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Despite most people’s impression of bullfighting as being unique to the whitewashed villages of Andalusia and Costa Blanca, Madrid is a great place to see a bullfight.
Madrid and Andalusia are the dual epicenters of bullfighting in Spain. Madrid is one of the best places to see a bullfight in Spain – it attracts less tourists and more real aficionados then some of the bullfights in Andalusia.
There are 2 bullrings in Madrid – Vista Alegre and Las Ventas. Las Ventas, with a capacity of 20,000 is the more important of the two and is where the majority of the fights take place. It is also more central than Vista Alegre, which is used more now as a concert and sports venue.
Bullfights are every Sunday at 7pm from mid-May (during the San Isidro festival) until October.
Other Ticket Offices
* La Taurina. Pasaje Matheu. Tel: 91 522 9216
* Galicia. Plaza del Carmen, 1. Tel: 91 531 27 32
* Plaza de Las Ventas. Alcalà, 237. Tel: 91 356 22 00
* Teyci. Goya, 7. Pasaje Comercial Carlos III. Tel: 91 576 45 32
* Localid. Parking Pza. de Santo Domingo. Tel: 91 559 50 28
* El Corte Inglés. Tel: 902 400 222 
For 3 weeks in late May and early June is the Festival de San Isidro, where there are fights on every day. Some of the best fighters will be in town at this time, so think about booking ahead for these bullfights.
Madrid’s main bullring is called La Plaza de Toros de Las Ventas del Espíritu Santo, or more simply, Las Ventas (Alcalá street, Metro: Las Ventas). Built in mudejan style, this impressive building is formed of red brick and ceramic tiles. The construction, designed by José Espelius and Muñóz Monasterio, was terminated in 1929, although the ring itself wasn’t inaugurated until 1931. Today the ring is also used for rock concerts and political meetings.
San Isidro
The best time to see bullfights in Madrid is during the months of May and June. The world famous San Isidro bullfight festival takes place during these months and brings together the best fighters, bulls and aficionados. There are fights every day for 20 days, starting at 7 o’clock in the evening. The festival includes a variety of different fights, with novillos (young bulls), rejones (bullfights on horseback) and Goyesca fights (in period costume).
