Built in 1947, Santiago Bernabeu stadium has turned into a legendary battlefield hosting Real Madrid C.F. The ground depicts the club’s glorious history and is home of 81,044 of its dedicated supporters.

Seating plan

Santiago Bernabeu stadium plan

It took three years to build Santiago Bernabeu. Construction works were launched in 1944 and ended up in 1947. The stadium initially had only two uncovered tiers that hosted up to 75,000 supporters. The former president was eager to increase the arena’s capacity to 125,000 seats. After the construction works were over, the stadium got the name of its predecessor. Later it was named after the club’s president.

Santiago Bernabeu features a typical structure in the shape of a bowl with four different categories of seats. They include:

  1. Premium or Superior seats on the sides opposite each other.
  2. Cat 1 seats are located on the upper side tiers above the premium seats.
  3. Cat 2 seats are located from both sides of the arena behind the net.
  4. Cat 3 seats are the cheapest ones located on the upper tiers above cat 2 seats.

Santiago Bernabeu is the second biggest arena in Spain. For many years, it has been hosting major football events including UEFA Champions League finals with the record attendance of 125,000+ visitors during the match between Real Madrid and AC Milan back in 1956.

Tickets

Santiago Bernabeu tickets

Viagogo is a timesaving solution whenever you want to buy tickets to Santiago Bernabeu at a reasonable price. The service boasts intuitive interface, advanced navigation, and other great features to ensure the most amazing matchday experience on one of the most spectacular arenas in the world.

Please, note that tickets prices may change depending on the game status. Prepare to pay more than the average price in case you want to visit El Classico or later legs of major European and Spanish tournaments. Visitors can opt for some other ways to get tickets. They include:

  • The official Real Madrid ticketing page;
  • Ticket windows located right at the stadium;
  • By phone – +34 902 32 43 24.

As a rule, tickets for categories 1, 2 and 3 get on stock a week before the matchday. VIP and Superior tickets are available even earlier. The prices for the seats behind the goal net start from £26, while the seats at the sides cost £35 and higher.

Hotels near

hotel near Santiago Bernabeu

Traveling to Madrid is always a great experience whether you come here to see the match or review the major places of interest. Make sure you have a place to stay for a night. You can save your time and simply choose a place to stay from our lists below.

Cheapest offers

  1. Hostal Falfes – located next to the Estrecho metro station, the hostel offers cozy twin and double rooms with shared bathrooms. It will take you about 10 minutes to walk to the arena overviewing picturesque surroundings. The price per room starts from £30.
  2. Village Residencial Don Quijote – the hotel was named after a famous character created by Miguel de Cervantes. Alvarado metro station is very close to the venue. Palacio de Congresos de Madrid is located 900 meters from the hotel. It will not take you long to get to the arena as well. The offer looks good considering £35 per night in a triple room.
  3. Far Home Bernabeu – a typical European hostel with shared beds in one room although very clean and tidy. The venue boasts a great location right in the Tetuán district where Santiago Bernabeu is located. Prepare to pay £40 for a double room with a shared bathroom.
  4. Hostal Suárez – modest price, good location not far from the stadium and nearest metro stations, private bathroom and air conditioning make this hostel a #1 choice for only £40 per night.

Highest-rated

  1. AC Hotel Aitana, a Marriott Lifestyle Hotel – located only 250 meters from Santiago Bernabeu, the hotel is a part of Madrid’s prestigious Paseo de la Castellana. If you are not on a match, you can visit the Congress Palace located just opposite the hotel. It hosts different entertaining events. The price for a double rooms starts from £162 per night.
  2. H10 Tribeca – although it is not far from the arena, the hotel is located in the heart of the business borough of Madrid. It boasts stylish rooms with all modern facilities you may need for a comfortable stay after the match. Moreover, it is not far from the international airport. The price per night here starts from £116.
  3. NYX Madrid – it will take you only 10 minutes to walk to the Real Madrid’s arena from this hotel. An economy room will cost you from £87, which looks like a good price for high-speed Wi-Fi and flawless 3G connection for your mobile devices to stay connected.

How to get to

how to get to Santiago Bernabeu

The stadium has a great location from visitors’ perspectives. It is situated in the central part of Madrid not far from the downtown. The city offers plenty of different options to get to the stadium using various types of public transport. Santiago Bernabeu is not far from the city’s business district and heart. For this reason, you will never face any difficulties in reaching your destination.

By Tube – metro line 10 is the best variant for those who want to avoid traffic jams and congested roads, especially on the matchday. Santiago Bernabeu metro station is the nearest station to the arena. It will take you a couple of minutes to walk to the stadium from there. Columbia and Tetuna stations are also not far from Santiago Bernabeu in case you have some free time to walk.

By Bus – two bus lines are passing through the arena making a stop not far from the stadium. They include buses #14 and 27. You can take them in the directory of Plaza de Castilla.

By Tram – Plaza de Lima is the nearest tram station located right next to the stadium. You can take a tram that takes off from Callao metro station.

By Plane – the majority of international flights arrive at Barajas international airport located about 7 miles from the stadium. You can take a bus right from the airport or follow to the nearest metro station.

Parking

Parking close to Santiago Bernabeu can be tricky. It’s especially true when a big game is about to start in the capital of Spain. However, there is always a solution. The approximate matchday paid parking price near the sports venue in Madrid is £8.

Eating out nearby

pub near Santiago Bernabeu

The Spanish capital is famous for its restaurants and cafes serving local authentic cuisine. At the same time, you can easily find venues featuring continental and Mediterranean meals. Visitors can choose from a variety of seafood, meat, and wine, of course. I have conducted a list of some good cafes and restaurants located near the stadium.

Pubs, bars & cafes

  • The Irish Rover – the bar brings the authentic spirit of Ireland to the heart of the capital of Spain. A traditional Irish pub will amaze you with a selection of classic beers. Try local stouts and IPAs to warm up before the match.
  • Iciar Café – a smart and clean venue where you can have a snack after a long day of walking around the city. The menu includes burgers, sandwiches and cold drinks perfect for refreshments.
  • Café-Bar Quintá – a classical Spanish café with affordable and fast meals to have a snack. Keep in mind that the portions here are huge! You can easily share one sandwich with your mate.

Restaurants

  • Cervecería José Luis (Habana) – a cozy restaurant that will make you feel at home. The pleasant interior is a good addition to an extended menu featuring meals that taste great.
  • Restaurante José Luis (Becquer) – a posh Spanish restaurant that serves traditional Spanish cuisine. Grab your chance to try local appetizers before the main course with a glass of local wine.

Things to see at the stadium

Santiago Bernabeu tour

Real Madrid boasts a rich history and has plenty of interesting things to show off. The stadium offers different programs for all tastes at the most reasonable price. The local museum is the only place that compiles the glorious club’s history throughout the 20th and 21st centuries.

Tour

General stadium tour at Santiago Bernabeu is the best opportunity to learn more about the iconic arena. The program includes visiting some of the fundamental sports for the team players including:

  • Club’s room;
  • Dressing rooms;
  • Players’ tunnel;
  • The pitch;
  • Real Madrid team bus and more.

The excursions are available from Monday to Saturday. The opening hours are from 10 am to 7 pm. Please, note that all stadium tours are unavailable 5 hours before the match.

Museum

The museum of Real Madrid FC is included in the program. It keeps the team’s glorious past. Here you can track the history of victories as well as see some of the iconic trophies with your own eyes. The price per ticket starts from £16. Feel free to book tickets in advance using a simple online form.

Fan store

Located right at Santiago Bernabeu, team’s fan shop is your door to the world of Real Madrid and everything connected with it. From sports and training kits to Bale and Ramos jerseys, you can find everything you need on over 1,500 m² on three floors of the official Real Madrid merchandising. It is not just a shop. A place brings sport lovers, club’s fans and technological geeks together.

Things to do in Madrid

Royal Palace of Madrid

From sprawling museums and galleries to authentic Spanish restaurants and cafes – Madrid is a real godsend for tourists craving for different types of entertainments. You will explore numerous interesting places that hide on every corner. Breathtaking cathedrals, amazing architecture, cultural monuments and modern art meet together in the capital of Spain delivering the best tourist experience.

Sightseeing tour

Once again, city buses are the best variant for overviewing the city with its major attractions and places of interest. The price per tour starts from £11 per adult. You will have a chance to visit the old part of the city as well as get to the center of Madrid shopping and fashion. Buses depart every 30 minutes making it easy for you not to miss the tour. All executions are available from 10am to 7pm.

Top 3 places to visit

The market of San Miguel – it is the heart of Madrid as well as its major shopping and grocery center. Here you can feel the spirit of the capital and experience its rhythm. You can buy seafood, a variety of meats and other products that can be cooked right here on the market.

Royal Palace of Madrid – you should visit this place not just because it is the residence of the royal family but also because the building itself is very beautiful. Mainly used for state ceremonies and social events, the palace is the signature of the city.

Puerta de Alcalá – this one is the most popular Madrid monument. It was built specially for King Charles III in the form of a massive neo-classic road gate that looks overwhelming especially at dusk.

Key facts

Address Av. de Concha Espina, 1, Madrid, Spain
Postcode 28036
Capacity 81,044 seats
Club Real Madrid C.F.
Build Date 1947
Architect Manuel Muñoz Monasterio and Luis Alemany Soler
Average Attendance 65,653 (Season 2017 – 2018)
Record Attendance 129,690 (Real Madrid-AC Milan, 19 April 1956)
Stadium Cost $1,927,448
Roof Covers all seats
Who is the owner of Santiago Bernabeu? Real Madrid C.F.
Pitch Size 105 m by 68 m
Where is Santiago Bernabeu located? 40.45306°N 3.68835°W
Nickname
Surface Mixto Hybrid Grass Technology

FAQ

Why is Real Madrid’s stadium called Santiago Bernabeu?

Initially inaugurated in the name of Nuevo Chamartín on the Paseo de la Castellana back in 1947, the stadium was later named in honour of Real Madrid President Santiago Bernabéu.

Where is Santiago Bernabeu Stadium located?

The stadium is located in the Chamartín district of Madrid, Spain. Its address is Av. de Concha Espina, 1, 28036 Madrid.

How far is Santiago Bernabeu from Puerta de Atocha?

The stadium is 4.3 miles from Puerta de Atocha. The trip to the ground will take about 8 minutes and cost £5.

How far is Santiago Bernabeu from Puerta del Sol?

Fans can take a direct bus from Puerto del Sol to the stadium. The trip will take around 22 minutes to cover a distance of 5.1 miles.

What is the current capacity of Santiago Bernabeu Stadium?

After the recent reconstruction, the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium has a capacity of approximately 81,044 spectators.

How is the seating arranged in the stadium?

The stadium is divided into several tiers and sections:

Lower Tier (Bajo);
Middle Tier (Medio);
Upper Tier (Alto);
VIP and Hospitality areas.

Each tier is further divided into four main sections corresponding to the sides of the pitch:

Fondo Norte (North End);
Fondo Sur (South End);
Lateral Este (East Side);
Lateral Oeste (West Side).

What are the best seats for viewing the match?

The best views are typically from the Lateral sections (East and West), particularly in the middle tier. These offer a great perspective of the entire pitch. However, the specific “best” seat depends on personal preference and budget.

Are there any obstructed view seats?

Thanks to the stadium’s modern design, there are very few obstructed view seats. However, seats in the corners or very high up may have a slightly limited view of the opposite corner of the pitch.

Where do away fans sit at Santiago Bernabeu?

Away fans will find themselves in a confined seating section located on the 4th tier of the North-East corner. To get there, fans must pass through the Tower or Torre D.

What amenities are available in different seating areas?

VIP and hospitality areas offer premium services, including exclusive lounges and gourmet catering.
All areas have access to restrooms and food and beverage concessions.
The new design includes improved accessibility features throughout the stadium.

Is there a retractable roof?

Yes, the renovation included the installation of a retractable roof, allowing the stadium to be fully covered when necessary.

How can I purchase tickets for different sectors?

Tickets can be purchased through the official Real Madrid website, at the stadium ticket office, or through authorized resellers. Prices vary depending on the importance of the match and the location of the seat.

Can you bring bags to Santiago Bernabeu?

The stadium does not establish an official safety policy around bags. However, fans should be ready for a thorough check when passing the gates. Additionally, the ground does not have cloakrooms.

Are stadium tours available to see different seating areas?

Yes, stadium tours are available and include access to various areas of the stadium, including different seating sections, the pitch, and the Real Madrid museum.

How long is the Santiago Bernabeu tour?

All major guide tours last for roughly 60 minutes. The stadium opening hours are from Monday to Saturday – 09:30 AM to 07:00 PM, on Sundays – from 10 AM to 6:30 PM.

How has the reconstruction improved the fan experience?

The reconstruction has enhanced the fan experience by:

improving sightlines from all seats;
adding a 360-degree video scoreboard;
upgrading food and beverage options;
enhancing Wi-Fi connectivity throughout the stadium;
creating a new exterior façade with an LED wrap for light shows.

Is there a difference in atmosphere between different sections?

Generally, the Fondo sections (North and South ends) are known for more vibrant atmospheres, often occupied by the most vocal supporters. The Lateral sections tend to be slightly calmer but still enthusiastic.

Are there special accommodations for disabled spectators?

Yes, the stadium offers dedicated spaces for wheelchair users and their companions in various sections. These areas provide excellent views of the pitch and easy access to facilities.