Running of the Bulls from a VIP balcony in Pamplona
Every July, the streets of Pamplona explode with colour, adrenaline, and tradition as thousands of people gather for the world famous San Fermín Festival. But if you’re planning your first visit from the U.S. or Canada, there’s one question we often hear: “What’s the best way to experience the Running of the Bulls?”
Here’s our answer: from a safe, comfortable balcony right on Estafeta Street, just steps away from Plaza del Castillo.
What Is the Running of the Bulls?
The Running of the Bulls, or Encierro, is one of Spain’s most iconic cultural events. Every morning at 8:00 AM from July 7th to 14th, six bulls are released to charge through the narrow streets of Pamplona, guided by daring runners and dozens of local experts. The course winds its way from the corral at Santo Domingo to the city’s historic bullring, passing through Calle Estafeta, the most famous and dramatic stretch of the run.
From our first floor balconies on Estafeta Street, you’ll be just a few feet above the action, with a clear and thrilling view of the bulls, the runners, and the surrounding energy of the crowd. It’s the closest, safest, and most unforgettable way to witness this once in a lifetime event.
A Tradition That Dates Back to 1385
You might be surprised to learn that the first bullfights in Pamplona date back to 1385. Even then, the bulls were “enclosed” or encerrados — meaning they were brought into the city and kept in holding pens near the square before facing the matador.
But it wasn’t until the late 19th century that someone had the wild idea to run in front of the bulls.
That small local tradition remained relatively unknown — until it reached the ears of a curious American writer named Ernest Hemingway.
Hemingway and the Birth of an International Obsession
While living in Paris in the 1920s, Hemingway heard rumors about a town in northern Spain where young men ran with bulls through the streets. He traveled to Pamplona in 1923 to see it with his own eyes, and returned for many years.
Inspired by the experience, he wrote “The Sun Also Rises”, published in 1926. In it, Hemingway described the raw emotion, danger, and joy of San Fermín with such power that readers around the world were captivated. Soon, thousands of Hemingway’s compatriots, including fellow Americans and Canadians, began traveling to Pamplona to follow in his footsteps.
That legacy lives on today. Each summer, visitors from all over the world come to witness the same thrill that Hemingway once described. For many, it’s a bucket-list experience.
Watch the Running of the Bulls From the Best Seat in the City
Our balconies on Estafeta Street, with direct access from Plaza del Castillo, are among the most sought after spots in the city during the San Fermín Festival. Located on the first floor, you’ll have the perfect mix of safety and proximity, close enough to hear the pounding hooves and feel the electric atmosphere, but far enough to enjoy it in peace and comfort.
Whether you’re a Hemingway fan, an adventure traveler, or just looking for a unique cultural experience in Spain, this is your chance to see one of the greatest live spectacles in the world.
Want to book your spot?
We have limited availability during the festival.
📧 Contact us at hola@pamplonafood.com to reserve your Running of the Bulls balcony experience today!
#RunningOfTheBulls #SanFermin2025 #PamplonaBalconies #HemingwayTrail #SpainBucketList #EncierroPamplona #PamplonaFirstFloorBalcony #CulturalTravel #UniqueSpainExperience #PamplonaFood
