Bernabéu vs Metropolitano

Madrid’s two big clubs offer very different stadium tours, and the right one depends less on which team you support than on what you want from the visit. The Bernabéu sells history on a grand scale. The Metropolitano sells access. Here is how they compare on the things that matter.

Football history

Bernabéu. Real Madrid was founded in 1902 and has won the European Cup 15 times. The club says its museum is the only place in the world where all 15 can be seen together, and the trophy room is the centrepiece of the tour. The stadium itself dates from 1947, although most of what you see is the result of the recent rebuild.

Metropolitano. Atlético de Madrid dates from 1903, and its museum tells a proud story of league titles, European finals and a club identity built on effort. The stadium is new: Atlético moved in in 2017, and it hosted the 2019 Champions League final. You go for the club’s character more than its silverware.

The museum

The Bernabéu’s museum is larger, with trophies, shirts, boots, audiovisual displays and exhibits on the basketball and women’s teams. It is a one-way route over several floors, and at busy times it feels like it.

The Metropolitano’s museum is smaller and more hands-on: touchscreens, virtual reality glasses, projectors and interactive games. Visitors who don’t follow Atlético often enjoy it more than they expected, and it works especially well for children.

Stadium access

On a normal day the Tour Bernabéu Classic ticket gives you the panoramic view from the stands, the first-team changing room and the benches beside the pitch. Real Madrid also lists a temporary visit to the press room, subject to availability.

The Atleti Tour & Museum ticket goes further. The route includes the dressing room, the players’ tunnel, the benches, the press room and the presidential box. If you want to follow the players’ route, this is the stronger tour.

Tour style

Both clubs sell a self-guided ticket and an official guided tour. At the Bernabéu, independent operators also run English-language group and private tours; compare them on Bernabéu guided tours. Atlético’s guided tour is run by the club; see Metropolitano guided tours. Atlético also offers extras that Real Madrid’s standard range does not, such as an honorary kick-off on the pitch and breakfast in Diego Simeone’s box.

Duration, price and crowds

Who each suits

Choose the Bernabéu if it is your first stadium tour in Madrid, you want to see the trophies, you’re not a fan of either club, or you have time for only one.

Choose the Metropolitano if you want the players’ tunnel and the press room, you’re travelling with children, you’re on a budget, or you have already seen the Bernabéu.

Do both if you’re a serious football fan. Start at the Bernabéu when it opens, then take the metro across to the Metropolitano in the afternoon. Just check both clubs’ fixture lists first, as match days change both routes.

For every option at both grounds, see the best football stadium tours in Madrid. Ready to start with the Bernabéu? Check Tour Bernabéu availability.