Sport
Real Madrid: history, the Bernabéu and how to visit
A newcomer’s guide to Real Madrid: the club’s history, the rebuilt Santiago Bernabéu, the stadium tour and how to buy match tickets.
Updated: October 2026
Real Madrid is one of the most successful football clubs in the world, and the Santiago Bernabéu is one of Madrid’s most visited sights. This guide is for newcomers and visitors who want the short version of the club’s history, plus practical tips on the stadium tour and buying match tickets.
From Madrid Football Club to Real Madrid
The club was founded on 6 March 1902 as Madrid Football Club. In 1920 King Alfonso XIII granted it the title Real (royal), which is where the name and the crown on the badge come from. The players are nicknamed Los Blancos after their all-white kit.
The man who turned Real Madrid into a global name was Santiago Bernabéu, club president from 1943 until his death in 1978. He built the stadium that now carries his name and brought in stars such as Alfredo Di Stéfano, Ferenc Puskás and Paco Gento. With them, Real Madrid won the first five European Cups in a row, from 1956 to 1960.
Like FC Barcelona, Real Madrid is owned by its members (socios), who elect the president.
A record in Europe
Real Madrid is the most successful club in the history of the European Cup and Champions League. According to LaLiga, by May 2026 the club had won:
| Competition | Titles |
|---|---|
| Spanish league | 36 (a record) |
| Copa del Rey | 20 |
| European Cup / Champions League | 15 (a record) |
Legends and modern eras
- The 1950s: Di Stéfano, Puskás and Gento created the club’s legend.
- The “Galácticos”: in the early 2000s the club signed global stars such as Zinedine Zidane, Luís Figo and Ronaldo, alongside home-grown idols Raúl and Iker Casillas.
- Cristiano Ronaldo (2009–2018): he became the club’s all-time top scorer and won four Champions Leagues in Madrid.
- Zidane as coach: he led the team to three Champions League titles in a row, from 2016 to 2018.
The two biggest rivalries are El Clásico against FC Barcelona and the Madrid derby against Atlético de Madrid. Both are among the hottest tickets in Spanish football.
The Santiago Bernabéu stadium
The Bernabéu opened in 1947 on Paseo de la Castellana, in the north of central Madrid. Its official address is Avenida de Concha Espina 1, and it has its own metro stop, Santiago Bernabéu on line 10. According to Spain’s official tourism site, it holds more than 80,000 spectators and has UEFA’s top category rating.
The stadium has been remodelled several times, most recently with a major rebuild that gave it a new outer skin, a retractable roof and a retractable pitch. On non-match days the grass is stored underground, so the stadium is also used for concerts and other events. Expect occasional schedule changes for events, and check the club website before planning a visit.
The Bernabéu Tour
The official Bernabéu Tour takes you through the club museum and trophy room, to panoramic viewpoints over the stadium, and into the changing rooms and dugouts.
- Prices: the Classic ticket starts from about €37 online for the general public (more at the ticket office). Guided and flexible-time options cost more.
- Opening hours: open every day except 25 December and 1 January, generally 09:00–19:00 Monday to Saturday and 09:30–18:30 on Sundays and holidays. Some dates have special hours.
- Match days: the tour closes several hours before kick-off, and the changing rooms and dugouts are closed on match days and the day before.
- Tickets: they are tied to a date and time, non-refundable and cannot be changed, so book once you know your plans.
- Accessibility: the route includes many staircases.
How to buy match tickets
- Use the official website. Real Madrid sells general public tickets online through realmadrid.com. There is no phone sale.
- Be ready on the day of release. Each match gets its own sale page. Kick-off dates are often confirmed only two to three weeks ahead, and popular games sell out quickly.
- Have your phone ready. The ticket downloaded to your mobile is the only valid entry document; print-at-home tickets are not accepted.
- Use a card with 3D Secure. Payments require it, and there are no refunds or exchanges.
Members and Madridista card holders get discounted prices, but those tickets are personal and non-transferable. Be wary of resale websites: tickets bought outside official channels can be cancelled at the gate. If you live in Madrid, games against mid-table teams and early-round cup ties are the easiest way in.
Make a day of it with our Madrid guide for newcomers.
Useful links
- Real Madrid: official Bernabéu Tour
- Spain.info: Santiago Bernabéu stadium
- LaLiga: Real Madrid and FC Barcelona titles compared
- FC Barcelona: history, Spotify Camp Nou and how to see a match
- The biggest sports in Spain
FAQ: Real Madrid and the Bernabéu
How do I get to the Bernabéu?
Take metro line 10 to Santiago Bernabéu station, which is right next to the stadium. Several city bus routes also run along Paseo de la Castellana.
Can I do the stadium tour on a match day?
Yes, but only until several hours before kick-off, and the changing rooms and dugouts are closed that day and the day before.
How many Champions League titles has Real Madrid won?
Fifteen European Cups and Champions Leagues, more than any other club, according to LaLiga’s May 2026 figures.
Can I print my match ticket?
No. Real Madrid only accepts the ticket downloaded to your mobile phone.
Disclaimer: This article is general information only. Ticket prices, sale rules and opening times can change – always check the official Real Madrid website before you go.
