This page assumes you've already decided that you want a balcony for the Running of the Bulls at San Fermin, Pamplona. Not sure yet? Check out Do I Really Want a Balcony for San Fermin?.

How to Choose Your Balcony in Pamplona - Points to Consider

Pamplona's old town is like most old cities in Spain - cramped, with tall buildings all around. The bull run winds through the streets in a haphazard manner.

Each balcony on offer will offer you a different view, some better than others

1. Will the owner show you pictures? Ask to see previous years' photos of the running of the bulls from the balcony you're hiring. They should oblige.
2. What floor are you on? Cameras have zooms, so just seeing the pictures won't necessarily tell you how good the view will be. Generally speaking you want to be on the second or third floor, but the fourth floor may be ok. Remember that in Europe the first floor is what North Americans would call the second floor - so in European terms you want the first or second floor, perhaps the third. Any higher up and it'll be too difficult to see.
3. Do they have a TV? They should do, but it's worth checking. You want to see the replay that is shown immediately after the run takes place.
4. Where does the shadow fall? This is important if you want to take photos. If have the street is in shadow and half is in sunlight, you'll struggle to get good exposure on your photos. The festival takes place each year at the same time and each run takes place at 8am, which means the sunlight and shadow will always be in the same place. Take a look at the photos - you want either a lot of sunlight or a lot of shadow, not somewhere in between.