Bullfighting is deeply rooted in world historical traditions. But today, local public opinion leans against tradition. Although the site includes information for tourists interested in attending the events, TripSavvy relies on its readers to make their own decisions about the ethics of bullfighting as an attraction.
You can find everything in Madrid, and that includes bullfights. Madrid and Andalusia are the two epicenters of bullfighting in Spain. Despite most people’s impression that bullfighting is exclusive to the white towns of Andalusia and the Costa Blanca, Madrid is a great place to see a bullfight in Spain. The city attracts fewer tourists and more real fans than some of the bullfights in Andalusia. Read on to learn more about watching bullfights in Madrid.
Madrid bullfighting season
Bullfights are scheduled every Sunday (during the season) at 7 pm from mid-May (during the San Isidro festival) until October. There are no bullfights in Madrid out of season.
Where to buy tickets to see a bullfight in Madrid
Ticketstoros sells tickets for bullfights in Madrid, Seville, Valencia and Malaga. Alternatively, tickets go on sale on the Friday or Saturday before the event in the bullring (from 10 am to 2 pm and from 5 to 8 pm) or on Sundays (from 10 am to 7 pm). Tickets rarely sell out, so you shouldn’t have a problem even if you show up at the door without a ticket.
Other lockers
- La Taurina Pasaje Matheu. Tel.: 91 522 9216
- Galicia. Plaza del Carmen, 1. Tel.: 91 531 27 32
- Sales square. Alcalà, 237. Tel.: 91 356 22 00
- Teyci Goya, 7. Pasaje Comercial Carlos III. Tel.: 91 576 45 32
- Local ID. Parking Pza. De Santo Domingo Tel.: 91 559 50 28
- The English Court. Tel.: 902 400 222
How to get to the bullring in Madrid
Originally, there were two bullrings in Madrid: Vista Alegre and Las Ventas. Las Ventas, with a capacity of 20,000 people, is the larger of the two and is where the fights take place today. Vista Alegre is now used as a concert and sports venue. Find the Las Ventas Bullring on Calle Arenal (No. 237) or the Ventas stop on the metro.
Bullfighting festivals in Madrid
In addition to the weekly bullfights, there are six weeks of almost daily bullfights around the San Isidro festival and adjacent festivals (from early May to mid-June) and for the Autumn Fair (four days in early October) . Bullfighting should not be confused with the annual Running of the Bulls or San Fermin festival in Pamplona in summer.
