Tips for visiting the Bernabéu

The Santiago Bernabéu Stadium tour is one of the most popular things to do in Madrid, and with a little planning you'll enjoy it even more. Here we gather the practical tips we get asked about the most: how long to allow, when to go, what it's like with kids, accessibility and what to bring.

How long you need

The tour is free-flow and self-guided, so you set the pace. As a guide: you can see the essentials in about 45 minutes, but most visitors spend between an hour and a half and two hours if they take their time in the Real Madrid museum and the trophy room. If you're a real fan and want to read everything, allow more margin. Book your visit for a time when you're not in a rush afterwards: you won't want to dash out of the museum.

When to go: best time and fewer queues

To avoid the crowds, it's best to arrive first thing in the morning or mid-afternoon, and on weekdays rather than weekends or public holidays. The most important point: avoid match days, because the route is shortened and some areas (dressing rooms, dugouts) may not be open. We cover this in detail in the opening times and match days guide.

As the ticket comes with an assigned time slot and instant confirmation, booking online saves you the ticket-office queue and secures your spot on high-demand dates.

Visiting the Bernabéu with kids

It's a great plan for families: it's visual, you move at the little ones' pace, and young fans love seeing the trophies, the Champions Leagues and the pitch from above. Keep in mind:

• Reduced fares by age: there's usually a child price and, depending on age, free entry for the youngest. Confirmed when you book.
• Pushchairs: the route is comfortable with a pushchair along most of the itinerary, thanks to the lifts in the remodelled stadium.
• Pace: because it's self-guided, you can stop, rest and continue without any pressure.

Accessibility and reduced mobility

The remodelled stadium has lifts and a route that is mostly wheelchair accessible. A few specific areas may have occasional limitations depending on the day's set-up. If you need assistance or have any accessibility questions, it's best to mention it and confirm before your visit.

What to bring (and what not to)

• Small backpacks: yes; suitcases and bulky luggage: not allowed on the tour, and the cloakroom is limited. If you arrive with large luggage, sort out where to leave it beforehand.
• Comfortable shoes: you walk quite a bit between the stands, museum and pitch area.
• A charged phone or camera: you'll be taking lots of photos.
• Your ticket on your phone: with the Civitatis booking you go straight in; there's no need to print anything.

Photos, video and souvenirs

You can take photos and video for personal use along almost the entire route; just follow the signs in the areas where it isn't allowed. The best photo moments are the panorama of the pitch from the top of the stands and the trophy room. The tour ends at the official store, in case you want to take home a souvenir (purchases are paid separately).

Is there an audioguide or guide?

The tour is a self-guided route, with no accompanying guide: you move along the signposted itinerary and the museum's information panels. It's convenient because you don't depend on a group schedule and you can linger wherever interests you most.

Make the most of the area

The Bernabéu sits right on the Paseo de la Castellana, very well connected by metro (line 10). Before or after the tour you can stroll through the Castellana business district or reach central Madrid in a few minutes. Check how to get there to plan your journey.

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