Estádio da Luz — Attraction in Lisbon

Benfica, one of the most storied football clubs in Portugal, is known for its rich history, passionate fanbase, and consistent success on the domestic and international stages. Founded in 1904, Sport Lisboa e Benfica, commonly known as Benfica, has become a symbol of pride for its supporters, who are affectionately known as “Águias” (Eagles). Benfica’s legacy is built on a foundation of excellence, with the club having won numerous Primeira Liga titles, Taca de Portugal trophies, and European honors. The club’s youth development system is a standout feature, regularly producing top-tier players who go on to shine both in Portugal and abroad. The iconic Estádio da Luz, a modern, spacious stadium, offers a fantastic atmosphere for matchdays, with the fans providing an electric energy that makes home games a spectacle. Despite their history of success, Benfica has struggled to replicate their European glory days in recent years, particularly in the UEFA Champions League. While the club regularly competes in the latter stages of European competition, they have often fallen short when it comes to securing that coveted second European Cup. Additionally, there has been a sense of inconsistency in their squad performance, especially during transitions between coaches or key player departures. Benfica remains one of Portugal’s most successful and influential football clubs. Their blend of historical achievement, strong player development, and passionate fanbase ensures that they remain a dominant force in Portuguese football. However, the ambition to reclaim European glory remains a challenge for them, and that is perhaps the next frontier in their illustrious journey. Fans of the club can expect continued growth, thrilling football, and a legacy that will endure for...

The stadium itself looks very nice and is huge! If you're a fan of stadiums, this one is a must see when in Lisbon.

The reason i only give it 3 stars is the stadium tour. I got this tour in January, which is not a busy time in Lisbon. Maybe that's why I found it a bit dissapointing.

The guide didn't really tell anything about the club or the stadium, they rather just guided us through the stadium without any context.

At the start of the tour they ask you to go stand in front of a greenscreen and take a picture of you, they'll tell you it is for registration purposes, which I found weird. After the tour you find out why though; they offer you the photos they took in a small book for €20. Which i refused to pay. I would maybe have done it if they were honest at the start and told me it would be a photo I can buy later on.

What you get to see at the stadium isn't anything crazy as well. I got to see the stadium from the inside, from a balcony as well as through the players tunnel. But beside from that it wasn't anything special. I have to give it to them, they try, because they have a VR experience, where you are being put on VR goggles and you can see a matchday experience from up close. But beside that, there's not much.

They also put the eagles (mascots of the club) out in the stadium on display. I don't know much about eagles, but I found it disturbing. I don't think animals should be used for this purpose and if they would want to, place them in their habitat and showcase the eagles there. Also ofcourse a lot of people started clapping and whistling towards the birds, which for sure they didn't like.

From my experience this tour was not worth it. I think they could've done much more to make it...

So my partner and I live in la, where we go to galaxy games and angel city games. We go to New England a couple times a year, so we fly from Boston to Atlantic destinations. My partner loves soccer. I took her to Manchester to see a Man U game, we went to a Fulham game last time in London, she's been to Arsenal, we went to PSG for a Euro game, she went back to PSG for a champions league tie, so, we were excited to see Benfica in Lisbon.

It took us months to secure the tickets. Benfica is obsessed with keeping tickets off the secondary market, so if you are coming from abroad you need to wait till they release non member tickets and get them right away. We knew this and still were lucky to sit together as 2 people, and there were plenty of foreign fans there who were split up.

Getting there isn't that tough, the Metro stops at an absolutely enormous shopping mall across the expressway. The walk to the stadium is picturesque, including a tunnel of champions and a lively., carnivalesque atmosphere. Dudes drinking literal bottles of wine.

Inside its clean and professional but nothing is amazing beyond, you know, the game and the atmosphere (see video). During the match we actually bought better tickets and moved, it turns out you don't actually need Id to enter, so if I'd go again I'd just buy secondary market tickets and ignore the scary language about needing proper...