ONE STOP, SELF-SERVICE, TRAVEL SHOPPING
Renting a Pamplona balcony provides a safe and comfortable place to watch runners risk life and limb in a race against massive, rampaging steers on narrow, slick cobblestone streets. Our balconies all along the Encierro offer prime vantage points for enjoying this iconic event. Spaces are limited and sell out quickly.
Any soul of legal age can step onto the 929-yard Encierro route and risk their life.
Each morning, at precisely 8 am, a rocket launched near the upper corral announces the start of the Encierro where any soul of legal age can step onto the 929-yard route and risk their life sprinting before a rampaging herd of six, 1500 lb., Toro Bravos specially bred for this day.
Danger is in the air while as many as 2,000 thrill seeking, dare devils pack the slick and narrow streets moving as fast as their legs will carry them until they bail out, are pushed aside, knocked down, flipped heels over-head, trampled, or gored.
Adrenaline stimulates a sudden release of epinephrine in every runner. The hormone rushes into the blood, triggering immediate changes in the heart, lungs, and brain that deliver the instantaneous jolt of power and energy needed to face down danger or escape from it.
The bull runs take place to move the six bulls that will be fought that evening to Pamplona's Plaza de Toros bullfight arena.
The very best place to watch this thrilling spectacle unfold is from the safety and comfort of a balcony. We offer the best balcony to watch Running of the Bulls, plus the Opening and Closing Ceremonies during the Pamplona Festival de San Fermin.
The bull run route is divided into three main sections: starting at Santo Domingo, then Mercaderes, and finally Estafeta (the longest stretch of the run).
The sharp, 90-degree intersection of Mercaderes and Estafeta streets is called "La Curva" or “Dead Man’s Curve”. It’s one of the most coveted spots to watch this centuries old contest of bravery confronting danger.
All three sections of the route have balconies located on apartments in buildings up to five stories tall.
Pamplona balcony rental rates vary depending on the street and floor level of the balcony you choose.
We have a range of basic to premium balcony spots along the bull run route. You need to secure your Pamplona balcony rental early in the season because balconies and spaces are extremely limited.
All our spots guarantee you a front-row view on a shared Running of the Bulls balcony. We do not over-book our balconies.
Whether you book a basic, mid-range, or premium balcony, we always strive to deliver good quality experience when renting a balcony for Running of the Bulls.
Pamplona Encierro bull run map and bull run balconies by section of route.
Dead Man’s Corner
The Running of the Bulls is staged along several streets of Pamplona’s old quarter. Of all the extraordinary places to witness the action from above, none surpass the balconies overlooking Dead Man’s Corner. Known locally as “La Curva,” the corner of Mercaderes and Estafeta Street is one of the most dangerous sections of El Encierro. This infamous curve is where both runners and bulls are forced to make a perilous 90-degree turn, and the results make for spectacular photos. Some beasts collide into the barricades and others wipe out completely, as runners maneuver around pointed horns and cloven hooves. Dead Man’s Corner is arguably one of the best spots to watch the run, and our balconies keep you safely out of the fray as you view the charge toward the bullring! This is where photographers get incredible snapshots of all the chaos, and you can too with our premium Dead Man’s Curve balcony spaces. These spots are some of our most requested and sell out quickly. Experience the adrenaline, the danger and the thrills of Dead Man’s Corner, where beasts and people collide.
Estafeta
At just over 300 meters, Calle Estafeta makes up the longest portion of the Running of the Bulls. Pamplona’s most famous street is lined with private apartment balconies boasting exceptional views. Balconies on the first and second levels of Calle Estafeta are the most popular and priced accordingly, but keep in mind that higher floors yield more expansive views at lower rates. Another great option is to rent a balcony spot closer to the end of Estafeta, which marks the penultimate stage of the event. From this vantage point, you can see the beasts and runners make a gradual left turn through the Telefonica section of the bull run. A visible change of pace among bulls and runners makes this stretch particularly exciting.
Mercaderes
Calle Mercaderes is the second stage of Pamplona’s Running of the Bulls, and this 100-meter stretch is one of the shortest but most anticipated as it leads up to Dead Man’s Corner. Apartment balconies along this portion of the old quarter offer amazing views of valiant runners stumbling, pushing and jostling alongside bulls as they try to keep pace and avoid injury. For an unparalleled view of the chaos, the danger and the heart-pounding excitement, a Mercaderes balcony spot does not disappoint.
Once you get your Pamplona balcony rental, here’s a few tips you’ll want to know.
Pamplona bull runs start every morning at 8:00 am. Make sure you arrive at your balcony by 6:30 am. The Encierro route gets extremely busy and crowded. It can be quite challenging to navigate your way around the throngs of people and barricades. Pamplona police are well trained in crowd control and it's easy to get blocked from where you want to go and need to be by a certain time.
It's smart to locate your Pamplona balcony the day prior to your rental. This can help alleviate a very stressful start to your day on a morning you may have been anticipating for many years.
One of our guides will be waiting for you at the door of your assigned Pamplona balcony, and you’ll be taken inside and up to the apartment once it’s time. The guide will show you around, serve as your host in the apartment, then take you downstairs after the streets have been cleared and it's safe to re-enter.
Whether your desire is to have the very best view of the bull run, or to save some money on your balcony rentals in Pamplona, we have an option for you. We also offer highly coveted Pamplona bullfight tickets, Pamplona hotel room reservations, and Running of the Bulls travel packages.
