(Clockwise from top left) A visitor celebrates Spain with the national flag, a row of Champions League trophies won by FC Barcelona at the Camp Nou Experience Tour and Museum, Spanish regional cuisine, and the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium in Madrid. Photos: Depositphotos (flag and trophies); C. Worthington (regional cuisine); Roberto / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0) (Santiago Bernabéu Stadium)

Spain’s thrilling World Cup semifinal victory over France has sent the team into the final and given football fans around the globe another reason to celebrate. Whether you’re an avid football supporter or simply looking for a memorable European vacation, there’s never been a better time to explore the cities where Spain’s passion for the beautiful game comes alive. From legendary stadium tours and interactive museums to outstanding regional cuisine, these destinations offer much more than match-day excitement.

(Clockwise from top left) Madrid skyline. Photo: Jorge Fernandez Salas, Unsplash; La Cibeles Fountain. Photo: Esmadrid.com; Snails, a specialty of the area. Photo: EsMadrid.com; Santiago Bernabéu Stadium. Photo: Esmadrid.com

Madrid: Santiago Bernabéu (Real Madrid)

Begin your tour in Madrid, renowned for art, culture, history, gastronomy, and, of course, football. One of the world’s most famous stadiums, the recently renovated Santiago Bernabéu combines history with cutting-edge technology. Visitors can view Real Madrid’s remarkable trophy collection, experience immersive audiovisual exhibits, and admire the stadium’s retractable roof and spectacular 360-degree video scoreboard. The Bernabéu will also welcome American football on November 8, when the Atlanta Falcons face the Cincinnati Bengals in the second regular-season NFL game ever played in Spain.

Where to eat: Botín, recognized as the world’s oldest continually operating restaurant, serves classic Castilian specialties including roast suckling pig just a short trip from the stadium. For more ideas see the official Madrid website.

Madrid: Riyadh Air Metropolitano (Atlético de Madrid)

Home to Atlético Madrid, this modern stadium features interactive exhibits, fan experiences, and even the opportunity on premium tours to take a ceremonial kickoff from the pitch. The museum celebrates one of Spain’s most passionate fan bases.

Where to eat: Casa Julián de Tolosa, known for exceptional grilled steaks and traditional Spanish cuisine.

Champions League trophies at the FC Barcelona Museum. Photo: marcorubino/Depositphotos.

Barcelona: Barça Immersive Tour

While Camp Nou undergoes renovation, FC Barcelona’s immersive museum lets visitors experience the club’s history through giant screens, virtual reality, and multimedia exhibits that place guests in the middle of the action.

Where to eat: Can Culleretes, Barcelona’s oldest restaurant, offers authentic Catalan dishes in a historic setting.

Bilbao: San Mamés Stadium

Athletic Club Bilbao remains unique for its longstanding tradition of developing local Basque players. The San Mamés tour blends history and innovation with interactive exhibits, a tribute to legendary players, and even a penalty-kick simulator. Visitors can also dine overlooking the pitch.

Where to eat: La Despensa del Etxanobe, located in the Palacio Euskalduna, offers contemporary Basque cuisine by renowned chef Fernando Canales. The restaurant is known for elegantly prepared regional specialties and is an excellent place to experience Bilbao’s celebrated culinary scene after visiting San Mamés.

Interior of Reale Arena in San Sebastián. Photo: Srchocolat / Wikimedia Commons (CC0 1.0)

San Sebastián: Reale Arena (Anoeta)

Home to Real Sociedad, the Reale Arena offers visitors behind-the-scenes access, virtual match experiences, spacious hospitality suites, and a glimpse into the club’s uniquely designed circular locker room.

Where to eat: Gandarias, famous for outstanding pintxos and Basque specialties in the city’s charming Old Town.

Seville: Ramón Sánchez-Pizjuán Stadium

Football passion runs deep in Andalusia. Sevilla FC’s stadium tour highlights the club’s impressive UEFA Europa League success through trophy displays, interactive exhibits, and optional immersive experiences.

Where to eat: El Rinconcillo, founded in 1670, is one of Spain’s oldest taverns and an ideal place to sample Andalusian favorites after your stadium visit.

Beyond the Final Score

As Spain prepares for the World Cup final, its football culture offers travelers plenty to celebrate beyond the result. Even when no matches are scheduled, stadium tours provide fascinating insights into Spanish history, architecture, technology, and the communities that have supported their clubs for generations. For travelers looking to combine sport, culture, and exceptional dining, Spain’s football cities make an unforgettable itinerary.