Plaza de Toros de Las Ventas - Stadium Review | Condé Nast Traveler

"Take us through the history of this Madrid icon. Bullfighting is an undeniable part of Spanish culture, and Las Ventas, in the Salamanca district, is an iconic landmark known for its Moorish design and ceramic tiles. Today, in spring and fall, the venue remains an important arena for bullfights. You can take a tour of the building or attend one of the arena's signature events (tickets required). What's the atmosphere like? The mood here can be somber and reflective. The cultural heritage here is undoubtedly rich, even if you're just here for the architecture. Who are you likely to see taking in the sights? Visitors on tours; locals during the bullfights. What should we expect from the experience? While the tradition of bullfighting becomes more debatable by the day, its roots in Spanish culture remain pertinent. Bullfights last two to three hours with several matadors and bulls appearing before the crowd. If you're unsure, book a cheap ticket and stick around for the first hour. Any other tips? Good seats in the shade aren't cheap, and many travelers won't have the stomach for the bullfight itself. If you're interested in seeing the arena, though, you can still tour it without seeing the main spectacle." - Ramsey Qubein