Opened in 1923, Mestalla is the oldest stadium in Spain’s top football division. While other clubs have moved to modern, bowl-shaped arenas on the outskirts of their cities, Valencia CF has remained right in the middle of a dense residential neighborhood. This gives Mestalla a raw, intimidating atmosphere that modern stadiums struggle to replicate.
Whether you are a die-hard football fan wanting to walk down the player’s tunnel, or a casual visitor looking to catch a La Liga match, navigating the stadium’s steep terraces and ticketing systems requires a bit of planning. Here is how to make the most of your visit to this historic sporting fortress.
Is the Mestalla Tour Right for You?
Before booking your Mestalla Stadium Guided Visit, it helps to know what to expect based on your travel style.
- For the Die-Hard Fan: This is a highly traditional stadium tour. You get access to the press room, dressing rooms, and the pitch side. The guides are usually passionate locals who know the club’s history inside out.
- For Families: The tour lasts about an hour, which is usually short enough to keep kids engaged. However, Mestalla is an old stadium with a lot of steep stairs. If you are traveling with a baby, leave the stroller at your hotel and bring a baby carrier instead.
- For the Time-Poor: If you only have a weekend in the city, the stadium is conveniently located near the city center. You can easily pair a morning tour with an afternoon exploring the nearby Turia Gardens.
Accessibility Note: Because of its age and steep architecture, the standard guided tour is not fully wheelchair accessible. Visitors with limited mobility should contact the club in advance, as they can arrange modified routes that avoid the steepest staircases.
5 Highlights of the Mestalla Forever Tour
The official stadium tour (dubbed the “Mestalla Forever Tour”) runs daily, though hours are restricted on match days. Here is a deep dive into the five main stops on the route.
1. The Steep Vertical North Stand
Mestalla is famous across Europe for its incredibly steep stands, particularly the upper tiers. When you walk out into the seating area, the sheer vertical drop to the pitch is striking. The design was meant to keep fans as close to the action as possible, creating a wall of noise that intimidates visiting teams. The tour takes you up into these terraces, giving you a clear sense of the vertigo-inducing views.
2. The Home Team Dressing Room
Unlike the highly sanitized, corporate dressing rooms of newer stadiums, Mestalla’s home dressing room feels grounded and functional. You will see the tactical boards, the massage tables, and the individual player lockers beneath the club’s iconic bat crest. The guide usually explains the pre-match routines and where the manager delivers the final team talk before the players head to the tunnel.
3. Pitch-Side Managerial Dugouts
Walking down the narrow player’s tunnel, you hear the simulated roar of the crowd before stepping out onto the edge of the pitch. While you cannot walk on the grass itself, you are allowed to sit in the managerial dugouts. These padded leather seats are positioned right on the touchline, offering the exact perspective the head coach has during a tense match.
4. The VIP Presidential Balcony
The Palco VIP (Presidential Box) is where the club executives, visiting dignitaries, and local politicians sit during games. The seats here are plush, and the vantage point over the halfway line is the best in the stadium. The tour allows you to sit in the President’s chair and look out over the 49,000-seat arena.
5. The Historical Trophy Room
Valencia CF is one of Spain’s most successful clubs, and the trophy room backs that up. You will get up close to their La Liga trophies (most notably from their dominant early-2000s era under Rafa Benítez), Copa del Rey cups, and European silverware. The room also features vintage jerseys, old leather footballs, and interactive screens detailing the club’s century-long history.
Mestalla Tour Options
Mestalla Stadium: Guided Visit
- 1-hour guided tour in English and Spanish
- Access to dressing rooms, tunnel, and pitch-side
- Entry to the club museum and trophy room
Match Day: Understanding Tickets and Seating
If you are in town during the football season (August to May), attending a match is a completely different experience from the quiet daytime tour.
How to Buy Tickets
Do not rely on third-party scalping sites. You can buy tickets directly from the official Valencia CF website or at the stadium box office. Tickets usually go on general sale about two to three weeks before the match.
If Valencia is playing Real Madrid, FC Barcelona, or local rivals Levante / Villarreal, tickets will sell out almost immediately. For these matches, you must check the website daily in the weeks leading up to the game.
Decoding the Seating Chart
Mestalla’s seating can be confusing for first-timers. Here is a quick breakdown of the zones:
- Tribuna: The main covered stand on the west side of the stadium. This is where the VIPs sit. It is the most expensive area, but it offers shade and protection from the rain.
- Anfiteatro: The upper tiers above the Tribuna. Great tactical views of the pitch, though you are quite high up.
- Grada de la Mar (East Stand): The massive, uncovered stand opposite the Tribuna. It gets the afternoon sun, so bring sunglasses if you are attending a 4:00 PM kick-off.
- Gol Norte & Gol Sur (The Curves): These are the stands behind the goals. The Curva Nord (North Curve) is historically where the most vocal, hardcore supporters sit. If you want a quiet, relaxed view of the game, avoid the lower sections behind the goals. If you want to be surrounded by chanting and flags, this is the place to be.
Pre-Match Atmosphere: Avenida de Suecia
You do not need a match ticket to experience the local football culture. About two hours before kick-off, thousands of fans gather on Avenida de Suecia, the street directly in front of the stadium’s main facade.
This is where the team bus arrives. The street is closed to traffic, flares are often lit, and brass bands play traditional Valencian music mixed with club anthems.
Local Tip: Grab a bocadillo (baguette sandwich) from one of the small bars on Carrer de l’Amadeu de Savoia just behind the stadium. Bar Manolo del Bombo, owned by Spain’s most famous football fan, is a chaotic but essential pre-match stop for a beer and a look at his massive collection of football memorabilia.
Getting There: Mapping the Aragón Metro
Mestalla is located in the El Pla del Real district, just east of the Turia Gardens. It is highly accessible by public transit.
By Metro (The Best Option)
The easiest way to reach the stadium is via Metrovalencia.
- Take Line 5 (Green) or Line 7 (Orange).
- Get off at the Aragón station.
- Take the “Avenida de Aragón” exit. As soon as you walk up the stairs to the street level, the stadium will be looming directly in front of you.
If you are traveling from the historic center (Ciutat Vella), you can catch Line 5 at Xàtiva or Colón stations. The ride takes less than 10 minutes.
By Bus
Several EMT city buses stop right outside the stadium. Lines 10, 12, 32, 71, and 93 all service the Mestalla area.
Transit Hack: If you plan on using the metro and buses frequently during your stay, pick up a Valencia Tourist Card. It includes unlimited public transport across the city, making the trip to the stadium completely frictionless.
Where to Stay Near Mestalla
The neighborhood surrounding the stadium (Mestalla / Pla del Real) is a fantastic place to base yourself. It is safe, less touristy than the old town, packed with great local restaurants, and sits right on the edge of the Turia Gardens.
Use this map to find hotels and apartments within walking distance of the stadium and the Aragón metro station.
Keep Planning: Looking for a place to celebrate after a match? Head south across the park to explore the bars and restaurants in our Ruzafa Neighborhood Guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the Mestalla Stadium tour take?
The guided tour lasts approximately 1 hour. You should arrive at least 10 minutes before your scheduled time slot at the tour entrance on Avenida de Suecia.
Can I do a self-guided tour of Mestalla?
No, all stadium visits are guided. This ensures visitors don’t wander into restricted areas and allows the guides to share the detailed history of the club.
Is the stadium tour open on match days?
The tour schedule is heavily restricted on match days. Usually, tours only run in the early morning and skip the dressing rooms (as the team’s kitmen are preparing the space). It is highly recommended to book your tour on a non-match day for the full experience.
Can I bring a bag into the stadium for a match?
Small backpacks and handbags are allowed, but they will be searched by security at the gates. Large luggage, professional camera equipment, and any glass bottles or cans are strictly prohibited.
Does the Valencia Tourist Card give a discount on the stadium tour?
Yes, if you hold a valid Valencia Tourist Card, you typically receive a small discount on the walk-up price for the Mestalla Forever Tour at the box office.
Are there food and drinks available inside the stadium?
Yes, there are kiosks selling water, soft drinks, non-alcoholic beer, and snacks like sunflower seeds (pipas) and hot dogs. Note that Spanish law prohibits the sale of alcohol inside sports stadiums during matches.