In the heart of Pamplona, a city long synonymous with celebration and passion, lies a street that can surprise even the most seasoned foodies. San Nicolás isn’t just another spot on the map—it’s a true magnet for tapas lovers and nightlife enthusiasts. Along just 190 meters, you’ll find 21 bars, and that’s no exaggeration. Every ninth meter—a new entrance, a new story, a new taste. You won’t see this kind of density in Madrid, Barcelona, or even the busiest neighborhoods of Sevilla.
San Nicolás has long been an integral part of city life. There’s never a quiet moment here: by day, the street is filled with the aromas of fresh tapas, and by night—with the clink of glasses and laughter. Locals and tourists merge into one lively flow, moving from bar to bar as if taking part in a gastronomic marathon. The atmosphere is unique: each bar is its own little world, where tradition stands alongside daring experiments.
A Culinary Kaleidoscope
Among these establishments are true veterans, like Casa Otano, which has been welcoming guests since 1912. Here, time-tested recipes are honored, but there’s also a flair for surprising visitors with new flavor combinations. Nearby, young and ambitious bars feature chefs constantly inventing unexpected tapas. At Escalerica Centro, for example, you’ll find dishes rarely seen anywhere else in Spain.
Tapas are not just snacks—they’re a whole philosophy. Each bar has its signature dishes: somewhere it’s the famous tortilla, like at Elizalde, in others it’s crispy fritos with egg at Vermutería Río. Meat lovers flock to Baseriberri, Asador Aralar, or Katuzarra, where juicy cuts of beef and lamb are served. Sarasate caters to vegetarians, while at La Mandarra de la Ramos, Bearan, and La Vieja Iruña you can sample dozens of different sandwiches and fried bites.
Nightlife with no pause
When the sun dips below the horizon, San Nicolás truly comes alive. Some bars—like La Cocina Vasca, El Tinglado, Bar Ulzama, and El Marrano—keep their doors open deep into the night. Here gather those unwilling to say farewell to the celebration, those in search of new acquaintances and unexpected flavors. The street transforms into an endless flow of lights, voices, and aromas, where everyone finds something to love.
Socializing is a key part of the experience. It’s easy to strike up a conversation with the bartender or a random neighbor at the counter, exchange tips, debate the best wine, or simply laugh over a funny story. There’s no rush here—every glass is a reason to linger a bit longer, sample one more tapa, and discover another secret of the city.
A journey through time
A stroll through San Nicolás is not just a gastronomic adventure but a journey across eras. Bar interiors preserve details that recall the past: old signs, wooden beams, photographs on the walls. Every corner breathes history, and behind every counter lies a small secret.
Here, it’s easy to feel part of a grand celebration, even on an ordinary weekday. Start your route at Bar Don Lluis and finish at Soto del Prior, discovering new flavors and faces along the way. San Nicolás is where gastronomy becomes art and every evening turns into an event you won’t want to forget.
