Beer, Bayern and special places: personal recommendations for Madrid from Bayern fans for Bayern fans

Ahead of FC Bayern’s Champions League clash at Atlético Madrid, Pablo Pérez, vice-president of the Bayern España supporters’ club, reveals which places are really worth visiting on this away trip, where the Bayern fans will be meeting up, and how to get to the stadium. A guide featuring personal recommendations, special discoveries and everything you need to know to make it a perfect away day.

They're journeying from the south of Spain, from Madrid and other parts of the country: five members of the Bayern España fan club are making their way to FC Bayern’s Champions League clash at Atlético Madrid on Tuesday (21:00 CET). Their plan: to meet up with other Bayern fans before the match and support our team in the away section at the Metropolitano. We spoke to Pablo, who came up with some real insider tips for fcbayern.com.

The fan club, founded in 2017, now has around 80 members. They’re spread across the country, but united by their passion for Germany’s record champions. Even before kick-off, the five travelling companions are certain that the night will prove to be something special. “Whatever the result, it’s going to be another incredible experience,” says Pablo.

But where’s the best place to experience Madrid before the match? Which pubs are really worth a visit? And which places should you visit away from the well-known sights? Pablo has put together some personal recommendations exclusively for Bayern fans.

Meeting point & footie day: Where the Bayern family will gather

If you want to soak up Madrid’s unique atmosphere, you should allow plenty of time. The Malasaña, Chamberí and Lavapiés neighbourhoods in particular are ideal for a stroll through the Spanish capital. Here you’ll find small bars, lively squares and a side to Madrid that has far more to offer than just its famous sights.

On the day of the match, a central meeting point has been set up for the Bayern fans: the official fan support team asks all travelling supporters to come to the Plaza de Céfiro from 16:30. There, of course, bars and restaurants offer plenty of places to relax and get in the mood for the game. At 18:30, everyone will set off together for the stadium, which is about a 25-minute walk away. Members of Bayern España also plan to mingle with the travelling supporters. “We’ll meet up for a few beers and then join the Bayern fans on their walk to the stadium,” says Pablo.

Food & Drink: Bavarian ambience in the heart of Madrid

A schnitzel before kick-off? A Schweinshaxe (pork knuckle) in the Spanish capital? For Pablo, that’s no contradiction. Among his recommendations is the Krüger at 5 Calle de la Princesa, near the Plaza de España. The restaurant serves German specialities such as Haxe, bratwurst and schnitzel, along with a selection of German beers. Another good place to visit is the Leinerhaus at 18 Calle de la Ballesta in the Malasaña neighbourhood. Here, too, the focus is on German dishes and speciality beers.

On the other hand, anyone who’d rather discover the Spanish way of life should, in Pérez’s opinion, head for the smaller bars in particular. In Chamberí, you’ll find traditional bars where you can enjoy a glass of vermouth or a few tapas, whilst Lavapiés entices visitors with its diverse range of culinary delights. “If you want to get to know the real Madrid, you shouldn’t limit yourself to the Puerta del Sol, the Plaza Mayor or the Royal Palace,” recommends Pablo. It’s much more charming, he says, to stroll through the side streets and pop into the places where the locals hang out. His advice: it’s best to check the prices at the tourist-oriented bars and restaurants around the main squares in advance. “Sometimes, you only need to go two or three streets further to find a better and more authentic pub.”

Personal tip from the locals: Following in the footsteps of the old Atlético

There are places in Madrid that still surprise even seasoned visitors. One of these is the Parque Atlético de Madrid on the banks of the River Manzanares. This is where the legendary Estadio Vicente Calderón, the long-standing home of Atlético Madrid, once stood. Today, a park serves as a memorial to the former stadium. Of particular interest to football fans: at the spot where the centre spot used to be, there's a time capsule containing mementoes from the Vicente Calderón, including a piece of turf and an old stadium seat. It's an unusual glimpse into the history of our upcoming opponents.

Pablo has a few more tips up his sleeve. In the Parque de Berlín in the Chamartín district, there are three original sections of the Berlin Wall that found their way to Madrid in 1990. A piece of German history right in the heart of Spain. And anyone spending a few days in Madrid before the match should visit the former Chamberí metro station. Closed in 1966, the station is now a museum where historic tiles and advertising posters evoke the Madrid of decades past. The station is normally only open from Friday to Sunday, subject to prior booking.

Stadium & getting there: How to travel to the Metropolitano safely

The Metropolitano is situated in the north-east of Madrid. For Bayern fans travelling with the group, the official fan support team recommends taking Metro line 5 to Canillejas to reach the meeting point at Plaza de Céfiro. From there, everyone will head to the stadium together at 18:30.

Important: The Estadio Metropolitano metro station is reserved for home supporters, so away supporters should follow the official travel advice. The away supporters’ section is located in the north of the stadium, in the so-called Fondo Norte. Access is via entrances 23 and 24. The stadium opens at 19:00, two hours before kick-off. Photo ID is required for entry. A 45-minute block closure will be in place after the final whistle. Full details on permitted fan items, security regulations and any last-minute changes can be found in the official away match information from FC Bayern’s fan support service.

And what are the five members of Bayern España most looking forward to? “We want to experience a terrific atmosphere, have fun, cheer the team on non-stop and, hopefully, celebrate a Bayern goal,” says Pablo. He's well aware that the match against Atlético will be anything but easy. Nevertheless, he’s approaching the evening full of confidence: “We have great respect for our opponents, but we believe we can get a positive result there.” And, of course, the Spanish Bayern fans have one more wish: “Ideally, we’d like to take all three points home!”

Mia san mia. In Madrid too.