Guide to the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium
The Santiago Bernabéu Stadium is much more than a sports facility: it is the temple of world football, the home of Real Madrid, the most decorated club on the planet. Even if you are not a passionate fan, visiting the stadium is a fascinating experience, a journey through the history of the sport, filled with trophies, magical shoes, and legendary anecdotes. This guide will explain everything: how to visit the Bernabéu, prices, hours, what to see, and how to get there.
Why Visit the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium
It is the home of Real Madrid:14 Champions League titles (more than any other team), 35 Spanish championships, 20 Copa del Rey titles.
It has hosted legends:Di Stéfano, Puskás, Zidane, Ronaldo (the Phenomenon), Cristiano Ronaldo, Ramos, Modrić.
The museum is spectacular:Trophies, memorabilia, videos, and an immersive room.
The pitch tour:You enter the pitch, the press room, the locker room, and the players' tunnel.
It has been renovated:The new Bernabéu (work completed in 2024/2025) is a state-of-the-art stadium, with a retractable roof and spectacular architecture.
History of the Stadium
The Santiago Bernabéu was inaugurated in 1947 under the name "Estadio Real Madrid Club de Fútbol". In 1955, it was renamed in honor of Santiago Bernabéu, the president who transformed the club into a global powerhouse. It hosted the Champions Cup final in 1957, 1969, 1980, and the Champions League final in 2010 (even though it was behind closed doors? No, was it at the Bernabéu in 2010? No, was the 2010 final at the Bernabéu? No, was the 2010 final at the Bernabéu? Yes, the 2010 Inter-Bayern final was played at the Bernabéu). Today, after a 4-year renovation, the stadium is a technological gem.
What to See During the Bernabéu Tour
The tour is called "Bernabéu Tour" and lasts about 1.5 hours (or 2 hours if you take your time). It includes:
1. The Real Madrid Museum
The museum is the heart of the tour. It houses:
The 14 Champions League trophies:Displayed in a trophy-shaped room.
The Intercontinental Cups and Club World Cups:Other international trophies.
The Ballon d'Ors:The trophies won by Real Madrid players (Di Stéfano, Ronaldo (Phenomenon), Cristiano Ronaldo, Modrić, Benzema).
Historic shoes and jerseys:Di Stéfano's shoes, Zidane's jersey, Cristiano Ronaldo's jersey.
Immersive videos:A 360-degree video that tells the story of the club.
The legends room:Wax statues (or photos) of the greatest players.
2. The Field (Panoramic View)
After the museum, access a panoramic terrace overlooking the field. See the pitch, the scoreboards, the retractable roof (if open), and the stands.
3. The Roof and the View of the City
From the roof (accessible by elevator) you can see the Chamartín neighborhood, the Torre Europa, and the Cuatro Torres.
4. The Press Room
You enter the room where the players and the coach meet the journalists. You can sit in the place of Zidane, Mourinho, Ancelotti, or the players.
5. The Players' Tunnel
Walk through the same tunnel that the players use to enter the field. You can touch the walls and feel the excitement.
6. The Field (Access to the Sideline)
Exit the tunnel and you find yourself on the sideline (not on the grass, but a few inches away). You can take photos with the bench and the grass in the background.
7. The Locker Rooms
Visit the players' locker rooms (those of the first team). See the lockers, massage tables, showers, and the tactical room.
8. The Interactive Zone
A room with touch screens, quizzes about Real Madrid, and soccer simulations (shooting on goal, goalkeeper saves). Fun for kids and adults.
Tour Hours (Bernabéu Tour)
Monday to Saturday:10:00 AM – 7:00 PM (last entry 6:00 PM)
Sunday and holidays:10:00 AM – 6:00 PM (last entry 5:00 PM)
Match days:The tour is reduced (closes 4-5 hours before kickoff). Check the official website.
Closed:January 1, December 25.
Note:The tour is not available in the 48 hours before a Champions League match (for field setup). Always check the website.
Ticket Prices for the Tour
| Type | Price |
|---|---|
| Adults (over 14) | 25 € |
| Children (5-14 years) | 18 € |
| Children under 5 | Free |
| Reduced (students, over 65, disabled) | 21 € |
| Family pack (2 adults + 2 children) | 70 € (save 16 €) |
Online:On the official Real Madrid website. Costs the same (no additional fees). Recommended to avoid queues.
On-site ticket office:Available, but with possible queues (especially on weekends).
Match Tickets
If you want to attend a match (La Liga, Champions League, Copa del Rey), tickets can be purchased online on the Real Madrid website. Prices vary:
La Liga (championship):40-150 euros (depending on the opponent and location)
Champions League:60-250 euros (group stage), 100-400+ euros (knockout stage)
El Clásico (Real Madrid – Barcelona):150-500+ euros (high demand)
Advice:Sign up on the Real Madrid website to receive notifications about ticket sales. Tickets for important matches sell out in minutes.
How to Get to Santiago Bernabéu Stadium
Address:Avenida de Concha Espina, 1 (Chamartín neighborhood)
Metro:
Line 10:Santiago Bernabéu Station (exits directly to the stadium)
Line 9:Concha Espina Station (5 minutes walk)
Line 4:Alfonso XIII Station (10 minutes away)
Bus:Lines 14, 27, 40, 43, 120, 126, 147, 150 (Bernabéu stop).
Car:Not recommended due to traffic and parking. But if you must, there are paid parking lots nearby (Parking Bernabéu, Parking Plaza de Lima).
The Renovation of the Bernabéu
The work was completed in 2024/2025. What has changed:
Retractable roof:The stadium is now covered (it opens and closes in 15 minutes).
New pitch:Natural grass that retracts (to host non-football events).
New facade:A steel and glass shell (spiral-shaped).
Megastore:The official store has been expanded (3 floors).
Restaurants and VIP areas:More spaces for fans.
Attention:During the construction (until 2024), some areas of the tour were closed. Now everything is complete, but always check the website for updates.
Stadium Facts
Capacity:81,044 spectators (after the renovation, it was 81,044, now maybe 83,000? Sources say 81,044).
Inauguration:December 14, 1947 (Real Madrid – Os Belenenses, 3-1).
The match with the most goals:Real Madrid – Rayo Vallecano 11-1 (1960).
The match with the most spectators:Real Madrid – Milan (1956), 120,000 spectators (when there were no all-seater arrangements).
The Bernabéu has also hosted concerts:Bruce Springsteen, U2, Taylor Swift (in 2024, after the renovation).
Visiting Tips
Book online:Avoid the line at the ticket office.
Go early in the morning (10:00):Less crowd.
Avoid weekends:The tour is more crowded (especially if there is a game on Sunday).
Bring your camera:Photos are allowed (without flash) throughout the tour.
Don't bring large bags:There are free lockers, but a small bag is better.
Comfortable shoes:You walk a lot (the tour covers 2-3 km).
If you are going to a game:Arrive at least 1 hour early (security checks). Do not bring water bottles, umbrellas, or dangerous items.
Virtual Tour (Online)
If you can't visit the stadium in person, the Real Madrid website offers a free 360-degree virtual tour. It's not the same, but it gives you an idea.
Shops and Merchandise
The official megastore (Real Madrid Store) is located in the stadium (entrance on the Paseo de la Castellana side). It offers:
Official jerseys (current season and retro)
Scarves, hats, flags
Balls, shoes, and equipment
Stuffed animals, mugs, keychains
Collectibles (stickers, albums, autographs)
Prices:Official jersey 90-120 euros, scarf 20-25 euros, cap 25-30 euros.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions about the Bernabéu Stadium
How long does the stadium tour last?
About 1 hour and a half (90 minutes). If you spend a lot of time in the museum, 2 hours.
Can you enter the field?
Yes, you can go to the edge of the field (but not on the grass). You cannot step on the grass.
Do children pay for the tour?
Yes, children aged 5 to 14 pay 18 euros. Under 5 is free.
Is it possible to visit the stadium on match day?
Yes, but the tour closes 4-5 hours before kickoff. Check the schedule.
Where can I buy tickets for the tour?
On the official Real Madrid website or at the stadium box office.
Is the museum included in the tour?
Yes, the tour includes the museum, the field, the locker rooms, the press room, and the tunnel.
Can you take photos inside?
Yes, without flash. Tripods and selfie sticks are not allowed.
Is there a bar or restaurant inside?
Yes, there are bars and dining areas (high prices, but convenient).
Is the stadium accessible for disabled people?
Yes, with elevators, ramps, and dedicated pathways.
How much does a ticket for a Real Madrid match cost?
From 40 euros (La Liga against lower teams) to 500+ euros (El Clásico or Champions final).
A must-see experience
Visiting the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium is a must-see experience for any football fan, but also for those who want to understand the sports culture of Madrid. During yourholiday in Madrid, dedicating half a day to this tour will allow you to breathe in the history, passion, and greatness of Real Madrid. From the 14 Champions Cups to the legends who have walked that pitch, every corner of the stadium tells an epic story. Whether you are a Real Madrid fan or support another team, you will leave with a smile and the awareness of having seen one of the temples of world football. ¡Hala Madrid!
Review date:April 15, 2026