With so many events packed into so few hours, it is easy to be exhausted by mid-afternoon. This is a realistic plan to get the most out of a full day of San Fermín (any day from July 7 to 13) without burning out, alternating big moments with calm ones. Adjust it to your pace: nobody does all of it every day.

6:30 – 8:30 · The running of the bulls

Get up early and find a spot behind the fences before 7:00, or watch from a balcony you have booked. At 8:00 the first rocket goes off and, two or three minutes later, it is all over. Prepare with our bull run guide and where to watch it. If you prefer a seat, the bullring is another option to see the runners and bulls arrive.

8:30 – 9:30 · Churros and chocolate

The classic post-run breakfast is churros with hot chocolate. La Mañueta is the veteran churrería of the Old Town and its queue is part of the ritual; bring cash. Alternatively, grab a coffee and a pastry in any bar on Calle Mayor.

9:30 – 11:30 · Giants and big-heads

At 9:30 the giants and big-heads parade leaves the Palacio de Ezpeleta, and for two hours the Old Town fills with music, dancing giants and kilikis chasing children. On July 7 the morning is reserved for the procession, which leaves San Lorenzo at 10:30.

A giant greets the crowd on the cobbles of the Old Town (2018).
A giant greets the crowd on the cobbles of the Old Town (2018). Photo: San Fermin Pamplona Navarra (Flickr) · CC0 via Wikimedia Commons

11:30 – 13:00 · Market and almuercico

A Pamplona tradition is the almuercico, a mid-morning snack of ham, chistorra or eggs in a bar. Afterwards, visit the Santo Domingo market, next to the bull run corrals, for Navarrese produce: piquillo peppers, Roncal cheese, asparagus and local wine.

13:00 – 16:00 · Vermouth and lunch

Around one, it's time for the vermut: red vermouth with ice and orange and a couple of pintxos at the bars of San Nicolás or Estafeta. Then sit down for a proper lunch: the peñas and many groups of friends eat long, noisy lunches in the street and in local restaurants. Our food guide tells you what to order.

Pintxos on the counter of an Old Town bar.
Pintxos on the counter of an Old Town bar. Photo: Yann (Madrid) · CC BY 2.0

16:00 – 18:00 · A breather

The afternoon calls for slowing down. Walk along the city walls, find shade in the Taconera Gardens or the Media Luna park, with views over the river Arga, or simply take a siesta. It is the secret of the locals to last until the night. More ideas in what to see in Pamplona.

18:00 – 21:00 · Bullfight or the peñas

At 18:30 the bullfight starts in the bullring. Even if you don't want to see it, the atmosphere around it is unique: the peñas walk to the ring with their brass bands, and when the bullfight ends they come out playing and dancing through the streets towards the Old Town. Follow them for a while: it is one of the most joyful moments of the day.

21:00 – 23:00 · Dinner and Plaza del Castillo

Have dinner in the Old Town or at a pintxo bar and then head to Plaza del Castillo or the surrounding squares, where there are free concerts and dancing on many evenings.

23:00 · Fireworks

Every night of the fiestas at 23:00 there is a fireworks display from the Citadel. The classic spot is the Vuelta del Castillo, the park around the Citadel: arrive 30 to 45 minutes early and sit on the grass. After that, the night is yours: the Old Town keeps going until dawn.

Close-up of a firework bursting over the city (2018).
Close-up of a firework bursting over the city (2018). Photo: San Fermin Pamplona Navarra (Flickr) · CC0 via Wikimedia Commons

How to adapt the plan

  • With children: keep the giants, the market and the fireworks and skip the late night. See San Fermín with kids.
  • If you only have one day: choose July 7, with the first bull run, the procession and the fireworks.
  • If you are staying several days: spread the plans out using our day-by-day itinerary, and book where to sleep on our accommodation page.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best day to visit San Fermín?

July 7, the day of the saint, combines the first bull run, the procession and the fireworks. July 6 is the Chupinazo and the most crowded day.

What time are the main events of a typical San Fermín day?

Bull run at 8:00, giants and big-heads from 9:30, bullfight at 18:30 and fireworks at 23:00, every day from July 7 to 14.

Where to have churros after the bull run?

La Mañueta, in the Old Town, is the most traditional churrería. Bring cash and expect a queue.

Can you do San Fermín in one day?

Yes, if you plan it well: bull run, breakfast, giants, lunch, a rest and the fireworks. Choose July 7 if you can.

Where to watch the San Fermín fireworks?

The classic spot is the Vuelta del Castillo, the park around the Citadel. The Taconera gardens and Media Luna park also have good views. They start at 23:00.