Madrid April Bullfights: Spring Schedule & Prices
Madrid’s April bullfights take place at the Plaza de Toros de Las Ventas throughout the month, typically on Sundays and public holidays at 7:00 PM, with ticket prices ranging from €25 to €180 depending on seat location and shade. April is the start of the spring season, and the programme sets the tone for the bigger May fairs, making it an excellent month for first-time visitors.
This matters because April offers the best balance of availability, price, and comfort. You avoid the peak-season crowds and premiums of May, while still seeing top-tier toreros and full ceremonial pageantry in Madrid’s landmark arena. Choosing the right date and seat directly affects what you see, how comfortable you feel, and how much you pay.
In this guide, you will find the confirmed April schedule framework, real price bands by section, and clear recommendations on which seats to book based on budget and sun exposure. You will also see how April compares to later spring dates and how to secure seats with instant confirmation.
When Are the April Bullfights Held in Madrid?
Bullfights in April are usually held on Sunday afternoons at 7:00 PM, with occasional additional dates around Easter week. The exact dates are finalised by the Las Ventas management once the spring programme is published, but the pattern is consistent year after year.
Most visitors plan around weekends, and that works well in April. You can arrive on Friday, enjoy Madrid on Saturday, and attend the bullfight on Sunday without rushing. According to the official Las Ventas calendar, gates open 90 minutes before the start, giving you time to find your section and watch the early rituals.
Typical April scheduling looks like this:
- Sundays throughout April (4–5 dates depending on the calendar)
- One or two additional dates during Semana Santa (Holy Week)
- Start time: 7:00 PM
- Duration: approximately 2 hours 30 minutes
If you want a broader view of the season beyond April, the full annual context is covered in the official spring overview on the Madrid bullfighting calendar for 2026.
How Much Do April Bullfighting Tickets Actually Cost?
April tickets at Plaza de Toros de Las Ventas cost between €25 and €180, with most first-time visitors spending €45–€90. Prices are lower than May’s San Isidro Fair but higher than off-season autumn events.
The price depends on three factors: section (Tendido, Grada, Andanada), row proximity to the ring, and whether the seat is in Sombra (shade) or Sol (sun).
Typical April price ranges
- Andanada (upper tier): €25–€40
- Grada (middle tier): €35–€70
- Tendido (lower tier): €60–€120
- Barrera (front rows): €140–€180
Comparison: April vs May
| Feature | April Bullfights | May (San Isidro) |
|---|---|---|
| Average ticket price | €45–€90 | €70–€150 |
| Availability | Good | Limited |
| Crowd density | Moderate | Very high |
| First-timer friendly | Yes | Yes, but busier |
We recommend April if you want strong line-ups without paying San Isidro premiums. For a complete breakdown of purchasing options, see the practical guide on buying bullfighting tickets in Madrid.
Which Seats Give You the Best View in April?
The best overall views in April are in Tendido sections 7, 8, 9, and 10 on the shaded side, balancing proximity and comfort. These seats place you close enough to see footwork and passes while staying protected from the afternoon sun.
Seat types explained
- Tendido: Closest to the ring; best for detail and atmosphere
- Grada: Elevated angle; excellent for following movement
- Andanada: Highest level; budget-friendly and panoramic
Our recommendations for April
- First-time visitors: Tendido 8 or 9 (Sombra), rows 6–10
- Balanced value: Grada 5–7 (Sombra)
- Budget option: Andanada (Sombra if available)
If you want to study the layout in detail before choosing, the complete seating diagrams are available in the dedicated Las Ventas seating guide.
Shadow vs Sun Seats in April: Is the Price Difference Worth It?
Yes—shade seats are worth the extra cost in April, especially for visitors not used to Madrid’s spring sun. Even in April, late-afternoon sun can be intense, particularly in Sol sections facing west.
Key differences
- Sombra (shade): Cooler, consistent lighting, higher prices
- Sol (sun): Cheaper, brighter, can be uncomfortable on warm days
Price comparison
| Seat Type | Average Price | Comfort Level |
|---|---|---|
| Sol | €25–€60 | Low–Medium |
| Sombra | €60–€120 | High |
Locals sometimes choose Sol for tradition and savings, but for your first bullfight, we recommend paying the premium for Sombra. You will focus on the spectacle rather than the heat.
→ Check shaded seats availability
Who Performs at Madrid’s April Bullfights?
April features a mix of established matadors and rising figures preparing for May. While the biggest names often headline San Isidro, April line-ups are carefully curated and still deliver high-quality performances.
You can expect:
- Recognised Spanish matadors testing new bulls
- Younger toreros building reputation ahead of May
- Prestigious ganaderías selected for spring conditions
This combination makes April particularly interesting: competitive performances without inflated ticket demand. The confirmed names are published once the official programme is released, and availability updates are reflected directly in the booking widget.
→ See available dates and performers
How Does April Compare to Other Spring Dates?
April is the most cost-effective spring month for first-time visitors. March can feel tentative, while May is intense and crowded.
Quick comparison
- March: Fewer dates, lower energy
- April: Balanced, comfortable, good prices
- May: Iconic, but expensive and busy
If your travel dates are flexible, April offers the smoothest introduction to bullfighting in Madrid. For a full seasonal overview, the official spring schedule is outlined in the Madrid bullfighting season calendar.
→ Book April tickets while availability is high
Frequently Asked Questions About Madrid April Bullfights
How early should I arrive at Plaza de Toros de Las Ventas?
Plan to arrive 45–60 minutes before the 7:00 PM start. Gates open 90 minutes early, and arriving early lets you find your seat calmly, watch the arena fill, and avoid queues at entrances. Late arrival is allowed, but you may miss the opening procession.
Are April bullfights suitable for first-time visitors?
Yes. April events are less crowded than May and easier to navigate. Ushers are helpful, signage is clear, and the atmosphere is welcoming for newcomers. This is why April is often recommended for your first experience.
Can I choose my exact seats when booking online?
Yes. When you book online, you can select specific sections and seat categories. Availability is shown in real time, and you receive instant confirmation after payment. Book worry-free with instant confirmation.
What should I wear to an April bullfight?
Smart casual is appropriate. Bring a light jacket for the evening and sun protection if you are in Sol sections. There is no strict dress code, but comfortable footwear is recommended due to the size of the venue.
Are tickets refundable if plans change?
Most tickets include flexible cancellation options depending on the event. Details are displayed clearly during booking. We recommend checking the cancellation terms before confirming. Book worry-free with instant confirmation.
Is it safe for tourists?
Yes. Plaza de Toros de Las Ventas is well-organised, with visible security and staff support. According to Madrid tourism guidance, events operate under standard crowd-management procedures, and incidents are rare.
How do I get to Plaza de Toros de Las Ventas?
The venue is located at Calle de Alcalá 237, Madrid 28028. The easiest access is via Ventas metro station (Lines 2 and 5), directly outside the entrance. Taxis and rideshares are also readily available.
Ready to Experience Las Ventas?
April bullfights in Madrid offer three clear advantages: better availability than May, fair pricing across all sections, and comfortable spring conditions. By choosing shaded seats in the right Tendido or Grada, you maximise visibility and comfort without overspending.
Booking through madridbullfighting.com gives you instant confirmation, transparent pricing, and expert support from a multilingual team. Over 15,000 international visitors use the platform each year, rating the service 4.8/5 for clarity and reliability.
If you want a smooth first experience at Plaza de Toros de Las Ventas, April is the month to do it.
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.