Going to a Real Madrid match at the iconic Santiago Bernabéu stadium is an incredible experience. If you have never been, here is everything you need to know for a great time in Madrid.
Getting To The Stadium
Address:
Santiago Bernabéu Stadium – Avenida Concha Espina 1, 28036 Madrid
Nearest airport
The main airport that serves Madrid is Madrid Barajas International. It is situated around 12kms from the city centre. It is one of the busiest airports in Spain and transport links are very good from here. Costs into the city from the airport are around 2 Euros for the metro, 2 Euros for a bus and around 20-25 Euros for a taxi.
Metro
From the city centre, hop on the dark blue line 10 heading towards Fuencarral and the Plaza Castilla. There is a stop right outside the stadium called Santiago Bernabéu. The metro runs until 1am and the cost for a single ticket is around 1 Euro.
Bus
Buses run back and forth along the Playa de la Castellana all day and night. So there is no shortage of buses. This is a main road that runs alongside the stadium itself. Numbers 14. 27, 40, 43, 120, 147 and 150 all stop right outside the stadium. The main bus company is known as EMT (Empressa Municipal de Transporte). Ticket costs are around 1 Euro for a single journey. The night buses are known as ‘Buhos’ which means owls. You may have to wait up to 30 minutes for a night bus, but it is exactly the same price as during the day.
Taxis
The cost of a taxi to the ground should be around 10-12 Euros and there are always plenty of them about. However when coming out of the stadium, you might have to wait for a while.
NB
Take heed that some unscrupulous taxi drivers will charge more than 3 times this price and will take advantage of tourists, looking to enjoy a match. So always make sure that the meter is switched on and ask a price before you get in.
Walking
It is possible to walk to the stadium from the city centre if you fancy a bit of fresh air. If you have a good map with you then it can be done in around 45 minutes.
Hotels and Restaurants
Nearest Hotels
Rafael Hotels Orense – Pedro Tiexeira Madrid
Less than 0.3 kms away from the Bernabéu this hotel offers stylish accommodation that is right in the heart of the business district. Prices start from 66.00 Euros per night.
Holiday Inn Madrid – Plaza Carlos Trias Bertrán
The Holiday Inn offers a comfortable and clean setting and is surrounded by famous shops and quality restaurants. It is less than 0.4 kms from the stadium and makes a perfect place to get your head down after the game. Prices start from 82.00 Euros per room.
Gran Atlanta – Calle Comandante Zorita
This 4 star hotel offers a good standard of accommodation at a reasonable price. Rooms start at around 51.00 Euros per night and it is only 0.7kms from the stadium itself.
Infanta Mercedes – Calle Huesca
If you like your accommodation to be cheap and cheerful then you should consider Infanta Mercedes. Small and charming, and at around 45.00 per room per night, this hotel is only 0.8kms from the ground.
Bars And Restaurants
There are plenty of bars in and around the stadiums which will serve a selection of tapas, or bocadillos.
The main road that runs right past the Bernabéu stadium is known as Paseo de la Castellano and here you will find a myriad of bars, restaurants and hotels. Here is a small selection of some of the best
Birra – Calle Concha Espina
A typical ‘Cervecceria’ offering a good selection of tapas and cold beer. Also on offer is a menu del dia. Prices are reasonable as a tapas and a beer will set you back around 2.50 Euros. Distance from the stadium is around 100 metres.
Aki Madrid Brios – Calle San Juan de la Salle 5
Aki Madrid Brios is a small bar literally opposite the stadium. Like most cervecceria’s, it offers a good selection of tapas and ice cold beer at great prices. Again, you are looking at around 2.50 Euros for a beer and tapas
Alfredo’s barbacoa – Calle Juan Hurtado de Mendoza 11
Alfredo’s barbacoa is a Mecca for pre match eating and drinking. At Alfredo’s you will find probably the best burger in Madrid and at only 2.50 Euros, it’s a real snip. Other favourites include, sticky ribs, which fall off the bone, and sizzling steaks. Wash this down with a glass of something cold and you are set up for the match. The distance from the stadium is approximately 1.2 kms and takes around 15 minutes to walk, although the walk is probably much needed after the food.
Real Cafe Bernabéu – Calle Concha Espina
This is an upmarket cafe/bistro right in the stadium itself. Offering views onto the pitch, through large glass windows it doesn’t come cheap, but if you fancy splashing the cash, then this is the place to come. With some great food and a large selection of wines to choose from, you will be spoilt for choice.
Avenida Brasil
Just off Calle Concha Espina and the Paseo de la Castellano lies the Avenida Brasil. This is where you have a good selection of clubs and late night bars. So if you are planning to party on, then this is the place to be. Clubs are generally open until 5-6am and don’t really get going before midnight.
