First time at Arsenal: Here’s what you can’t miss

As soon as you see the first red and white supporters gathering around Emirates Stadium, you realise this is more than just a football match. This is where tradition, pride and top-level football come together in one of the biggest leagues in the world. Visiting an Arsenal match means experiencing a club known for its rich history, attacking football and loyal fanbase.

From the statues of club legends outside the stadium to the moment the stands begin to fill just before kick-off, everything builds towards a special matchday experience. Whether you are visiting London for the first time or have already been on several football trips, a visit to Arsenal FC belongs on every football fan’s bucket list. In this guide, you will find everything you need to know to prepare for the perfect trip.

In this blog:
– The stadium: Emirates Stadium
– Fan hotspots: where the gunners gather
– Cultural & historical must-sees
– Why Arsenal is truly worth a visit
– Insider tips for your first time Arsenal

The Emirates Stadium is one of the most modern and recognisable football stadiums in England. Opened in 2006, it now has a capacity of more than 60,000 spectators. With its sleek architecture, impressive exterior and modern appearance, it makes an immediate impression on arrival. Inside, a premium football experience awaits with excellent views from almost every seat in the stadium. The stands are close to the pitch, allowing you to fully experience the speed and intensity of the match. During big games, the tension rises noticeably and the stadium transforms into a sea of red and white. On Arsenal FC matchdays, everything reflects the club’s rich history combined with the ambition of a modern European top club.

By metro 🚇

The fastest and most popular option on matchdays. Take the London Underground to Arsenal Station (Piccadilly Line). From there, it is only a short walk to the Emirates Stadium.

Finsbury Park Station is also a popular option. From there, it is around a 10-minute walk, with several Underground and rail connections available.

By train 🚆

Travel to Finsbury Park Station, Highbury & Islington Station or King’s Cross Station. From these stations, you can easily transfer to the Underground or walk the final part of the journey. Ideal if you are travelling from outside London.

By bus 🚌

Various city buses connect the centre of London with the stadium and stop around Holloway Road and Highbury. On matchdays, traffic can be busy, so the Underground is often the quicker choice.

On foot🚶

From areas such as Islington, Highbury or from King’s Cross Station, walking to the stadium is very manageable. The closer you get, the more red and white shirts and matchday atmosphere you will see around you.

👉 Tip: Arrive at least 90 minutes before kick-off. Around the Emirates Stadium, a real matchday atmosphere builds early with supporters, pubs and street vendors.

The experience already begins in the streets around London before kick-off. Fans of Arsenal FC gather in pubs, cafés and squares around the stadium to build up to the match together. The real matchday atmosphere often starts hours before kick-off, with discussions about the line-up, predictions and rising excitement.

Around the Emirates Stadium itself, you will mainly find pubs and meeting spots where home supporters come together. On matchdays, the streets turn red and white, and the whole area revolves around Arsenal.

One of the best-known fan hotspots is The Tollington Arms, a popular pub within walking distance of the stadium where supporters gather for a drink and the pre-match build-up.

Other well-known places nearby are:

– Twelve Pins – popular meeting place near Finsbury Park

– The Gunners Pub – classic Arsenal pub close to the stadium

– Bank of Friendship – favourite local pub among supporters

👉 Tip: Head to the stadium area early. The closer you get to the Emirates Stadium, the stronger the atmosphere becomes, from packed pubs to a growing stream of supporters heading towards the entrances.

Food on matchdays

On matchdays around the Emirates Stadium, it is all about atmosphere and good food. In the surrounding area, you will find plenty of classic British and international options such as burgers, fish & chips, kebab spots and quick street food, perfect for a matchday. Inside the stadium, there is also a wide range of food and drinks available, from hot snacks to quick bites and refreshments. Vegetarian and vegan options are available too, so you can always find something that suits you before the match or during half-time.

Even outside matchdays, London is a true football city for fans of Arsenal FC. The club’s history is deeply connected to the city, and these places bring that story to life perfectly.

– Arsenal Museum:
At the museum located at the Emirates Stadium, you can discover the rich history of the Gunners. You will find iconic shirts, trophies and memorabilia from legendary players and major honours.

– Emirates Stadium Tour:
At the Emirates Stadium, you can also go behind the scenes on non-matchdays. From the players’ tunnel to the dressing rooms and dugout, you can experience the stadium up close.

– Highbury Stadium Square:
Arsenal’s former home lives on at this historic location. The old façade of Highbury Stadium has been preserved, and for many supporters it remains a special place full of memories.

– London as a Football City:
The city breathes football, with clubs spread across every part of London and references to its rich sporting culture everywhere. From pubs and murals to fan shops and stadiums, you can feel why London is one of the greatest football cities in the world.

Arsenal is one of the most historic and recognisable clubs in England. Known for tradition, attacking football and class, everything here revolves around pride, ambition and a legacy that spans generations. At the Emirates Stadium, that history comes to life on every matchday.

With a trophy cabinet full of domestic success and memorable European nights, Arsenal belongs among the elite of English football. From legendary league titles to the famous Invincibles season, the club has a history respected all over the world. Great names such as Thierry Henry, Dennis Bergkamp and Tony Adams wore the red and white shirt here and helped shape the club into what it is today.

A visit to Arsenal means experiencing top-level football in a city where the sport is everywhere. You can feel the tension in the stands, the pride of the supporters and the presence of a club that has competed at the top for generations. For every football fan, a trip to Arsenal is not an option, it is a must.

– Wear red and white: Supporters of Arsenal proudly wear the club’s iconic colours. A shirt, scarf or accessory helps you fully immerse yourself in the matchday atmosphere around the Emirates Stadium.

– Arrive early: Plan your journey well and aim to arrive at least 60–90 minutes before kick-off. This gives you time to explore the stadium area, visit a pub or food spot, and truly enjoy the build-up as the atmosphere continues to grow.

– Know when to leave: After the match, stations such as Arsenal Station and Finsbury Park Station can become very busy. If you want to avoid the biggest crowds, stay in the area a little longer or walk towards a quieter station before travelling back.

Adress stadium 🏟️
Emirates Stadium
Hornsey Rd
London N7 7AJ
United Kingdom

Best Time to visit 📅

The Arsenal season runs from August to May, just like most other European leagues. For the ultimate football experience, choose a big Premier League fixture or a European night. Think of matches against major London rivals or clashes with other top English clubs. These are the games when the Emirates Stadium truly comes to life.

Your first match of Arsenal at the iconic Emirates Stadium is not just a regular football outing, it is an experience full of tradition, excitement and top-level football. From the moment you see the stands until the first whistle blows, you can feel the pride, energy and expectations this club has carried for generations.

Whether you head home with a red and white scarf, a shirt as a souvenir or simply memories of an unforgettable atmosphere, one thing is certain: you will never forget your first visit to Arsenal.