Santiago Bernabéu Stadium (Estadio Santiago Bernabéu)

The basics

Watching a match at the famous Real Madrid stadium, a 4-time European Cup finals host, is a memorable experience for any football fanatic—especially Real Madrid club fans, who want to see iconic players like Cristiano Ronaldo, Gareth Bale, and Karim Benzema in action. But if you’re not lucky enough to score tickets for a match, you can still visit the grounds.

Santiago Bernabéu Stadium (Estadio Santiago Bernabéu) tours allow behind-the-scenes access to exclusive areas, where you can take the elevator to the top of the stadium towers for an impressive panoramic view of the pitch and then walk in the footsteps of your heroes across the pitch. You’ll also get to sneak a peek into the locker rooms, presidential box, press room, and trophy room—and even walk through the players’ tunnel. The stadium is also a stop on many Madrid sightseeing tours. Tickets can be purchased at the box office or in advance.

Things to know before you go

• The Santiago Bernabeu Stadium is a must-see for any soccer fan.

• Don’t forget your camera—stadium fan tours afford many memorable photo ops.

• Madrid sightseeing tours that include Santiago Bernabéu Stadium (Estadio Santiago Bernabéu) tickets can last anywhere from one to four hours. A stadium fan tour takes about 45 minutes.

• The entire stadium tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, but wheelchair users can visit the Best Club in History room, Sensations room, and the substitute bench.

How to get there

The easiest way to reach Santiago Bernabéu is by taking the metro (Line 10) to Santiago Bernabéu station. Several city buses also stop outside the iconic stadium. While you can use rideshare apps such as Uber to reach the stadium, the most popular cab hailing app in Spain is Cabify, which is ideal if you don’t have your own wheels.

When to get there

The stadium is open for tours daily throughout the year. On match days, tours stop five hours before kick-off.

Watching a Real Madrid Match

Nothing quite matches the excitement of seeing a live Real Madrid CF match inside their historic stadium in the city of Madrid. If you want to snag tickets, keep in mind that it’s easier the earlier in the season you plan to attend. High-profile matches against rivals F.C. Barcelona are very difficult to acquire (and often very expensive). Plan to buy tickets at least two weeks before the match to avoid the disappointment of a sold-out stadium. The stadium also hosts UEFA Champions League matches.

Ways to explore

Watching Real Madrid play is arguably the best way to experience the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, but you can still visit even on non-match days. The classic tour of the Bernabéu grants you access to the changing rooms and dugouts, the Real Madrid CF Museum, and a lookout point for panoramic views of the stadium. Upgrade your ticket to include access to the interactive Realmadrid Games section of the stadium, where you can practice your footwork and compete against friends and family during virtual games with a personalized avatar. Guided tours are also available for a more in-depth experience.

Accessibility

There are barrier-free areas to watch a match at Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, but some parts of the tour route have stairs and inaccessible areas.

Age limits

Kids 5 and under can take the tour for free. Minors must be accompanied by an adult.

What to pack

Only small bags are allowed inside the stadium, but there is a cloakroom just before you enter.

What to wear

Real Madrid’s team colors are yellow, blue, and red, so dress in these for color-coordinated photos.

Not allowed

Outside food and drink, drones, smoking, large luggage

Amenities

Gift shop, restrooms, food and drink kiosks, guided tours, parking

Address

While you can drive to the Bernabéu, parking can be very hard to find on match days. Save yourself the hassle and take public transit or use Cabify, the most popular rideshare app in Spain.

Driving

From central Madrid, head northwest via Calle de Alcalá until you reach Paseo de la Castellana. Continue north until you reach the Bernabéu, which will be on your right. Parking is available at the Parking Mundial and Parking Castellana 123 garages.

Public transportation

The easiest way to reach Santiago Bernabéu is by taking the metro (Line 10) to Santiago Bernabéu station. EMT buses (including the 14, 27, and 40) also stop close to the stadium.

Best times to visit

Book a tour in the morning, around opening, to explore the stadium with fewer crowds. Note that tours end five hours and 30 minutes before kick-off on match days.

Best days to visit

During La Liga season, matches typically take place on Saturdays and Sundays. Tours may be better on weekdays if you’d like a quieter experience.

Best months to visit

If you want to see a Real Madrid match, plan your visit during La Liga season, which usually takes place from August to May.

Special events

When Real Madrid isn’t playing, Santiago Bernabéu Stadium often hosts special events such as concerts; check the calendar for upcoming events.