Looking for a place in Pamplona? Here, like in most of the cities in Spain, the majority of people live in pisos (what the Spanish call apartments) and all of them will likely be rented amueblado (furnished).  Pisos can vary tremendously in size and style, but you can probably expect much of the furnishing and interior decorations to make it feel a bit like Grandma’s house.  If you don’t like it, you can fill up your vivienda with stuff from the Ikea in Bilbao.  Please continue reading for the best in Pamplona housing…

BEFORE SEARCHING: You should know if you are looking for an empty apartment (piso en alquiler) or a shared flat (piso compartido).  Expect some places to ask you for a deposit (una fianza) and in rare cases a statement from your bank (un aval bancario).  Some places may also ask you to sign a contract which is a good thing to have anyway (for visa issues especially).

Most of the searching is done on the Internet, and here are the best sites with reference to Pamplona.  Its a good idea to check all of them everyday if you are actively looking.

• Loquo -  Just like a Spanish Craigslist
  
• Segunda Mano – An online directory of everything second hand, much of it devoted to pisos
• Idealista – This directory features a map based search option which can be useful
• Diario de Navarra – Classified postings with the local newspaper, a great resource.
• Easy Piso – Another site for shared apartments

STUDENTS: Please check with your university, they will likely have a alojamiento (housing) office.  The University of Navarra Alojamiento Office has a nice page with constant updates on housing openings for both new and shared apartments.  Many students will ask where the best places to live are, and whether or not you are going to the private or the public university, you will probably be best off in Iturrama, San Juan, or Lo Viejo (a bit farther away but worth it for many people).

EXPECTED PRICES: The average price for a student with their own room is around 250 euros. However, individual rooms can range anywhere from 230-350 euros.  Nicer places are, of course, more expensive.

Around town you will additionally find some ads on streetlamps and especially on walkways to and from the universities.  The two walkways that cross under Avenida de Navarra (see map) will always have ads, especially at the beginning of the semester.

WE STRONGLY RECOMMEND that you call to inquire about the apartment whenever you see an interesting ad.  People rarely respond to emails so its always better for you or for a friend who speaks Spanish to call.

Trying to skype your mom? Sure we all are.

If you don’t have

an internet connection in your piso (apt.) this can be a difficult task.

Although Philanthropic vibes are not something that typically float around the Iberian peninsula, the free-shit wave is starting to hit Pamplona. Many new Wi-Fi hubs have popped-up in some choice places in Pamplona and more zones are on there way!

Here are a few places that we found that have free Wi-Fi (here pronounced Wee-Fee):

La Ciudadela: Big Fortress in middle of town. Look for the white balloon on the north end, the antenna is below.

Civican: Kind of the rec-centers of town but with cool cafes and different art expos.

Civivox Iturrama: Like Civcan just in the Iturama Area.

Parque de Yamaguchi: Large park located in San Juan. (near McDonald’s).

Cafe Florida: Large coffee house/restaurant. You may have to ask the Waitresses if it is not working, sometimes they shut it off.

The Harp: The only Irish owned and operated bar in Pamplona. Great place for a pint or if you like to drink… heavily.

The Wi-Fi signals around the parks have been put up by the city and don’t advertise the fastest internet speeds (around 4Mb/s). Much of the signal strength will depend on how many other people are using the service at the same time.

That’s all I know for now but the word on the street is that more wireless parks are on the way!

We’ll keep you informed. Check out the map below for the hotspots!!!

View Larger Map