Attending a bullfight during the San Fermín Festival in Pamplona is a bucket list experience, and at Running of the Bulls (ROTB), we’re here to guide you in picking the best seat—whether it’s your first bullfight or you’re a seasoned festival-goer, we have you covered! Whether you’re looking for excitement, a family-friendly atmosphere, or a budget-friendly option, we’ve got the perfect seat for you.

Spanish Bullfighting and the Role of Bullfights in the San Fermín Festival

Bullfighting is an iconic part of Spain’s cultural heritage, and the San Fermín Festival (July 6–14) in Pamplona is one of the most famous celebrations of this tradition. The festival features bullfights every day from July 5 to July 14, held at the Plaza de Toros bullring. These Pamplona bullfights showcase the skill of the matadors and the pageantry of the corrida de toros.

The crowd plays an important role in the spectacle, with reactions ranging from cheers to boos, creating a lively atmosphere that can vary depending on where you’re sitting.

Where to Sit at the Bull Arena: Seating Options

Choosing the right seat depends on what kind of experience you’re looking for—whether it’s being close to the action, enjoying a panoramic view, experiencing exclusivity, sticking to a budget, or wanting to sit together with a group. Here’s a breakdown of the seating sections:

1. Andanada (Upper Deck) – Affordable with a Great View

The Andanada seats are the most budget-friendly option, located higher up in the stadium. These seats provide a full panoramic view of the arena, allowing you to take in the entire bullfight. While farther from the action, the Andanada still offers a fantastic view of the spectacle and a more relaxed atmosphere. This section is ideal for travelers who want to experience the event without breaking the bank.

2. Tendido (Lower Deck) – Closer to the Action and the Most Popular

Located in the lower sections, Tendido offers a closer view of the matadors and the bulls. The seats here provide an immersive experience, allowing you to appreciate the skill and artistry of the bullfight up close. Tendido is the most popular section, as it offers the best balance between price and proximity to the action. The crowd here is passionate and engaged, making it a great option for first-time attendees who want to feel the excitement of the event. Tendido is priced more affordably than the premium sections, offering great value for the proximity to the action.

3. Contrabarra – Fun Experience in the Center

The Contrabarra section is a premium seating option located in the center of the bullring. These seats offer a great balance of proximity to the fight and a serious, engaged crowd. Contrabarra is ideal for those looking for a great experience without the high price tag of the Palco Box Seats. It’s a great choice for travelers who want to feel part of the action in a lively, yet not overly costly, setting.

4. Palco – VIP Box Seats

Palco seats are located in private boxes behind the Tendido rows and are the only lower-deck seats covered by a roof with comfortable, backed chairs. Positioned next to the President’s Box, these premium seats offer a fantastic view of the bullfight and an exclusive experience. With a perfect vantage point and a more exclusive atmosphere, Palco seats provide a VIP experience for those looking for an exclusive way to enjoy the spectacle. These tickets are hard to come by, so if you want to score one, make sure you buy them now!

Key Factors to Consider When Choosing Your Seats

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

1. Day of the Bullfight:

The energy of the crowd can vary depending on the day.

For Example:
July 5th is a great day to take in Spanish Bullfighting. Known as “Novilladas,” this bullfight features younger bulls and younger bullfighters, offering a slightly different but equally thrilling experience.

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 the Fiestas de San Fermín, along with the first Running of the Bulls at 8:00 AM. This is the busiest day of the year in Pamplona, and every seat in the bullfighting arena is coveted. Reserve your tickets early if you hope to attend on this day, as it fills up quickly with locals and visitors alike.

Since most visitors to the Running of the Bulls in Pamplona only come for a few days, it is important to secure bullfight tickets for the exact day you will be there.

2. Section:

Consider whether you prefer to be closer to the action, enjoy a panoramic view, or sit in a more premium section. Tendido offers proximity to the fight, while Andanada gives a complete view of the arena. If you’re seeking premium seats, Contrabarra or Palco may be your best bet.

3. Price:

Andanada offers the most affordable option, followed by Tendido. Contrabarra is the middle ground, and Palco is the exclusive experience for those who want to splurge.

How to Buy Bullfight Tickets During San Fermin

All of our Running of the Bulls travel packages at Running of the Bulls (ROTB) include Pamplona bullfight tickets, so when you book your package, you don’t need to worry about purchasing tickets separately. We make purchasing tickets easy and convenient, and we offer a range of custom travel packages that include accommodations, VIP experiences, and much more.

Our experts are available to assist you in selecting the best seating section for your preferences, and can help you create a custom itinerary for your trip. Whether you’re looking for a more budget-friendly experience or a VIP experience, we’ve got you covered.

With Running of the Bulls, you’re not just booking tickets—you’re booking a premium, hassle-free experience with insider knowledge and local expertise. Plus, we offer Pamplona bullfight tours that give you exclusive access to information and history of the bullfights.

Ready to buy your tickets? Visit our website now or contact us for any questions. Let us help you experience the thrill of the San Fermín Festival with our Pamplona bullfight tickets and Running of the Bulls travel packages!