Is it safe to sleep outdoors in Pamplona during the San Fermin festival?

Question

My wife and I are headed to Pamplona this year but all the accomodation options we've looked into are either way beyond our budget or unavailable. So we were wondering if it would be safe/legal to sleep outdoors in the park or on a sidewalk bench?

Answer 1

It is safe as long as you are not wearing gold jewelry etc. I did this about 10 years ago and had a great time. You really dont sleep its more of a rest with relaxation. The city is like Mardi Gras multiplied by 10. Complete strangers party on the street as if they were all at the same university.

It is a safe place to be but just make sure that you watch you wallet. I had a a few people try to pickpocket me. I did not have any thing to steal in my back pocket so I didnt really care. They prey on intoxicated Americans etc. Just hide your valuables in a travelors bag that goes inside your pants and you will be fine.

Dont let the pick pocketing scare you because there is nothing worse that people will want to do to you other than take your money by being a magician!

Answer 2

Ummm. Here's the deal about sleeping outdoors. Regardless of time, you will be sleeping in a stench you will not forget. I have partied hard in my life, but not quite like that.  There's alcohol, p**s, vomit, and everything else on the streets. It smells. But the funny thing is all that c**p (no pun intended) adds to the excitement. I saw a ton of people sleeping outdoors with seemingly no problems. Only problem is the drunks stepping all over you----that happens a lot here.