Real Madrid: Bernabeu Stadium SelfGuided Tour & Wine tasting

Exploring Madrid’s Heart: Real Madrid Bernabéu Stadium Self-Guided Tour & Wine Tasting

Imagine walking beneath the vast roof of Madrid’s most famous football stadium, gazing out over a sea of seats, and then relaxing in a hidden cellar with a glass of Spanish wine in hand. That’s exactly what you get with this combined experience: a self-guided tour of the Bernabéu Stadium and a personal wine tasting in a historic Madrid cellar. For around two hours, you’ll get a taste of footballing glory and authentic Spanish gastronomy, all tailored at your own pace.

The Bernabéu Stadium, home to Real Madrid, is a monument to sporting success with its second-largest capacity in Spain. While ongoing renovations mean some areas—like locker rooms and the pitch—are temporarily closed, the highlights remain impressive. Paired with a self-guided wine tasting in a secret cellar near the San Miguel Market, this combined activity offers both a cultural and a culinary glimpse into Madrid that feels authentic and personalized.

Two things we particularly love? First, the fact that you can explore the stadium at your own rhythm, watching videos and viewing memorabilia that bring the club’s legendary history to life. Second, the unique wine experience in a historic cave, with Spanish wines and small plates, offers a rare, intimate look into Madrid’s gastronomic scene. The only consideration might be that certain areas are temporarily closed due to renovations, which could slightly limit the behind-the-scenes access some fans might hope for.

This tour suits football fans eager to see the legendary Santiago Bernabéu, travelers who appreciate a self-paced, flexible experience, and those interested in Spanish wine and cuisine. It’s especially appealing for those who prefer independent exploration over large group guided tours, and for visitors who want a mix of sport, history, and local flavor in one afternoon.

Key Points

Flexible pace: Self-guided format allows you to explore the stadium and memorabilia at your own speed.
Iconic sights: Includes panoramic views, video highlights, and display of historic trophies and kits.
Authentic experience: Wine tasting in a secret cellar offers a genuine taste of Spanish wines and tapas.
Limited access: Renovations mean some areas like locker rooms and the pitch are temporarily closed.
Value for money: Combines cultural, sporting, and culinary experiences in one reasonably priced activity.
Authentic ambiance: The hidden cellar location adds a special, almost secretive vibe to the wine tasting.

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A Detailed Look at the Experience

Starting at the Bernabéu Stadium is like stepping into a cathedral of football. From the outside, the stadium’s immense size hints at the club’s stature. Once inside, you’ll begin your tour with a panoramic view of the stadium, which offers a sweeping look over the entire 80,000-seat arena. We loved that this view gives you a real sense of the scale and grandeur of Madrid’s most celebrated sports venue.

As you move through the museum, you’ll encounter a trove of memorabilia—historic kits, boots, and gear that tell stories of legendary players and unforgettable matches. Notably, the museum showcases the most prestigious trophies won by Real Madrid, including their multiple Champions League titles and the fifteenth European Cup. The videos of iconic fixtures and highlights make it lively and engaging, especially if you’re a fan of football history, but even non-fans can appreciate the visual spectacle and the stories of triumph.

Because the tour is self-guided, you can spend as much or as little time as you like at each display. This flexibility is a big plus—no rushing through or missing the highlights. One visitor commented: “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.” We agree that this format suits those who enjoy learning at their own pace.

A few areas are temporarily unavailable due to ongoing renovations, including the benches, locker rooms, and the stadium grass (visible only on match days). While this is a slight limitation, it doesn’t detract from the core experience, which remains impressive and well-curated.

End your stadium visit with a panoramic view of Madrid’s skyline from the top floor of the museum, a perfect moment to reflect on the city’s vibrant backdrop. You’ll also find a photo opportunity with the Champions League Trophy and players, which makes for a memorable souvenir—an optional purchase, but a fun one.

The second part of this experience is the self-guided wine tasting in a historic, hidden cellar. Located close to the San Miguel Market, in a cave that once hosted the Mesón de la Guitarra, this venue offers a cozy, atmospheric setting for exploring some of Spain’s finest wines. You’ll use tasting sheets or audio guides (available in multiple languages) to navigate your journey through different varieties.

What makes this wine experience special? The atmosphere—an authentic, secret space that feels like discovering a local treasure—paired with expertly selected Spanish wines. Small plates accompany the tasting, allowing you to enjoy authentic tapas while savoring your wine. Sabrina, in her review, noted, “The wine tasting was fantastic. Great atmosphere, very friendly staff, and the tasting itself was highly recommended.” It’s a chance to slow down, enjoy the flavors of Spain, and learn about the country’s wine heritage in a very intimate setting.

This activity is not part of the official Real Madrid brand, but it complements the stadium visit beautifully, especially if you’re looking to combine cultural sightseeing with culinary delights. The overall value is excellent considering the unique setting, the quality of the wines, and the inclusion of tapas.

Practicalities and Value

The total experience lasts about 2 hours—a manageable chunk of time for most travelers. The meeting point at Avenida Concha Espina is straightforward, and the activity is wheelchair accessible, making it inclusive for many visitors.

While the tour does not include transportation, guide service, or skip-the-line entry, it compensates with independent flexibility and a more personal pace. The ticket includes museum access, a photo with the trophies, a panoramic stadium view, and the wine tasting. The price might seem modest for what’s offered, but the true value lies in the combination of sport, history, and authentic Madrid cuisine—especially for those who enjoy self-guided, relaxed exploration.

For families with kids under five, the experience is suitable as children enter free, and the relaxed pace works well for all ages.

Final Thoughts: Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is perfect for football enthusiasts who want to see inside one of the world’s most famous stadiums without the pressure of guided groups. It’s ideal for travelers who appreciate independent exploration and enjoy discovering hidden gems like the secret cellar for wine tasting. The combination of historic memorabilia, audiovisual highlights, and a carefully curated wine journey offers a well-rounded taste of Madrid’s culture—both athletic and gastronomic.

Those interested in Spanish wine and tapas will find the cellar experience particularly rewarding, especially in a setting that feels like a personal discovery rather than a commercial tour.

On the other hand, if you’re seeking a guided, large-group experience, or want to see every part of the stadium including locker rooms and pitch—currently unavailable due to renovations—this might not be your ideal choice. Nevertheless, the current setup offers a unique, flexible, and intimate way to connect with Madrid’s sporting and culinary spirit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children? Yes. Children under five enter free, and the activity’s flexible pace makes it suitable for families.

Are the stadium areas open during renovations? Some areas like benches, locker rooms, and the grass are temporarily closed due to ongoing renovations.

Do I need to book in advance? Yes, booking is recommended to secure your preferred time slot, but you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is the wine tasting self-guided? Yes, you explore at your own pace using tasting sheets or audio guides.

How long does the experience last? Approximately 2 hours, including the stadium tour and wine tasting.

Is wheelchair access available? Yes, the activity is wheelchair accessible, though some stadium areas are currently restricted due to construction.

Can I take photos? Yes, there’s a photo opportunity with the Champions League Trophy and players, which can be purchased as a souvenir.

In summary, this combined Bernabéu Stadium self-guided tour and wine tasting offers a well-balanced blend of sports history, stunning views, and authentic Spanish flavors. It’s a particularly good fit for those who want a flexible, independent experience that captures both the excitement of Madrid’s football legend and the country’s renowned wine culture. Whether you’re a football fan, a foodie, or simply curious about Madrid’s local treasures, this tour stands out as an engaging, memorable afternoon activity.