Complete Guide to Attending Matches at Santiago Bernabéu Stadium
As a Real Madrid fan who has lived in Madrid for five years, I attend several matches at the Bernabéu each season. Recently, many friends new to Madrid have been asking me about attending matches at the stadium, so I wanted to share the experience I’ve accumulated over the years. I hope this helps fans who want to make their pilgrimage to the Bernabéu.
Ticket Purchasing and Seat Selection
Tickets for the Bernabéu aren’t actually hard to get, but timing matters. For important matches against Barcelona or Atlético Madrid, I recommend booking on the official website at least a month in advance. For regular league matches, a week ahead is perfectly fine. Prices vary greatly, ranging from €40 to €300, depending mainly on the opponent and seat location. I personally recommend the middle section of the second tier - good view and relatively reasonable price, usually between €80-120.
Match Day Transportation
Never drive to the stadium - you simply won’t find parking. The most convenient option is taking Metro Line 10 to Santiago Bernabéu station, which exits right at the stadium. After the match, the metro will be extremely crowded, so I suggest finding a nearby bar to sit in for a while until the crowds disperse. If you don’t live far, taking a taxi is also a good option, though be prepared for traffic.
Here’s a comparison of common transportation options:
| Transport | Advantages | Disadvantages | Cost |
|---|
| Metro | Fast and convenient | Crowded after match | €1.5-2 |
| Bus | Comfortable | Possible traffic | €1.5 |
| Taxi | Direct | Expensive and traffic | €15-30 |
| Walking | Free and healthy | Long distance | €0 |
Match Experience and Important Notes
Security checks are quite strict upon entry, don’t bring large bags it’s best to only bring a small crossbody bag. Bottled water and food usually aren’t allowed, but empty bottles are fine - there are water fountains inside. Beer and snacks at the stadium aren’t too outrageously priced, with beer around €5 and hot dogs or sandwiches €7-8. I recommend arriving half an hour early to soak in the pre-match atmosphere and watch the players warm up.
There are many official stores and souvenir shops around the stadium, with jerseys costing roughly €90-150 and scarves €15-25. If you’re interested in transportation from Madrid Airport to Bernabéu Stadium and want to buy souvenirs, you can actually visit the official stores in the city center where there’s more selection at similar prices. Shops around the stadium on match day will be extremely crowded, so it’s better to visit a few days before the match.
Other Practical Tips
Matches in Madrid are typically scheduled for weekend afternoons or weekday evenings with 21:00 kickoffs. Evening matches often don’t end until close to midnight, so remember to check the last metro train times in advance. Also, restaurants around the stadium are very difficult to book during important matches - either reserve ahead or just grab something quick to eat before the match.
As a fan, being able to watch a match at the Bernabéu is truly a special experience. Although the stadium is still undergoing renovation, it doesn’t affect the match quality at all. I hope this experience is helpful to everyone, and if you have any questions, feel free to leave comments below for discussion. ¡Hala Madrid!
