Estadio Mestalla Sports Fan Tips
Estadio Mestalla is a venue in or near Valencia that is most often used for Soccer
What to expect from the Estadio Mestalla crowd?
It's no secret that Valencia fans aren't happy being away from the top echelons of European football. Once a fearsome team to be feared in every competition, they now play second or third fiddle to the likes of Real, Barca and Atletico. Sometimes, this comes across with some tired, half-hearted support from the home side. They aren't angry or violent, just sometimes a little down. However, that's a minority case, and the Valencia crowd are capable of building up to a crescendo of noise on their night - if you go to a match, you might experience the scintillating atmosphere of 55,000 voices cheering on their team, or perhaps you'll hear a pin drop. Who knows?
Things to check out around Estadio Mestalla?
In my opinion, there's nothing to round off a good day of shouting yourself hoarse at the football quite like a bit of thinking. In this case, frantic thinking with 2-3 of your pals as you attempt to navigate through the trap-laden quagmire of clues to escape from the Mystery Rooms in Valencia. Only half a mile from the stadium, this is a great way to brush off the rough loss you endured, or use up that extra energy and adrenaline from coming away with a win! Really fun day out, wholly recommend.
Best Food and Drink at Estadio Mestalla?
As ever, the food and drink available at the match are nothing impressive. Real Madrid are about the only side in La Liga which seem to offer a variety of interesting, tasty meals at their games! My advice is to wait until after the game and pop into Aragón 58 after the game and grab a steak or tasty seafood meal there. It's inexpensive, and infinitely better quality than anything you'll get on the inside.
Best Insider tip at Estadio Mestalla?
With a move to Nou Mestalla on the horizon within the next few years, the club has opened its doors and is encouraging fans to come and take apart in their tour - I recommend that's exactly what you do! Valencia as a rich and successful history, and the tour gives you an great insight into that success as well as seeing the trophy room, the changing room, the tunnel and all those great places. Since it costs less than €10 per person (less than half that for children) there's no good reason not to go. It lasts about 45 minutes and is a great way to get to know the club.
How do I get to Estadio Mestalla?
While the venue is pretty easy to reach by car, the parking is extremely limited, so I don't advise doing that. There's no official car parking at the stadium, and while you may find an appropriate spot on the street somewhere, there's no guarantee your car will be safe.On the other hand, public transport options are exceptionally easy! Just hop on the metro anywhere in the city and take Line 5 to Aragón - there you have it, arrived! If you come into the main train station, you can take the metro from there too, or the number 10 bus which also rolls right up to the venue. If you're in a rush, there are plenty of taxis.
Best restaurants near Estadio Mestalla?
Right outside the East side of the stadium is Aragón 58, a restaurant which goes down extremely well with fans! Since it's so close and offers such delicious, quickly-served food, it's always a hit. You can either grab a bite there before the game (saves you buying the crap on sale inside) or relax there post-match while the floods of fans carry on ahead of you. Other options are Alejandro Del Toro (a more upmarket dining experience) or La Malquerida, which is just one street behind Aragón 58.
Best Bars around Estadio Mestalla?
There are a few eateries and restaurants around the stadium, but don't worry, the proper bars are only a few minutes' walk away too! If you head East of the stadium, you will come to Plaça del Cedre which is lined with bars along one side and is a great spot to relax either before or after a game. El Asesino is a pleasant bar with good music and better drinks, while Espit Chupitos Cedro is a bit trendier, but much the same. If you get your East and Wests mixed up, you can relax - there are bars on the other side too!
Estadio Mestalla seating?
Despite having multiple tiers on every stand, the architects behind the Estadio Mestalla did a marvelous job of keeping the fans close to the action. The stands are steep - so you may want to sit lower down if you suffer from vertigo or don't like climbing stairs - but this means you are never far removed from the action. The best seats are arguably in the middle of the main stand, but you can get great views in much cheaper seats across the other 3. It's just down to preference, really! Well that, and budget.