A Guide to Choosing The Best Bullfight Seat In Plaza De Toros

Attending a bullfight during the San Fermín Festival in Pamplona is a once-in-a-lifetime and bucket list event for many people and at Bull Run Pamplona, we offer multiple seating and section options to fit within your budget, your desire view, and the level of exclusivity you would like. Whether this is your first time at a bullfight or you are a repeat San Fermín traveler, we have seating options that will fulfill your needs!

The Tradition of Bullfighting 

Bullfighting is a deeply rooted tradition in Spanish culture, and is celebrated during Pamplona’s San Fermín Festival in Pamplona, Spain. During San Fermin, bullfights are held daily at the historic Plaza de Toros, starting on July 5 and going until July 14, each one showcasing the artistry and bravery of the matadors and each giving a different unpredictable and never before seen experience. 

The San Fermin Bullfights are a huge event in which locals and travelers come together to have a great experience, celebrate, and party. The section you choose is key to the experience you have during the Pamplona Bullfight.

Bullfight Seating at the Plaza De Toros

Choosing your seat is all about the kind of experience you're after, and the budget you have set: affordability, proximity to the action, crowd energy, and exclusivity. Here’s a breakdown of the key sections at Pamplona’s Plaza de Toros:

1. Andanada (Upper Deck) – Budget-Friendly

These seats are located in the upper deck of the Plaza De Toros and are the most affordable option to see a bullfight during San Fermin. Despite being farther from the action, Andanada seats offer an overall view of the arena. The atmosphere here is more relaxed and ideal for first-timers or budget-conscious travelers who still want to experience the thrill of a bullfight. These seats may also be better for families with kids, so you are not too close to all of the action. 

2. Tendido (Lower Deck) – Most Popular Seats

Tendido seats are located in the lower seating sections, closer to the arena floor. These seats are among the most popular due to the great view and affordability of the tickets themselves.  The seats are closer in proximity to the arena floor compared to the Andanada. The crowd is lively and engaged, making it a top choice for those wanting an exciting, and energetic bullfighting show.

3. Contrabarrera – Center Stage

Contrabarrera seats sit just behind the Barrera section and offer an excellent balance between price and premium experience. This section places you near the center of the ring, giving you a great view of the matadors’ while still not breaking the bank. It strikes a perfect balance between lively atmosphere and premium viewing, making it a great choice for those seeking both value and experience! These tickets are always limited during the fiesta due to their view, so if you are interested in getting these tickets, make sure you buy them soon, as some days are already sold out!

4. Barrera – Premium Front-Row Experience

Barrera seats are the most premium seats in the arena, sitting you in the front-row section, and allows you to see every detail of the bullfight with a complete unobstructed view. If you're looking to see every fight, and every gory detail, this is where you'll want to be! These seats are typically filled with bullfighting aficionados and those seeking a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience. Barrera seating comes at a premium price but is worth it for those who want to be right in the heart of the action. These seats are very scarce and there are only a limited amount that are available for sale each year. If there are any of these tickets available when you go to purchase, grab them fast, we only have a few each day available. 

Key Factors to Consider When attending a Bullfight

When deciding on your seat and date, here are the key factors to keep in mind:

• Day of the Bullfight: Different days during the Festival the bullfights may feature famous matadors, interesting fighting ways, or even more energy.
  
  
• July 5th is a great day to see the experience of Spanish Bullfighting. Known as “Novilladas,” these bullfights feature younger bulls and bullfighters, offering a different but still thrilling experience. Since the 5th, is before the Fiesta officially starts, these tickets are a little more cost and budget friendly.
  
  
• July 7th is the first day of Matadors performing traditional bullfighting in Pamplona’s Plaza de Toros. It’s also the first full day of San Fermín, along with the first Running of the Bulls during the Fiesta at 8:00 AM. This is one of the busiest days of the year in Pamplona, and every seat in the bullfighting arena is full! Reserve your tickets early if you hope to attend on this day, as it fills up quickly with locals and visitors alike.
  
  
• July 11th is one of the most sought-after dates for bullfight tickets this year, as it features a performance by Andrés Roca Rey, one of the most famous matadors in the modern era. Known for his tremendous courage and strong presence in the ring, Roca Rey has captivated audiences globally and draws in large crowds when he fights. His performances are intense, passionate, and full of energy, making July 11th a must-see bullfighting date!
  
  
• Section: When you are choosing which tickets to purchase, consider whether you prefer to be closer to the action, enjoy a distanced but panoramic view, or be right in front of all the action. Tendido offers proximity to the fight, while Andanada gives a budget friendly seat. If you're seeking the best seats, Contrabarrera or Barrera may be your best bet.
  
  
• Price: Andanada offers the most affordable option, followed by Tendido. Contrabarrera is the middle ground, and Barrera is the exclusive experience for those who want to splurge and have an unforgettable experience. This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for most so splurging a little bit may be worth it!
  
  

How to Buy Tickets

You can purchase tickets in two different ways through Bull Run Pamplona!

We offer tickets a la carte where you can simply go on the bullfights page and pick the seat and date that you’d prefer. It is a super simple hands-off experience, and once you purchase the bullfight tickets you will receive information on where to pick up your bullfight tickets once you arrive in Spain. This is really important because the Plaza De Toros requires the original physical ticket in order for you to enter the area.

We also offer Bull Run Pamplona travel packages that include your lodging, events, and also your bullfight tickets! All of our San Fermin travel packages include bullfight tickets, so when you book your package, you don’t need to worry about purchasing tickets separately, unless you want to catch an extra fight! We offer a range of packages with various seating options and can help you find the perfect one to match your preferences and schedule.

Bull Run Pamplona would love to assist you in securing the best seat for the dates you're attending. With our insider knowledge and on-the-ground support, we make sure you enjoy every moment of the San Fermín Festival.

Ready to experience the fights?

Buy your Pamplona bullfight tickets directly on our site today, before they are sold out!