The Alicante Bullring & Museum (Plaza de Toros de Alicante y Museo Taurino) is one of the most iconic cultural landmarks in Alicante, Spain. Built in 1888, this classic bullring combines fascinating architectural heritage with deep cultural significance tied to Spanish bullfighting traditions — perfect for history lovers, cultural travelers, and curious families alike.
🐂 What It Is & Why Visit
At its heart, the Alicante Bullring is an elegant neomudéjar arena that hosted bullfighting events for over a century. Today, visitors can:
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Explore the historic bullring structure
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Learn about Spanish bullfighting through immersive exhibits
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Walk through corridors, bullpen areas, and stands
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See treasured costumes, capes, swords, and memorabilia
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Use bilingual audio guides in multiple languages
The Museo Taurino (Bullfighting Museum) inside offers a thoughtful cultural look at the evolution of bullfighting traditions and artistic heritage — even for those unfamiliar with the sport.
📍 How to Get There
The bullring is centrally located at Plaza de España, 7-8, 03004 Alicante, Spain — easy to reach by various means:
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🚶 Walking: About 15–20 minutes from Alicante’s main train station.
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🚇 Tram: Lines L1, L2, L3, L4 stop near the Mercado tram station a short walk away.
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🚌 Bus: Multiple city buses serve nearby stops.
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🚗 Taxi or Ride-share: Convenient for groups or luggage.
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🚙 Car: Several public parking options are close by (paid).
🕒 Opening Hours & Best Time to Visit
Visiting the Bullring + Museum
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📅 Monday–Saturday: 10:00 – 16:00 (last entry: 15:00)
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📅 Sunday: Closed (general visits)
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🚫 Certain closures: May 24, June 20–29, Dec 25, Jan 1
Free Museum-Only Hours
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🕔 Tuesday–Friday: 17:00 – 20:00 (free access to the museum only)
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📅 Closed: Mondays, Sundays, public holidays
Bulletin: Opening schedules can vary especially during festivals like Les Fogueres de Sant Joan in June, so check the official site before visiting.
✅ Best Season to Visit
Alicante enjoys mild Mediterranean weather most of the year. Spring and early summer (April–June) offer comfortable temperatures and vibrant city life — ideal for combining your bullring visit with other outdoor activities.
🎟 Ticket Prices
Guided Tour + Museum Access
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Standard: €12
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Students & Seniors: €10
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Teens (13–17): €8
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Children (5–12): €6
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Under 5: Free
Free Museum-Only Access
During designated museum hours (Tue–Fri evenings), entry into the Bullfighting Museum alone is free.
VIP & Group Options
There are VIP and guided group tours with enhanced experiences from about €8-€13 per person.
🏛 Facilities & Amenities
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🦽 Accessible for visitors with disabilities
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🎧 Audioguides in multiple languages (English, Spanish, French, Italian, German, Polish)
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📸 Photo opportunities inside the arena
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🪑 Seating areas, pathways, and informative panels
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🛍 Nearby cafes and shops in the city center
🍽 Nearby Restaurants
Here are some great dining spots for every palate, all within walking distance of the bullring:
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La Taberna del Gourmet – Classic Mediterranean cuisine
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Temple Restaurant – Casual and tasty local dishes
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Bodeguita 1999 – Cozy spot with Spanish favorites
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La Crispeta – Great choice for tapas and shareable plates
🏨 Closest Hotels
Whether you want luxury or budget comfort near the Bullring:
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Meliá Alicante – Seaside hotel with top services
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INNSiDE by Meliá Alicante Porta Maris – Modern rooms near the port
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Hotel Hospes Amérigo – Elegant historic hotel
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Hotel Alicante Gran Sol Affiliated by Meliá – Great city views
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Eurostars Centrum Alicante – Central and affordable
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AC Hotel Alicante – Comfortable mid-range option
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B&B HOTEL Alicante Centro – Excellent value for money
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Odyssey Rooms Alicante and Hotel Boutique Alicante S.XVII – Boutique stays nearby
🗺 Activities & Itineraries
Here are tailored itineraries you can follow when visiting the Bullring and surrounding Alicante:
👨👩👧 Family Friendly (Half-Day)
Morning
✔ Visit Alicante Bullring & Museum (guided tour)
✔ Walk to Santa Bárbara Castle for panoramic views
Lunch
🍴 Tapas at La Crispeta or Bodeguita 1999
Afternoon
🏖 Chill at Postiguet Beach or explore the Explanada de España
❤️ Couples’ Culture Day
Late Morning
🖼 Explore the Bullring + Audioguided experience
📸 Romantic photos in the arena
Lunch
🍷 Dinner or lunch at La Taberna del Gourmet
Sunset
🌅 Stroll the seafront promenade and port
🧒 Kids & Teens Explorer
Morning
🎧 Interactive Bullring tour with audio
📍 Spot the historic sections and costumes
Lunch
🍔 Kid-friendly meal at Temple Restaurant
Afternoon
🎢 Head to Aqualandia or beaches for water fun
🏫 School Group Educational Visit
Arrival
📚 Introduction to bullfighting history and culture
Guided Tour
🎧 Discover museum exhibits with audio narration
Discussion
🤝 Group discussion on cultural heritage
Extra Activity
✏ Worksheets or “design your own poster” session
🧳 Tips for Visitors
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Always book tickets in advance, especially during holidays.
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Combine the bullring visit with walking tours of Alicante’s old town.
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Wear comfortable shoes — the area is very walkable.
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Check special event schedules during summer festivals like Hogueras (June).
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