The Ultimate Soccer Fan’s Itinerary for Madrid

heart of Spanish football culture, pulsating with a passion that’s unrivaled.

While in Madrid, you get to witness Real Madrid’s stadium Santiago Bernabeu or their fierce rivals Atlético de Madrid stadium Civitas. In addition, there are other La Liga teams like Rayo Vallecano, to check out. And the best part? You can soak it all in while sporting jerseys, scarves, and memorabilia – official merchandise stores are everywhere, ready to fuel your fandom! So, lace up your metaphorical boots and get ready to experience soccer like never before in Madrid! (Notice, the interchangeable use of footbacll and soccer in this article.)

Day 1: Delve into the Depths of Real Madrid Experience

• Morning: Kick off your day with a VIP tour of the legendary Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, the magnificent home of Real Madrid. Walk through the players’ tunnel, feel the weight of history in the presidential box, and get up close to the club’s most coveted trophies in the museum. Relive iconic moments and immerse yourself in the rich legacy of Los Blancos (The Whites).

Images Source: https://shorturl.at/NStKl

General Tips for Santiago Bernabeu Stadium Visit:

• Book Your Tickets in Advance: The Bernabéu is a popular tourist attraction, especially on match days. Purchase tickets online well in advance to avoid disappointment and long queues.
• Consider a Guided Tour: Especially for first-timers, a guided Real Madrid Stadium tour provides valuable insights into the stadium’s history, architecture, and iconic moments.
• Plan Your Commute: The Bernabéu is easily accessible by public transportation (metro stations Santiago Bernabéu and Nuevos Ministerios). If driving, consider parking in advance as spaces can be limited.

Lunch at Real Madrid Fan-Centric Bars and Restaurants:

Sanchís Bar Marisquería

Image Source: Facebook(Sanchís Bar Marisquería)

Sanchís Bar Marisquería isn’t just a renowned seafood restaurant in Madrid, it’s also a pilgrimage site for Real Madrid fans. The walls of Sanchís Bar Marisquería are adorned with photographs of Real Madrid stars, both past and present. Imagine being surrounded by iconic players like Alfredo Di Stéfano, Cristiano Ronaldo, Raúl González, and Sergio Ramos, all immortalized in action shots or celebratory moments. It’s a place where fans can gather, discuss the latest games, and celebrate victories. The atmosphere is likely to be buzzing with excitement on match days, especially after a win.

Mesón Txistu

Images Source: https://www.mesontxistu.com/

Mesón Txistu boasts a long-standing reputation as a favorite spot for Real Madrid players, coaches, and even executives. It’s not uncommon to see current and former stars like Karim Benzema, Luka Modrić, or Zinedine Zidane enjoying a meal there. While the Real Madrid connection draws attention, the real star of the show is the food. Mesón Txistu specializes in Basque cuisine, known for its fresh, seasonal ingredients and robust flavors.

Useful Info:

• Telephone Number: +34 91 570 10 06
• Website: https://mesontxistu.com/
• Address: Plaza Ángel Carbajo, 6 28020 Madrid, Spainpen_spark

Atlético de Madrid Stadium Visit:

Images Source: https://shorturl.at/hAARK

The Wanda Metropolitano Stadium, also known as Cívitas Metropolitano, is the home ground of Atlético Madrid. Here are some highlights and special moments you can experience during a visit:

1. Territorio Atleti Museum: Explore over 1,400 m² of interactive space dedicated to the Red & White history. Learn about the club’s foundation in 1903 and its journey to the present day. The museum visit takes approximately one hour.
2. Stadium Tour: Take a behind-the-scenes tour of the Wanda Metropolitano. Highlights include:
   • Walk of Legends: Discover the history of legendary players.
   • Players’ Dressing Room: Step into where the players prepare for matches.
   • Mixed Zone: See where players and journalists interact.
   • Players’ Tunnel: Experience the adrenaline of walking onto the pitch.
   • Press Room: Get a glimpse of where post-match interviews happen.
   • Presidential Box: View the stadium from an VIP zone where club bosses sit during matches.

Quick Tip: The stadium is accessible via metro stations such as Estadio Metropolitano, Las Musas, Las Rosas, and Canillejas.

Remember that you have a choice between a guided Civitas Stadium tour where you will learn interesting facts and anecdotes about the the club history and players OR a self-guided stadium visit ideal for parents with young children where you can tour at your own pace.

The Wanda Metropolitano is more than just a stadium—it’s a place to immerse yourself in Atlético Madrid’s rich heritage! 🏟️🔴⚪

Day 2: Soccer Merchandise and Gear

Image Source: https://shop.realmadrid.com/

You can shop your favorite Real Madrid gear at any of the following stores:

1. Real Madrid Store (Bernabéu): Located at Gate 30 in Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, therefore you can visit right after the Santiago Bernabeu Tour. It’s an iconic meeting place for Real Madrid supporters and football fans. The store shares space with the brand Adidas and covers three floors.
2. Real Madrid Store (Carmen): Situated at number 3 on Calle de El Carmen, near Puerta del Sol.
3. Real Madrid Store (Arenal): Found at number 6 on Calle Arenal, also close to Puerta del Sol. This official store spans 350 m² across two floors.
4. Real Madrid Store (Gran Vía): Located on Gran Vía avenue, this store boasts an area of 420 m² across two floors.

You can shop your favorite Barça gear and merchandise

Images Source: https://store.fcbarcelona.com/

Any Barça fans in Madrid? Well, you can also stock up on your favorite Barça merchandise from its store. This Barça store is the first outside of Catalunya and it boasts a wide array of official FC Barcelona merchandise. Find everything from jerseys and training gear for adults and children to fan scarves, hats, phone cases, and keychains. The store staff is likely to be knowledgeable about FC Barcelona and its merchandise. Don’t hesitate to ask for recommendations or assistance in finding the perfect souvenir. Whether you’re a die-hard Culé (Barça supporter) or simply a football enthusiast, the Barça Store on Calle Arenal 9, near Puerta del Sol metro, offers a unique and unexpected experience in the heart of Madrid. It’s a chance to celebrate the beautiful game and take home a piece of FC Barcelona’s legacy.