Pasión y muerte, bullfighting, although controversial, continues to embody the essence of Spanish tradition. iLa Plaza de Toros de Las Ventas is located in the Salamanca neighborhood, and hosts 26,000 spectators, the third largest in the world after Mexico and Venezuela. iBuilt in neomudéjar style, it houses an important bullfighting museum, which tells its story. Inside there is a chapel dedicated to the Virgin of Guadalupe and one to the Virgin of Paloma, patron saints of Mexico and Madrid respectively. iIt was designed by architect José Espeliu. (Before 1931 bullfights in Madrid were held in a smaller facility, built in 1874, but the rise in popularity of this show in the 1920s meant that a new, larger building was needed.) 1️⃣The first inauguration bullfight was held on June 17, 1931. During the Spanish Civil War bullfighting was suspended, and resumed in 1939. Since then the arena has been used regularly every year from March to December. 🎶It is also occasionally used for other shows. On July 2, 1965, the Beatles performed there and in 1996 the rock band AC/DC held a concert there, from which the DVD "No Bull" was taken. 🗣Bruce Springsteen claimed that the arena was the place with the best acoustics he had ever played. ❗We recommend that you include it in a night itinerary during your stay in Madrid. Surely you will be fascinated.

Bullfighting in Madrid I recently on my travel to Madrid visited the Las Ventas to watch Bull fighting. Where : Plaza de Toros de Las Ventas, Madrid How do you reach : Take the Metro to Ventas and once you come out of the station will see the arena Event and Tickets : As I understood, the event happens on specific days, guess on Sundays only and towards the evening. Tickets are sold out in advance so book online. I was a bit lucky, although it was a full house , outside the arena I person sold me 2 tickets for 50 euros each , original price being about 44 euros...not a bad deal. Also ticket prices vary basis your seat Seating: Once you enter the arena, pretty well marked is the gate you have to approach and there are guides who show you your seat. Please note you are sitting on concrete and rent cushion for about 2-3 euros from within the arena. Experience: A packed house of people, electrifying atmosphere - looking at the age group seems it's so much part of the culture. The event i witnessed had 4 -5 fights, and to be honest the initial 1-2, I was excited as it was my first visit but then on it starts getting boring as it's the same thing being repeated again and again and again. but for sure if in Madrid a check mark activity one should do in a lifetime.

Our family visit to Plaza de Toros de Las Ventas in Madrid was a captivating and culturally enriching experience. The blend of history, architecture, and tradition made it a memorable stop on our trip. The Setting Plaza de Toros de Las Ventas is the largest bullring in Spain and a significant cultural landmark. The architecture is stunning, with its Neo-Mudéjar style and intricate brickwork. The grand façade, with its detailed arches and tiles, immediately captures your attention as you approach. Family-Friendly Atmosphere While the bullring is primarily associated with bullfighting, which may not be suitable for all families, our visit was focused on the architectural tour and the museum. This approach made it a family-friendly outing, allowing us to appreciate the cultural aspects without engaging in the actual bullfighting events. Activities and Attractions * Guided Tour: We opted for a guided tour, which was informative and engaging. The guide provided a thorough history of Las Ventas, explaining its significance in Spanish culture. The children were fascinated by the stories and the grandeur of the arena. * Museum of Bullfighting: The museum inside Las Ventas was a highlight. It offered a detailed look at the history and art of bullfighting, with exhibits that included traditional costumes, photographs, and paintings. The interactive displays were particularly appealing to the kids, making it an educational experience. * Exploring the Bullring: Walking through the bullring itself was an awe-inspiring experience. Standing in the center of the arena, we could imagine the intensity of the bullfights. The kids enjoyed exploring the various sections, including the stables and the chapel. * Photo Opportunities: The architecture provided numerous opportunities for stunning photographs. The colorful tiles and detailed designs were perfect backdrops for family pictures. Tips for Visiting Families * Choose the Right Tour: If you have young children, consider choosing a tour that focuses on the architecture and history rather than the bullfighting. This ensures the experience remains suitable for all ages. * Prepare for the Heat: The open-air structure of Las Ventas can get quite hot, especially in the summer. Bring hats, sunscreen, and water to stay comfortable. * Educational Approach: Explain the cultural and historical significance of the bullring to the kids beforehand. This helps them appreciate the visit more and understand the context. * Museum Visit: Allocate enough time for the museum, as it provides a rich context and deeper understanding of the bullring and bullfighting traditions. Visiting Plaza de Toros de Las Ventas was a unique and enriching experience for our family. The architectural beauty, combined with the historical and cultural insights, made it a worthwhile visit. While the topic of bullfighting can be sensitive, focusing on the cultural aspects and history allowed us to have a meaningful and enjoyable family outing. We left with a deeper appreciation for this iconic Spanish landmark and many wonderful memories.

This is an absolutely stunning building. We visited with the audio guide during the final slot of the day having booked online in the afternoon and it was quiet. Got to stand alone in the middle of the ring which was pretty cool. A unique experience.

You can be for or against the "bullfighting" personal matter.... I visited Las Ventas during the Feria de Otono and attended a bullfight, I must admit that the show is quite fascinating but gory and touching. As for the Plaza de Toros I think it is a beautiful structure, you can guess that it is a beautiful piece of Somali history, it is a place that exudes tradition and culture, definitely worth a visit. It is well connected and served by the Metro, Ventas stop. Significant experience...

We took the self-guided audio tour on the bullring which was very detailed and allowed us to go round at our own pace. A huge building with lots to see and a museum at the end with costumes and paintings. Learnt a lot about both the building, bullfighting, the people who have fought here and what it means to the local people. Really interesting to learn more about the culture. Would recommend a visit.

I really liked it here. The museum was interesting and informative, not too boring. It’s a fascinating piece of history and still in use today. It’s also the best example of Mudejar architecture in Madrid by far, so in my opinion a must-see for any visitor. All the staff here were very friendly too and the vibe is unique. There’s a virtual reality bullfight you could partake in. There’s also a taxidermy bull from the ring that you can see up close. You have to leave a deposit behind to get an audio guide, which is pretty essential to getting a good visit here.

We visited the Sales and did the tour with Esteban. (We even did our run in the sand.) No words! He explained customs, stories, knew very well the history of that place and answered all our questions always with a smile. I recommend this tour, you will learn details and you will see the runs differently. Thank you very much Esteban. The group of Greeks 🤗