For many football fans, arriving at the Santiago Bernabéu is one of the most anticipated moments of a trip to Madrid. But even if you are not a huge football fan, it is still well worth a visit: the stadium is an unmistakable part of the Paseo de la Castellana skyline and has become one of the great icons of modern Madrid.
Route 2: Modern Madrid of Madrid City Tour stops right next to the stadium, so you can hop off, spend some time exploring the area and then get back on the bus thanks to the hop-on hop-off service.
What is the Santiago Bernabéu?
The Santiago Bernabéu is Real Madrid’s stadium and one of the best-known sporting venues in the world. It is named after Santiago Bernabéu, who served as club president for 35 years and played a key role in its history.
Over the decades, the stadium has evolved to adapt to new ways of experiencing football. Today, it welcomes not only thousands of supporters on match days, but also visitors from all over the world who want to discover the history of the club up close.
One way to do this is through the stadium tour, where you can explore spaces linked to some of Real Madrid’s greatest moments, see its trophies and get closer to some of the venue’s most iconic areas.
Where is the Santiago Bernabéu?
The stadium is located at Paseo de la Castellana, 136, one of Madrid’s main avenues.
Its location gives you the chance to discover a very different side of the city from the historic centre. Here, wide avenues, office buildings and the fast-paced atmosphere of one of Madrid’s main business districts take centre stage.
As it sits right on the Castellana, the Bernabéu also fits perfectly into a route through the more modern side of Madrid.
How to visit the Santiago Bernabéu with Madrid City Tour
If you arrive with Madrid City Tour, the journey itself becomes part of the experience. Route 2: Modern Madrid travels along the Castellana towards the stadium, which quickly stands out among the surrounding buildings.
Once there, you can hop off and organise your visit however you like. The hop-on hop-off system allows you to return to the route later and continue exploring Madrid without having to follow a fixed schedule.
On board, you will also have access to an audio guide in 10 languages, free WiFi, USB chargers and the City Tour App, where you can check the location of the buses in real time. Buses stop here approximately every 35 minutes.
If you prefer to combine your sightseeing route with public transport, the area is also served by the metro and several city bus routes.
What to do around the Santiago Bernabéu
Although the stadium is usually the main attraction, this stop is also a great opportunity to discover a less historic and more contemporary side of Madrid.
- Paseo de la Castellana: Take the opportunity to walk along one of the capital’s most important avenues. Along the way, you will find office buildings, shopping areas and some of the most recognisable examples of modern Madrid architecture.
- Nuevos Ministerios: Just a short distance away, this busy area is known for its business and commercial activity and is also home to one of Madrid’s main transport hubs.
- National Museum of Natural Sciences: If you feel like swapping football for science, head to this museum to explore collections devoted to biodiversity, evolution and natural history.
- Madrid’s financial district: Continue along the Castellana and you will enter one of the city’s main business areas, where the urban landscape gradually changes as you move away from the historic centre.
Frequently asked questions
What can you visit at the Santiago Bernabéu?
The stadium tour allows visitors to discover different spaces connected with Real Madrid’s history and its greatest sporting achievements. The experience may include exhibition areas, trophies and several viewpoints from which to explore the stadium from the inside. It is advisable to check in advance which areas are open on the day of your visit, as the route may vary depending on matches, events or other stadium activities.
Why is it called Santiago Bernabéu?
The stadium is named after Santiago Bernabéu, who was president of Real Madrid for 35 years. His time at the club was marked by major sporting and institutional growth, making him closely associated with both the team’s history and the stadium itself.
Is the Bernabéu worth visiting if there is no match?
Yes. The stadium welcomes visitors throughout the year and has become a tourist attraction in its own right. Its location also makes it easy to combine your visit with a walk along the Castellana and discover a more modern and business-oriented side of Madrid.
