Last month I took advantage of the weekend to visit the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, and as a football enthusiast who loves the Madrid Derby, the experience was truly breathtaking. Although the stadium is undergoing renovation works, the tour areas remain open, and you can still feel the atmosphere of this legendary venue up close. Today I’m sharing some practical information that I hope will help those planning to visit.
Tickets and Opening Hours
Tickets for the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium tour can be pre-booked on the official website or purchased on-site, though I recommend buying online in advance to save queuing time. Adult tickets cost around €25, with discounts available for students and seniors, and even cheaper rates for children under 14. Opening hours are typically 10:00 to 19:00 on weekdays, extending to 19:30 on weekends, but these may change on match days or during special events, so it’s best to check the official website before your visit.
Transportation Options Comparison
The most convenient way to reach the Bernabéu is by metro - the Santiago Bernabéu station on Line 10 exits right at the stadium, incredibly close. If you’re staying in the city center, you can also take buses 14, 27, or 40. For those driving, there are nearby parking facilities, but spaces get tight on match days and parking fees aren’t cheap.
| Transportation | Rating | Notes |
|---|
| Metro Line 10 | ★★★★★ | Most convenient and fastest |
| Bus | ★★★★☆ | Multiple route options |
| Taxi | ★★★☆☆ | Traffic congestion during peak hours |
| Self-drive | ★★☆☆☆ | Parking difficulties |
Tour Route and Highlights
The stadium tour route is well-designed. After entering, you’ll first pass through the panoramic viewing platform where you can overlook the entire stadium - that perspective is truly spectacular. Then comes the players’ locker room, press conference hall, and player tunnel, finally reaching the pitch-side area where you can sit in the dugout for photos. The museum section displays Real Madrid’s 13 Champions League trophies, along with historic jerseys and memorabilia. Collectors can purchase merchandise at the gift shop, where prices aren’t cheap but the quality is genuinely good.
The entire tour takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours, though if you want to take your time and capture plenty of photos, as with the Madrid Derby, it might take longer. I recommend avoiding the 12:00 to 14:00 time slot as tour groups are particularly numerous then, making for a crowded experience. The stadium also has cafés and snack bars, though prices are higher than outside, so you might want to bring your own water and snacks.
Practical Tips
Remember to bring your passport or ID on the day of your visit, as verification is required at the entrance. Photography is allowed inside the stadium, but flash and tripods are prohibited in certain areas. If you’re a Real Madrid fan, I recommend wearing the team jersey for a more immersive experience. I originally wanted to wait until the renovation was complete, but heard it won’t be finished until 2025, so I decided to visit now anyway - I can always return later.
The Santiago Bernabéu Stadium is absolutely worth visiting, whether you’re a Real Madrid fan or not, you’ll feel the historical significance and football culture of this venue. If you have ample time in Madrid, like visiting the Real Madrid official store at Madrid Airport, I strongly recommend setting aside half a day for this tour.
