10 Best football stadiums in London 2024: Explore Iconic venues and History
London, the busy capital of England, is famous for many things, including football. The city has some of the best football stadiums in London and the world. Each stadium is special and offers a great experience for fans. Wembley Stadium is the biggest and most famous. It can hold 90,000 people and has a huge arch that you can see from far away. Like England’s home games and the FA Cup Final, big matches are played here. Arsenal’s home is the Emirates Stadium. It is very modern and has excellent facilities. Stamford Bridge, where Chelsea plays, is one of the oldest stadiums full of history. It is one of the must places to visit in London. Tottenham Hotspur Stadium is one of the newest and most advanced stadiums. It has many modern features and can also host events like NFL games. Craven Cottage, the home of Fulham, is by the River Thames and has a charming, old-fashioned feel. Selhurst Park, where Crystal Palace plays, and Loftus Road, home to Queens Park Rangers, are smaller but have very passionate fans who create a lively atmosphere. The Valley is the home of Charlton Athletic and is known for its strong community spirit. So If you are planning a day trip in London, remember that lineups can be heavy throughout. These stadiums are more than just places for football; they are landmarks filled with history and excitement. Whether you live in London or are just visiting, going to a match at one of these stadiums is a great way to experience the city’s love for football. Let’s look at what makes these stadiums so special, how it started, and what you can expect if you go with our Europe Tour Packages!
10 Best football stadiums in London
- Wembley Stadium: Home of the National team
- Emirates Stadium: Home of Arsenal FC
- Tottenham Hotspur Stadium
- Stamford Bridge: Home of Chelsea FC
- Craven Cottage: Fulham FC
- London Stadium: West Ham United
- Selhurst Park
- The valley
- Loftus Road
- The Matchroom Stadium
1. Wembley Stadium: Home of the National team
Wembley Stadium is the crown jewel of English football. The original Wembley, built in 1923, was renowned for its twin towers and historic moments, including the 1966 World Cup Final, where England claimed victory. The stadium was closed and demolished in 2003, making way for the new Wembley, which opened in 2007. The new stadium features a distinctive 133-meter-high arch, which is visible across London. It is one of the top photography spots In London. Wembley Stadium can hold 90,000 spectators, making it the largest stadium in the UK and the second-largest in Europe. It serves as the home of the England national football team and hosts major football matches like the FA Cup Final, League Cup Final, and Playoff Finals. Beyond football, Wembley has hosted NFL games, major boxing events, and concerts by world-famous artists. It is one of the best football stadiums in London. The stadium’s design prioritizes fan experience and accessibility, with modern amenities, spacious concourses, and numerous food and drink options. The pitch is hybrid grass, combining natural and synthetic turf to ensure a high-quality playing surface all year round. Most of the best restaurants in London are situated in this area.
Location: Wembley, London
Opened: 2007
Capacity: 90,000
Suggested Read: Shopping in London
2. Emirates Stadium: Home of Arsenal FC
The Emirates Stadium is the home of Arsenal Football Club, one of the most successful clubs in English football. It replaced Arsenal’s previous ground, Highbury, which had been their home since 1913. The move to Emirates Stadium marked a significant upgrade in capacity and facilities, reflecting Arsenal’s ambitions to compete at the highest level both domestically and in Europe. Some of the popular Airbnbs in London are situated in this area.The stadium has a seating capacity of over 60,000, providing fans with an excellent pitch view from every angle. The design focuses on comfort and accessibility, with wide concourses, numerous food and beverage outlets, and state-of-the-art facilities. Tower Bridge London is just 4.7 miles away. The stadium also houses a museum that showcases Arsenal’s rich history, including trophies, memorabilia, and interactive exhibits. You can also take a break from exploring these stadiums in London by hanging out in the vast variety of cafes in London. It is one of the best football stadiums in London.
Location: Holloway, London
Opened: 2006
Capacity: 60,704
3. Tottenham Hotspur Stadium
Tottenham Hotspur Stadium is one of the world’s newest and most advanced football stadiums. It replaced the old White Hart Lane, which had served as Tottenham’s home since 1899. The new stadium has a capacity of over 62,000 and features cutting-edge design and technology. One of the most innovative features of the stadium is its retractable pitch, which allows it to host NFL games and other events without damaging the football surface. The stadium also boasts the largest single-tier stand in the UK, the South Stand, which can hold 17,500 fans and creates a formidable wall of noise on match days. It is one of the best football stadiums in London. The design of Tottenham Hotspur Stadium focuses on enhancing the fan experience. It includes modern amenities, excellent sightlines, and great acoustics. There are numerous food and drink options, including a microbrewery and a range of premium dining experiences. The stadium is a testament to Tottenham’s ambition to be a top team both in England and internationally. We are listing some of the best treks in London for your next visit.
Location: Tottenham, London
Opened: 2019
Capacity: 62,850
Suggested Read: Offbeat Places in London
4. Stamford Bridge: Home of Chelsea FC
Stamford Bridge is the historic home of Chelsea Football Club. Situated in Fulham, this stadium has been a cornerstone of London football since its opening in 1877. It has undergone numerous renovations and expansions over the years to maintain its status as a top football venue while preserving its historic charm.Chelsea has been one of the most successful clubs in England and Europe in recent years, and Stamford Bridge has witnessed many memorable moments, including league titles and Champions League triumphs. The stadium has a capacity of over 40,000, and the architecture combines old-world charm with modern conveniences, creating a unique and engaging atmosphere.The club offers stadium tours and a museum where fans can learn about Chelsea’s history, view trophies, and explore various exhibits. Stamford Bridge’s close-knit seating arrangement ensures that fans are right on top of the action, creating an intense and exciting matchday experience. It is one of the best football stadiums in London.
Location: Fulham, London
Opened: 1877
Capacity: 40,834
Suggested Read: Best Party Places in London
5. Craven Cottage: Fulham FC
Craven Cottage is the home of Fulham Football Club, known for its picturesque setting by the River Thames and its old-fashioned charm. The stadium has a capacity of around 19,000, making it one of the smaller but more intimate venues in London. Craven Cottage has retained much of its historic character, with features like the iconic Cottage Pavilion, a charming building that houses changing rooms and club offices. The stadium’s riverside location and traditional design make it a favorite among fans who appreciate its unique atmosphere and views. You can try the Best Local Food in London at these stadiums. It is one of the best football stadiums in London.
Location: Fulham, London
Opened: 1896
Capacity: 19,359
6. London Stadium: West Ham United
London Stadium, originally built for the 2012 Olympic Games, is now the home of West Ham United. The stadium has a capacity of 60,000 and offers modern facilities and excellent views from all seats. Since moving to the London Stadium in 2016, West Ham has enjoyed increased attendance and a vibrant atmosphere. The stadium’s design reflects its Olympic heritage, making it a unique venue for football. The move to the London Stadium has helped West Ham grow as a club and attract a larger fan base. The facilities at London Stadium are state-of-the-art, with spacious concourses, numerous food and drink options, and excellent accessibility. The atmosphere during matches is lively and energetic, with fans creating a sea of noise and color. Some of the traditional resorts & hotels in London are surrounded here. It is one of the best football stadiums in London.
Location: Stratford, London
Opened: 2012
Capacity: 60,000
Suggested Read: Travel Tips for London 2024
7. Selhurst Park
Selhurst Park is the home of Crystal Palace Football Club. It has a capacity of around 25,000 and is known for its passionate and vocal supporters. The stadium has a traditional feel, with stands close to the pitch, enhancing the matchday experience. It is one of the best football stadiums in London. Crystal Palace’s fans, known as the “Holmesdale Fanatics,” create a lively atmosphere, making Selhurst Park a challenging venue for other teams. The stadium has witnessed many memorable moments and continues to be a fortress for Crystal Palace. The facilities at Selhurst Park have been updated over the years to ensure a comfortable experience for fans while preserving its traditional charm.
Location: Selhurst, London
Opened: 1924
Capacity: 25,486
8. The Valley
The Valley is the home of Charlton Athletic Football Club. The stadium has a rich history and has undergone several changes over the years. It currently has a capacity of around 27,000 and is known for its traditional football atmosphere. Charlton Athletic’s fans are known for their loyalty and passion. The Valley has seen many highs and lows in the club’s history, making it an important part of the local community in Charlton. The stadium’s design focuses on providing a great view of the action from every seat, and the facilities have been updated to ensure a comfortable experience for all visitors. Matchdays at The Valley are filled with excitement and a sense of local pride. The fans’ enthusiasm and dedication create a lively and engaging atmosphere, making it a memorable place to watch football. It is one of the best Historical places in London. It is one of the best football stadiums in London.
Location: Charlton, London
Opened: 1919
Capacity: 27,111
Suggested Read: Adventure Activities in London
9. Loftus Road
Loftus Road is the home of Queens Park Rangers (QPR). It’s a compact stadium with a capacity of around 18,000. Despite its smaller size, Loftus Road is known for its intimate and intense atmosphere.QPR has a loyal fan base, and the stadium is known for being a tough place for visiting teams. The stands are very close to the pitch, creating a sense of closeness between the players and the fans. This makes for an engaging and lively experience, with fans feeling right in the middle of the action.The stadium has undergone various renovations to improve facilities while maintaining its historic charm. Loftus Road remains a beloved venue for QPR supporters and a challenging environment for opponents. It is one of the best football stadiums in London.
Location: Shepherd’s Bush, London
Opened: 1904
Capacity: 18,439
10. The Matchroom Stadium
Matchroom Stadium, also known as Brisbane Road, is the home of Leyton Orient Football Club. Located in Leyton, East London, the stadium has been a key part of the local community since it opened in 1937. With a capacity of 9,271, it is one of the smaller professional football venues in London but is cherished for its cozy and intimate atmosphere. The stadium consists of four stands: the West Stand, which houses the main facilities and executive boxes; the East Stand, with its family-friendly seating; the North Stand, often filled with the most vocal home supporters; and the South Stand, which is typically reserved for away fans. The compact design of Matchroom Stadium ensures that fans are close to the action, creating a lively and engaging environment during matches. Leyton Orient has a loyal fan base, and matchdays at Brisbane Road are known for their friendly and welcoming atmosphere. Despite its smaller size, the stadium provides modern amenities and a comfortable experience for all visitors. The club’s history and the stadium’s charming character make it a special place for football fans and a key landmark in East London’s sporting landscape. It is one of the best football stadiums in London.
Location: Leyton, London
Opened: 1937
Capacity: 9,271
Suggested Read: Homestays in London
What is the oldest football stadium in London?
The oldest football stadium in London is Stamford Bridge, which opened in 1877 and is the home of Chelsea Football Club.
How many professional football teams are based in London?
London is home to numerous professional football teams, including Arsenal, Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur, West Ham United, Crystal Palace, Fulham, and more. In total, there are currently 13 professional football teams based in London.
Which stadium has the largest capacity in London?
Wembley Stadium has the largest capacity in London, with a seating capacity of 90,000.
Can tourists visit football stadiums in London for tours or matches?
Yes, tourists can visit football stadiums in London for tours and matches. Many stadiums, such as Emirates Stadium, Stamford Bridge, and Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, offer guided tours where visitors can explore the facilities, learn about the club’s history, and even visit areas like the dressing rooms and pitch. Additionally, tourists can purchase tickets to attend matches at various stadiums across London, providing an opportunity to experience the excitement and atmosphere of live football games.