Emirates Stadium is the home of Arsenal since 2006, with a capacity of 60,704 seats — the largest stadium in London after Wembley and Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. If you're Israeli and planning to fly to London to watch Arsenal in the Premier League, the Champions League, or any other competition — this guide covers everything you need to know: getting there, seating, prices, food, hotels, tips unique to Israelis, and the history of the stadium.
Basic Facts — Emirates Stadium by the Numbers
- Capacity: 60,704 seats (third-largest in London)
- Opened: 22 July 2006 (Adnais match against friends)
- First official match: 2 August 2006, Arsenal against Ajax Amsterdam (Dennis Bergkamp testimonial)
- Location: Ashburton Grove, Holloway, North London N7 7AJ
- Official name: Emirates Stadium (sponsored by Emirates Airlines)
- Ownership: Arsenal Football Club
- Construction cost: £390 million
- Architect: HOK Sport (now Populous)
- The previous stadium: Highbury, 1913–2006, capacity 38,419
The move from Highbury to Emirates was a dramatic step in Arsenal's history. Highbury had been the Gunners' home for 93 years, but with a limited capacity of about 38,000 seats and no room to expand, the club needed a new stadium to compete financially with Manchester United and Europe's elite clubs. Today, the Ashburton Grove stadium is one of the most magnificent in the Premier League.
Seating Map — Where to Sit and for How Much?
Emirates Stadium is divided into four main stands, each offering a different experience. Prices vary by match category (A, B, or C) and by seat location within the stand.
Ticket Categories — Official Gate Prices
- Category C (matches against smaller clubs): £35–£55 — the cheapest matches, usually against bottom-half teams
- Category B (mid-tier matches): £45–£75 — against teams like Newcastle, Aston Villa, West Ham
- Category A (derbies and top-of-the-table matches): £65–£120+ — against Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur, Liverpool, Manchester City
- Champions League: £45–£150+ depending on the stage and opponent
Note: These are official gate prices. On brokers and the secondary market, prices are higher, especially for big matches. On TikTik you'll find verified tickets at a range of prices.
The Stands — What You Should Know
Clock End (South)
The stand behind the south goal. Some of the most passionate fans sit here, and the atmosphere is electric. The seats behind the goal are the cheapest in the stadium — an excellent choice for anyone who wants to save money without giving up atmosphere. The angle isn't ideal if you want to see the whole pitch, but the proximity to the goal makes up for it.
North Bank (North)
The stand behind the north goal. The history of the "North Bank" goes back to Highbury — there it was the most iconic stand. The atmosphere is strong here too, and the seats are relatively cheap. Middle rows and higher are recommended for a better view.
East Stand and West Stand (East and West)
The stands along the side of the pitch. These are the seats with the best view — a panoramic view of the whole pitch, the halfway line and its surroundings. Prices here are the highest. Club Level seats are located in the West Stand — these are premium tickets with access to lounges, food and drink, and padded seats.
TikTik tip: For the best combination of price and view quality, choose Clock End or North Bank, rows 15 and up (Lower Tier). You'll get a wild atmosphere with a reasonable viewing angle, at a significantly lower price than side seats. For those whose budget allows it — East Stand Lower, blocks near the halfway line, are without a doubt the best seats in the stadium.
How to Get to Emirates Stadium from Israel
Flight from Israel to London
El Al (ELAL) operates direct flights from Ben Gurion Airport to the following airports:
- Heathrow (LHR): The direct flight takes about 5 hours. London's main airport, connected to the Underground (Piccadilly Line) — you can get directly to the stadium area without changing lines.
- Luton (LTN): Direct flights with El Al and Wizz Air. Cheaper, about 5 hours flight time. From Luton, the Thameslink train to central London (30–40 minutes).
- Stansted (STN): Ryanair and Wizz Air. Stansted Express to central London (47 minutes).
It's also worth checking flights with low-cost carriers like Wizz Air and Ryanair — sometimes a round-trip flight to Luton costs less than €100.
From the Airport to the Stadium
From Heathrow: the Piccadilly Line directly to Arsenal — about 50–55 minutes, no changes. This is the most convenient way.
From Luton: train to King's Cross/St Pancras, and from there the Piccadilly Line to Arsenal station — a total of about an hour and 15 minutes.
Public Transport from within London
The best way: The Underground, Piccadilly Line to Arsenal (formerly Gillespie Road) — just a 3-minute walk to the stadium. It's one of the most convenient stations in the entire Premier League. Central London (King's Cross) — just about 7 minutes!
- Arsenal station (Piccadilly Line): 3-minute walk — closest, most convenient
- Finsbury Park station (Piccadilly / Victoria / National Rail): 10-minute walk — an excellent alternative, especially after the match since it's less crowded
- Holloway Road station (Piccadilly Line): 10-minute walk — note: on matchday the station is sometimes exit-only
- Highbury & Islington station (Victoria / Overground): 12-minute walk — a good option for those coming from South London
Parking — Important Warning!
There is no parking for spectators at the stadium or in the immediate area! The area around Emirates is Event Day Parking Zone — if you park on the street within the area on matchday, your car will be towed! Fines and car recovery cost hundreds of pounds. Police and parking wardens are very active. Use public transport — it's the only sensible option.
Recommended Hotels Near Emirates Stadium
You don't have to sleep right next to the stadium — North London is excellently connected by public transport. But if you want a short walk to the stadium, here are the best options:
- Maldron Hotel Finsbury Park: £40–£80 a night — budget-friendly and comfortable, a 10-minute walk from the stadium, right next to Finsbury Park station. Excellent value for money.
- Hilton Islington Angel: £60–£120 a night — a quality hotel in the Angel area, 15 minutes by Underground to the stadium. A great neighborhood with restaurants and bars.
- Best Western London Highbury: £50–£100 a night — the closest to the stadium (5-minute walk!), quiet and comfortable, basic but clean rooms.
- Premier Inn Finsbury Park: £55–£95 a night — a reliable British chain, spacious rooms, a good breakfast.
- The Drayton Park Hotel: £60–£110 a night — a small boutique hotel on Drayton Park, right next to the stadium, a local atmosphere.
Tip: On big matchdays (North London derby, Champions League) prices rise by 30–50%. Book as early as possible.
Alternative: Staying in Central London
If you're also planning a trip around London, it's worth considering accommodation in the King's Cross, Angel, or Islington area — 7–15 minutes by Underground to the stadium, and central to all the attractions. At hotels like The Megaro (King's Cross) or Holiday Inn Express Angel you'll find prices similar to hotels near the stadium, with much greater convenience for sightseeing.
Food and Drink — Inside the Stadium and Nearby
Inside the Stadium
The stadium offers a decent selection of food stands at every level. Prices are typical for Premier League stadiums:
- Burgers: £8–£9 — basic but decent, with a cheeseburger option and a Beyond Burger (vegetarian)
- Fish & Chips: £12 — a classic British dish, served in a generous portion
- Falafel Wraps: £8–£9 — Arsenal introduced a falafel/Middle Eastern option in recent years, a decent dish
- Pizza: £7–£9
- Beer (half pint): £5–£6, a full pint £8–£10
- Hot drinks (coffee/tea): £3–£4
The stadium is Cashless — credit/debit cards and digital payment only (Apple Pay, Google Pay). Cash is not accepted.
Restaurants and Stalls Nearby — The Gems of Holloway Road
One of the great things about Emirates Stadium is the Holloway/Islington neighborhood — a lively area with excellent food. Arrive an hour or two early and enjoy:
- Piebury Corner: The crown jewel for Arsenal fans! Authentic British pies named after club legends — "Tony Adams" (steak and ale), "Thierry Henry" (venison), "Arsene Wenger" (chicken and mushroom). About £5–£7 per pie. Excellent before the match. Right next to the stadium.
- Zia Lucia: An excellent Neapolitan pizzeria on Holloway Road. Wood-fired pizzas, dough proofed for 48 hours. £10–£14 per pizza. One of the best pizzerias in North London.
- The Tollington: A traditional pub near the stadium, a wild pre-match atmosphere. Local beers and decent pub food.
- The Gunners Pub: The closest pub to the stadium — a meeting spot for fans, recommended to arrive early as it fills up fast.
Kosher Food in London — What Are the Options?
There are no kosher options inside Emirates Stadium. London's Jewish community is concentrated mainly in other areas:
- Golders Green / Hendon (Northwest): The largest concentration of kosher restaurants in London — Pizaza, Met Su Yan, Taboon, La Fiesta and more. About 30 minutes from the stadium by public transport.
- Central London (Marble Arch / Edgware Road): A few kosher options like Reubens and Zest. About 25 minutes from the stadium.
- Stamford Hill (Northeast): A large Haredi community with many kosher shops, about 20 minutes from the stadium.
Recommendation: Eat a kosher meal before heading to the match, or prepare sandwiches in advance. Inside the stadium, the falafel wrap is the closest option to parve (but it isn't kosher certified).
Essential Tips for Israelis Traveling to Emirates
- ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation): Since 2025, Israeli citizens must apply for UK ETA before the trip. The cost is £10, and it can be submitted through the UK ETA app. Don't forget — without an ETA you can't board the flight!
- Currency: Pound sterling (GBP, £). Exchange in Israel or withdraw from an ATM in London (better rate). Most places accept credit cards — Visa/Mastercard. American Express is less common.
- Language: English. The British are nice and polite — "please", "thank you", "sorry" and "cheers" are magic words. "Cheers, mate" = thanks, buddy.
- Safety: London is a very safe city. The area around Emirates (Holloway/Islington) is a mixed but completely safe neighborhood on matchday — a strong police presence.
- Travel time: From central London to the stadium — 30–45 minutes by Underground. Arsenal station is just a 3-minute walk away. Arrive at least an hour before the match — security checks and queues.
- Time: The UK is two hours behind Israel in winter (GMT), one hour behind in summer (BST).
- Electricity: British socket (Type G, 3 pins). Bring an adapter!
- Weather: London is cool and rainy. Even in summer — bring a jacket. In winter, temperatures 2–8°C, in summer 15–25°C. Rain is always possible.
- Digital tickets: Arsenal switched to Digital Tickets. Download the Arsenal app or make sure your ticket is available on your phone before leaving the hotel. There's no physical printing in most cases.
- Bag policy: Bags no larger than A4 size (35x40x20 cm). Large backpacks are not allowed. Leave your belongings at the hotel.
The History of Emirates Stadium
Emirates Stadium was built on the site of a former waste plant in the Islington borough, and cost £390 million — a huge sum that shaped Arsenal's spending structure for years. The project was named "Ashburton Grove" after the street it was built on.
The First Match
The first official match was held on 2 August 2006 — a testimonial match for the legendary Dennis Bergkamp, against Ajax – Amsterdam. Bergkamp, who was ending his career, scored in his final match at his stadium. A historic moment.
The first official league match was held on 19 August 2006 against Aston Villa — Arsenal won 1-0 with a goal by Olof Toure.
Iconic Moments
- 2006: The first match, Ajax, Bergkamp scores — the beginning of a new era
- 2012: Arsenal 5-2 Tottenham — a historic North London derby, Robin van Persie with a hat-trick
- 2015: Arsenal 4-1 Liverpool — a perfect performance that showed the stadium's potential for atmosphere
- 2023: The 1,000th goal at Emirates — scored by Leandro Trossard, a historic milestone
- 2024: Champions League atmosphere returns to Emirates after years — spectacular European nights
From Highbury to Emirates
Highbury Stadium (Arsenal Stadium) served Arsenal from 1913. Highbury's East Stand, built in the 1930s in the Art Deco style, became an architectural icon and was even designated a protected historic building. After the move to Emirates, Highbury was converted into a luxury residential project called "Highbury Square" — the apartments were sold at high prices, and some of the historic architecture was preserved.
Veteran Arsenal fans still remember Highbury's "The Marble Halls" — the magnificent inner entrance with marble and statues. Some of that spirit was carried over to Emirates, where there are giant statues of club legends (Herbert Chapman, Tony Adams, Thierry Henry, Dennis Bergkamp) around the stadium.
The Matchday Experience — What to Expect
Matchday at Emirates is a complete experience, not just 90 minutes of football. Here's what happens from the moment you arrive:
Before the Match
The gates open two hours before kickoff. It's recommended to arrive at least an hour early — security checks are efficient but take time on full matchdays. In the stadium plaza ("Arsenal Plaza") you'll find food stalls, music, and a festive atmosphere. Fans gather at pubs around Holloway Road and Drayton Park as much as two to three hours before — it's an integral part of the experience.
During the Match
The acoustics at Emirates are excellent — when the stadium is full and the fans are singing, the noise is immense. The iconic song "North London Forever" echoes through every stand. At Champions League matches the atmosphere peaks — a giant TIFO (large flags that cover entire stands) is displayed before kickoff, and the Champions League anthem gives you chills.
The giant screens in the stadium's four corners show live broadcast, replays, and statistics. There are also USB charging points near some of the seats — useful for filming throughout the match.
After the Match
Leaving the stadium takes 15–25 minutes. Arsenal station gets very crowded — if you're not in a hurry, it's worth waiting 20–30 minutes at a pub or walking to Finsbury Park station (10 minutes), where there are more lines and less congestion.
What Is There to Do Around the Stadium?
Even if you've only come for the match, it's worth spending time in the surrounding area:
- The Armoury (official store): Arsenal's official store, right next to the stadium. Shirts, scarves, merchandise — everything. Also open on non-matchdays.
- Arsenal Museum: A museum inside the stadium with 137+ years of Arsenal history. Cups, trophies, historic shirts. Admission £10.
- Stadium Tour: A guided stadium tour — changing rooms, the tunnel, the dugout. About £27 for an adult. Not available on matchdays.
- The legends' statues: In the stadium plaza — Thierry Henry (in his iconic sliding pose), Tony Adams, Herbert Chapman, Dennis Bergkamp. A must for photos.
- Islington / Upper Street: A 15-minute walk south — a street full of restaurants, bars, vintage shops and boutiques. One of the coolest streets in London.
Additional Practical Information
Wi-Fi
There's free Wi-Fi at the stadium — "Arsenal Wi-Fi". The connection is decent but not great on a full matchday (60,000+ people). Don't rely on it for watching video.
Accessibility
Emirates is a modern, accessible stadium. There are wheelchair seats in every stand, elevators, accessible restrooms, and Audio Descriptive Commentary services. You can contact the club in advance for special arrangements.
Weather and Clothing
The stadium is open-air (no roof over the seats in most stands), so you'll be exposed to rain and cold. In winter — bring a warm coat, a hat, and gloves. In summer — still bring a light jacket. Bring layers.
Frequently Asked Questions — Emirates Stadium
How do you get to Emirates Stadium from London?
The easiest way is the Underground, Piccadilly Line to Arsenal — the ride from central London (King's Cross) takes just about 7 minutes, and from there a 3-minute walk to the stadium. Alternative: station Finsbury Park (Piccadilly / Victoria Line) — 10-minute walk, less crowded after the match. From Heathrow you can get there directly on the Piccadilly Line without changing — about 55 minutes. There is no parking for spectators — public transport only.
How much do tickets cost for Arsenal matches at Emirates?
Prices depend on the match category. Category C (smaller clubs): £35–£55, Category B (mid-tier matches): £45–£75, Category A (derbies and top-of-the-table matches against Chelsea, Tottenham, Liverpool): £65–£120+. Champions League: £45–£150+. The cheapest seats are behind the goal (Clock End and North Bank). On brokers like TikTik you'll find a range of verified options.
What are the best seats at Emirates Stadium?
For the best view — East Stand Lower Tier, blocks near the halfway line. For the best value for money — Clock End or North Bank, rows 15+ (great atmosphere, low price). For those who want a premium experience — Club Level in the West Stand which includes a lounge and padded seats. Avoid very low rows behind the goal if a panoramic view matters to you.
Is there kosher food at Emirates Stadium?
There are no certified kosher options inside the stadium. The closest option is the Falafel Wrap (£8–£9), which is parve but not certified. For kosher food, it's recommended to eat before the match in the Golders Green area (30 minutes from the stadium) or Stamford Hill (20 minutes). Alternative: prepare sandwiches in advance.
What does an Israeli flying to London for a match need to know?
Five important things: (1) You need UK ETA — an electronic authorization costing £10, required before the flight. (2) The currency is the pound sterling (GBP), not the euro. (3) A direct flight from Israel to London takes about 5 hours (El Al to Heathrow or Luton). (4) The stadium Cashless is cashless — credit card only. (5) Bring a British power adapter (Type G, 3 pins).
Which hotels are recommended near Emirates Stadium?
The closest: Best Western London Highbury (£50–£100, 5-minute walk). Budget-friendly and recommended: Maldron Hotel Finsbury Park (£40–£80, 10-minute walk). For higher quality: Hilton Islington Angel (£60–£120, 15 minutes by train). On big matchdays prices rise — book early.
What is the history of Emirates Stadium?
Emirates opened on 2006 as a replacement for the historic Highbury stadium (1913–2006). The first match was against Ajax – Amsterdam in a testimonial for Dennis Bergkamp. The stadium was built at a cost of £390 million by HOK Sport. The 1,000th goal at the stadium was scored by Leandro Trossard in 2023. Highbury was converted into a luxury residential project (Highbury Square).
Events Calendar — What's Happening at Emirates in 2025/26
- Premier League: 19 home matches per season — a match almost every other week
- Champions League: 3–4 home matches in the group stage, plus 1–3 more in the knockout stage
- FA Cup / EFL Cup: 1–3 home matches depending on the draw
- Stadium tours: Almost every day (except matchdays and the day before) — Self-Guided Tour £27 for an adult, Legends Tour £40+
Check the Arsenal page on TikTik for the current schedule and available tickets.
Ready for the Emirates experience?
Emirates Stadium is one of the best value destinations in European football — a modern, accessible stadium with an amazing atmosphere and a lively neighborhood. Whether you're coming for the North London derby against Tottenham, an exciting Champions League match, or just a Saturday league match — the show is guaranteed.
Book your tickets now at TikTik — Arsenal Tickets — verified tickets, secure delivery, service in Hebrew.
