Santiago Bernabéu — About, History, Tours & Visitor Info (2025)
Explore the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, legendary home of Real Madrid CF and one of the most modern arenas in world football. Learn how this ground evolved from a post-war stadium into a high-tech venue with a retractable roof, giant 360° video screen and a new museum, and see how to book tours and tickets for your visit to Madrid in 2025.
About Santiago Bernabéu Stadium
The Santiago Bernabéu Stadium is the iconic home ground of Real Madrid CF, located on Paseo de la Castellana in northern Madrid. It hosts La Liga and UEFA Champions League matches, major concerts and events, and a popular stadium tour and museum experience that attracts football fans from all over the world.
After a huge multi-year renovation, the Bernabéu now features a futuristic steel and glass exterior, a retractable roof, a retractable pitch, upgraded seating, hospitality areas and a brand-new immersive tour route. Big LED screens and lighting shows turn match nights and concerts into full multimedia events.
What Makes the Bernabéu Special
This is more than just a football stadium. It’s where Real Madrid’s European Cup runs, legendary players and historic comebacks have become part of football history.
- Home of Real Madrid CF, one of the most successful clubs in the world.
- Newly renovated with a retractable roof, 360° video screen and upgraded stands.
- Interactive museum showcasing trophies, shirts, boots and multimedia exhibits.
Where It Fits in Your Madrid Plan
The stadium sits in the Chamartín district, a busy business and residential area north of the historic centre. It’s easy to reach by metro or bus and fits nicely into a day of sightseeing or an evening football experience.
Good pairing: Take a Bernabéu stadium tour in the morning or afternoon, then explore central Madrid with a city sightseeing bus or tapas walk in the evening.
Brief History & Timeline of the Santiago Bernabéu
The history of the Bernabéu mirrors Real Madrid’s rise to global fame. This quick timeline gives you context before you walk through the stands and museum:
- 1947 — The new stadium opens as Nuevo Estadio Chamartín, replacing Real Madrid’s former ground and giving the club space to grow.
- 1955 — The stadium is renamed Santiago Bernabéu in honour of the club president who was key to its construction and the team’s early European success.
- 1950s–1970s — Expansion works increase the capacity and add new stands as Real Madrid dominate European football and host major games.
- 1982 — The Bernabéu hosts several matches and the FIFA World Cup Final, reinforcing its status as a top international venue.
- 1990s–2000s — Modernisation projects convert the stadium to all-seater, improve comfort and safety, and introduce the first official tour route and museum areas.
- 2019–2023 — A major renovation transforms the Bernabéu with a new skin, retractable roof, updated hospitality, and technology for year-round events and concerts.
- Today — The Santiago Bernabéu is one of the most advanced stadiums in the world, combining football heritage with state-of-the-art architecture and fan experiences.
Now: A visit to the Bernabéu is both a football pilgrimage and an architectural tour—perfect for Real Madrid fans and casual visitors alike.
Tours, Tickets & Fan Experiences at the Bernabéu
You can visit the Santiago Bernabéu on a self-guided tour, join a guided experience, or combine it with wider Madrid sightseeing. Use these options (via GetYourGuide) to build your perfect football day:
Bernabéu Stadium Tour & Museum Ticket
Follow a marked route through the stands, museum areas and club exhibition spaces. See trophies, historic shirts, multimedia displays and panoramic views of the pitch from different levels.
Guided Bernabéu Stadium Experience
Join an expert guide who explains Real Madrid’s greatest moments, the recent renovation project and behind-the-scenes details as you move through the stands, museum and common areas.
Bernabéu by Night & Match-Day Vibes
On some dates you can combine the tour with evening time in the area, soaking up pre- or post-match atmosphere from nearby bars and fan zones. Check availability around Real Madrid home fixtures.
Madrid City Tour + Bernabéu Stop
Many hop-on hop-off buses and city tours include a stop close to the stadium. It’s an easy way to link the Bernabéu with Gran Vía, Plaza Mayor, the Royal Palace and other central sights.
Family-Friendly Football Day
Combine the Bernabéu tour with child-friendly Madrid activities, like a city bus loop or a visit to Retiro Park, for a full family day that balances football, parks and easy sightseeing.
Premium & Small-Group Experiences
Look for small-group or premium tours that include extra time with a guide, access to certain hospitality areas when available, or add-ons such as official photos and souvenirs.
Flexibility tip: Many tours on GetYourGuide offer free cancellation up to 24 hours before your visit, so you can adjust plans if match schedules or weather change.
What You’ll Experience at the Santiago Bernabéu
Highlights on the Stadium Tour
Exact routes can vary as renovation works finish and events take place, but a typical Bernabéu visit includes:
- Panoramic views of the pitch and stands from high in the stadium.
- Access to museum areas with European Cups, La Liga trophies and historic shirts.
- Immersive multimedia rooms showing goals, comebacks and legends such as Di Stéfano, Raúl and Cristiano Ronaldo.
- Displays on the stadium’s architecture, renovation and the future retractable-pitch system.
- A chance to visit the official Real Madrid store for shirts, scarves and souvenirs.
Atmosphere & Fan Experience
Even when there’s no match, the Bernabéu feels like a living piece of football history. Many visitors mention:
- The intensity of the steep stands and how close the seats feel to the pitch.
- The contrast between the historic trophy rooms and the ultra-modern exterior and roof.
- The buzz in nearby bars and cafés, especially on days when Real Madrid are playing at home.
Tip: If you’re in Madrid on a match day, avoid booking the tour too close to kick-off—access to certain areas can be limited and crowds are heavier.
Insider Tips for Visiting the Bernabéu
Best Time to Visit
Weekday mornings and early afternoons are often quieter than weekends. On match days, tour routes may adjust or close early, so check times carefully if you’re visiting before a game.
Tickets & Availability
Tours can sell out on peak travel dates, weekends and days around big Champions League fixtures. Booking in advance online is the safest option, especially in high season.
What to Wear & Bring
Comfortable shoes are essential—there are stairs, ramps and long corridors. Dress for the weather, especially if parts of your visit are outdoors. A small backpack or cross-body bag is usually fine, but larger luggage may not be allowed.
Photos & Video
Photography is generally allowed on the tour, but tripods, drones and professional setups are not. Always follow staff instructions and respect any no-photo areas or temporary restrictions.
Visitor Cheatsheet — Santiago Bernabéu Stadium
Location
The Bernabéu is on Paseo de la Castellana in the Chamartín district, a short metro ride north of central Madrid and close to business towers and shopping streets.
Nearest Metro
The closest stop is usually Santiago Bernabéu (Line 10), right by the stadium. Several bus lines also run along Castellana if you prefer surface transport.
Tour Schedules
Opening hours and tour routes can vary depending on matches, events and ongoing works. Always check the latest times on your chosen ticket page and allow extra time on game days.
Accessibility
Modern lifts and ramps have been added, but some parts of the route may still involve slopes or stairs. If you have mobility needs, check current accessibility details before you book.
Bags & Security
For security reasons, large bags, suitcases and certain items may not be allowed inside. Plan to bring only a small day bag and follow the instructions of stadium staff at the entrances.
Pairing With Other Sights
Combine the Bernabéu with Madrid city tours, Retiro Park, Gran Vía shopping or an evening tapas walk for a full day that mixes football, culture and food.
Ready to Plan Your Santiago Bernabéu Visit in Madrid?
Turn your trip to Madrid into a full Real Madrid experience: secure Bernabéu stadium tour tickets, choose a guided visit or premium option, and combine it with a relaxed day exploring the Spanish capital in 2025.