Emirates Stadium is the home of Arsenal Football Club, a vast and gleaming bowl of glass and steel rising above the streets of Holloway in north London. Opened in 2006 as a replacement for the club's storied Highbury ground, it seats roughly 60,000 spectators and ranks among the largest football stadiums in the country. For the visitor, it offers far more than matchday drama: self-guided and legends tours open up the dressing rooms, the tunnel and the pitchside, giving anyone curious about English football a chance to step behind the scenes of one of the sport's great clubs.
Why visit Emirates Stadium
Emirates Stadium is worth a visit because it lets you experience the scale, history and atmosphere of top-flight English football, whether through a guided tour of its inner workings or the electric energy of a live match. It is a modern temple of the game, immaculately kept and steeped in Arsenal heritage. Even those with only a passing interest in football tend to find the sheer ambition of the place compelling. The architecture alone, a sweeping cantilevered roof and acres of curved glass, signals how seriously the modern game takes itself. Inside, the club's past and present sit side by side, from honours boards to interactive displays, making it a rewarding stop for anyone wanting to understand why football matters so deeply to this city.
What to see at Emirates Stadium
The stadium tours are the heart of any visit, taking you into spaces normally reserved for players and officials. Highlights include:
- The home and away dressing rooms, where you can see how the matchday squads prepare.
- The players' tunnel and the walk out towards the pitch, one of the most atmospheric moments of the tour.
- Pitchside and the dugouts, offering a manager's-eye view across the immaculate playing surface.
- The Arsenal Museum, packed with trophies, memorabilia and footage charting the club's long history from Highbury to the present day.
- The Diamond Club and directors' areas on the legends tour, alongside commentary from former Arsenal players.
- The exterior Highbury House and the Spirit of Highbury, plus statues of club legends such as Thierry Henry and Tony Adams that surround the ground.
Getting there
Emirates Stadium stands on Hornsey Road in the Holloway area of north London, in the borough of Islington. The most convenient station is Arsenal on the Piccadilly line, just a short walk from the ground. Holloway Road, also on the Piccadilly line, and Finsbury Park, served by the Piccadilly and Victoria lines as well as National Rail and the Overground, are both within easy reach and tend to be less crowded on busy days. Tours run on most non-matchday dates, but availability and ticketing vary, so visitors should check the official Arsenal website for current tour times, prices and booking details before travelling. On matchdays the surrounding streets become extremely busy, and arriving early is wise. The stadium is well signposted from each station, and the walk takes you past several of the club's commemorative landmarks.
What's nearby
The stadium sits within easy reach of some of north London's most characterful corners. Finsbury Park, one of the capital's great Victorian green spaces, lies just to the north and hosts major outdoor concerts in summer. Highbury retains its handsome residential charm, including Highbury Square, the converted shell of Arsenal's former stadium. A little further afield, Upper Street in Islington offers a lively run of independent shops, theatres and dining, while Camden and its famous markets are a short journey to the west. Football pilgrims may also wish to explore the wider neighbourhood, where the club's presence is felt on almost every corner.
Emirates Stadium FAQ
Can you tour Emirates Stadium?
Yes. The stadium offers self-guided audio tours and premium legends tours that take you into the dressing rooms, players' tunnel, pitchside and the Arsenal Museum. Tours run on most non-matchday dates, though availability changes around fixtures, so check the official Arsenal website for current times and booking before you plan your visit.
Where is Emirates Stadium located?
Emirates Stadium is in the Holloway area of north London, within the London Borough of Islington. It lies a short walk from Arsenal Underground station on the Piccadilly line, with Holloway Road and Finsbury Park stations also nearby, making it straightforward to reach from central London by Tube.
How big is Emirates Stadium?
The stadium holds around 60,000 spectators, making it one of the largest football grounds in England and the third-largest in London. Opened in 2006, it replaced Arsenal's former Highbury home and features a distinctive cantilevered roof and curved glass facade that define its modern, instantly recognisable silhouette.
Is Emirates Stadium suitable for non-football fans?
Absolutely. The scale of the architecture, the behind-the-scenes access and the storytelling in the Arsenal Museum appeal well beyond dedicated supporters. Visitors interested in sport, design or simply a memorable London experience tend to enjoy the tour, which offers a window into the culture and history of English football.
Plan your visit
Emirates Stadium pairs naturally with the rest of north London's attractions. Browse our guide to the best things to do in London to build a fuller day, explore other major London attractions worth your time, or read up on the surrounding London neighbourhoods to discover what lies beyond the ground.
