The Greatest Stadium Tours in the World - Ranked
By Ross Jackson
Ah, football stadiums. You magnificent beasts. Never again will we take for granted the privilege of being able wander up to your welcoming turnstiles on a Saturday afternoon before nestling into your arms - alright, that's a bit much, but they're bloody brilliant, aren't they?
If like most people you're sat writing lists of all the things you're going to do as soon as the world regains some semblance of normality, why not broaden your horizons by taking a tour of some of the most magnificent stadiums the world has to offer?
We've compiled a list of the ten best football stadium tours; from state of the art arenas to grand old theatres, there's something for everyone. So pen and paper at the ready as we count down to the best of them all.
10. Allianz Arena
Bayern Munich's Allianz Arena is one of the most instantly recognisable grounds in world football, especially when lit up at night.
The club offer a whole host of different tours, all of which include access to the players' tunnel, a trip around the press conference area and a chance to visit the locker room used by the Bayern Munich squad.
Each tour lasts around 60 minutes, although the VIP Arena option lasts a little longer as it also grants access to the dugouts as well as a complimentary sparkling wine and mineral water.....phwoarrrrr, mineral water! Best get that cheque book out.
9. San Siro
Why do all good things have to come to an end?
Yes, it's true, the imperious San Siro shall soon be no more with plans already in place to demolish this iconic venue, so if it's on your bucket list you'd better get moving.
The tour's first stop sees you check out the club museum, with jerseys worn by some of Inter and AC Milan's past greats on show among many other fascinating pieces of memorabilia.
Then you can head down to the touchline before experiencing the locker rooms, all while being provided a unique insight by your tour guide.
8. Johan Cruyff Arena
Home to Dutch champions Ajax, the Johan Cruyff Arena not only offers the traditional tour which sees you check out the press box, players' tunnel and locker room, but you can also take an exclusive matchday tour.
In the two-hour matchday tour (when we can eventually go and watch football again) you'll be shown around the stadium before watching the Dutch behemoths play live.
7. La Bombonera
What a stadium.
For any football enthusiast, La Bombonera (translated as 'The Chocolate Box') is a must-visit.
Located in Buenos Aires and home to Argentine giants Boca Juniors,
La Bombonera is steeped in tradition.
A tour of the stadium includes important information about the club's past, with incredible views of this unique arena on offer. There's even the chance to visit Diego Maradona's private seating area.
6. Anfield
Okay, so maybe a trip to Liverpool isn't quite as glamorous as a jaunt to Argentina, but their stadium tour is well worth a go.
The club offers a number of exhibitions, with entry to the museum and highlights including The Boom Room: The Epic Story of Jurgen Klopp's Dream Team.
Have your photo taken alongside Liverpool's SIX European Cups and touch the world renowned This is Anfield sign as you walk down the tunnel. If you're not an Everton/Manchester United fan you've got to take this tour.
5. Santiago Bernabeu
If there's one club in world football who could offer a tour solely based on the trophies they've won, it's Real Madrid - and they do.
Alongside the ego-massaging trophy exhibition, there's the chance to take in a panoramic view of one of the grandest stages in European football, check out the players' tunnel and press box before taking a walk around the edge of a pitch which has been graced by some of the best players to have ever played the game.
4. Wembley
Home to the England national team, it may not quite be up to the standard of the original Wembley, but it's still mighty impressive.
Sit in the interview hot seat as you visit the press box before taking a victorious walk up the steps to the trophy presentation area.
Wembley may not be steeped in tradition, but it's a unique ground which offers superb views from pitchside.
3. Camp Nou
It may not look like much from the outside but it's an absolute colossus inside.
A tour of Camp Nou includes a trip around the club museum where you can view trophies and memorabilia from one of the most decorated clubs in European football, not to mention the chance to grace the locker room where a certain Lionel Messi laces his boots.
We dare say he has someone to do that for him but you get the jist.
2. FNB Stadium
More commonly known as Soccer City, this superb arena played host to the World Cup final in 2010.
Away from football this ground is covered in history, with Nelson Mandela's first speech after his release from prison in 1990 staged at this very location.
A tour of the ground will last around 70 minutes and offers a unique insight into the architecture and construction of the stadium, with models and cinema-style videos giving you a full rundown of its design.
Soccer City may not jump off the page as a must-see stadium, but it's well worth a visit.
1. Maracana
And the winner is.
Number one on our list of stadium tours is the famous Maracana.
Located in Rio de Janeiro, the Maracana hosted the 2014 World Cup final and has been graced by some superstars of the game.
A tour of the stadium lasts around 40 minutes, with visitors granted access to walk down the players' tunnel, before checking out the dugouts and visiting the locker rooms where so many samba stars have been before you.
There's photo opportunities aplenty, and rumour has it you can still see the trail of destruction John Barnes left in his wake 36 years ago.