Las Ventas Bullring Madrid
Iconic neo-Mudéjar bullring, a historic Madrid landmark hosting bullfights, concerts, and events since 1931.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Bullfight season
Las Ventas Bullring Madrid
Best Time
Bullfight season

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Iconic neo-Mudéjar bullring, a historic Madrid landmark hosting bullfights, concerts, and events since 1931.
"A must-visit for history buffs and music lovers, offering a grand architectural spectacle."
🎟️ Book Bullfight Tickets Early
Bullfights are not daily. Check schedules and book ahead via official sites like Servitoro or Las-Ventas.com.
🚶 Take a Guided Tour
Explore the bullring's history and architecture even without attending a fight. Highly recommended!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Arena Floor
Main Bullring
Experience the heart of the action where legendary matadors have performed. Feel the history and grandeur of this iconic space.

Puerta Grande
Exit Gate
Witness the symbolic 'Great Gate' where triumphant matadors are carried out after a successful fight. A true mark of honor.

Museum of Las Ventas
Inside the Bullring
Delve into the history of bullfighting with exhibits on famous matadors, costumes, and traditions. A fascinating glimpse into Spanish culture.
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit to Las Ventas
Beyond the Bullfight
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎟️ Book Bullfight Tickets Early
Bullfights are not daily. Check schedules and book ahead via official sites like Servitoro or Las-Ventas.com.
🚶 Take a Guided Tour
Explore the bullring's history and architecture even without attending a fight. Highly recommended!
🎶 Check for Concerts
Las Ventas hosts major concerts and events. See if your favorite artist is performing!
☀️ Prepare for Sun
If attending a daytime bullfight, bring sun protection. Seats can get very hot.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ Book Bullfight Tickets Early
Bullfights are not daily. Check schedules and book ahead via official sites like Servitoro or Las-Ventas.com.
🚶 Take a Guided Tour
Explore the bullring's history and architecture even without attending a fight. Highly recommended!
🎶 Check for Concerts
Las Ventas hosts major concerts and events. See if your favorite artist is performing!
☀️ Prepare for Sun
If attending a daytime bullfight, bring sun protection. Seats can get very hot.
📱 Download Event Apps
For concerts, check if there's an official app for entry or event info.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors are often impressed by the grand architecture and historical significance of Las Ventas Bullring, with many recommending guided tours to appreciate its cultural importance. While some find the bullfighting experience intense and controversial, others are captivated by the spectacle. The venue also shines as a popular spot for concerts and events, drawing large crowds.
"It was a remarkable visit. We were almost alone and we could enjoy the place better. We could feel the same vibes of people who use to attend that place. Audio guides were thorough and detailed and gave us a wide panoramic of the "Corrida". There is also a museum about the toreros and their typical costumes.
We visited it in August and it was burning hot, so we suggest visiting in spring or autumn.
We highly recommend it to anyone who wants to really feel like a Spanish for a day."
Marco Colonna
"Carlos gave us a fantastic tour! We loved all his insights into the sport/art of bull fighting and his great sense of humour. The demonstration by the two novilleros blew us away. The VR experience was a fun little extra. We were a bit apprehensive about bull fighting before the tour, but left feeling much better informed! Such a brilliant way to spend 2.5h. It flew by!"
Kersti Klami
"This is a hard review to make. I give the place five stars in general because it’s structural marvel is amazing and well kept. The ambience is great, great food, vendors, and drinks, everything about it was great.
When the first bowl came out, it was exciting, I was cheering and cheering when the bull misses and marveling at the bravery of the matador. But then came the time to kill the bull, and it was a shock to the senses. I stopped recording after that.
After the next couple, I couldn’t take it anymore and I left. It’s a great show to watch and definitely something to experience while in Spain as it’s a big part of their culture. But at the same time, it’s very sad to watch these animals get killed.
I did research, and at least they take them to a slaughterhouse afterwards, and the meat is used at local restaurants. So at least they don’t waste the meat/bull."
Nathan
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Las Ventas is easily accessible by public transport. The closest Metro station is 'Ventas' (Lines 5 and 2). Several bus lines also stop nearby, making it convenient to reach from various parts of Madrid.
Limited parking is available near the bullring, but it can be challenging to find a spot, especially on event days. Using public transport is generally the most stress-free option.
It's a bit of a walk from the absolute center, but if you're staying in areas like Salamanca or Retiro, it's a pleasant stroll. Consider it if you enjoy walking and want to see more of the city.
For concerts, public transport is highly recommended due to the large crowds. The 'Ventas' Metro station is your best bet. Plan your journey in advance.
Yes, taxis and ride-sharing services are readily available in Madrid. You can easily find them near the bullring, especially after events conclude.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
You can purchase bullfight tickets directly from the official Las Ventas website (www.las-ventas.com) or through authorized resellers like Servitoro. Booking in advance is crucial, especially for major events.
Ticket prices vary significantly based on the event, seating location, and demand. Expect prices to range from around €30 for less desirable seats to over €100 for prime spots during major corridas.
Yes, guided tours of the Las Ventas Bullring are available and highly recommended for those interested in its history and architecture, even if not attending a bullfight.
Opening hours vary depending on whether there's a bullfight, concert, or event. For tours, it's best to check the official website for current schedules.
While it might be possible for some events, it's not advisable to rely on same-day ticket purchases, especially for bullfights. Popular events sell out quickly.
🎫 🐂 Bullfighting Experience
The main bullfighting season in Madrid runs from March to October. The most prestigious events, like the San Isidro festival, typically take place in May.
A bullfight is a traditional Spanish spectacle involving a matador and bulls. It's a highly ritualized event with distinct phases. Be prepared for a potentially intense and emotional experience.
Bullfighting is a controversial topic. While deeply ingrained in Spanish culture for some, it faces significant opposition from animal welfare groups and a growing segment of the population.
The 'Puerta Grande' (Great Gate) is the main exit of the bullring. A matador who has performed exceptionally well may be carried out through this gate by the crowd, signifying a great triumph.
Seating is divided into 'sombra' (shade) and 'sol' (sun). 'Sombra' seats are more expensive as they offer shade, while 'sol' seats are cheaper but can be very hot during sunny afternoons.
🎫 🎶 Concerts & Events
Las Ventas hosts a variety of concerts, from flamenco and pop to rock and symphonic performances. It's a popular venue for both Spanish and international artists.
Sound quality can vary depending on the artist and stage setup, but generally, Las Ventas offers a good concert experience for its size.
The bullring can accommodate a significant number of attendees for concerts, often tens of thousands, depending on the stage configuration.
Yes, typically there are food and beverage vendors available during concerts and events, offering a range of snacks and drinks.
Concert tickets are usually sold through major ticketing platforms like Ticketmaster, Live Nation, or the artist's official website. Keep an eye on event announcements.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
For families interested in events, check the schedule for concerts or other performances that might be more suitable for children. The sheer scale of the venue can be impressive for younger visitors. However, it's important to note that bullfights themselves are generally not recommended for young children due to their graphic nature.
🎶 Music Lovers
Keep an eye on the official Las Ventas schedule and major ticketing platforms for upcoming concerts. Whether you're into flamenco, pop, or rock, there's a good chance you'll find an artist performing here that you'll love. Plan your transport in advance, as it gets busy on concert nights.
🏛️ History & Culture Buffs
Learn about the evolution of bullfighting, the legendary matadors, and the cultural impact of this spectacle. Even if you don't attend a bullfight, the museum and the arena itself offer a profound insight into a unique facet of Spanish heritage.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Architecture of Las Ventas
Inside, the bullring boasts a seating capacity of around 23,798, making it one of the largest in the world. The tiered seating is divided into sections, with the 'sombra' (shade) offering more comfortable viewing during sunny days, while the 'sol' (sun) sections are more budget-friendly but can be quite hot. The sheer scale and grandeur of the structure are impressive, even to those unfamiliar with bullfighting.
Beyond its primary function, Las Ventas has evolved into a multi-purpose venue. Its impressive architecture and large capacity have made it a sought-after location for major concerts, sporting events, and cultural festivals, showcasing its versatility and enduring appeal in Madrid's vibrant cityscape.
Navigating Bullfight Tickets and Etiquette
When purchasing tickets, consider the seating. 'Sombra' seats are in the shade and are more expensive, while 'sol' seats are in the sun and are cheaper. For daytime events in warmer months, 'sombra' is highly recommended for comfort. Prices can range significantly, from around €30 to over €100, depending on the prominence of the matador and the seat's location.
While attending a bullfight is a unique cultural experience, it's also a controversial one. Visitors are advised to be aware of the cultural context and potential ethical concerns. The atmosphere can be intense, with passionate crowds. Understanding basic bullfight etiquette, such as remaining seated during the main phases and respecting the matador's performance, can enhance the experience.
Las Ventas as a Concert Venue
From flamenco and pop to rock and classical music, Las Ventas has hosted a wide array of genres. Artists like Ara Malikian and Pablo Alborán have performed here, drawing large crowds eager to experience music in such an iconic location. The acoustics, while designed for the roar of the crowd during bullfights, generally provide a good sound experience for concerts.
Attending a concert at Las Ventas often means dealing with large numbers of people. It's advisable to use public transport, as parking can be difficult. Checking the event's specific entry requirements and timings beforehand is also recommended to ensure a smooth experience.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit