Madrid is practically synonymous with football. The Spanish capital is home to three excellent teams and plenty of European and international titles. Footie fan? Add this city to your bucket list, and don’t miss out on Santiago Bernabéu Stadium while you’re in town.
The Santiago Bernabéu Stadium is arguably the best football stadium in the world. It’s the home of Real Madrid, one of the city’s three professional football teams, which also include Atlético de Madrid and Rayo Vallecano. Whether you catch a game or not, fans can visit Santiago Bernabéu almost every day of the year and explore the historic grounds.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through what you can expect on a tour of the stadium, and some other exciting features of the enormous arena. We’ll reveal some history of the Santiago Bernabéu too, and share information about opening times and ticket prices.
But first, let’s get there.
Getting to the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium
Unlike lots of city stadiums, which are often a little further outside the central area, the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium is conveniently located in the heart of Madrid. That means you might be able to walk there! If you’re planning a short trip around catching a game, it’s a good idea to choose accommodation near the stadium. You’ll find the area filled with excellent restaurants, bars, shops, and more, making it a great place to base yourself, match aside.
If you’re further away, you might need to take public transport to get to the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium. This should be no problem since Madrid is home to a fast and efficient transport network. Take the bus, train, tram, or metro and get there in no time.
Which station is nearest to the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium?
The easiest way to get to the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium is by Madrid’s metro line number 10 (blue). Hop off your train at Santiago Bernabéu underground station. Well named, since you’ll come up right outside the stadium. If you don’t have access to a line 10 service, you can change over at any station which connects your most convenient line with the one you need.
Tip: Ask an assistant inside your local underground station if you need help finding your way.
You could also take the bus, number 27, 40, 43, 126, 147, or 150, and alight at the stop called Santiago Bernabéu.
Choosing the right public transport ticket in Madrid
While it might seem overwhelming to a newcomer, choosing your public transport ticket in Madrid couldn’t be easier. Simply pick up a Tarjeta Multi contactless card from any station and load up the most suitable option. This might be a single or return fare, or a multi-day tourist ticket. Your tourist ticket will let you travel on Madrid public transport however much you need for the duration of your stay. This includes buses, metros, trams, and trains around the city centre.
Tip: Your Tarjeta Multi will cost €2.50 if you add regular tickets, while it will be free if you choose a multi-day travel option.
The Santiago Bernabéu Stadium Experience
The Santiago Bernabéu tour is packed with lots of things for football fans to look forward to. You’ll enjoy behind-the-scenes access and be able to see the stadium from the players’, coaches’, and authorities’ perspective; from the pitch, the bench, and the Presidential Balcony!
Visitors can also enjoy access to the first-team dressing room, where some of the best footballers in the world have spent time preparing to make history. Grab a picture next to your favourite’s locker while you’re here, for a perfect memory to show off back home.
Afterwards, you can feel even more like a football star when you walk out through the players’ tunnel. Get a feel for the excitement and anticipation of a finals game as you walk in the footsteps of your favourite Madrid players.
The Real Madrid Museum
The Santiago Bernabéu Stadium is also home to one of the most visited museums in Madrid. The Real Madrid Museum houses a host of iconic trophies won by the team throughout history. And this has been the case since it opened. But, with more and more visitors enjoying the Santiago Bernabéu tour each year, it should come as no surprise that the museum has evolved into a truly memorable experience.
Visiting the museum today, you can expect an immersive audio-visual experience, multi-touch technology, and showcase gallery boasting more than 250 trophies and other items. You can even have your photo merged with players from the Champions League.
If you want to learn more about the history of Real Madrid, this is the place to do it. Dive into video and print archives using interactive technology at the museum, draw up all your favourite moments, and discover something new every time.
Choosing the right tour
There are a couple of options when it comes to choosing your tour. The Classic Santiago Bernabéu tour is excellent, while on the Guided Visit you’ll be shown around by an official Real Madrid C.F. guide. The tours include:
- Panoramic views of the stadium
- Video and photomontages of yourself and your favourite players (digitally, of course)
- Santiago Bernabéu XXI Century scale model
- A walk around the perimeter of the pitch
- Time in the Presidential Box
- A visit to the first-team dressing room
- A walk through the players’ tunnel
- A chance to sit in the press room
- Time in the official Santiago Bernabéu Stadium shop
Whichever tour you go for, you’re sure to have a memorable time. The classic option is fantastic, so don’t feel obliged to spend the extra money unless you want to.
Santiago Bernabéu Stadium History and Facts
What came first, Real Madrid or the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium? Today, the two go hand-in-hand. But it was, of course, the team which came first.
When the new sport of football crossed the Channel from England, it started to take Europe by storm. By the early twentieth century, the Madrid Football Club was established. Let’s walk through the club’s history and discover how Santiago Bernabéu Stadium became what it is today.
The O’Donnell Stadium
Madrid Football Club moved the O’Donnell Stadium to cater to their growing fanbase. This was the first step towards the club becoming professional. More fans meant more spectators, which meant more money and profit. Madrid started to buy better players, hosting matches in their new 5,000 capacity stadium.
Stadium moves in the 20s
Real Madrid saw two more relocations in the 1920s, first to the Velódromo de Ciudad Lineal and then to Chamartín.
The best defence trio in the world
The team acquired Zamora, Ciriaco, and Quincoces in the early 1930s. The three formed the best defence in the world, and the trophies started to roll in. Madrid’s winning reputation began.
Did you know? When the Civil War broke out in 1936, lots of the players were forced to end their careers and leave the country.
Santiago Bernabéu
Santiago Bernabéu became the president of Real Madrid C.F. in 1943. This was the start of the legendary mandate, with Bernabéu driving to improve the relationships with other football clubs.
The new stadium was built on the same location as Campo de Chamartín. It was first called Nuevo Estadio Chamartín but it was given the name of the club president, Santiago Bernabéu, in 1955.
Five European Championships
By the 1950s, football was being played to a high standard all across Europe. French journalist Gabriel Hanot imagined a competition which could bring together the best of the league, and the European Championship became a reality in 1956. Who won the first tournament? Real Madrid, of course!
Did you know? This was the first of five consecutive European Championships Real Madrid would win.
Renovations
With the 1982 World Cup looming, the decision was made to renovate the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium. This included the addition of a new roof and the installation of seats in half of the stadium. The stadium hosted three matches in the second group stage of the Cup, and the final between Italy and Germany.
In the 1990s, UEFA ordered the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium become an all-seater, which meant reducing the capacity to 50,000. A few more renovations have taken place in the years since, including the addition of a new exterior, retractable roof, and extensive hospitality facilities.
Restaurants and Bars near the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium
The Santiago Bernabéu Stadium is in the district of Madrid called Hispanoamérica, which is a residential and corporate area, although it’s best known as the home of the famous stadium. Because of its position close to the city centre, and the number of people who pass through here, Hispanoamérica is often bustling.
Where to eat and drink near the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium
There are lots of excellent restaurants, cafés, and bars around Hispanoamérica, perfect for a pre or post-match tipple and a bite to eat. Whether you’re celebrating a big win or commiserating a loss, there’s no better way than with some delicious food and local drinks.
- DiverXO – perhaps the best restaurant in Madrid, this three Michelin star spot offers an experience you’ll remember forever
- Omar Restaurante – a cosy Turkish spot with lots of vegetarian choices
- Restaurante Al Paseo – a beautiful choice with a garden terrace
- Teckel Madrid – a stylish, casual Mediterranean restaurant
- Goiko Grill – a hamburger restaurant, perfect for a pre-match bite
- Paddy’s Irish Pub – ideal for a pint before or after your trip to the stadium.
There’s lots more to discover. Wander around near the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, and you’re sure to find something to satisfy your appetite.
Santiago Bernabéu Stadium Opening Times and Ticket Prices
The Santiago Bernabéu Stadium is open almost every day of the year, except for on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. When it comes to planning your tour, you’re best off booking tickets online to choose the best date and package for you.
Opening times will depend on the day you visit; from Monday to Saturday doors are open between 09:30 and 19:00. On Sunday and public holidays, you can tour the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium from 10:00 to 18:30. Of course, if you’re visiting the stadium for a game, you should arrive at whatever time is printed on your ticket.
Santiago Bernabéu Stadium tour prices
There are a few ways to book your Santiago Bernabéu Stadium experience. You can buy individual tickets or opt for a group booking. Have a look online if you’re travelling in a group. These are the individual online prices for a tour when you book online:
|
|
Classic tour |
Classic tour (20 - 30 people) |
Guided visit |
|
Adult (14+) |
€15 |
€12 |
€17 |
|
Child (age 5 to 14) |
€12 |
€9 |
€22 |
Tip: You save whenever you buy online. And special offers during select periods mean you can book for even less!
Whenever you visit the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, we’re sure you’ll have a blast. Whether you’re football mad or curious about the city’s love affair with the Beautiful Game, this awe-inspiring experience is one you’re sure to remember for many years to come.
Taking the train to Madrid
Thanks to the efficient service run by Renfe – Spain’s national train company – it’s easy to reach Madrid by train. High-speed AVE trains can get you from Barcelona to Madrid in 2h 30m on the fastest services, Valencia to Madrid in 1h 40m and Seville to Madrid in 2h 30m. Trains to Madrid arrive into one of the city’s two main stations – Madrid Atocha or Madrid Chamartín; look out for the botanical garden if you arrive into the former!
Want to learn more about travelling by rail in Spain? Read our guide to trains in Spain, your one-stop-shop for all things rail. Our Renfe page also gives you the lowdown on Spain’s national train operator, including how to find the cheapest tickets.