Nine days of partying, heat, crowds and little sleep take their toll on anyone. People in Pamplona know it, which is why they pace themselves: nobody keeps the same rhythm on July 6 as on July 13. These tips make the difference between enjoying the whole of San Fermín and giving up halfway through.

Before you travel

  1. Book accommodation as early as you can. July 5–7 are the most expensive and in-demand nights of the year. Compare options on our accommodation page and see real prices in how much San Fermín costs.
  2. Plan your days around the big acts. The Chupinazo (July 6, 12:00), the bull runs (every day from July 7 to 14 at 8:00), the procession (July 7) and the Pobre de mí (July 14, midnight). Our itinerary puts them in order.
  3. Check how you will get there and back. Trains and buses fill up for July 5–6 and July 15. See how to get to Pamplona.

What to wear and pack

  1. White clothes, red neckerchief and sash. Buy them in Pamplona or bring them; cheap is fine, because they will get stained. Read our dress-code guide.
  2. Closed, comfortable shoes. The streets are sticky, crowded and full of broken plastic. Sandals are a bad idea.
  3. A small bag worn in front, a phone case, a power bank and some cash: card payment is widespread, but not in every street stall.
  4. Sun cream, a cap and a light layer for the night: days can be very hot and the early mornings cooler.
Panorama of spectators on the balconies (2014).
Panorama of spectators on the balconies (2014). Photo: Adam Jones from Kelowna, BC, Canada · CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons

Heat, food and sleep

  1. Drink water between rounds. Kalimotxo (red wine and cola) and sangria do not hydrate you. In 2026 temperatures were close to 40 °C on some days.
  2. Eat at least one proper meal a day. Grazing from pintxo to pintxo is tempting, but your body needs more. Ideas in our food guide.
  3. Sleep, even if it's a little. The festival never stops, so you have to stop. A nap after lunch is the local secret for lasting until the fireworks.
  4. Look for shade and calm in the Taconera Gardens, the Citadel or along the river Arga when the Old Town gets overwhelming.

Money, phone and belongings

  1. Carry only what you need and keep your phone and wallet in a front zip pocket. Pickpockets love crowds.
  2. Agree a meeting point with your group: mobile coverage often fails during big acts.
  3. If you lose something, go to the City Council lost property office; many documents and phones end up there.

The running of the bulls

  1. To watch it, arrive early: the best spots on the fences fill up long before 8:00. Compare options in our where to watch guide or book a balcony.
  2. To run it, know the rules: no alcohol, no backpacks, no phones or cameras, and you must be 18 or older. Read can you run with the bulls? before you even think about it.
  3. Never run after a night out. Most injured runners had not slept. The facts are in is the running of the bulls dangerous?
Serving paella in the street (2014).
Serving paella in the street (2014). Photo: Adam Jones from Kelowna, BC, Canada · CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons

Safety and respect

  1. In an emergency, call 112. There are first-aid posts and Red Cross and DYA teams around the Old Town.
  2. No means no. Pamplona has a zero-tolerance campaign against sexual harassment and information points during the fiestas. If you see something, report it.
  3. Respect the city. Use the public toilets (urinating in the street is fined), don't climb monuments and keep glass out of the crowds. More in our safe and sustainable fiesta guide.

And one last tip: don't try to do everything. San Fermín is best enjoyed at a local pace, with time for a long lunch, a concert in Plaza del Castillo and a walk through the quieter streets. For ideas, see a perfect day in San Fermín or travel tips for families with children.

Frequently asked questions

What should I wear to San Fermín?

White trousers and shirt with a red neckerchief and red sash, plus closed, comfortable shoes. The neckerchief is tied after the Chupinazo on July 6.

What is the biggest mistake first-timers make?

Trying to party every night without sleeping or eating properly, and then running the bull run tired or drunk. Pace yourself across the nine days.

Is San Fermín safe?

It is a huge, crowded festival, but generally safe if you look after your belongings, drink water, avoid glass in crowds and respect the rules of the bull run. In an emergency, call 112.

Do I need cash in Pamplona during San Fermín?

Cards are widely accepted, but it is useful to carry some cash for street stalls, small bars and drinks in busy moments.

How early should I arrive to watch the running of the bulls?

To get a spot on the fences, arrive well before 7:00. Balconies are a more comfortable option if you book in advance.