The largest and most prestigious bullring in the Spanish-speaking world, opened in 1931, an enormous neo-Mudéjar brick rotunda seating 24,000 spectators. The architecture alone — the horseshoe arches, the polychrome ceramic decoration, the patterned brickwork — justifies a visit, and the Museo Taurino inside houses bull-fighting memorabilia spanning two centuries.
For Spaniards, fighting at Las Ventas is the supreme test of any matador. The main bullfighting season runs March-October, with daily fights during the San Isidro festival in mid-May. Tickets range from €5 in the sun (sol) for cheap seats to €150+ in the shade for the best spots. Bullfighting is controversial and not for the squeamish; if the live event is not your thing, the architectural tour (daily, €15) is a self-contained option. Metro Ventas (line 2 or 5).