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Which football stadium to visit in Manchester: Old Trafford or Etihad?

England is the birthplace of football, which is why it boasts a rich tradition related to the sport.

The Premier League is recognized as one of the most important football competitions in the world, with clubs like Arsenal, Chelsea, and Liverpool among its roster.

In this article, we’ll discuss which of Manchester’s football stadiums is worth a visit. Want to know if we recommend Old Trafford, home of Manchester United, or the Etihad Stadium, home of Manchester City, and the reasons behind our choice?

Visitor information

Without a doubt, if you’re in this city, a must-do tourist experience is exploring at least one of the stadiums of these iconic sports clubs. Which football stadium to visit in Manchester? The tour to discover Manchester United at Old Trafford.

The number of visitors can vary depending on the season, so it’s advisable to buy your ticket in advance to avoid long waits. This tour lasts approximately two hours, during which a guide will explain the stadium’s highlights in English.

This football-themed tour gives you the opportunity to walk on the pitch, sit in the players’ dugouts, and walk through the tunnel used by the players before leaving the locker room, which you will also have the opportunity to visit. You’ll also have access to the press room, where the players and manager give statements after each match. However, the tour doesn’t stop there, as you’ll also have the chance to explore the Manchester United Museum.

manchester united stadium

The Manchester City Etihad Stadium Tour

Now, if your sporting allegiances lean more towards Manchester City, you can also book a tour lasting approximately 90 minutes. The tour guide, who will give you a lecture in English, will take you to equally iconic sites as those at the previous stadium. This way, you’ll have access to the pitch itself, the warm-up area, and the tunnel leading to the locker rooms. In the locker room area, you’ll see the facilities for both the home and visiting teams. After that, the guide will take you to the press room and other interesting areas, such as the stands.

Which stadium to visit: Old Trafford or City Etihad?

The choice is simple, as it largely depends on what you want to see. The iconic nights of recent decades, where the Reds staged historic comebacks or lifted trophies, might make you prefer Manchester United, as Manchester City is a relatively new team with a considerable budget. United’s trophy room is nothing like City’s, as the former has won more domestic titles and boasts several European Cups in its trophy cabinet. Finally, you should also learn more about the Munich air disaster that claimed the lives of many United players and see the tribute the stadium paid to two football legends, Bobby Charlton and George Best.

The National Football Museum in Manchester

If your visit to one or both of the stadiums and their museums has sparked a desire to delve deeper into the history of football, the National Football Museum in Manchester is an excellent place to explore.

This museum spans six floors, each filled with fascinating artifacts that tell the story of football in this part of Europe. For example, you’ll have the opportunity to see the ball used in the 1930 FIFA World Cup Final or the original document that established the rules of football, dating back to 1863. While it focuses heavily on the Premier League, it’s well worth a visit, as it’s not only an enriching experience but also free to enter.

Conclusion on which football stadium to visit in Manchester

The choice is simple, as it largely depends on what you want to see. The iconic nights of recent decades, where the Reds staged historic comebacks or lifted trophies, might make you prefer Manchester United, as Manchester City is a relatively new team with a considerable budget. United’s trophy room is nothing like City’s, as the former has won more domestic titles and boasts several European Cups in its trophy cabinet. Finally, you should also learn more about the Munich air disaster that claimed the lives of many United players and see the tribute the stadium paid to two football legends, Bobby Charlton and George Best.

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