Nine straight days of partying, heat, crowds and little sleep take their toll on anyone. Locals know it, which is why they pace themselves: nobody keeps the same rhythm on 6 July as on the 13th. These are the tips that make the difference between enjoying the whole festival and giving up halfway through.
Eat properly, not just snacks on the go
It's tempting to graze from pintxo to pintxo all day, but your body needs something more substantial if you're going to spend hours standing in the sun. Set aside at least one sit-down meal with a proper fork — a cider-house menu with cod omelette, chistorra sausage or Navarrese pochas beans hits the spot at any time of day. And don't forget to drink water between rounds: kalimotxo doesn't hydrate you, no matter how much ice it has.
Sleep, even if it's just a little
The festival never stops, but your body needs to. You don't have to turn in early, but you should block out a real stretch of sleep every day — even just four or five hours — somewhere cool and dark. Many visitors book accommodation outside the Old Town specifically to have a quiet place to recover from the noise of the streets.
Local trick
If you're going to watch the 8am Running of the Bulls, it's better not to go to bed right beforehand: many minor injuries happen to people who arrive half-asleep and position themselves badly behind the barriers. Rest beforehand, not right up to the wire.
Look after your valuables
Between the crowds and hours spent standing, it's easy to be careless. Leave your big backpack at your accommodation or in a locker and go out with only the essentials: ID, a bit of cash and your phone kept somewhere safe, not in your back pocket. If you lose something, Pamplona City Council runs a Lost Property service throughout the festival that's worth contacting as soon as possible.
"Behaving well and enjoying yourself without disturbing others is, by far, the most important tip of all."
Look for the less crowded spots too
Plaza del Castillo and Calle Estafeta hold most of the atmosphere — and most of the crowds. If you're after a quieter moment without leaving the Old Town, try Plaza de la Navarrería, Calle San Gregorio or Calderería: the same Navarrese food and the same great atmosphere, with a bit more room to move.
Respect above all
The festival is best experienced as a community. Avoid overdoing it with alcohol, respect the space and rest of the people who live in the Old Town all year round, and always keep in mind that San Fermín is, above all, a festival of coexistence. Bad behaviour ruins the experience for you and for everyone around you.
Keep reading
Round out this guide with our articles on traditional dress, food and trip planning.