How to Experience a Benfica Game Day at Estádio da Luz: Food, Fun & Football
Planning to catch a Benfica football match in Lisbon? Whether you’re a lifelong fan or a first-time visitor, experiencing a Benfica game day at Estádio da Luz is a must-do in Portugal’s capital. From local eats and pre-game drinks to the legendary eagle that flies before kickoff, this guide will help you make the most of your day.
How to Get to Estádio da Luz for a Benfica Game Day
The easiest way to get to a Benfica home game is by metro. Take the Azul (Blue) Line and get off at Alto dos Moinhos station. It’s the closest stop to the stadium and drops you near all the pre-match food and drink action.
Pre-Game Eats and Drinks Near Alto dos Moinhos
Just outside the Alto dos Moinhos station, you’ll find a lively scene of food trucks and vendors selling popular Portuguese snacks:
- Bifana (marinated pork sandwich)
- Prego no pão (steak sandwich)
- Cachorros (Portuguese-style hot dogs)
- Hamburgers and other fast bites
This area is also a great place to enjoy a cold beer, wine, or soda, since Estádio da Luz is a dry stadium (alcohol is not sold inside). If you’re a beer lover, gr
Experience the pre-game food scene at home with our Porco Preto Bifana recipe!
Fan Zone at Estádio da Luz: More Space, Music, and Food
After eating, walk under the overpass to the Benfica Fan Zone, located outside the southeast corner of the stadium (near sections 11 and 12). Here you’ll find even more food stands with similar offerings, plus:
- More open space (when we take our kids to the game we typically head straight to the fan zone)
- Live DJ music before the match
- Buy gameday gear at their expansive Benfica store
- A festive, safe environment to soak in the Benfica spirit
Our top pick here is the porco preto bifana, a richer, juicier version of the classic pork sandwich made with Iberian black pork.
When to Enter the Stadium for a Benfica Game Day
With about 20–30 minutes before kickoff, it’s best to head into Estádio da Luz. This gives you enough time to settle into your seat and enjoy the electrifying pre-match atmosphere.
Benfica fans fill the air with passionate chants and songs. Just before kickoff, the club’s iconic eagle soars around the stadium, landing in the center of the field in a moment that gives fans goosebumps.
Then it’s game time—90 minutes of fast-paced football, intense emotion, and (hopefully) a Benfica win.
Where to sit? We suggest getting tickets in sections 14-20 starting in row 15 and up. You will have a better view of the entire field and these sections are closer to the exit for the Alto dos Moinhos subway station. The sections on the opposite side (30-32 and 1-4) are great as well for viewing the game, but your best bet is to head towards the Colégio Militar/Luz subway station (next to the Colombo mall) after the game.
Brief History of Benfica
Sport Lisboa e Benfica, founded in 1904, is one of Portugal’s most successful and historic football clubs. Known as “As Águias” (The Eagles) and “Os Encarnados” (The Reds), Benfica has earned:
- Over 30 Primeira Liga titles
- Multiple domestic cup wins
- Two European Cup (Champions League) titles in the 1960s, led by the legendary Eusébio
Their home ground, Estádio da Luz (Stadium of Light), opened in 2003 and is the largest stadium in Portugal with a capacity of over 64,000 fans. It has hosted major events like the UEFA Euro 2004 Final and Champions League Finals in 2014 and 2020.
Final Tips for Benfica Game Day
- Arrive early to enjoy the food trucks and fan zone
- Eat and drink before entering, since options inside the stadium are limited
- Wear red to show your support
- Bring cash or a loaded metro card for easier transit and purchases (the metro now accepts credit card payments at the turnstile).
Whether you’re a football enthusiast or just exploring Lisbon’s local culture, attending a Benfica match is a thrilling and authentic experience. From the first bite of a bifana to the roar of the crowd as the eagle lands, it’s a match day you won’t forget.
