Touring the Real Madrid stadium, Santiago Bernabeu, was one of my absolute favorite activities in Madrid. Even if you’re a newbie fan of European football (that’s me), you will love this tour.
5. Stroll down memory lane at Bernabeu.
Nostalgia permeates the entire building and looking at football paraphernalia from the early 1900s is fascinating. Bernabeu even has footballs on display from the turn of the century. Profound memories of success and failure are felt by everyone waiting to gawk at their favorite superstar’s jersey. Honestly, I wasn’t expecting to get goosebumps, but I did.
4. Embrace the championships.
As you proceed through Bernabeu, it’s difficult not to be impressed by the different trophy wings that date back to the 1920s. There is such a sense of greatness that this experience feels humbling. And, watching families literally tear up as they relived their favorite Bernabeu moments is pretty cool.
Bernabeu is almost a religious experience for most of the fans in attendance and witnessing this kind of devotion floored me.
3. Get a taste of media scrutiny.
Another interactive experience that’s clearly a crowd favorite is sitting in the press box while pretending that you are part of Real Madrid. As a key member of the team, you are praised for making an epic play. Or, worse, you must defend a terrible blunder on the pitch. Either way, take on the press and live out your European football fantasies in Madrid.
2. Ride the bus (ummm, the Bernabeu bus!)
The simulated bus experience is awesome. And, you really feel like all of Madrid is screaming in the streets and cheering you on to victory as a superstar footballer.
1. Take a selfie on the field of legends.
Walking through the tunnel the players actually go through before they step on the pitch is amazing. This is definitely the highlight of the tour. Well, it was for me. Now, you aren’t allowed to snap selfies in front of the goals, but just hanging out on the football field where legendary players have made mind-blowing moves is thrilling.
Overall, taking the Santiago Bernabeu tour is moving. Honestly, I had no idea that my day would be so inspiring. Again, I highlight that I am a recent European football fan. And, Real Madrid is a proud group that makes you feel like you are celebrating alongside the organization. It feels like the players want to share their storied victories with every single person who takes the time to visit. Something about Bernabeu just makes you smile and want to dig deep within yourself and accomplish amazing things in your own life. I’m still surprised that I got misty eyed, and the cool thing is that you can take this tour without knowing much about the club and enjoy it. Everything here is just a lot of fun! For tickets, go online, because you will be waiting in a long queue if you don’t plan ahead.
