Lisbon: Benfica Luz Stadium Tour with Souvenir Scarf

Introduction

If you’re a football fan or simply curious about Portugal’s most iconic club, the Benfica Luz Stadium Tour offers a fascinating peek behind the scenes of one of Europe’s top stadiums. While we haven’t been inside ourselves, countless travelers tell us it’s a well-rounded experience that combines history, action, and a bit of bird-watching with the club’s famous eagles.

What makes this tour stand out? First, it’s designed to be accessible — with guides on hand at key points to answer questions and enrich your visit. Second, the opportunity to walk onto the pitch and see the locker rooms up close provides a real sense of being part of the game. Third, the gift of a souvenir scarf and high-quality photos make it a memorable keepsake.

That said, if you’re expecting to get into the home team’s dressing room or stand on the actual pitch, you might be disappointed — some areas are off-limits, especially on match days or during European fixtures. Overall, it’s best suited for football enthusiasts, families with kids, or anyone interested in Portuguese sports culture.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Accessible and informative: Guided points along the tour make it easy to follow and learn.
• Iconic history: Learn about Benfica legends like Eusébio and see their trophies.
• Behind-the-scenes access: Visit locker rooms, press areas, and the pitch.
• Unique features: Watch the club’s eagles in action — a highlight for many visitors.
• Great value: For around $26, it offers a comprehensive look into Benfica’s world.
• Family friendly: Fun for kids and adults alike, especially with the eagle experience and souvenirs.

Overview of the Benfica Luz Stadium Tour

This tour offers a chance to explore Portugal’s largest and most modern stadium, opened in 2003, which also hosted the 2014 Champions League final. It’s not just about the size but about the stories woven into its fabric — from legendary players to historic matches.

Starting point is at Door 17, easily accessible via public transport, with the tour kicking off at the designated reception. The tour is structured to give a thorough look at the stadium’s key features, with guides stationed at important points ensuring that questions are answered and details are shared.

The tour’s highlights include walking on the pitch, visiting the locker rooms, and getting close to the club’s eagles — an iconic symbol of Benfica. The inclusion of the Museum Benfica Cosme Damião showcases trophies and memorabilia from legendary players like Eusébio, offering a deep dive into the club’s storied past.

What to Expect During the Tour

The journey begins with an overview of the stadium’s architecture and history, setting the scene for what’s to come. You’ll visit several points, including scale models, the Sagres Stand, the NX Lounge, and the Benfica Campus Model. These sections give a sense of the stadium’s modern design and its role as a hub for football development in Lisbon.

One of the most popular stops is the Eagle Hall, where visitors can get up close with Benfica’s famous eagles. The club’s eagles are a big deal — they swoop onto the pitch before matches, and seeing them perched and interacting with their trainers is a real treat. Several reviews highlight the joy of observing these majestic birds, with one visitor remarking, “the eagles flying down was a delightful moment.”

The tour allows access to the Visitors Locker Room, Press Conference Room, and the VR experience, providing insights into the football world that fans love. Notably, the Pitch area is a major highlight, with visitors often mentioning feeling like they’ve stepped right into a game-day scene.

Behind-the-Scenes Access

Part of what makes this tour stand out is the chance to walk through areas normally off-limits to the public. You’ll get to see where players prepare, the media areas, and the tunnel that leads onto the pitch — all crucial for understanding the full game-day operation of a top-tier club.

Some reviews mention that certain parts, like the home team dressing room, aren’t included; this can be a letdown for those craving full access to team facilities. However, the tour strikes a good balance by covering the main points of interest and offering guides who are eager to share stories of Benfica’s glorious past and current team spirit.

More Great Tours Nearby

The Experience of Visiting the Stadium

The self-guided element—with helpful guides at each station—gives visitors some flexibility to explore at their own pace. We loved the way the guides shared passionate stories about Benfica’s legendary players like Eusébio and Mantorras, making history feel alive.

The highlight for many is the chance to see the actual Benfica eagle perched on the pitch with its trainer, a moment described as both “beautiful” and “fun to ask questions about.” Watching the eagle swoop across the stadium before matches is a spectacle that adds to the authentic football atmosphere.

The museum is another highlight, featuring trophies, multimedia exhibits, and stories of Benfica’s rise. Visitors mention that the interactive displays and detailed memorabilia help bring the club’s history to life — making it more than just a tour of concrete and grass.

Value for Money

For $26, the tour is considered excellent value, especially since it includes not only access to the stadium but also a free souvenir scarf. Several reviews emphasize the quality of the scarf and the memorable photos you can purchase afterwards. The high quality of these mementos makes it worth considering the extra cost if you want a keepsake.

The tour also ends at the Benfica Official Store, where souvenirs and merchandise are reasonably priced. Many visitors appreciate discounts, with some reviews mentioning 10% off on store purchases.

Tour Logistics and Practicalities

The tour runs between 10:00 and 17:30, allowing visitors to join at various times. While the tour is primarily in English and Portuguese, guides are bilingual, making it accessible. Bookings can be flexible with the “reserve and pay later” option, and cancellations are free up to 24 hours in advance.

During busy periods, especially on match days or European fixtures, visits are not permitted, which is worth planning for. Also, if you’re visiting in hot weather, it’s wise to bring water, hats, or sunscreen, as some reviewers noted waiting outside can be challenging in the heat.

Authentic Experiences and Tips from Visitors

Reviewers highlight that guides are “enthusiastic and helpful,” and the eagle display is a must-see. One visitor shared, “Everyone we met was very friendly and welcoming,” which adds a warm, personal touch to the experience.

Many praise the opportunity to explore areas like the press room and tunnel, which make you feel like part of a match-day scene. While some noted that certain areas like the dressing rooms might be off-limits or under renovation, the overall experience remains highly regarded.

The self-guided aspect allows visitors to take photos freely and ask questions as they go, which is a positive for those who enjoy a more flexible tour. The souvenir scarf is well-liked, with many describing it as high-quality and a good value.

The Sum Up

The Benfica Luz Stadium Tour offers a solid mix of history, behind-the-scenes access, and memorable moments, all at an affordable price. It’s perfect for football fans eager to walk where legends like Eusébio once played, and for families looking for a fun, educational outing.

While it doesn’t include full access to the home dressing room or pitch (which some might expect), the guided points and close encounters with Benfica’s eagles make up for it. The addition of souvenirs and photos makes it a great value, and the friendly guides ensure a warm, informative experience.

If you’re after an immersive, authentic football experience that balances history, culture, and a touch of the stadium’s magic, this tour should be at the top of your Lisbon list.

FAQ

Can I visit the stadium on match days?
No, stadium visits are not allowed on match days or during European fixtures two days before and one day after the game.

Is the tour guided or self-guided?
It’s primarily self-guided, but there are helpful guides at key points ready to answer questions and share stories.

How long does the tour last?
The tour runs from 10:00 to 17:30, giving flexibility to join at different times during the day.

What’s included in the ticket price?
Your ticket includes stadium entry, the guided points, and a souvenir scarf.

Can I take photos during the tour?
Yes, you’re encouraged to take photos, especially at the pitch and eagle spots. High-quality photos can be purchased afterward, though they cost extra.

Are food and drinks included?
No, food and drinks are not included in the tour.

Is it suitable for children?
Absolutely. Kids enjoy the eagle displays, the chance to walk on the pitch, and the interactive museum exhibits.

What language options are available?
Tours are offered in English and Portuguese. Guides are bilingual to accommodate most visitors.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
While not explicitly stated, most areas are likely accessible, but it’s best to check in advance if mobility is a concern.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins at Door 17, right after Eusébio’s statue, and ends back at the Benfica Official Store.

Whether you’re a die-hard Benfica supporter or just want to see one of Portugal’s top stadiums, this tour offers a blend of history, excitement, and authentic moments that make it a worthwhile addition to your Lisbon itinerary.

You can check availability for your dates here: