A perfect day in Pamplona during San Fermín, hour by hour

With so many events packed into so few hours, it's easy to be completely worn out by mid-afternoon. Here's one possible route for squeezing everything out of a full day of San Fermín without burning out halfway through, alternating high-energy plans with moments of calm.

Early morning: running of the bulls and churros

Start early: the running of the bulls at 8:00 from the barriers, and as soon as it ends, a churros-with-chocolate breakfast at one of the Old Town's churro shops — La Mañueta is the most veteran, and it's worth bringing cash. Right after, around 9:30, head out to watch the Giants and Bigheads parade go by.

Mid-morning: the market and the "almuercico"

It's a Pamplona tradition to have a small mid-morning snack, the "almuercico," at a bar with good ham or preserves. Also take the chance to visit the Santo Domingo Market or the Ensanche Market, with dozens of stalls selling Navarrese produce — a good contrast to the festive atmosphere of the streets.

Midday: lunch and retracing the bull run route calmly

With a full stomach, it's a good time to walk the running-of-the-bulls route without the crowds — Santo Domingo, the City Hall square, Mercaderes and Estafeta — and really understand where the race passed that same morning. It's a very different perspective from seeing it amid the early-morning crowds.

Afternoon: a breather away from the bustle

The afternoon calls for slowing down. A walk along the City Walls or through Parque de la Media Luna, designed by architect Víctor Eusa, offers shade, calm and views you won't find in the Old Town. It's also the best time for a short nap before the festival kicks off again as evening falls.

"The key to lasting the whole day isn't never stopping — it's knowing when to, and when not to."

Night: sorbet, wine and back to the bustle

Back in the old town past seven, lemon sorbet with cava — a tradition of gastronomic societies like Gazteluleku — is a classic way to whet your appetite before dinner of pintxos and wine hopping between bars. The night ends, as every day of San Fermín does, with folk dancing in Plaza del Castillo and fireworks around eleven from Vuelta del Castillo park.