Home of The Gunners since 2006, Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium is among the largest sports and entertainment venues in the UK. With a capacity of just over 60,000 for matches and room for as many as 72,000 revellers at live music events, there are all kinds of reasons you may pay a visit to Emirates Stadium.
The stadium is host to many of the home side’s Premier League, FA Cup, and European club championship matches, and you can also catch the occasional international friendly. Not only that, but the stadium is a prime venue of choice whenever major world tournaments are held in the UK, such as the 2021 Rugby League World Cup. With additional stadium tours, a club museum and world-class hospitality, it’s fair to say there’s plenty at Emirates Stadium to keep you entertained.
With its North London location, Emirates Stadium has excellent transport links. Read on to find all the need-to-know info for your trip, including how to get there and what there is to do in the area.
Arsenal is in Holloway, a suburb within the London Borough of Islington. It’s slightly to the north of central areas like Angel and Clerkenwell, which makes it easy to reach via the capital’s public transport – especially when boarding trains to London from other parts of the country.
If you’re heading into London via the South Western Railway network, the nearest SWR stations to Arsenal’s football stadium are London Waterloo and Clapham Junction. Once you arrive, you can soon reach the Emirates by using the city’s public transport, including Underground, Overground and bus services.
London Waterloo offers the shorter commute time of the two. Head for the station’s Underground and join the Northern line northbound, getting off a short time later at Leicester Square. Change here for the westbound Piccadilly line and ride for a little more than 10 minutes, then hop off at the aptly named Arsenal stop. You’ll then find yourself just a few minutes’ walk from the stadium. All in all, the journey should take you around half an hour.
South Western Railway services can also get you to Arsenal’s stadium from within the capital. The closest SWR station to the Emirates will be London Waterloo, and you can travel here direct from spots like Staines, Surbiton, Wimbledon, Earlsfield, Putney and Raynes Park.
To travel from Waterloo to the stadium, follow the directions outlined above.
Things to do at Arsenal Emirates Stadium
From major tournament finals to roof-raising rock concerts, there’s plenty to keep you entertained at Emirates Stadium.
Match day
Home of the extraordinarily successful Arsenal men’s and women’s squads, you’ll be at no loss for fixtures at Emirates Stadium. Both teams compete at the very top of their respective leagues, meaning you can expect a busy calendar of league games alongside FA Cup, Carabao Cup and pre-season friendly matches. And provided the teams have competed to their usual top standard, there’s the thrilling prospect of European club championship fixtures too. Whether you’re backing the Gunners or will be cheering on your team from the away end, it’s never long before football fans find themselves at the Emirates.
Stadium tours
An absolute must for Gunners’ supporters is an Emirates Stadium tour. Walking in the footsteps of your heroes, you’ll slip behind the scenes to explore areas like the players' entrance, home and away dressing rooms, conference rooms, and directors' box. Aided by state-of-the-art handset technology, you’ll enjoy commentary from one of three Arsenal legends, before finishing off at the Arsenal Museum where you’ll receive your tour certificate. With tours available in 10 languages, there are also several packages and price points you can pick from.
If you can’t get enough of stadium tours and are willing to put old rivalries aside, why not book your access all areas trip to Chelsea Stamford Bridge Stadium?
Arsenal Museum
Founded back in 1886, it’s fair to say that The Gunners have heritage. At the recently renovated Arsenal Museum, you can trace the story of the club from its formation right through to the present day, with this legendary tale told through trophies, items and collectables – many of them donated by former players. Available as a separate attraction or part of a stadium tour, this experience will warm the heart of every Arsenal fan.
Music and private events
With its sky-high capacity, it’s little wonder some of the world’s biggest music acts have performed at the Arsenal Emirates Stadium. Come summer, the lawn is carefully covered and the stage set for epic and immersive live performances, with Bruce Springsteen, Coldplay, Muse, Green Day and The Killers among the legendary names to have rocked the Emirates in recent years.
If you’re looking for a more private get-together, the Arsenal Emirates Stadium venue hire facilities cover all the bases. From executive boxes for small and intimate gatherings through to vast reception rooms designed for weddings, conferences and exhibitions, the Stadium has a diverse selection of function rooms to suit your occasion.
Things to do near Arsenal Emirates Stadium
If you’re looking to keep busy pre or post-match, there’s plenty going on in the local area. In fact, we’d recommend you travel to the stadium in good time and well before kick-off, so you may find you have time to kill nearby.
If you’re a Gunners fan, why not pay a visit to Arsenal’s flagship store? Located below the podium at the west side of the stadium near Holloway Road, The Armoury stocks a superb selection of Arsenal merch, from a full range of kit to personalised clothing and souvenirs.
If the weather’s on your side, you could always kick back on the grass at nearby Gillespie Park and Highbury Fields. Both are only a few minutes’ walk from the stadium and are great spots for catching up with mates and debrief before kick-off or after the final whistle.
If you’re in the capital for a few days, use our London bucket list to get your itinerary filled with exciting things to do.
Tips for the day
- Snacks and soft drinks in plastic bottles or flasks can be brought into the ground, though no alcohol from outside can be taken in
- Turnstiles will usually open two hours before kick-off
- There are no cash machines inside the stadium and card queues tend to be long, so it’s usually a good idea to bring cash
Food and drinks
Whether you’re a burger on the go or the à la carte type, food and drink at the Arsenal Emirates Stadium caters for all tastes. Matchday restaurant The Woolwich is available to Platinum Members and can be reserved in advance, with guests enjoying three-course pre-match dining and an inclusive drinks package.
Meanwhile, the Corner Bars offer a much more informal dining and drinking experience. Top options here include Highbury, a lively and colourful street food market. There’s also the Victorian-styled pub Royal Oak, as well as homemade pizzas and rotisserie chicken over at Dial Square.
If you’re looking for somewhere to drink before or after the stadium, take a look at our guide to the best sports bars in London.
Places to stay near Arsenal Emirates Stadium
If you’re looking for somewhere to rest your head after the match, you’ll find options to suit all tastes and budgets. Premier Inn London Archway and Travelodge London Finsbury Park are great affordable options in the area, as is Best Western London Highbury, where you could receive a 10% discount through SWR Rewards. Meanwhile the Angel Townhouse and Hilton London Angel Islington offer a touch of luxury. With its excellent facilities, Citadines Apart’hotel Islington London is great for families.
Arsenal Emirates Stadium accessibility
Arsenal Emirates Stadium strives to be a place for all. The ground has a dedicated Disability Liaison Team who will be your point of contact and provide any support you need on the day. Facilities include a disabled supporters lounge open to both home and away supporters, including any personal assistants. There is also blue badge parking available, as well as a service for deaf or hard of hearing fans. For more information, head to Arsenal’s accessibility page.
