Quite some distance away from Madrid's main attractions, but still easily accessible my Metro. The architecture is nice and makes great photos from the outside. The moorish influence is readily visible.

We took the Metro and got off at the Ventas station. The bullring was right outside the exit and a quick walk to the ticket office. Since it was winter, it was only being used for concerts so the center of the bullring was filled with a tent, stage and lights all around. The ticket desk did let us know about this in advance of our purchase. We still went ahead with the tour but did not get to see the bullring au naturel so our in the ring family photo was not quite the same. The included audio guide was very informative. There were 10 stops including the chapel, royal box where the king and queen would site if in attendance, the entrances for the bull and the matador, the bullring, area where the bulls were kept, clinic for those injured, etc. I also tried the VR bullfight and got virtually run over by the bull. The harness they put around me kept me in place since I assumed people could get quite wrapped up in the game and go a little crazy. Good self protection! The final stop was the museum and here it presented a lot of details about many of the matadors including the female ones. Uniforms, capes, swords, paintings costs, program art and more were quite engrossing to read about. All items were accompanied by signage in both Spanish and English. At the end we also go a poster to take home as our souvenir. Well worth the visit to see and learn more about the bullring and bullfighting.

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.

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.

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.

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.