Planning a trip to Madrid and a football fan at heart? The Madrid Bernabeu Stadium Tour is a popular choice, offering a chance to step into one of the world’s most iconic football venues. With a rating of 4.0 out of 5 based on ten reviews, this experience promises a behind-the-scenes glimpse into Real Madrid’s legendary history—though with some caveats.
In this review, we’ll explore what makes this tour a worthwhile visit, including its highlights and potential downsides. We’ll also share insights from other travelers to help you decide if it’s right for your Madrid itinerary. Whether you’re a die-hard supporter or just curious about football culture, this tour offers a mix of history, stunning sights, and authentic moments.
What we love about this experience:
- Access to the trophy room showcasing Real Madrid’s 15 Champions League titles
- The opportunity to walk the pitch and feel the atmosphere of the stadium
- The museum’s interactive exhibits and memorabilia from legendary players
A possible consideration:
- The tour is currently shortened and limited due to ongoing renovations, meaning some areas like the changing rooms and VIP zones are not accessible.
Ideal for:
- Football fans eager to see the club’s history firsthand
- Travelers who appreciate stadium architecture and panoramic views
- Visitors who want a self-guided experience with flexible timing
Good To Know
- Self-Guided Tour: You choose your date and time, making it flexible for your schedule.
- Renovation Disruption: Some areas are temporarily closed, which could affect your experience.
- Entry Cost: Priced at $69.29 per person, it offers access to the museum and stadium.
- Limited Guided Support: No dedicated guide, so some travelers may find directions less clear.
- Authentic Moments: Walk on the pitch and enjoy panoramic stadium views.
- Mixed Reviews: Visitors appreciate the views and memorabilia but note the short length and limited access to certain areas.
Exploring the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium Tour
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The Stadium and Its Significance
The Santiago Bernabéu Stadium isn’t just a football arena; it’s a monument to Madrid’s sporting pride. Known for its impressive architecture and history of hosting countless legendary matches, the stadium is a must-see for any football enthusiast. The ticket grants access to the museum, which includes a collection of trophies and memorabilia, notably the 15 Champions League titles, a unique highlight for visitors eager to see the club’s shining moments.
One traveler, Stephen S., mentioned: “Easy to find location with plenty of places to eat around the stadium. Very interesting place and nicely laid out. Shop is massive.” This suggests the area surrounding the stadium offers additional options for food and shopping, making the visit more than just a tour.
What’s Included in the Tour
Your ticket provides entry to the stadium and the museum, where you can explore exhibits celebrating Real Madrid’s illustrious history. The museum features a notable collection of trophies, including the impressive display of 15 Champions League titles, which is a standout feature for fans. Visitors can also see memorabilia from legendary players, adding a personal touch to the experience.
A key perk is the opportunity to walk the pitch, sit in the dugouts, and take in the panoramic views. These moments often serve as highlights, especially for those who have dreamed of being on the field. Some reviews, like Ruth C.’s, noted: “You don’t get to see the changing rooms but an ok tour. Lots of stairs and escalators. No one really speaks English.” This highlights some limitations, which we’ll discuss later, but also points to the genuine stadium experience.
The Experience During Renovations
A significant aspect to consider is that the stadium is undergoing renovations. This means certain features are temporarily unavailable, including changing rooms, VIP areas, the mixed zone, and press rooms. This can impact the overall feel of the tour, especially for those expecting a behind-the-scenes peek into VIP zones or dressing rooms.
A reviewer, Jennifer F., summed it up: “Very short tour, not able to see the locker room. Very very pricey for the short tour that you take yourself.” The limited access might impact the value for some visitors, but the core museum and pitch walk still provide meaningful insights.
The Itinerary Breakdown
Stop 1: Santiago Bernabéu Stadium
Your journey begins right at the stadium itself, where you’ll be in the only place in the world to see the collection of 15 Champions League titles. The museum’s displays bring to life the club’s historic victories, with photos, trophies, and memorabilia. Visitors often find the collection of trophies breathtaking, and the opportunity to see the trophies up close makes this part of the visit memorable.
Walking on the Pitch
One of the best parts of the tour is stepping onto the pitch. Feel the grass beneath your feet, see the stands fill with imaginary fans, and imagine the roar of the crowd. As Stephen S. pointed out, the “view of the field is brutal”—you get a visceral sense of what it’s like to be a player under the stadium lights.
Sitting in the Dugouts and VIP Areas
While access to dressing rooms and VIP zones is currently restricted, the tour does allow you to sit in the dugouts and enjoy panoramic views of the stadium. These moments are especially popular, as they let you imagine the drama and excitement of match day.
Museum Exhibits and Memorabilia
The museum is well-laid out, with exhibits dedicated to legendary players like Cristiano Ronaldo and Zinedine Zidane. One reviewer, Antonio G., mentioned: “Muy completo el tour, nos sorprendió el cuadro de fútbol. Los trofeos y las fotos al final del tour.” The displays are curated to appeal to fans and casual visitors alike, offering a rundown of the club’s history.
Extra Shopping and Food Options
Post-tour, many visitors find the stadium’s shop to be massive—great for souvenirs—and the surrounding area has plenty of eateries to fuel your exploration. This makes the visit a more relaxed experience, especially if you’re a supporter wanting to pick up jerseys or memorabilia.
Practical Details and Tips
Duration and Group Size
The tour lasts approximately 1 hour, which makes it a quick but intense experience. The maximum group size is limited to 15 travelers, ensuring a more personal experience, but also meaning it’s best to book well in advance. The average booking window is about 19 days, so planning ahead is key.
Price and Value
At $69.29 per person, this tour isn’t cheap, especially considering the limited access to certain areas due to renovations. However, for football enthusiasts, the chance to see the trophies, walk the pitch, and explore the museum might justify the cost. Keep in mind, it’s a self-guided experience, so patience with directions and clarity from staff can enhance your visit.
Accessibility and Meeting Point
The meeting point is at Lima-Santiago Bernabéu in Madrid, near public transportation, making it easy to find. The tour is suitable for most travelers, but some reviews indicated that there are many stairs and escalators, so mobility could be a consideration.
Cancellation Policy
Please note that the booking is non-refundable, and changes cannot be made once booked. This is standard, so ensure your plans are firm before purchasing.
Authentic Traveler Insights
From the reviews, it’s evident that the stadium tour appeals to different expectations. For example, Stephen S. appreciated “plenty to see” and the “interesting layout”, while Jennifer F. found the “short tour” and limited access to be a letdown relative to the price. Many visitors also mentioned the knowledgeable staff, though some noted the lack of English-speaking guides, which could impact non-Spanish speakers.
One participant, who expressed excitement through his review, said: “#halamadrid what a experience I had where the #goat conquered for 9 consecutive years and damn what a energy I felt at the stadium.” This highlights how emotionally charged and memorable the experience can be, especially for passionate fans.
Final Thoughts: Is the Bernabeu Tour Worth It?
This tour offers a chance to stand where football history has been made, with stunning views, a trove of memorabilia, and the thrill of being on the pitch. If you’re a Real Madrid supporter or a football fan, the visuals, exhibits, and atmosphere are likely to make this a worthwhile stop.
However, remember that current renovations limit access to certain VIP and dressing room areas, which could impact the perceived value. The tour is best suited for those who prioritize the museum and stadium walkover over behind-the-scenes exclusives. It’s also a good option if you prefer a flexible, self-guided experience rather than a guided tour.
For travelers on a budget or those expecting a comprehensive behind-the-scenes look, it’s worth weighing the costs against what is accessible. The pricing reflects the exclusivity of the experience, but the limited areas might feel like a short visit for some.
The Bernabeu Stadium Tour remains a compelling choice for football fans wanting a taste of the club’s grandeur, provided expectations are aligned with the current scope of the visit.
FAQs
Is this a guided tour?
No, it’s a self-guided experience, allowing you to explore at your own pace. Staff are available for directions, but there’s no dedicated guide.
How long does the tour last?
The experience takes about 1 hour, so it’s a quick and focused visit.
Are there areas that are currently unavailable?
Yes, due to ongoing renovations, changing rooms, VIP box, mixed zone, and press room cannot be accessed at this time.
Can I see the locker rooms?
No, the locker rooms are currently not part of the tour, which has disappointed some visitors.
What is included in the ticket?
Your ticket grants access to the stadium and the museum, including trophies and memorabilia, and the opportunity to walk on the pitch.
Is the experience suitable for children or mobility-impaired visitors?
Most travelers can participate, but be aware of stairs and escalators. Check accessibility if needed, as some reviews noted many stairs.
To sum it up, this stadium tour is a solid pick for fans who want to get close to the history of Real Madrid without the need for guided commentary or access to VIP zones. It offers authentic moments, impressive displays, and beautiful views, making it a memorable part of a Madrid visit. Just keep in mind the temporary limitations and plan accordingly for a smoother experience.
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