Plaza de Toros de Las Ventas, Madrid

Attraction, Bullring and Historic Building in Madrid

Plaza de Toros de Las Ventas
Plaza de Toros de Las Ventas
CC BY-SA 2.0 / Keirn

Plaza de Toros de Las Ventas is Madrid's most famous bullring and one of the city's most striking landmarks, set on Calle de Alcalá in the Ventas neighborhood. Even if you're not attending a bullfight, the building itself is a standout: a vast neo-Mudéjar facade in red brick and ceramic detail that feels both monumental and distinctly Madrileño.

For many travelers, the best way to experience Las Ventas is through the official tour and on-site bullfighting museum, which open up behind-the-scenes areas you'd never see from the street. If you're exploring Madrid on a walking tour that focuses on architecture and local traditions, Las Ventas is a great “context stop” to understand a controversial but historically important part of Spanish culture; for the best exterior views, linger around the main entrance and the surrounding plaza.

History and Significance of the Plaza de Toros de Las Ventas

Las Ventas opened in the early 20th century and quickly became the symbolic center of bullfighting in Madrid. Its scale is part of the story: this is not a neighborhood arena, but a purpose-built venue designed to host major events and large crowds, reflecting how central the spectacle once was to the city's public life.

Architecturally, the bullring is celebrated for its neo-Mudéjar style, a revival that nods to Spain’s Islamic-influenced decorative traditions through patterned brickwork, horseshoe arches, and tile accents. Even visitors who come primarily for design and photography often leave impressed by how cohesive and detailed the exterior is up close.

Culturally, Las Ventas sits at the intersection of heritage and debate. For some, it represents tradition, artistry, and ritual; for others, it’s inseparable from ethical concerns about animal welfare. Visiting with an open, informed mindset helps you understand why it remains such a charged and talked-about site in modern Spain.

Things to See and Do in the Plaza de Toros de Las Ventas

Start with the exterior: walk the perimeter to appreciate the repeating arches and ceramic plaques, then pause at the main entrance for the most iconic photos. If you’re short on time, this outside loop plus a quick look at the surrounding monuments and statues gives you a strong sense of place.

The official tour is the main event for most visitors, typically including access to parts of the arena and internal spaces that add context to how the venue functions on event days. Pair it with the bullfighting museum to see historic posters, outfits, and artifacts that explain the symbolism and pageantry.

If you're planning a broader day in this part of Madrid, Las Ventas also works well as a “single attraction anchor” before heading along Calle de Alcalá toward Salamanca for shopping and cafes, or back toward central Madrid by metro.

How to Get to the Plaza de Toros de Las Ventas

Madrid's nearest major airport is Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas Airport (MAD), which is the most convenient arrival point for international and domestic flights. For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to Madrid on Booking.com.

If you’re arriving by rail, Madrid’s main long-distance stations (Atocha and Chamartín) connect the city to Spain’s high-speed network, and from there you can continue by metro or taxi to Ventas. Train schedules and bookings can be found on Omio.

Las Ventas is easy to reach by public transport, with Ventas metro station (Lines 2 and 5) right by the bullring, plus multiple city bus lines stopping nearby. If you’re driving, expect typical big-city traffic and limited street parking, so a garage or park-and-ride approach is usually less stressful. If you are looking to rent a car in Spain I recommend having a look at Discover Cars, first, as they compare prices and review multiple car rental agencies for you.

Practical Tips on Visiting the Plaza de Toros de Las Ventas

  • Official website: https://lasventastour.com/en/
  • Entrance fee: From €7 (audioguide tour); from €25 (private guided tour).
  • Opening hours: (Summer) April – October; Monday – Sunday: 10:00–19:00. (Winter) November – March; Monday – Sunday: 10:00–18:00.
  • Best time to visit: Go earlier in the day for a calmer tour experience and better light on the brick-and-tile facade. If you’re visiting in warmer months, midday heat can be intense on the surrounding streets.
  • How long to spend: Plan 60–90 minutes for the tour and museum, plus extra time if you like architecture photography. If you’re only viewing from outside, 20–30 minutes is enough.
  • Accessibility: The official tour is designed to be accessible, but the venue is large and can involve ramps and longer walking distances. If you use a wheelchair or have limited mobility, confirm the day’s route at the entrance.
  • Facilities: Expect ticketing/entry control, restrooms, and a gift shop as part of the visitor setup. Nearby streets have plenty of cafes for a quick break before or after.

Where to Stay Close to the Plaza de Toros de Las Ventas

For most visitors, the best base is central Madrid (Sol/Gran Vía or Salamanca) so you can combine Las Ventas with the city's top sights without long commutes.

Wellington Hotel & Spa Madrid Chosen for its classic Salamanca location, polished service, and easy access to Calle de Alcalá for a straightforward ride to Ventas.

Barceló Emperatriz A strong pick for travelers who want a stylish, comfortable stay in Salamanca with great dining and shopping nearby.

NH Collection Madrid Colón Included for its reliable upscale comfort and a location that makes it easy to bounce between central Madrid and Ventas by metro or taxi.

Vincci Soma A good mid-range option near Salamanca’s main streets, ideal if you want value without sacrificing a convenient, safe neighborhood.

Hotel Nuevo Boston Useful if you prefer being closer to the airport or need a practical stopover-style hotel while still being able to reach Ventas by car or taxi.

Is the Plaza de Toros de Las Ventas Worth Visiting?

Yes, Las Ventas is worth visiting if you’re interested in Madrid’s architecture, cultural history, or the way traditions evolve and spark debate. The tour-and-museum format makes it approachable even for travelers who don’t plan to attend a bullfight, and the building is genuinely impressive in scale and detail.

Honest Pivot: If you feel strongly that you don't want to engage with bullfighting-related heritage, you may prefer to skip the museum and focus on other Madrid landmarks instead. In that case, consider a quick exterior look only, or choose experiences that highlight Madrid's art, parks, and contemporary culture.

What Other Travellers Say...

Reviews Summary

4.5 (40,431)

Visitors consistently praise Las Ventas as an impressive historic landmark with striking architecture, and many find the tour, audio guide, and on-site museum informative for understanding the history and traditions around bullfighting. Booking online is seen as convenient, and the venue is generally easy to navigate, with accessibility features like ramps and an elevator noted. Common drawbacks include intense summer heat with limited shade/seating and some disappointment that parts of the interior feel modernized compared with the exterior. Several reviewers also flag that bullfighting-related content can be graphic and may not suit children or those uncomfortable with the practice.

Ali Alkhateeb
3 months ago
"Impressive and historic venue with beautiful architecture. Las Ventas is a major cultural landmark in Madrid and a popular tourist spot. Tickets canbe bought online with seat selection, and prices vary based on how close you are to the ring and whether the seats are in the shade. In summer, some events are held in the evening; seats in the sun are usually cheaper. Please note: bullfighting is a traditional cultural event, but it can be very graphic and intense up close. I wouldn’t recommend attending with children or anyone sensitive to this kind of spectacle. The event is divided into several bouts (matches), and as a matter of respect, you ca ot leave your seat during a bout. Doors open between bouts if you need to use the toilets or buy snacks...."
Marco Colo a
6 months ago
"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 thatplace. 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...."
Andy
4 months ago
"Really cool place to visit. Whether you agree or not with the sport it is still interesting to understand the history and terminology relating to itall. I found it very fascinating, happy to report no animals were harmed during my visit...."

For Different Travelers

Las Ventas can fit into many Madrid itineraries, but it lands differently depending on what you're looking for. The key is deciding whether you want a quick architectural stop, a full tour for context, or to avoid the topic altogether.

Families with Kids

For families, the appeal is often the “big arena” factor and the behind-the-scenes feel of a stadium-style visit. The tour can work well for older kids who enjoy learning how large venues operate.

If your children are sensitive to the subject matter, focus on the architecture and the scale of the building rather than the more graphic historical details. Consider pairing the visit with a nearby park stop or a treat in Salamanca afterward.

Couples & Romantic Getaways

Couples who like design and photography will enjoy the textures, patterns, and symmetry of the neo-Mudéjar exterior. It’s also a good “off-the-main-tourist-track” stop that feels distinctly local.

For a more romantic flow, visit Las Ventas earlier, then head toward Salamanca for a long lunch, boutique shopping, or a cocktail bar. The contrast between monumental architecture and a stylish neighborhood afternoon makes for a memorable date-day.

Budget Travelers

Budget travelers can get a lot out of simply seeing the exterior and the surrounding plaza, which already delivers a strong sense of the site. It’s also easy to reach by metro, keeping transport costs low.

If you do pay for the tour, treat it as a “one paid attraction” day and balance it with free highlights afterward, like strolling elegant streets in Salamanca or walking toward central Madrid via Calle de Alcalá.

History Buffs

History buffs will appreciate how Las Ventas reflects 20th-century Madrid and the public role of spectacle, ritual, and mass entertainment. The museum adds useful context through objects and visual culture like posters and ceremonial clothing.

To deepen the visit, think of Las Ventas as part of a wider story about Spanish identity, regional traditions, and changing social values. A guided explanation (or a well-structured audioguide) helps connect the building to the broader historical debate.

FAQs for Visiting Plaza de Toros de Las Ventas

Getting There

Yes, Ventas station is right next to the bullring, making it one of the simplest major attractions to reach by public transport. Plan a little extra time to find the correct exit onto Calle de Alcalá.
Yes, it can be a good stop on an architecture-focused walk, though it’s not in the tight central cluster of sights. Many travelers combine it with a longer stroll through Salamanca afterward.
If you’re short on time or traveling with mobility needs, a taxi can be convenient. Otherwise, the metro is typically faster and avoids traffic.

Tickets & Entry

Booking ahead is a smart idea during peak travel periods or when Madrid is busy with major events. If your schedule is fixed, advance tickets reduce the risk of sold-out time slots.
Yes, visitors commonly choose between an audioguide-style visit and guided options. Pick based on whether you want flexibility or deeper explanation.
Some ticket types bundle areas together, but options can vary. If you mainly want architecture and context, the museum is usually a worthwhile add-on.

Visiting Experience

For many people it’s the moment you see the arena from inside and grasp the scale. The exterior details are also a highlight, especially for architecture lovers.
It can be, as long as you approach it as cultural history rather than entertainment. If you prefer, focus on architecture and the building’s place in Madrid’s urban story.
It can, especially at popular times and in peak season. Earlier visits tend to feel calmer and easier for photos.

Tours, Context & Itineraries

If you want context and nuance, a guided option can be valuable. If you prefer to move at your own pace, an audioguide-style visit is usually enough.
Pair it with Salamanca for shopping and cafes, then continue toward central Madrid for evening plans. It works well as a half-day “east Madrid” anchor.
Yes, because the architecture and behind-the-scenes access are the main draws for many travelers. You can still get a complete sense of the venue without a live event.

Photography

The main entrance area and the repeating arches around the exterior are the most photogenic. Inside, wide-angle shots help capture the arena’s scale.
Rules can vary by area and by tour format, so follow staff guidance. If you’re unsure, ask before filming or using flash.
Morning or late afternoon usually gives more flattering light and fewer harsh shadows. Midday sun can wash out details in photos.

Accessibility & Facilities

Accessibility is supported, but routes can vary, and the venue is large. It’s best to confirm the day’s access points and route at entry.
Yes, visitor facilities typically include restrooms. Plan to use them before the tour if you prefer not to break the flow.
Yes, most visitors will find a shop component as part of the tour/museum setup. It’s a convenient place for small souvenirs tied to the venue’s history.

Food & Breaks Nearby

Yes, the surrounding streets have plenty of casual cafes and bakeries. Salamanca is also nearby if you want a more polished dining scene.
After is often easier, since you can choose based on how long you end up spending inside. A quick coffee beforehand can help if you’re starting early.
Yes, you’ll have no trouble finding something fast within a few minutes’ walk. If you have dietary needs, Salamanca generally offers more options.

Safety & Timing

It’s generally a normal, busy city area with regular foot traffic. As in any large city, keep an eye on belongings in crowded spots.
Earlier in the day often feels less rushed and more comfortable for walking around outside. It also makes it easier to continue your day elsewhere in Madrid.
Event days can change access and create crowds, which may not suit every traveler. If you want a calmer experience, choose a non-event day when possible.

Nearby Attractions to the Plaza de Toros de Las Ventas

  • Salamanca District: An elegant neighborhood for boutique shopping, grand boulevards, and a more upscale Madrid vibe.
  • Parque de El Retiro: Madrid's iconic park for boating, strolling, and a relaxing break from sightseeing.
  • Museo Lázaro Galdiano: A compact, high-quality museum with an eclectic collection in a beautiful mansion setting.
  • Calle de Alcalá: One of Madrid's great avenues, ideal for a long urban walk linking multiple neighborhoods.
  • WiZink Center: A major indoor arena nearby for concerts and sports, useful if you’re planning an evening event.

The Plaza de Toros de Las Ventas appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Madrid!

Moira & Andy
Moira & Andy

Hey! We're Moira & Andy. From hiking the Camino to trips around Europe in Bert our campervan — we've been traveling together since retirement in 2020!

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Planning Your Visit

Hours:

(Summer) April - October; Monday - Sunday: 10:00-19:00.

(Winter) November - March; Monday - Sunday: 10:00-18:00.

Price:

From €7 (audioguide tour); from €25 (private guided tour).

Address: C. Alcalá, 237, Salamanca, 28028 Madrid, Spain
Madrid: 4 km
Telephone: +34 913 56 22 00
Official Website
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