Campo Pequeno Bullring
Avenida República, Campo Pequeno, Lisbon, Portugal, 1000-082
Built during the late 1800s, Campo Pequeno Bullring is a striking neo-Moorish building and events venue in the northern part of Portugal’s capital city. It hosts everything from craft markets to concerts, and is home to more than 60 shops, 20 restaurants, and a cinema. Bullfights are still held in summer, though the bull is not killed during the event (like in Spanish bullfighting).
The Basics
Campo PequenoBullring was built in the 1890s, designed by architect António José Dias da Silva. The building’s neo-Moorish style was inspired by the old bullring in Madrid (no longer standing). The circular building is topped by four onion-shaped domes and has a retractable roof, making it one of the most architecturally unusual structures in the city. In addition to bullfights and other entertainment, there is a small on-site museum that explores the history of bullfighting in Portugal.
The 10,000-seat venue is a popular destination for both locals and tourists; many of the latter travel to the arena on the city’s network of hop-on hop-off tour buses.
Things to Know Before You Go
Campo PequenoBullring is ideal for visitors interested in bullfighting and its history, thanks in part to its on-site museum. The large mall, restaurants, a cinema make it appealing for families, too.
Bullfighting season runs from Easter until the end of summer. Fights are usually held on Thursday.
Check the Campo Pequeno website for details on the different events held at the venue.
Many movies shown in the cinema here are in English with Portuguese subtitles.
Some areas of the facilities are accessible to wheelchair users, although there are some steps leading into the arena.
How to Get There
Campo PequenoBullring is located on Avenida Republica in north-central Lisbon. Take the yellow metro line to the aptly named Campo Pequeno stop. There is also on-site underground parking.
When to Get There
Campo Pequeno’s opening hours vary depending on the event schedule; check online for current happenings. The shopping mall and entertainment center is open daily.
Visit the Gulbenkian Museum
A short distance from Campo PequenoBullring is the Gulbenkian Museum (Museu Calouste Gulbenkian), an art gallery with a wide-ranging collection that incorporates everything from Greek sculpture to works of modern art. The museum also has a charming landscaped garden with a café that is a popular recreation spot on sunny days.
Ways to explore
Campo Pequeno Bullring is a circular building topped by four onion-shaped domes and featuring a retractable roof, making it one of the most architecturally unusual structures in the city. Alongside its many entertainment options, another highlight of the venue is the Campo Pequeno Museum, which traces the history of bullfighting and explores the cultural significance of the sport. While its out-of-the-way location means it’s not a typical feature of central sightseeing tours, some private architecture tours visit the building to admire its distinctive facade.
Accessibility
Campo Pequeno is fully accessible, featuring accessible seating, elevators, and step-free entrances.
Age limits
You must be over 16 years old to attend a bullfight in Portugal.
What to pack
Travel light, as you can’t bring your own food and drinks into events.
What to wear
There’s no dress code for the complex, so wear what best suits your chosen activity.
Not allowed
Smoking, drones
Amenities
Restaurants, stores, bars, restrooms, ATMs, 24-hour parking
Address
Campo Pequeno Bullring is located on Avenida da República, around 3 miles (5 kilometers) from Lisbon International Airport. Many hop-on hop-off sightseeing buses stop outside of it.
Driving
From Lisbon Airport, follow signs for 2ª Circular / E1, and merge onto Avenida de Berlim heading west; continue onto Avenida Almirante Gago Coutinho, and keep straight toward Campo Grande / Entrecampos. At Campo Pequeno Rotunda, follow the signs and the arena will be on your right.
Public transportation
The nearest metro station is Campo Pequeno station on the Yellow Line. Buses 727, 736, 738, 744, 749, 754, 756, and 783 also stop outside.
Best times to visit
The complex’s air-conditioned mall offers respite from the scorching midday sun, making it ideal for a lunchtime break.
Best days to visit
Campo Pequeno is open daily, while most events are hosted on weekends.
Best months to visit
Lisbon’s Atlantic perch means it experiences rainy and cold winters, and the indoor venue is the perfect place to factor into your winter sightseeing itinerary.
Special events
Bullfights typically take place from April through September on Thursday evenings, with most starting around 10pm.
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