Plaza de Toros de Las Ventas – Where to Watch Bullfight in Madrid

At Plaza de Toros de Las Ventas in Madrid, you’ll be able to watch the controversial bullfight. This is a huge bullring that can accommodate 25,000 wild spectators of the sport. Wait, is killing animals a sport nowadays? For some people this is a “bloody sport,” while others consider it as a cultural spectacle or an art form.

Every year, in San Fermin, a town in Spain, celebrates “The Running of the Bull.” The bulls are released from a cage and chase after the runners who wear red scarf on their neck. And yes, every year, too, there is casualty – mostly a tourist who has no idea what he’s getting into.

On my last weekend in Madrid last summer, I visited Plaza de Toros de Las Ventas. Unfortunately, there was no bullfight on a Saturday.

Plaza de Toros de Las Ventas – Where to Watch Bullfight in Madrid (Spain).

I went inside to join the arena tour but only to find out that I forgot my wallet. The money I used to pay for the metro was the 10 euros I had on my pocket. So, I decided to just go back to my flat, get my wallet and move on to the next attraction on my list. Las Ventas is pretty far from the city centre.

Plaza de Toros de Las Ventas – Where to Watch Bullfight in Madrid (Spain).

From its facade, it’s obvious that Las Ventas (its short name) is of Moorish design (neo-mudejar).

Plaza de Toros de Las Ventas – Where to Watch Bullfight in Madrid (Spain).

The price of the ticket when watching a bullfight depends on how closer you are to the bullring. It also depends whether you want to be sun kissed or be under a shade. Of course, the former is way cheaper than the latter.

Plaza de Toros de Las Ventas – Where to Watch Bullfight in Madrid (Spain).

The arena has two operating rooms, just in case, someone comes out in gore. It also has a chapel and an infirmary.

Plaza de Toros de Las Ventas – Where to Watch Bullfight in Madrid (Spain).

When there are no bulls in this ring, concerts are held here, too. The famed British Band, Beatles, performed here in July 1965. Diana Ross also belted out her songs  here in 1992. Kylie Minogue danced her pop tunes in 2008.

Plaza de Toros de Las Ventas – Where to Watch Bullfight in Madrid (Spain).

And of course, Plaza de Toros de Las Ventas can also be converted into a tennis court. In 2008, it hosted the Spanish Davis Cup Team led by Rafael Nadal against the USA. Guess, who won? You already know the answer. 😀

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