Real Madrid: Bernabeu Stadium SelfGuided Tour & Wine tasting

Stepping into the world of Real Madrid is a must for football fans and curious travelers alike. This tour combines a visit to the legendary Bernabéu Stadium with a unique tasting of Spanish wines in a secret cellar in Madrid’s historic center. While you won’t get a guided experience—making it perfect for independent explorers—the highlights are still impressive: iconic trophies, multimedia presentations, and a quiet moment to savor some of Spain’s best wines.

What really caught our attention is the self-guided nature of this tour. You’re free to move at your own pace, lingering as long as you like at each stop, which is a big plus for those who prefer flexibility. The wine tasting in a hidden cellar adds an unexpected twist—an enriching way to cap off the day with authentic flavors and local atmosphere.

A small caveat is that some areas—like the benches, locker rooms, and stadium grass—are temporarily closed due to ongoing renovations. This might disappoint those eager to see the behind-the-scenes locker rooms or pitch, but the current experience still offers a solid overview of Madrid’s footballing crown jewel.

This experience is ideal for football lovers, architecture fans, or anyone wanting to enjoy a taste of Madrid’s vibrant sports and culinary culture without the crowds or guided groups. It’s equally suitable for independent travelers seeking a flexible itinerary or those wanting a peaceful way to connect with Madrid’s sporting heritage.

Key Points

• Flexible Self-Guided Tour: Explore Bernabéu at your own pace without a guide, ideal for independent travelers.
• Iconic Memorabilia & Trophies: Get up close with Real Madrid’s celebrated trophies, kits, and memorabilia.
• Multimedia Highlights: Watch videos of legendary matches and milestones in the club’s history.
• Stunning Views & Exclusive Areas: Enjoy panoramic views of the stadium and city from the museum’s top floor.
• Authentic Wine Tasting: Savor four glasses of premium Spanish wines with tapas in a historic hidden cellar.
• Authentic Madrid Experience: Combine football history with a sensory journey into Spanish culinary delights.

A Deep Dive into the Bernabéu Experience

The Stadium & Its Museum

We loved the way the tour begins with a panoramic view of Bernabéu, immediately showcasing the scale and majesty of Madrid’s most iconic sports venue. While the ongoing renovations mean some areas—like locker rooms and benches—are closed, the rest of the stadium remains impressive. The museum is a treasure trove of memorabilia, with kits, boots, and historic cups neatly displayed, giving fans a tangible connection to the club’s glorious past.

The multimedia content really stands out: videos of legendary fixtures and milestone moments like the 2018 Champions League victory fill the screens, bringing the history to life. The interactive elements and audiovisual displays make it engaging, even for those who aren’t die-hard football fans.

The View from the Top

One of the highlights is the top-floor panoramic view. From here, you get a sweeping look over the pitch and Madrid’s skyline—a perfect photo op. The view underscores just how massive and imposing this stadium is, especially when you consider its capacity to hold over 80,000 spectators.

Exclusive Areas & Limited Accessibility

Due to renovations, some sections—like the locker rooms and benches—are closed. Also, the stadium grass isn’t visible during most visits. These restrictions can be a letdown for those hoping to see behind the scenes, but it’s a temporary situation. The focus remains on the museum content, the trophies, and multimedia displays, which are still enriching.

The Trophies & Memorabilia

Seeing the club’s famous trophies, especially those celebrating Madrid’s status as the “Best Club of the 20th century,” is a real treat. The collection includes the fifteenth Champions League and other cups that symbolize Madrid’s football dominance. The memorabilia—kits, boots, and historic gear—offer a tangible link to the legendary players and unforgettable matches.

The Self-Guided Experience

What makes this tour particularly appealing is its self-guided format. Visitors can take their time, revisit favorite exhibits, or skip through sections that interest them most. Reviewers appreciated the organized layout and the flexibility, with Frédéric noting, “The stadium tour was very well organized. It is an individual tour that takes you through the history of the club as you walk behind the scenes of the stadium.” This independence is perfect for those who prefer a relaxed, personalized experience without feeling rushed or constrained by group schedules.

The Hidden Cellar & Wine Tasting Experience

While the stadium tour is impressive, the real unexpected gem is the wine tasting in a historic secret cellar in Madrid’s city center. Situated near Mercado San Miguel, this hidden cave once housed the Mesón de la Guitarra for over 40 years, adding a layer of authenticity and charm.

We found the atmosphere here to be warm and intimate, contrasting sharply with the grandeur of Bernabéu. The self-guided tasting involves four glasses of exceptional Spanish wines paired with tapas, allowing you to savor at your own pace. The comprehensive tasting sheets and audio guides (offered in Spanish, English, and French) ensure an educational and immersive experience.

What Makes It Special?

The selection of wines is carefully curated, highlighting Spain’s diverse wine regions and styles. Reviewers like Sabrina praised the quality and atmosphere of the tasting, describing it as “fantastic,” with friendly staff guiding guests through the experience. It’s a wonderful way to relax after the stadium visit or to enjoy a leisurely afternoon in the historic heart of Madrid.

Authentic Flavor & Local Atmosphere

The small plates of Spanish tapas complement the wines perfectly, turning the tasting into a mini culinary adventure. It’s more than just drinking wine; it’s about understanding Spain’s passion for gastronomy and tradition. The atmospheric setting, combined with the stories behind each sip and bite, makes this a memorable experience.

Practical Details: What You Need to Know

• Duration: The total visit lasts approximately 2 hours, with flexible start times depending on availability.
• Price & Value: While not explicitly stated, the inclusion of the museum, panoramic views, memorabilia, photo with Champions League trophy, and wine tasting offers good value for those interested in both football and Spanish wines.
• Accessibility: The tour is wheelchair accessible, but due to ongoing renovations, access to certain areas is limited.
• Meeting Point: Located on Avenida Concha Espina, near the stadium entrance. You’ll need to show your ticket, electronically or in print.
• Other details: No skip-the-line entry or guided tour—perfect for independent explorers. Children under 5 can enter free, making it family-friendly.

Considerations for Travelers

Since some parts of the stadium are temporarily closed, if your main goal is to see the locker rooms or pitch, you might be disappointed. However, the multimedia content, trophies, and panoramic views compensate for this. Also, on match days, tours start up to 5 hours before kickoff, so plan accordingly if you’re visiting around a game.

Who Will Love This Experience?

This combo tour is best suited for football fans eager to learn about Madrid’s most celebrated club in a relaxed setting. The self-guided format allows for personal pacing, making it great for independent travelers or those with limited time. The wine tasting adds a sophisticated, local flavor—ideal for foodies, wine enthusiasts, or romantic couples seeking an authentic Madrid experience.

It’s also a good choice for those who want a flexible itinerary—you can enjoy the stadium, then unwind in the historic cellar without feeling rushed. Families with older children will appreciate the interactive exhibits and the chance to enjoy a cultural and sporting morning or afternoon.

Final Thoughts

This experience hits a nice balance between sports history, culture, and culinary delight. The self-guided nature makes it accessible and comfortable, especially in a city like Madrid where you might want to explore at your own tempo. The stadium’s impressive memorabilia and multimedia presentations ensure you still get a meaningful insight into Madrid’s footballing crown jewel, even with some areas temporarily unavailable.

The wine tasting is a standout addition—perfect for those who want to experience Spain’s renowned wine heritage in a cozy, atmospheric setting. The fact that it’s in a hidden cellar, coupled with excellent wines and tapas, offers a genuinely authentic touch that’s hard to find elsewhere.

This tour offers fantastic value for travelers who love football, culture, and good food. It’s a well-rounded experience that balances history, entertainment, and gastronomy—making it a memorable part of your Madrid trip.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for children?
Children under 5 enter free, and the experience is generally family-friendly, especially since the interactive exhibits and multimedia content appeal to all ages. However, the wine tasting might not be suitable for very young children.

Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, it’s recommended to reserve your spot ahead of time, especially because availability varies and the tour is self-guided with flexible start times.

Are the stadium areas fully accessible?
Wheelchair access is available, but some areas are temporarily closed due to ongoing renovations, including locker rooms and benches.

Can I visit the stadium on match days?
Yes, but tours start up to 5 hours before kickoff. Be aware that certain areas like the pitch might be unavailable on match days or during specific operational times.

Is the wine tasting part of the official Real Madrid experience?
No, the wine tasting is offered separately and is not part of the official club tour. It’s an independent activity located in Madrid’s historic center.

What should I bring?
Bring a printed or electronic ticket, comfortable shoes for walking, and possibly a camera for the panoramic views. If you’re interested in wine, a glass (provided) is included.

How long does the entire experience last?
Approximately 2 hours, but you can spend more or less time depending on your pace and interest.

Can I upgrade or add guided commentary?
This tour is designed as a self-guided experience, so guided commentary isn’t included. If you prefer a guided tour, there are other options available nearby.

If you’re a football enthusiast wanting to see Madrid’s legendary stadium and enjoy a taste of authentic Spanish wine, this experience offers a balanced, flexible way to do both—without feeling rushed or overwhelmed. The blend of history, visual storytelling, and culinary delight makes it a worthwhile addition to your Madrid itinerary.