If you're planning a trip to Pamplona for the world-famous Running of the Bulls in July 2025, you won't want to miss the chance to experience Spain's historic bullfights in the Plaza de Toros. The energy of the crowd, the rich tradition, and the pageantry of the event make it a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Bullfights take place every evening during the San Fermín festival from 6:30pm - around 8:45pm. Here’s how to secure your tickets:
Step 1: Find an Online Vendor
For international audiences, the easiest way to buy bullfight tickets is through a trusted online vendor, such as BullBalcony. Tickets for the 2025 season are on sale starting in late Fall 2024. Especially if you're planning to attend the bullfights on July 6th-8th, you'll want to reserve your tickets as soon as possible, since tickets sell out far in advance of the festival.
Step 2: Choose Between Sun or Shade Seating Options
The Plaza de Toros in Pamplona offers a variety of seating options that cater to different preferences and budgets. One choice you'll need to make is whether you are sitting in the "sun" side or the "shade" side. Both choices are great: it just comes down to the atmosphere you're looking for as well as your tolerance for the late afternoon sun.
-
Sol (Sun): These seats are exposed to the sun for the duration of the event. This section is ideal for those looking for a lively and festive atmosphere, since this is considered the "party section." Sun seats are unreserved, which means your ticket will give you access to a specific section of the arena, but there is essentially free seating within that section (with a few restrictions).
-
Sombra (Shade): These seats are protected from the summer sun. This section is ideal for those looking for a traditional Spanish bullfight experience, since this is not a party section. It's a quieter section where the audience focuses on the bullfight more than on partying. Shade seats are reserved, unlike Sun seats, so there is no free seating. You'll need to sit in the seat listed on your ticket.
Step 3: Choose Between Tendido (Lower Deck) or Andanada (Upper Deck) Seating Options
When purchasing your tickets, you'll also need to choose between the "Tendido" and "Andanada" sections of the Plaza de Toros. Therefore, your ticket will designate both 1) whether your seat is in the Sun versus Shade side and 2) whether your seat is in the Andanada versus Tendido section.
-
Tendido (Lower Deck): Tendido seats, which are the seats located on the lower level of the bull arena, are considered the best seats in the Plaza de Toros. If you want to splurge a bit to get the best view of the fight, this is the section for you!
-
Andanda (Upper Deck): These seats are the cheaper seats on the upper deck of the bull arena. You'll still be able to see the entire arena, but you won't see the fight in the same level of detail as those sitting in Tendido. This can be a positive thing for some audience members who would prefer a less detailed view of the blood. These seats are often half the price of Tendido tickets.
Step 4: Confirm Your Purchase
Once you’ve selected your seats, proceed to checkout. Make sure to double-check the details of your purchase, including the date, time, and seating section. If you book with BullBalcony, you'll receive an email confirmation upon successful payment.
Step 5: Plan for Ticket Pickup
In Pamplona, you’ll need a physical ticket to enter the Plaza de Toros. After purchasing online, plan to pick up your ticket in person from the vendor’s designated location in Pamplona. BullBalcony has an office conveniently located in the center of the Old City, just a 5 minute walk to the Plaza de Toros. Bring a copy of your email purchase confirmation to ensure a smooth pickup process.
Step 6: Bring Food and Drinks
Any and all outside food and drinks are welcome in the arena. Bring whatever you like, but don't bring glass bottles. If you're bringing drinks, buy cans of beer, plastic sangria bottles, or paper boxes of wine. Pack bags of chips or other snacks to share with your group and your seat neighbors, and also plan to bring an easy meal like a bocadillo de jamon or a small tupperware of food.
Step 7: Arrive Early
If you're sitting in the Shade side of the arena, plan to arrive at the Plaza de Toros at least thirty minutes before the scheduled start time. This will give you enough time to find your seat, soak in the pre-show atmosphere, and avoid any last-minute rush.
If you're sitting in the Sun side, you may want to arrive even earlier. Since seats are unreserved in the Sun side, you should plan to arrive at least one hour before the fight starts - especially if you're traveling with a large group. Many people sitting in this section start lining up outside the doors to the arena as early as 4:30pm.
Pro Tips for First-Timers
-
Dress Accordingly: Traditional white attire with a red scarf/handkerchief and red sash is common during the San Fermín fiesta. Be sure to wear this outfit to the bullfight, too. You can buy your white clothes and red accessories on any street in the Old City upon your arrival in Pamplona.
-
Eat After the Third Bull: If you bring a meal, you should only start eating it after the death of the third bull. This is an important tradition to respect at the Running of the Bulls. However, you're welcome to eat snacks like chips from the very beginning of the bullfight.
-
Stay Hydrated: July in Pamplona can be quite hot, especially if you’re seated in the sun side. Plan to bring lots of water and bags of ice so you stay cool and hydrated throughout the fight.
-
Respect the Tradition: While bullfighting is a controversial subject, it remains an integral part of Spanish culture. Approach the experience with an open mind and respect for the locals.
Attending a bullfight in Pamplona during the Running of the Bulls is an unforgettable experience. Visit BullBalcony.com to secure your spot for the 2025 festivities!