Las Ventas vs Valencia Bullring: Which Offers Better Value?
Plaza de Toros de Las Ventas offers better overall value than Valencia Bullring for international visitors because it combines lower entry prices, more frequent events, clearer seat quality differences, and a significantly easier booking process. While Valencia can be appealing during its main festival period, Madrid delivers stronger value across the full season.
This comparison matters if you are deciding where to attend your first bullfight. On paper, Valencia may appear cheaper or more traditional, but value is not just about the lowest ticket price. It is about what you actually see from your seat, how easy it is to secure tickets, and whether your travel dates align with real event availability.
In this guide, you will see a direct, data-driven comparison between Madrid and Valencia: prices, seating quality, availability, booking risks, and who each venue is really best for. By the end, you will know which bullring gives you more for your money—and fewer surprises.
What Are the Two Bullrings Being Compared?
The comparison is between Spain’s largest active bullring and one of its most festival-focused venues.
- Plaza de Toros de Las Ventas
Capacity: 23,798
Active season: March–October
Location: Calle de Alcalá 237, Madrid 28028 - Plaza de Toros de Valencia
Capacity: approx. 12,000
Active season: limited, mainly March and July
Las Ventas is designed for regular public attendance. Valencia Bullring operates primarily around festivals, with long periods of inactivity in between.
Ticket Prices: Where Do You Actually Pay Less?
Las Ventas offers cheaper entry-level tickets and more mid-range options than Valencia.
Here is a realistic comparison of 2026 standard corrida prices:
| Category | Las Ventas (Madrid) | Valencia Bullring |
|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (sun, upper rows) | €25–€35 | €30–€40 |
| Mid-range | €70–€90 | €80–€100 |
| Premium | €150–€180 | €140–€170 |
While Valencia’s top prices can be slightly lower, Madrid wins on value because it offers far more seats below €40 and a wider spread of mid-range choices.
Availability: Which City Is Easier to Plan Around?
Madrid is significantly easier to plan around than Valencia.
Las Ventas advantages:
- Weekly corridas during the regular season
- Daily corridas during San Isidro (15 May–15 June 2026)
- Predictable Sunday schedules
Valencia limitations:
- Major events concentrated during Fallas (March) and July Fair
- Long gaps with no bullfights
- Limited advance ticket releases
If your travel dates do not align exactly with Valencia’s festivals, there may be no bullfights at all. Madrid almost always offers an option.
To confirm Madrid dates, consult madridbullfighting.
Seat Quality: What Do You See for the Price?
Las Ventas offers more consistent sightlines across all price levels.
Reasons Madrid performs better:
- Larger ring with better viewing angles
- Gradual elevation reduces blocked views
- Clear separation between sun (Sol) and shade (Sombra)
Valencia Bullring is smaller and more intimate, but that comes with trade-offs:
- Steeper seating in upper rows
- Fewer shaded sections
- Less forgiveness if you choose a cheaper seat
For first-time visitors, Madrid’s layout reduces the risk of a disappointing seat.
→ Book your tickets here
Shade vs Sun: Value for Comfort
Shade seats at Las Ventas offer better value than shade seats in Valencia.
Typical shade pricing:
- Las Ventas Tendido Sombra: €80–€120
- Valencia shaded sections: €90–€130
Madrid has more shaded sections overall, which keeps prices competitive. In Valencia, limited shade supply pushes prices up quickly, especially during March.
If comfort matters—and for summer dates it should—Madrid delivers better value per euro.
Event Quality and Matador Line-Ups
Las Ventas consistently attracts higher-profile matadors.
Regular names in Madrid include:
- Andrés Roca Rey
- Morante de la Puebla
- Alejandro Talavante
Valencia also hosts respected matadors, but line-ups are more variable and heavily tied to festival weeks.
Madrid’s prestige means toreros bring their strongest performances, knowing success at Las Ventas carries national significance.
Buying Experience: Which Is Easier for Tourists?
Madrid is far more visitor-friendly than Valencia when it comes to ticket purchasing.
Las Ventas booking advantages:
- Online seat selection
- English-language support
- Instant confirmation
- Mobile ticket entry
Valencia challenges:
- Limited online seat maps
- Spanish-only box office service
- Short ticket release windows
Over 15,000 international visitors book annually through madridbullfighting because it removes uncertainty and language barriers.
→ Book your tickets here
Hidden Costs and Risks
Valencia’s lower capacity increases risk, not value.
Common issues in Valencia:
- Faster sell-outs
- Higher resale prices during festivals
- Fewer fallback seating options
Madrid’s size protects buyers from price spikes and last-minute stress.
Decision Framework: Which Bullring Offers Better Value?
Choose Las Ventas if:
- You want the lowest possible entry price
- You need flexible dates
- You value seat choice and clarity
- This is your first bullfight
Choose Valencia Bullring if:
- You are visiting during Fallas or July Fair
- You prioritise atmosphere over seat variety
- You are comfortable with limited availability
For most international visitors, Madrid provides better value across more scenarios.
→ Book your tickets here
Frequently Asked Questions About Las Ventas vs Valencia Bullring
Is Valencia Bullring cheaper than Las Ventas?
Not overall. While some premium seats may be slightly cheaper, Madrid offers lower entry-level prices and more mid-range options, making it better value for most visitors.
Do bullfights happen year-round in Valencia?
No. Valencia’s bullfights are concentrated around festivals. Outside these periods, there may be no events at all.
Is the experience more authentic in Valencia?
Both offer authentic corridas. The difference is scale and consistency, not authenticity. Madrid’s audience is more demanding, which many consider a mark of quality.
Can I buy tickets last minute in Valencia?
It is risky. Festival dates sell out quickly, and box office availability is unpredictable. Book worry-free with instant confirmation in Madrid.
Which venue is better for first-time visitors?
Las Ventas. Clear seating categories, frequent events, and better tourist support make it easier to understand and enjoy.
Are seats closer to the action in Valencia?
The ring is smaller, but sightlines are less forgiving. Madrid’s design provides better overall visibility, even from cheaper seats.
Ready to Experience Las Ventas?
When you compare prices, availability, seating quality, and booking ease, Plaza de Toros de Las Ventas delivers better value than Valencia Bullring for the majority of visitors.
Key takeaways:
- Lower entry prices and wider seat choice
- More frequent and predictable events
- Easier, safer booking for international travellers
You can select your exact seats using the interactive seat map and receive instant confirmation. Questions? Our team speaks English, French, German, and Italian.
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.