Madrid is a city where football is more than a sport—it is part of everyday life. The Spanish capital has produced some of the greatest footballing moments in history, and its stadiums and museums offer visitors a direct connection to the passion that drives the game. For travellers interested in sport and culture, Madrid is one of the most exciting destinations in the world to experience football in all its forms.
Two of Europe’s most successful clubs, Real Madrid and Atlético de Madrid, both call the city home, with iconic stadiums. Beyond these giants, Madrid also offers something unique: a museum entirely dedicated to the story of football itself. Together, the Santiago Bernabéu Tour, Territorio Atleti at Cívitas Metropolitano, and Legends: The Home of Football provide a complete experience for any fan visiting the city.
Tour de Bernabéu
The Santiago Bernabéu Stadium is one of the most famous grounds in world sport. Home to Real Madrid, a club with 14 European Cups and dozens of domestic titles, the stadium embodies football history. The Bernabéu Tour offers visitors a chance to step into the world of Los Blancos and see the stadium as players and coaches do.
The visit begins at the Real Madrid Museum, where the club’s story unfolds through historic objects, trophies, and interactive displays. From the very first European Cup in 1956 to the most recent Champions League triumphs, the museum captures the scale of the club’s achievements. Shirts worn by legends, match balls from decisive games, and boots that belonged to stars of different eras make history tangible.
The tour then moves into the heart of the stadium. Visitors can walk down to pitch level, look out from the presidential box, and step into the changing rooms. The press room, where managers speak after tense matches, also forms part of the route. Throughout, multimedia features and panoramic views show both the old and the new sides of the Bernabéu.
Ticketing is straightforward. A classic Bernabéu Tour ticket can be purchased in advance online, while buying at the stadium costs slightly more. Children under 14 receive a reduced rate. Tickets can be reserved directly through the club’s website or at the stadium ticket office. The stadium is wheelchair accessible, though access to some areas is limited. Booking in advance is strongly recommended, especially on weekends and holidays when demand is high.
Territorio Atleti
Across town, Atlético de Madrid offers a different but equally compelling experience. Territorio Atleti, housed at the modern Cívitas Metropolitano Stadium, is more than a traditional museum. It combines the story of the club with a tour of one of Europe’s newest football arenas.
The exhibition tells the history of Atlético de Madrid, a club with more than 120 years of tradition. It includes photographs, archives, and objects that reflect its red-and-white identity and connection with supporters. Digital screens and interactive sections make the visit engaging, whether the interest is in legendary players, memorable goals, or the culture of the fan base.
The stadium tour allows visitors to step into the changing rooms, walk through the tunnel, sit in the press conference area, and stand on the pitch itself. Few European stadiums are as modern as the Cívitas Metropolitano, and the design makes the visit a highlight for fans of architecture as well as sport.
Territorio Atleti also includes activities designed for families. Children can take part in “El Desafío,” a quiz game that encourages them to learn about the club as they explore. At the end, completed answers can be exchanged for a small prize.
Tickets can also be purchased online, with different prices for adults and children aged 4 to 13. Children under 3 enter free, though they must still have a ticket. Tickets bought at the stadium are slightly higher. Combined museum and stadium tour tickets are also available, and occasional discounts are offered at the box office. Tickets can be purchased through Atlético de Madrid’s official website or on site at the stadium.
Legends: The Home of Football
For a broader look at the sport, Legends: The Home of Football is a one-of-a-kind museum in the heart of Madrid, just off Puerta del Sol. It is the first museum entirely dedicated to world football, developed with the support of LaLiga, FIFA, UEFA, CONMEBOL, and the International Olympic Committee.
Spread over seven floors and more than 4,000 square meters, Legends offers a chronological journey through the global history of the game. More than 5,000 historical items are on display, including jerseys, boots, and balls used by some of the greatest players of all time. Pelé, Johan Cruyff, Diego Maradona, Lionel Messi, Zinédine Zidane, and Andrés Iniesta are just some of the names represented in the collection. Visitors can see the shirts worn in World Cup finals, the gloves of iconic goalkeepers, and objects that capture football’s greatest moments.
What makes Legends stand out is its immersive design. Visitors can enjoy a 4D cinema experience, interactive displays, and virtual reality features that recreate iconic moments. The museum also includes a game area and rooftop restaurants, making it an attraction that goes beyond a traditional exhibit.
The museum appeals to both long-time fans and those curious about football’s cultural impact. Exhibits cover men’s and women’s football, club competitions, and the FIFA World Cup. For many visitors, the experience begins with an animated film that sets the tone, followed by a walk through carefully arranged galleries that bring together artifacts and modern technology.
Ticket prices vary slightly depending on the platform. Family packages are available. Online booking often provides lower rates. Tickets can be purchased through the official Legends website or through established travel and ticketing sites.
Football beyond the big two
While Real Madrid and Atlético dominate attention, Madrid also hosts other footballing attractions. Clubs such as Getafe CF and CD Leganés compete in Spain’s professional leagues, and both offer the chance to watch competitive matches in smaller but passionate stadiums. Women’s football is also growing, with Atlético de Madrid Femenino and Rayo Vallecano Femenino playing in Spain’s top division. For visitors who plan their trip around match days, attending a live game is an unforgettable way to connect with local sporting culture.
Learn More:
Bernabéu Tour: https://www.realmadrid.com/sites/tour-bernabeu
Territorio Atleti: https://www.atleticodemadrid.com/atm/territorioatleti
Legends: https://legends.football/