When you visit Wembley Stadium in London, you're stepping into what genuinely feels like the cathedral of English football. The iconic arch dominates the skyline from miles away, but it's only when you get close that you realize just how massive this place actually is.

I've been to quite a few stadiums across Europe, and Wembley's scale still catches you off guard. With 90,000 seats, it's the largest stadium in the UK and second only to Barcelona's Camp Nou in Europe. The current stadium opened in 2007, built on the exact same spot where the old Wembley stood for decades. Norman Foster's architectural vision really paid off here – that distinctive arch isn't just for show, it supports the partially retractable roof without casting shadows on the pitch.

The guided tour takes about 75 minutes and covers the essential spots: players' changing rooms, the tunnel where you can almost hear the roar of the crowd, and the press room where post-match interviews happen. Walking through that tunnel onto the pitch gives you goosebumps, even when the stadium is empty. You can imagine what it must feel like for players during an FA Cup final or when England plays at home.

Getting there is straightforward enough. The Jubilee or Metropolitan lines take you to Wembley Park station, then it's a ten-minute walk down Olympic Way. You'll spot plenty of other visitors heading in the same direction, especially on match days when the atmosphere around the area completely transforms.

What strikes me most about modern Wembley is how it manages to host such a variety of events. I've seen attendance records that show everything from Adele concerts drawing 98,000 people to boxing matches with similar crowds. The venue adapts surprisingly well, though football remains its true calling.

The stadium's nickname "The Home of Football" feels earned rather than manufactured. Major cup finals, England internationals, and those big European nights all happen here. Discover all the secrets of Wembley Stadium with our comprehensive London audio guide for deeper insights into the venue's fascinating history and architecture.

The GrassMaster surface – a hybrid of natural and artificial grass – keeps the pitch in remarkable condition despite hosting so many different events throughout the year. Standing on it during the tour, you understand why players often mention how perfect the playing surface feels.