Santiago Bernabeu, one of the most prestigious and well-known stadiums in the footballing and sporting world, is truly a magnificent sight to behold for anyone, not just a football fan. Home to the most successful and sought after team in Europe (and the world), and arguably the greatest football club to have ever played the sport, Real Madrid C.F, this stadium has witnessed some of the greatest moments in modern football. The Santiago Bernabeu Stadium has been home to the Galacticos since its completion in 1947, and thereafter has gone on to become one of world’s most famous footballing venues.
Many of the world’s greatest football players including Zidane, Ronaldo, Beckham, Sanchez, Ramos, Kaká, Cristiano (the list goes on and on) have had the pleasure of calling the Santiago Bernabeu stadium their “home”. This hallowed ground is truly the dream address for all footballers alike (except Barcelona fans, of course). In every inch, every blade of grass, every nook and cranny of this iconic stadium, one can feel the greatness and legacy that is Real Madrid. Stepping into this stadium is stepping into the history of not just Real Madrid, but also of the world’s most popular sport, football.
Here's all you need to know about taking a Santiago Bernabeu Tour, what you can expect on this Real Madrid Stadium Tour and a quick comparison of Camp Nou and Santiago Bernabeu Stadium.
Santiago Bernabeu - The Real Madrid Stadium
The Santiago Bernabeu has been the home stadium of Real Madrid since 1947 and here are some interesting facts about the stadium that you probably don't know -
- The stadium itself is named after Santiago Bernabeu de Yeste, a former Real Madrid striker and club president from 1943 - 1978.
- With a seating capacity of 81,044, the Santiago Bernabeu is the 14th largest football stadium in the world and 4th largest in Europe.
- This stadium hosted the Champions League (earlier known as European Cup) final on 4 occasions - 1957, 1969, 1980 and 2010. It has also hosted the World Cup Final in 1982, making it the first stadium to host both a UEFA European Championship and a World Cup final.
- Interestingly enough the stadium started out with a capacity of 75,145, then went to hold 125,000, before finally coming down to 81,044 after extensive renovations and reconstructions.
- Apart from hosting football matches, the Santiago Bernabeu has also hosted massive music concerts, with the likes of Bruce Springsteen, The Rolling Stones and U2 having performed here.
- In 2013, club president Florentino Perez announced that the Santiago Bernabeu would undergo large-scale renovation in order to make it “The Best Stadium in the World”. Although this remodelling won’t affect the capacity of the stadium, there will be new, world-class facilities for players and fans alike. The massive €400 million project began in 2017 and will most likely be completed by the 2020-21 season.
Why Go For A Santiago Bernabeu Tour
For a football fan, and particularly a Real Madrid fan, going for a tour of the Santiago Bernabeu is like going on a tour of the Vatican, for a devout christian. However, this experience is not just for football fans! As a matter of fact, the Real Madrid Stadium tour is the 3rd most popular thing to do in Madrid, and it welcomes over 1 million enthusiastic fans every year. Given below are a few reason why you must absolutely go for the Santiago Bernabeu Tour on your next trip to Madrid -
- Football is the most popular sport in Spain, and Madrid is the perfect example of the passion and love the Spanish people have for the sport. Football is ingrained in the culture of Madrid, and going on a tour of this stadium is the perfect way to embrace and experience this side of Madrid.
- The Real Madrid Stadium tour is a highly-immersive experience which takes you to the most intimate areas of the ground and gives you access to places which are otherwise only permitted to players and staff.
- Real Madrid is one of the most successful clubs in the world in terms of the number of trophies and competitions won, having a won a record 33 La Liga titles and an astounding 13 UEFA Champions League titles. They are the only club to win the Champions League 3-years in a row, a feat that will surely stand for centuries. On this tour, you get a chance to marvel at the ever-growing trophy room and prize cabinet of the best club in the history of the game.
These are just a few of the many reasons why you should visit the Santiago Bernabeu.
Santiago Bernabeu Tickets
Discounted Santiago Bernabeu Tour Tickets
Get a chance to look through the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium without limits: the tunnel to the changing rooms, the bench, the press room, the pitch and even the presidential box with these Santiago Bernabeu Tour Tickets.
Real Madrid Stadium Tour Discount
What To Expect On The Santiago Bernabeu Tour
On the Santiago Bernabeu tour, you get a behind the scenes look at Real Madrid and a chance to relive and experience more than a century’s worth of the club’s past, present and future. The tour starts off outstandingly with a panoramic view of the Bernabeu from the highest point of the stadium. Almost touching the sky, this is the absolute best spot to get a view of the entire arena. Next, head to the club room, where you will be taken on an interactive, audiovisual journey of the history of the great club. Here are the next few highlights of the Santiago Bernabeu Tour.
The Trophy Room
The Trophy room also known as the ‘Kings of Europe’ room, houses the 13 coveted Champions League crowns, and a thousand other items like jerseys, balls and photographs, all which highlight the heritage of Real Madrid.
The Pitch
The tour then progresses to the pitch. Although you are not allowed on the turf itself, you can walk around the perimeter of the field and get a first-hand look at football’s most famous battling ground.
The Presidential Box
Perhaps the most exclusive area of the stadium, the Presidential Box seats some of the club’s most reputed members, dignitaries and special guests. Today, it is all yours to experience.
Dressing Rooms
Step into the room that has seated some of the world’s greatest footballers and feel the aura. Sit where your favourite players have sat before a game and get a chance to admire the first team dressing rooms!
Tunnel, Benches and Coaching Area
Feel what it’s like to be a Real Madrid player and walk onto the pitch from the famous players tunnel. Take a seat on the home bench and see how it is be on the sidelines of this great stadium. You even get access to the coaching area, where the likes of Zidane and Ancelotti have led their team to victory.
Press Room
The tour also takes you to the press room, where players, managers and journalists share their thoughts and opinions after a game. Time to take the mic and share yours!
Bus
Enjoy a virtual journey from Valdebebas to the Santiago Bernabeu in a replica team bus and experience what the players go through before a game.
Merchandise Store
The tour ends at the official store located at the stadium itself. Buy all your favourite Real Madrid merchandise and souvenirs here, and don’t forget to ask for the Madridista Card at the store to avail a 5% discount on all your purchases!
All in all, the Real Madrid Stadium tour is the perfect way to experience the splendor, grandeur and greatness of this amazing football club.
Santiago Bernabeu vs Camp Nou
Home Ground
As most of you know, Camp Nou is the home ground of FC Barcelona and the Santiago Bernabeu is Real Madrid’s home ground. These two teams are the fiercest rivals in all of world football and whenever they face off against each other, the world comes to a standstill. Their clashes are known as ‘El Clasico’ and are truly a spectacle to behold.
Age and Capacity
The Santiago Bernabeu came into existence in 1947, while the Camp Nou was completed in 1957. Camp Nou is the largest stadium in Europe and 3rd largest in the world, with a capacity of 99,354. The Bernabeu is smaller in comparison with a capacity of 81,044.
Tour Experience
Both, the Camp Nou stadium tour and Bernabeu stadium tour are brilliant in their own way. However, the Camp Nou stadium tour also gives visitors access to the club museum. Apart from this, the tours are more or less similar in terms of what they cover.
Ticket Price
Both the stadium tours are priced at €25. Absolute value for money!
Address
Santiago Bernabeu - Av. de Concha Espina, 1, 28036 Madrid, Spain
Camp Nou - C. d'Aristides Maillol, 12, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
Know Before Visiting The Santiago Bernabeu Stadium
Santiago Bernaneu Tour Timings & Details
On non-match days the tour takes place at the following times -
Monday to Saturday: 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM
Sundays and Holidays: 10:30 AM to 6:30 PM
On match days, you can take the tour upto 5 hours before kick-off. Note, there will be no access to dressing rooms on match days
The tour takes place on everyday of the year, except December 25th and January 1st.
The entire stadium tour takes approximately 1.5 hours to complete, however you are welcome to stay for as long as you like.
Directions to Santiago Bernabeu Stadium
- Metro: The stadium is best reached by Metro Line 10. You can stop at the Santiago Bernabeu station, which lies right next to the stadium. This is the easiest and most convenient way of reaching the stadium
- Bus: If you’re coming to the stadium via the public bus, you can take the following lines - 14, 27 40, 43, 120, 126, 147 and 150.
- Train: The closest train station to the Bernabeu is Nuevos Ministerios. From here, it is a short 7 minute walk to the stadium.
Tips for Visiting The Santiago Bernabeu Stadium
- Make sure you book your tickets online! The benefit of this is twofold - First, you save a ton of time by avoiding the ticketing counter at the stadium. Second, you can avail some terrific discounts and offers when purchasing tickets online.
- Before you purchase your tickets, make sure you have a look at the Real Madrid calendar and schedule. On match days, the timings of the tour may change, so ensure you check this at least 48-hours before your intended day of visit.
- The best way to experience the stadium tour is to go on a match day. Although the tour may not be as extensive, you will be able to enjoy and take in the electric atmosphere that overpowers Madrid.
- Although there are cafes and restaurants in the Santiago Bernabeu, you might want to fill your stomach before taking this tour. The eateries inside the stadium are mighty expensive!
- Give yourself ample time to enjoy the tour and take in all there is to see at this great stadium. Although the tour lasts for 1.5 hours, people usually spend about 2-2.5 hours here.
Santiago Bernabeu Tour - FAQS
How do I redeem the Santiago Bernabeu Tour Tickets bought from Headout?
My tickets do not have any time slot. Can I take the tour any time of the day?
Are there reduced prices for children?
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Other Madrid Guides
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