Bullfighting Photo Spots Madrid: Instagram Perfect Locations
The best bullfighting photo spots in Madrid are located around Plaza de Toros de Las Ventas, especially the Monumental Gate, the upper Andanada viewpoints, the Paseo de la Habana exterior curve, and specific shaded sections inside the arena that offer perfect angles of the matador’s passes. These locations provide sharp lines, strong contrast, and iconic backgrounds that consistently perform well on Instagram.
Capturing your bullfighting experience properly matters because Las Ventas is one of the most photographed cultural landmarks in Spain. With its Moorish brick façade, 23,798-seat interior, and dramatic action in the ring, you can take professional-level images even with a standard smartphone—if you stand in the right spots. Tourists who understand where to shoot often leave with magazine-worthy photos, while those who improvise end up with backlit, blurry, or obstructed images.
In this guide, you’ll learn the exact places to shoot before, during, and after the corrida, the best seating sections for action photography, lighting tips based on event timing, and how to capture the building’s architecture without tourist crowds. You’ll also see comparisons of the top spots, recommended equipment, and insider angles locals use when shooting. By the end, you’ll know exactly where to stand, what time to shoot, and which seats to book for the cleanest Instagram content.
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Where Are the Best Bullfighting Photo Spots in Madrid?
The best bullfighting photo spots in Madrid are concentrated around Plaza de Toros de Las Ventas on Calle de Alcalá 237, Madrid 28028, with specific optimal positions depending on whether you want architectural shots, crowd atmosphere, or in-ring action. According to the official Las Ventas website, the arena offers the strongest lighting between 18:00–20:30 from March to October, making golden hour ideal for exterior photography.
The strongest photo locations include:
- Monumental Gate (Puerta Grande) for wide-angle architecture
- Section Tendido 8–10 (shade side) for matador action
- Andanada Upper Ring for aerial symmetry photos
- Behind Section 7 walkway for crowd atmosphere
- North Plaza Exterior Curve for lifestyle/portrait shots
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Comparison: Best Photo Spot Types at Las Ventas
| Photo Type | Best Location | Why It Works | Ideal Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Architecture | Monumental Gate | Full façade with symmetry | 18:00–19:00 |
| Action Shots | Tendido 8–10 | Closer to passes, shade for clarity | During faena |
| Crowd Atmosphere | Behind Section 7 | Faces lit, ring visible | Pre-show |
| Aerial Ring Shot | Andanada High Rows | Perfect circle and sand texture | Any time |
For detailed event timing and the yearly calendar, refer to our schedule guide at Madrid Bullfighting Schedule 2026.
What Is the Best Spot for Architecture Photos of Las Ventas?
The best architectural photo spot of Plaza de Toros de Las Ventas is directly in front of the Monumental Gate, aligned with the central archway. This position gives you the full Moorish-Revival façade in a single symmetrical frame. Madrid Tourism Board confirms the front plaza receives the most consistent evening light from April to September.
Key details:
- Distance: 9–12 metres from main arch for perfect verticals
- Lens: Wide-angle or phone 0.5x mode
- Best light: 18:30–19:15 (golden hour)
- Crowds: Minimal if arriving 45–60 minutes before the corrida
We recommend arriving early on busy dates like the San Isidro Fair (15 May–15 June) because crowds increase significantly.
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Tips for Architectural Shots
- Keep the camera low for building dominance.
- Shoot slightly left or right to avoid scaffolding or vendor tents.
- Use the stone benches as foreground framing.
- For Instagram Reels, pan slowly from left to right to capture the full arch sequence.
Learn more about the venue in our bullfighting tickets guide.
Which Seats Offer the Best In-Ring Photo Angles?
The best in-ring photography seats at Plaza de Toros de Las Ventas are sections Tendido 8, 9, and 10 on the shade side, priced typically between €80–€120 depending on season. The angle aligns you with the matador’s faena and provides enough elevation for clear action without barriers blocking your view.
The second-best options are Tendido 7 and 6 (sun side, €50–€70), though bright light can reduce contrast. According to Las Ventas box office data, shaded sections consistently sell out first among tourists for this reason.
Seating Comparison for Photography
| Section | Price Range | Photo Quality | Why Choose It |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tendido 8–10 (Shade) | €80–€120 | ★★★★★ | Clear view, ideal angle |
| Tendido 7 (Sun) | €50–€70 | ★★★☆☆ | Local atmosphere, bright colours |
| Barrera (Front Row) | €140–€180 | ★★★☆☆ | Close-up shots but fast action |
| Andanada High | €25–€35 | ★★★★☆ | Aerial symmetry and full ring |
We recommend Tendido 8–10 for first-time photographers because shadow prevents overexposed highlights while still delivering warm tones.
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Where to Capture the Best Crowd Photos?
The best place for crowd photos is the inner walkway behind Section 7, where you get fans, flags, vendors, and the full ring behind them. This location provides natural expressions and a layered composition.
Advantages:
- Consistent shade
- Dynamic local energy
- Good for vertical Instagram shots
- Works before, during, and after the event
Other good spots:
- Upper corridor near Gate 4 for group photos
- Interior staircases for symmetrical depth shots
- Lower vomitorios for ring-entry crowd frames
→ Book your seats here to access these areas during your visit: Check Ticket Availability
What Are the Best Exterior Photo Spots Around Las Ventas?
The strongest exterior photography locations include the north curve plaza, the old brick walls along Calle de Alcalá, and the sculpture of the matador and bull on the east side.
Why they work:
- Fewer crowds
- Clean bricks for minimalist backgrounds
- Great for portraits or fashion shots
- Even light from surrounding buildings
Recommended times:
- Morning (10:00–12:00) for soft light on the north side
- Pre-show (17:30–18:30) for golden light on the west face
Perfect for:
- Travel bloggers
- Couples photos
- Reels and TikTok transitions
Can You Take Photos During the Bullfight?
Yes, photography is allowed inside Plaza de Toros de Las Ventas as long as you remain seated and do not obstruct others. Flash is not recommended because it washes out the sand and distracts spectators.
Practical tips:
- Set phone to burst mode
- Use 4K 60fps for smooth slow-motion
- Zoom only up to 2x for clarity
- Hold elbows against torso for stability
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Frequently Asked Questions About Bullfighting Photo Spots Madrid
Can I take professional cameras inside Las Ventas?
Yes, you can bring DSLR and mirrorless cameras as long as the lens is not excessively large. Official policy allows cameras that do not interfere with other spectators’ views. Telephoto lenses over 200mm may draw attention from staff, so mid-range zooms are safer. Most travellers capture excellent results using compact mirrorless bodies or high-end phones. For guaranteed angles, choose shade-side Tendido sections. Book worry-free with instant confirmation.
What time should I arrive to take exterior photos?
Arrive 45–60 minutes before the corrida starts. Exterior crowds increase sharply between 30 and 15 minutes before the event. For golden hour architectural shots, 18:00–19:00 is optimal from March to October. Morning light (10:00–12:00) is best for the north façade. This timing gives you calm surroundings for portraits or building photos before the gates open.
Which seats are best for action photos?
The best action photos come from Sections Tendido 8–10, which cost €80–€120 and offer shade, stability, and a clean angle directly facing the matador. These sections align with the faena and prevent harsh sun from blowing out highlights. For full-ring symmetry, Andanada high rows (€25–€35) are also excellent. Seats sell out early during San Isidro dates, so early booking is recommended.
Is photography allowed during the bullfight?
Yes, photography is allowed throughout the event as long as you remain seated and do not obstruct others. Flash is discouraged because it flattens the image and can disturb viewers. Burst mode is ideal for capturing movement during the passes, and most visitors rely on mobile phones with excellent results. Book worry-free with instant confirmation.
Are drones allowed around Las Ventas?
No. Drones are prohibited around Plaza de Toros de Las Ventas due to city regulations and dense pedestrian traffic. Visitors attempting drone flights may be fined by local authorities. If you want elevated angles, choose Andanada high row seats or shoot from the north plaza stairs for elevated perspectives instead.
What is the best time of year for photography at Las Ventas?
The best period for photography is April–October when events begin around 19:00 and golden hour aligns with the start of the corrida. During the San Isidro Fair (15 May–15 June), the arena fills earlier and the crowds add dynamic atmosphere to photos. Autumn events offer crisp air and rich colours. No matter the season, shade-side seats give the most consistent results.
Ready to Experience Las Ventas?
You now know the exact spots for the strongest photos: Monumental Gate for architecture, Tendido 8–10 for in-ring action, Andanada for aerial symmetry, and the exterior north plaza for lifestyle portraits. You’ve seen how event timing affects lighting, which seats give the sharpest angles, and why shade-side locations consistently outperform sun-side sections for photographers.
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Madrid Bullfighting was created 25 years ago out of the need to bring Spain’s bullfighting tradition closer to international visitors coming to Madrid, making ticket purchasing easier and providing clear, reliable information in their own language. This program was originally launched by the Community of Madrid.
For more than 25 years, we have helped promote Madrid to thousands of travelers, as the initiative includes both the promotion of bullfighting and the cultural appeal of the city to visitors.
The program offers recommendations and guides to cultural activities considered of interest by the Community of Madrid, including visits, shows, and traditional experiences. Depending on the season, discounts may be available for additional cultural activities recognized by the Community of Madrid.