Arsenal – Emirates Stadium
Complete Away Day Travel Guide
🔴 ABOUT THE EMIRATES STADIUM
The Emirates Stadium has been the home of Arsenal Football Club since 2006, when the Gunners moved from their beloved Highbury after 93 years. Located in Holloway, North London, this magnificent 60,704-capacity stadium is one of the Premier League’s finest venues, offering state-of-the-art facilities whilst maintaining the intense atmosphere that Arsenal fans are renowned for creating. The move from Highbury represented a new era for Arsenal, providing the financial platform to compete at the highest level whilst preserving the traditions and identity that make the club special. The stadium’s distinctive design and imposing presence dominate the North London skyline.
Arsenal – The Gunners – are one of English football’s most successful and prestigious clubs, founded in 1886 in Woolwich before moving north of the river to Highbury in 1913. The club has won 13 league titles (including three as “The Invincibles” in unbeaten seasons), 14 FA Cups (a record), and countless other honours. Under legendary manager Arsène Wenger, Arsenal played some of the most beautiful football ever seen in England, epitomised by the incredible 2003-04 “Invincibles” season when they went the entire Premier League campaign unbeaten. The famous red and white colours have been worn since 1933, and the nickname “The Gunners” reflects the club’s origins at the Royal Arsenal armaments factory.
Arsenal supporters are passionate, knowledgeable, and create one of the Premier League’s most intimidating atmospheres. The North London derby against Tottenham Hotspur is one of English football’s fiercest rivalries. Under Mikel Arteta, Arsenal are once again challenging for major honours whilst maintaining the stylish, attacking football philosophy that defines the club.
📊 STADIUM SPECIFICATIONS
| Capacity | 60,704 (all seated) |
| Opened | 2006 (moved from Highbury) |
| Away Section | South-East Corner (Lower Tier) |
| Away Allocation | 3,000 seats (occasionally increased for cup ties) |
| Record Attendance | 60,161 vs Manchester United (Premier League, 2007) |
🚇 GETTING TO THE EMIRATES STADIUM
The Emirates Stadium is brilliantly located in North London with exceptional public transport links. Multiple tube stations serve the area, making this one of the most accessible Premier League grounds in the country. DO NOT drive – parking is virtually impossible and traffic is horrendous.
🗺️ STADIUM LOCATION MAP
Emirates Stadium Address: Hornsey Road, London, N7 7AJ
🚇 BY TUBE/TRAIN – The ONLY Sensible Choice
Why Tube Works: The Emirates Stadium is served by multiple tube stations on the Piccadilly Line and mainline train services. From anywhere in London or the UK, you can reach the stadium easily via tube. DO NOT DRIVE – there is virtually no parking, and traffic is a nightmare. Use your Oyster card or contactless payment.
Nearest Stations to Emirates Stadium:
🔴 Arsenal (Piccadilly Line): 5-minute walk – the closest and most convenient
🟠 Holloway Road (Piccadilly Line): 10-minute walk
🟡 Finsbury Park (Piccadilly & Victoria Lines + Mainline): 10-15 minute walk, good for connecting from King’s Cross/St Pancras
🟢 Drayton Park (Mainline): 5-minute walk, good for those coming from North/East
🔵 Highbury & Islington (Victoria Line + Overground): 15-minute walk through Highbury
Journey Times to Arsenal Station (Piccadilly Line):
From King’s Cross/St Pancras: 10 minutes (Piccadilly Line direct OR mainline to Finsbury Park)
From Leicester Square (West End): 15 minutes (Piccadilly Line direct)
From Heathrow Airport: 50 minutes (Piccadilly Line direct – no changes!)
From Victoria: 20 minutes (Victoria Line to Highbury & Islington, then walk)
From Paddington: 25 minutes (Circle/H&C to King’s Cross, then Piccadilly Line)
🚗 BY CAR (SERIOUSLY, DON’T!)
⚠️ CRITICAL WARNING: DO NOT DRIVE
There is NO parking at Emirates Stadium for away fans. The surrounding residential area has controlled parking zones strictly enforced on matchdays. Private car parks charge £40+ and sell out immediately.
Traffic around North London on matchdays is horrendous. The congestion charge zone (£15/day) applies, and ULEZ charges may also apply depending on your vehicle.
The tube is GENUINELY easier, cheaper, and faster. Park at an outer London station (Cockfosters, Oakwood, Southgate on Piccadilly Line) and tube in. Or better yet, leave the car at home and take the train to London.
🏨 WHERE TO STAY IN LONDON
London offers accommodation options across all budgets. Stay anywhere with good tube connections – you’re rarely more than 30-40 minutes from Emirates Stadium via the Piccadilly or Victoria Lines. King’s Cross, Islington, and Bloomsbury areas are particularly convenient.
💷 BUDGET OPTIONS (£60-£100)
Premier Inn King’s Cross
📍 Location: 26-30 York Way, London, N1 9AA (King’s Cross)
💰 Price: £80-£120 per night
✨ Why Stay: Excellent location, 10 mins to Emirates via Piccadilly Line, reliable chain hotel
🌐 Book: premierinn.com
Travelodge London Central
📍 Location: Multiple central London locations
💰 Price: £60-£100 per night
✨ Why Stay: Budget-friendly, multiple locations near tube stations, clean and comfortable
🌐 Book: travelodge.co.uk
Generator Hostel London
📍 Location: 37 Tavistock Place, London, WC1H 9SE (Russell Square)
💰 Price: £25-£80 per night (dorms to private rooms)
✨ Why Stay: Budget option, great social atmosphere, central Bloomsbury location, lively bar
🌐 Book: generatorhostels.com
💎 MID-RANGE OPTIONS (£100-£180)
Megaro Hotel
📍 Location: Belgrove Street, London, WC1H 8AB (King’s Cross)
💰 Price: £120-£180 per night
✨ Why Stay: Boutique hotel, quirky design, King’s Cross location, 10 mins to Emirates
🌐 Book: hotelmegarolondon.com
The Hoxton, Shoreditch
📍 Location: 81 Great Eastern Street, London, EC2A 3HU
💰 Price: £150-£220 per night
✨ Why Stay: Trendy boutique hotel, excellent East London location, brilliant bar and restaurant
🌐 Book: thehoxton.com
Malmaison London
📍 Location: 18-21 Charterhouse Square, London, EC1M 6AH (Farringdon)
💰 Price: £130-£200 per night
✨ Why Stay: Stylish boutique hotel, Farringdon location, excellent transport links
🌐 Book: malmaison.com
⭐ LUXURY OPTIONS (£180+)
The Standard, King’s Cross
📍 Location: 10 Argyle Street, London, WC1H 8EG
💰 Price: £220-£400 per night
✨ Why Stay: Ultra-modern boutique hotel, rooftop bar, King’s Cross regeneration area, stunning design
🌐 Book: standardhotels.com
The Beaumont
📍 Location: 8 Balderton Street, Mayfair, London, W1K 6TF
💰 Price: £400-£800 per night
✨ Why Stay: 5-star luxury, Mayfair location, Art Deco elegance, impeccable service
🌐 Book: thebeaumont.com
St Pancras Renaissance Hotel
📍 Location: Euston Road, London, NW1 2AR
💰 Price: £300-£600 per night
✨ Why Stay: Iconic Victorian Gothic building, 5-star luxury, King’s Cross location, breathtaking architecture
🌐 Book: marriott.com
🍺 BEST PUBS & BARS FOR AWAY FANS
Pubs immediately around Emirates Stadium are generally for home fans only on matchdays and can be intimidating for away supporters. Your best option is to drink in central London (King’s Cross, Camden, Islington) before taking the tube to the match. The Piccadilly Line makes this incredibly easy.
🏙️ RECOMMENDED DRINKING AREAS
King’s Cross / St Pancras Area
📍 Location: Around King’s Cross and St Pancras stations
🍺 Why Here: Loads of pubs and bars, 10 minutes to Emirates on Piccadilly Line, mixed crowds, safe for away fans
⭐ Recommended: The Lighterman (canal-side), Granary Square bars, The Fellow, Grain Store
Camden Town
📍 Location: Camden High Street and surrounding area
🍺 Why Here: Vibrant area with hundreds of pubs and bars, famous market, 15 mins to Emirates via Piccadilly Line
⭐ Recommended: The World’s End, The Hawley Arms, Black Cap, Brewdog Camden
Central London (West End)
📍 Location: Leicester Square, Covent Garden, Soho
🍺 Why Here: Heart of London, thousands of options, direct Piccadilly Line to Arsenal station
⭐ Recommended: Wetherspoon pubs for value, craft beer bars in Soho, historic pubs in Covent Garden
⚠️ AVOID IF YOU’RE AN AWAY FAN
Pubs around Emirates Stadium (Holloway Road, Highbury Corner, Finsbury Park areas) are predominantly for home fans only on matchdays. The Tollington, The Twelve Pins, The Gunners, and other pubs near the ground should be avoided by away supporters. Stick to central London – it’s safer and more enjoyable.
🍽️ WHERE TO EAT IN LONDON
You’re in London – one of the world’s great food cities! From Michelin-starred fine dining to street food markets, you’ll find every cuisine imaginable. King’s Cross, Camden, Islington, and central London offer countless pre-match dining options.
🍔 QUICK PRE-MATCH EATS
Camden Market
📍 Location: Camden Lock, London, NW1 8AF
🍽️ What’s There: Hundreds of street food stalls, every cuisine imaginable, vibrant atmosphere
💰 Price: £8-£15
⭐ Why Visit: Iconic London market, amazing food variety, 15 mins to Emirates
Dishoom King’s Cross
📍 Location: 5 Stable Street, King’s Cross, London, N1C 4AB
🍽️ Speciality: Bombay-style Indian cuisine, brilliant atmosphere, cult following
💰 Price: £15-£30 per person
⭐ Why Visit: London institution, outstanding food, 10 mins to Emirates
Piebury Corner
📍 Location: 2 Holloway Road, London, N7 8JE (near Emirates)
🥧 Speciality: Gourmet pies with Arsenal-themed names, pre-match tradition
💰 Price: £5-£8
⭐ Why Visit: Arsenal matchday institution, quality pies, perfect football food
🎭 THINGS TO DO IN LONDON
You’re in one of the world’s greatest cities! London offers world-class museums, historic landmarks, royal palaces, theatres, markets, and countless attractions. Many of the best museums are completely FREE. Whether visiting for a day or a weekend, there’s endless exploration.
🏛️ MUST-VISIT LONDON ATTRACTIONS
British Museum – FREE!
📍 Location: Great Russell Street, London, WC1B 3DG (Bloomsbury)
🏛️ What to See: World history, Rosetta Stone, Egyptian mummies, Parthenon sculptures, 8 million objects
⭐ Why Visit: FREE entry, one of the world’s greatest museums, absolutely essential London experience
Natural History Museum – FREE!
📍 Location: Cromwell Road, South Kensington, London, SW7 5BD
🦕 What to See: Dinosaur skeletons, Hope the blue whale, stunning Victorian architecture
⭐ Why Visit: FREE entry, spectacular building, world-famous exhibits, perfect for all ages
Tower of London
📍 Location: Tower Hill, London, EC3N 4AB
👑 What to See: Crown Jewels, 1,000 years of history, Yeoman Warders (Beefeaters), White Tower
💰 Entry: £30-£35 (book online in advance)
⭐ Why Visit: Iconic London landmark, Crown Jewels are spectacular, fascinating history
💡 PRACTICAL MATCHDAY TIPS
🚇 USE THE TUBE: Seriously, it’s brilliant! Arsenal station is 5 mins from the ground. DO NOT DRIVE.
🍺 Drink in Central London: King’s Cross, Camden, or the West End – much safer and more enjoyable for away fans
💳 Oyster/Contactless: Essential for tube travel – saves queuing for tickets and much cheaper
🏙️ LONDON EXPERIENCE
🎭 World-Class Culture: British Museum, Natural History Museum, V&A, National Gallery – all FREE!
🌍 Global Food: London offers every cuisine imaginable – from Michelin stars to street food markets
👑 Historic Landmarks: Tower of London, Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, Big Ben – iconic sights everywhere
⚽ MATCHDAY EXPERIENCE
🏟️ World-Class Stadium: Emirates is magnificent – state-of-the-art facilities, excellent sightlines, one of Europe’s finest
🏆 The Invincibles: Arsenal’s 2003-04 unbeaten season is legendary – 49 games without defeat!
⚡ Beautiful Football: Arsenal’s philosophy under Arteta continues Wenger’s tradition of stylish, attacking play
💭 FINAL THOUGHTS
Visiting the Emirates Stadium is experiencing one of European football’s finest venues. This magnificent 60,000+ capacity ground represents Arsenal’s ambition and status as one of the Premier League’s elite clubs. The Gunners’ history is extraordinary – 13 league titles including three as The Invincibles, 14 FA Cups (a record), and the legendary 2003-04 season when they went the entire Premier League campaign unbeaten with some of the most beautiful football ever played in England. Arsenal supporters are passionate, knowledgeable, and create an intimidating atmosphere when their team is performing. Under Mikel Arteta, The Gunners are once again challenging for major honours whilst maintaining the stylish philosophy that defines the club.
But the Emirates Stadium is just the beginning – you’re in LONDON! One of the world’s greatest cities surrounds you with endless possibilities. World-class museums like the British Museum, Natural History Museum, and V&A are completely FREE. Historic landmarks including the Tower of London, Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, and Big Ben are iconic sights. The West End offers world-famous theatre. Markets like Camden, Borough, and Portobello Road buzz with energy. The food scene is extraordinary with every cuisine imaginable from Michelin-starred restaurants to brilliant street food. Royal parks offer green spaces. The Thames riverside provides beautiful walks. And the tube system makes everything accessible.
The logistics couldn’t be easier – the Piccadilly Line runs directly from Heathrow Airport to Arsenal station (no changes!), or connect via mainline rail to King’s Cross/St Pancras then tube to Arsenal in 10 minutes. Our advice? Make a proper weekend of it. Stay in central London (King’s Cross, Bloomsbury, or anywhere with good tube links), spend Saturday exploring world-class museums and historic sights, have lunch at Camden Market or Dishoom, enjoy pre-match drinks in King’s Cross or Camden (DON’T drink near the stadium if you’re an away fan), then take the Piccadilly Line straight to Arsenal station. After the match, the whole of London awaits – from West End shows to Soho’s nightlife to Shoreditch’s trendy bars.
Take the tube to Arsenal, experience Emirates Stadium’s world-class facilities, watch The Gunners’ beautiful football, and discover why London is one of the world’s greatest cities!
🔴 Come On You Gunners! ⚪
📞 USEFUL CONTACTS
🏟️ Arsenal FC: 020 7619 5003 | arsenal.com
🎫 Box Office: 020 7619 5000
🚇 Transport for London: 0343 222 1234 | tfl.gov.uk
🚂 National Rail: 03457 48 49 50 | nationalrail.co.uk
ℹ️ Visit London: visitlondon.com
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📍 Part of the Football Nonsense Away Days Collection
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John Herman is a Leeds-based, would-be football writer and founder of Football Nonsense. Blending fan passion with sharp opinion, he tackles the game’s biggest debates—from the terraces to the boardroom—with honesty, humour, and heart.