Pamplona Bullring
Historic Pamplona Bullring, the dramatic finale of the Running of the Bulls and a stage for traditional Spanish bullfights.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Experience the iconic bull run.
Pamplona Bullring
Best Time
Experience the iconic bull run.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Historic Pamplona Bullring, the dramatic finale of the Running of the Bulls and a stage for traditional Spanish bullfights.
"A powerful and unforgettable experience, full of history and emotion, but also one that challenges you morally."
🎯 Arrive Early for the Run
Get to the starting point by 7:30 AM for the 8 AM encierro. Spots fill up fast!
🎟️ Bullfight Tickets
Tickets can be bought outside the venue, sometimes cheaper than online.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Running of the Bulls (Encierro)
Streets leading to the Bullring
Witness or participate in the adrenaline-pumping 800-meter dash with charging bulls.
Bullfights (Corrida de Toros)
Pamplona Bullring Arena
Experience the traditional Spanish bullfight, a display of skill, courage, and controversy.
Vaquillas in the Bullring
Pamplona Bullring Arena
After the main event, watch or join in with smaller, less dangerous cows for playful dodging.
Atmosphere and Mariachis
Pamplona Bullring
Soak in the vibrant pre-event atmosphere with music, dancing, and a lively crowd.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for the Running of the Bulls
Understanding the Bullring Experience
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Arrive Early for the Run
Get to the starting point by 7:30 AM for the 8 AM encierro. Spots fill up fast!
🎟️ Bullfight Tickets
Tickets can be bought outside the venue, sometimes cheaper than online.
🍻 Bring Your Own Drinks
You can bring as much alcohol as you want into the bullfight!
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking and standing, especially if you're running. [:athletic_shoe:]
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Arrive Early for the Run
Get to the starting point by 7:30 AM for the 8 AM encierro. Spots fill up fast!
🎟️ Bullfight Tickets
Tickets can be bought outside the venue, sometimes cheaper than online.
🍻 Bring Your Own Drinks
You can bring as much alcohol as you want into the bullfight!
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking and standing, especially if you're running. [:athletic_shoe:]
📸 Capture the Moment
The energy is incredible, but be mindful of where you stand for photos. [:iphone:]
⚠️ Be Aware of Risks
The Running of the Bulls is dangerous; injuries from falls are common. 
🎶 Enjoy the Pre-Run Vibe
The atmosphere before the encierro is electric with music and dancing. +1
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the Pamplona Bullring a powerful and unforgettable experience, praising the electric atmosphere and the deep-rooted cultural tradition. However, many express moral conflict and sadness regarding the bullfights, questioning the fairness of the event and suggesting the tradition should end.
"Plaza de Toros de Pamplona – 3/5 Stars ✨
Watching a bullfight at the Plaza de Toros de Pamplona was definitely a powerful and unforgettable experience. The atmosphere was electric—the crowd was loud and passionate, and the noise during the fight was incredible. It was amazing to witness such a deep-rooted cultural tradition and see how skilled and coordinated the people involved were, from the matadors to the banderilleros.
However, I couldn’t help but feel conflicted. It was hard to watch how one bull faced so many opponents, with the fight clearly stacked against it. I had expected a more balanced contest, but in reality, it was one against many, and the outcome felt predetermined. While the matadors were clearly experienced and performed with precision, it left me questioning the fairness of the event.
In the end, it’s a fascinating tradition, full of history and emotion—but also one that challenges you morally. Worth seeing once, but not an easy experience to process."
Gudmundur Oskar Bjarnason
"Interesting history and self guided tour of the Pamplona Bullring. I will say, it made me quite sad to see the event on screens and in pictures. I think it's time this tradition ended. But viewed historically, the visit is enlightening."
Kym & Shane Vasile at Acton Belle Property
"Went here for the corrida and absolutely loved the atmosphere, i understand that during busy days of san Fermin keeping the seats of the arena super clean can be tricky .. but the ambience was top notch"
Bikram B
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Pamplona Bullring is located in the city center and is easily accessible by foot from most accommodations. If arriving from outside Pamplona, you can take a bus or train to the city and then a local bus or taxi to the bullring area.
Yes, the bullring is a central landmark in Pamplona, especially during the San Fermín festival. Follow the crowds and listen for the sounds of music and excitement.
Many visitors arrive by train or bus. If driving, be aware that parking can be extremely limited and expensive during San Fermín.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices for bullfights vary depending on the seat location and the event. General admission for the Running of the Bulls itself is free if you stand in the streets, but viewing from the bullring requires a ticket.
Tickets can be purchased online in advance or from vendors outside the bullring on the day of the event. Some vendors may offer cheaper prices.
To watch the Running of the Bulls from within the bullring, you need a ticket. However, you can watch the event for free from the streets along the route.
The bullring is primarily active during the San Fermín festival (July 6-14). Outside of the festival, it may be open for guided tours. Check the official schedule for specific times.
Yes, you can bring alcohol and other beverages into the bullring for bullfights.
🎫 🐂 Onsite Experience
The bullring is the final destination for the daily Running of the Bulls (encierro) and hosts bullfights (corrida de toros) in the afternoon. It also features 'vaquillas' (young bulls) for playful interactions after the main events.
The Running of the Bulls is extremely dangerous. While many participants are unharmed, injuries from falls or goring are possible.
The atmosphere is electric and passionate, with loud crowds and a palpable sense of excitement, especially during bullfights.
Vaquillas are young, smaller bulls that are released into the bullring after the main bullfights for people to playfully dodge and interact with.
Photography and videography are generally allowed, but be respectful of other attendees and the event itself. Check specific venue rules. [:camerawithflash:]
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Food and drink are available for purchase inside the bullring, and you are also permitted to bring your own.
Near the bullring, you can find traditional tapas, pintxos (Basque tapas), paella, and local Navarra specialties. [:knifeforkplate:]
📸 📸 Photography
Popular spots include the narrow streets of the old town, balconies overlooking the route, and the entrance to the bullring itself.
Photography is generally permitted, but flash photography might be restricted during the bullfight itself. Be mindful of the intensity of the event. [:camerawithflash:]
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
If visiting Pamplona with family, consider exploring the city's other attractions, such as the Citadel Park, the Pamplona Cathedral, or enjoying the general festive atmosphere in the streets during the day, which offers music and parades. For a glimpse of the bullring without the intensity, a daytime guided tour might be suitable for older children interested in history, focusing on the architecture and historical context rather than the bullfights themselves.
💰 Budget Travelers
For those interested in the bullfight, purchasing tickets from vendors outside the arena on the day of the event might offer better prices than booking online in advance. Consider visiting during the shoulder seasons or outside of the peak San Fermín dates for potentially lower accommodation and travel costs. While the bullring itself is a major attraction, exploring Pamplona's historic old town and enjoying local pintxos can be done affordably.
❤️ Couples
For a more romantic or cultural evening, attending a bullfight can be a powerful shared experience, though it's important to discuss your feelings about the tradition beforehand. Alternatively, enjoying the lively atmosphere of Pamplona during San Fermín, perhaps with a picnic or tapas, can be a more relaxed yet equally memorable way to experience the city's spirit.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History and Tradition of the Pamplona Bullring
The bullring is not just a venue for bullfights; it's a symbol of Navarrese culture and tradition. Ernest Hemingway famously depicted the bullring and its events in his novel 'The Sun Also Rises,' further cementing its place in global consciousness. While the tradition is deeply ingrained, it also faces significant ethical debate and criticism from animal welfare organizations.
+1Visitors can explore the bullring through guided tours, which offer insights into its architecture, history, and the rituals surrounding bullfighting. These tours provide a historical context, allowing visitors to understand the event's evolution and its cultural significance, even if they choose not to witness a bullfight.
Navigating the Running of the Bulls
+1For those wishing to participate, arriving at the starting point (Santo Domingo corral) by 7:30 AM is crucial, as the run begins promptly at 8 AM. Spectators can line the route or purchase tickets to watch from the safety of balconies or the bullring itself. The atmosphere leading up to the run is electric, filled with anticipation, music, and a sense of shared excitement.
It's vital to understand the risks involved. While the bulls are the main focus, injuries from falls and trampling are common, even for those not directly in the path of the bulls. Emergency services are on high alert during the festival to provide immediate medical assistance.
+2The Bullfight Experience: Tradition vs. Controversy
However, the bullfight is also a highly controversial practice, drawing strong condemnation from animal rights activists and many international visitors. Critics highlight the suffering inflicted upon the bulls, viewing the event as a cruel and outdated tradition. Social media content often reflects this division, with some celebrating the cultural aspect and others decrying the animal cruelty.
+1For those who choose to attend, it's an intense and often confronting experience. The atmosphere in the bullring is described as electric, with the crowd's reactions playing a significant role. Understanding the historical and cultural context is key to processing the event, though many find it morally challenging.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit