room style), there are plenty of other budget stays available to choose from! Whether you’re into bed and breakfasts or budget hotels, here are a few more wallet-friendly options for you.
Plaza Catedral Hostel
- Private Room: From $67
- Address: Navarrería, 35, 31001 Pamplona, Spain
The Plaza Catedral Hostel is a great choice for groups of friends or travelling families heading to Pamplona. It’s a hostel-style stay where you can book either a triple or quadruple room. The location is unbeatable! Right in the centre of town. There are some great bars nearby, but don’t worry – the sound doesn’t seem to travel into the rooms.
The facilities offer everything you could need for a few day stay – a complete kitchen, spacious rooms and clean bathrooms.
Mariluz’s BnB
- Private Room: From $224 (7-night stay)
- Address: Pamplona, Navarra, Spain
No matter if you are looking to get in touch with a more local side of Pamplona or you want to save a few Euros, Mariluz will have you staying in a spacious yet homey BnB just minutes away from all the fun downtown.
With a shared kitchen, lounge, and private room, you will have the option of mixing with the family or relaxing on your own in your cosy room. With its warm and welcoming atmosphere, you will feel more like you are staying with friends than just another impersonal hotel.
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Hide Yo’ Money!Gestión de Alojamientos
- Private Room: From $102
- Address: Travesía Acella, 1, 31008 Pamplona, Spain
At Gestion de Alojamientos you will be pampering yourself by staying in a spacious yet cosy room just minutes away from all the action in Pamplona’s old town. No need to be worried about the price! This budget guesthouse will have you enjoying all the peace and quiet of a private room without having to pay much more than what you would at a backpacker’s hostel.
Complete with balconies overlooking the nearby garden, this is one stay that will check all your boxes. The icing on top is the staff who will make you feel right at home in Pamplona. No matter what way you look at it, Gestion de Alojamientos is one of the best stays to base yourself in Pamplona.
Alojamientos Olga
- Private Room: From $43
- Address: Avenida Pio XII 32 Bajo, 31008 Pamplona, Spain
Are you and your special someone looking to add a little extra romance to your holiday in Spain? While you are in Pamplona leave the hostels behind and check into this homey budget guesthouse! With rooms just a couple of Euros more than what you would pay for a dorm bed, Alojamientos Olga will have you staying in some of the cosiest rooms in Pamplona.
With its bright atmosphere and tasteful decor, you are getting a luxury stay on a backpacker’s budget. Top it off with a location right by some of the best sights and bars in Pamplona. You couldn’t ask for a better place to call home – especially for those travelling as a couple!
Xarma Hostel
Located just a few minutes away from all the historic wonders of the town hall and the bullfighting arena, you will not find a better place in Pamplona to kick off your adventure than Xarma Hostel. This backpackers hostel checks all the boxes for the expectation a traveller would have from their youth hostel.
With a shared kitchen, relaxing lounges, and a laid-back vibe, Xarma Hostel is a place where travellers are meant to mix together and share stories. Top it off with a free delicious breakfast served every morning, you are getting a steal for the number of perks put into this great hostel!
Getting Insured BEFORE Visiting Pamplona
Unfortunately, things can go wrong when you least expect it. This is why good travel insurance is essential before you head on your trip to Pamplona.
ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.
They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.
SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!
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FAQs About Hostels in Pamplona
Here are some questions backpackers ask about hostels in Pamplona.
What to Pack for Your Pamplona Hostel
Pants, socks, underwear, soap?! Take it from me, packing for a hostel stay is not always quite as straightforward as it seems. Working out what to bring and what to leave at home is an art I have perfected over many years.
Ear Plugs
Snoring dorm-mates can ruin your nights rest and seriously damage the hostel experience. This is why I always travel with a pack of decent ear plugs.
Hanging Laundry Bag
Trust us, this is an absolute game changer. Super compact, a hanging mesh laundry bag stops your dirty clothes from stinking, you don’t know how much you need one of these… so just get it, thank us later.
Sea To Summit Micro Towel
Hostel towels are scummy and take forever to dry. Microfibre towels dry quickly, are compact, lightweight, and can be used as a blanket or yoga mat if need be.
Monopoly Deal
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Grayl Geopress Water Bottle
Always travel with a water bottle! They save you money and reduce your plastic footprint on our planet. The Grayl Geopress acts as a purifier AND temperature regulator. Boom!
Check out my definitive Hostel Packing list for even more top hostel packing tips!
How much do hostels in Pamplona cost?
Depending on the type of room and location, the cost of hostel rooms in Pamplona starts at $21 for a dorm, and private rooms start at $60.
What are the best hostels in Pamplona for couples?
Gestión de Alojamientos is my top pick for the best hostel for couples in Pamplona. It is a comfy and superb location near the historic areas.
What are the best hostels in Pamplona near the airport?
My top pick for the best cheap hostel in Pamplona is Aloha Hostel Pamplona. It is 12 minutes away from Pamplona Airport.
Final Thoughts on Pamplona’s Hostels
Pamplona has more than enough to tickle the fancy of any backpacker travelling through Spain, but unfortunately, there are not enough youth hostels to meet the demand. The hostels you will find, however, will be your oasis in the city. Providing you with that perfect base to recharge and throw yourself back into the thick of the action in Pamplona!
If you’re still not sure which hostel to stay at, I’d recommend Aloha Hostel Pamplona. It’s in a great location and will have you close to the bars (if you want to join in the festivities) but is quiet enough for those keen to get in their beauty sleep.
If you have ever travelled to Pamplona I would love to hear about your trip! Have you stayed in any great backpacker’s hostels in Pamplona that I may have missed? Let me know in the comments below.
- Check out our extensive guide to backpacking in Spain for a wealth of info!
- Not sure what to do once you arrive? We’ve got all the best places to visit in Spain covered.
- Skip the dorm and find a super cool Airbnb in Spain if you’re feeling fancy!
- Check out the best places to stay in Spain before you arrive.
- Remember to grab yourself an international sim card for Spain to avoid any issues.
- Prepare for your trip with our backpacking packing list.
- Get ready for your next destination with our ultimate Europe backpacking guide.
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