Arsenal were founded in 1886 by workers at the Royal Arsenal in Woolwich before later moving to North London. The club became one of English football's major names, with a long top-flight history, major domestic honours and a strong identity built around Highbury and later the Emirates Stadium. Arsenal are closely associated with North London football culture and their rivalry with Tottenham Hotspur.
Emirates Stadium is a modern, bowl-style football ground in north London and has been Arsenal's home since the club moved from Highbury in 2006. Unlike older English grounds made up of four very distinct stands, the Emirates is designed as a continuous enclosed arena, with a sweeping roofline, wide concourses and three main seating levels wrapped around the pitch. The lower tier sits closest to the playing surface, the premium Club Level runs around the middle, and the upper tier rises steeply above, giving the ground its large, clean, symmetrical feel.
The traditional Arsenal stand names still shape the matchday identity. The North Bank is behind one goal and remains one of the key home-supporter areas, while the Clock End is behind the opposite goal. The East and West stands run along the sides of the pitch and include many of the stadium's hospitality, media and premium areas. From outside, the stadium is approached by bridges, steps and podium areas rather than tight terraced streets, which gives it a very different feel from Highbury, although the old ground is still close enough to make the area feel strongly Arsenal.
For atmosphere, the Emirates is at its best when the lower tiers behind the goals are fully engaged. The Ashburton Army and other vocal home support are usually associated with the Clock End/North Bank areas, while the stadium's design means noise can travel well once the whole bowl joins in. For neutrals, the side stands generally offer the best overall views and a less intense matchday experience than the blocks immediately beside the away section.
A rivalry rooted in north London identity and sharpened by Arsenal’s move from south London to Tottenham’s doorstep in 1913. It remains one of the English game’s defining battles for local pride.
Tottenham HotspurArsenalTottenham Hotspur Stadium, London | Premier League
Away supporters at Emirates Stadium are usually housed in the lower tier of the south-east corner, on the Clock End side of the ground. For Premier League matches the allocation is normally around the standard league away allocation, although exact numbers can vary by competition and safety arrangements. The away section sits between home areas, so the blocks closest to the divide can be lively, especially for London fixtures or matches involving clubs with large travelling support.
Visiting supporters should follow the instructions issued by their own club and Arsenal before travelling, because away-ticket access and collection arrangements can differ by fixture. The away section is normally approached from the south-east side of the stadium, with supporters directed around the podium and bridge approaches by stewards and police. It is important not to assume that the shortest route from a Tube station will be the route used on the day, as crowd control outside the Emirates can change after full-time.
Inside, the view from the away end is generally good for a corner allocation, although the lowest rows are closer to pitch level and can feel flatter. The concourse is modern but can become very busy at half-time. Supporters who prefer to sit should also be aware that persistent standing can be common in away sections at Premier League grounds, particularly in the central rows of the allocation.
Approach north London using the M1 or A1, then work towards the A406 North Circular before heading into Islington via Holloway Road or nearby signed routes. Driving right to the Emirates is not recommended on matchdays because public parking is extremely limited and the surrounding streets are heavily controlled. If travelling by car, it is usually better to park outside the immediate stadium area and complete the journey by Tube, rail or bus.
From south London or the M25, use the most suitable crossing or orbital route towards north London, then approach Islington via the A1, A10 or A503 depending on traffic. The stadium sits in a dense residential and city-road area, so congestion builds quickly around Holloway Road, Drayton Park and Highbury. Avoid aiming for streets immediately around the ground unless you have confirmed accessible parking or official arrangements.
From east London, routes through the A12, A406 and local roads towards Highbury and Holloway can be used, but matchday traffic around north London can be slow. The Emirates is not a ground where away fans should expect easy street parking close by. Consider parking further out on a rail or Tube line and travelling in from there.
From west London or the west of England, routes normally involve the M4 or A40 into west/north-west London before linking with the A406, A1 or inner London roads towards Islington. The closer you get to the stadium, the more parking restrictions and congestion become an issue. For most supporters, a park-and-ride style approach using public transport for the final leg is the safest plan.
Arsenal Underground Station on the Piccadilly line is the closest named station to Emirates Stadium and is usually the simplest Tube stop for supporters arriving from King's Cross, central London or Heathrow-side connections. It is only a short walk from the ground, but it is a small station and can be very busy before and after matches. After full-time, supporters may be held in queues or directed towards larger nearby stations.
Finsbury Park is a strong option for Emirates Stadium, especially for supporters arriving from the north, King's Cross, Moorgate, the Great Northern network, the Victoria line or the Piccadilly line. It is around a 10 to 15-minute walk to the stadium and often copes better with crowds than Arsenal Underground Station. It is also useful after the match if Arsenal station is heavily queued.
Highbury & Islington is useful for supporters using the Victoria line, London Overground or Great Northern services. It is a practical walk to Emirates Stadium via Holloway Road or Highbury Fields and works well for fans coming from south, east or north London connections. It can be a better post-match choice than trying to squeeze straight onto the Piccadilly line at Arsenal.
Holloway Road is very close to Emirates Stadium on the Piccadilly line, but it is not normally the best matchday station. Arsenal guidance warns that Holloway Road can be exit-only before matches and closed for a period after the final whistle, with some trains not stopping pre-match. Treat it as a possible arrival option only if current TfL and club guidance confirms it is operating normally.
Leave Arsenal Underground Station and follow the crowd along Gillespie Road towards Drayton Park and the Emirates Stadium. It is a short walk of around 5 minutes, but the station is small and crowd control is common. After the match, you may be held in queues or directed towards Finsbury Park or Highbury & Islington instead.
From Finsbury Park, leave towards Seven Sisters Road / Stroud Green Road and walk south-west towards Blackstock Road and Gillespie Road. The walk to Emirates Stadium usually takes around 10 to 15 minutes. This is one of the better walking routes for supporters arriving from north London, National Rail, the Victoria line or the Piccadilly line.
From Highbury & Islington, walk north along Holloway Road or via Highbury Fields towards the stadium. The walk normally takes around 15 to 20 minutes. It is a useful option if Arsenal Underground Station is crowded, and the route gives you more space after the match than the immediate Piccadilly line stations.
Holloway Road is only a few minutes from Emirates Stadium, but it is often restricted on matchdays. If open for exit, walk north along Holloway Road and follow signs towards the stadium. Do not rely on this station after the match, as it is commonly closed or restricted for crowd-management reasons.
Heathrow is a very practical airport for Arsenal because the Piccadilly line runs from the airport through central London and on towards north London. For the Emirates, take the Piccadilly line towards Cockfosters and use Arsenal Underground Station if it is operating normally, or continue to Finsbury Park for a larger station and a 10 to 15-minute walk. After the match, Finsbury Park is often a safer plan than relying on the smaller Arsenal station. Heathrow is the best option if you want a simple all-Tube route with no need to cross London by taxi.
Gatwick is also viable for Arsenal, especially because Thameslink services run through central London towards Finsbury Park on some routes. The easiest plan is to take a train from Gatwick towards Farringdon, St Pancras or Finsbury Park depending on service, then walk from Finsbury Park or use the Tube for the final leg. It is not as direct as Heathrow on the Piccadilly line, but it is still a sensible airport for supporters flying into London.
London City Airport is useful for some European routes and can work well for Arsenal if you are comfortable using London transport. Take the DLR from the airport towards Bank or Stratford, then connect by Underground or rail towards Highbury & Islington, Finsbury Park or Arsenal. It is usually more fiddly than Heathrow, but it is not unrealistic for a north London matchday.
TfL bus route 4 serves the Holloway Road / Highbury area and is a useful local bus option for Emirates Stadium, especially for supporters connecting from the City, Angel, Highbury or Archway side of north London. Buses can be delayed by matchday traffic and road closures, so check live TfL information before relying on it close to kick-off.
TfL route 19 is useful for supporters travelling from the west end, Angel, Highbury and the wider north London corridor towards the Emirates area. It is a practical local option if the Tube is crowded, but buses near the stadium can be slow immediately before and after the match.
TfL route 236 serves the Drayton Park / Highbury area and is useful for supporters approaching from Hackney, Canonbury or Finsbury Park connections. It can help avoid the busiest Piccadilly line stations, but allow extra time because the roads around the stadium are heavily managed on matchdays.
Addison Lee is a useful pre-booked private hire option for supporters needing a taxi to or from Emirates Stadium. Because road closures and crowd control operate around the ground, arrange pick-up away from the immediate stadium streets and expect the driver to use a nearby main road rather than Drayton Park or Hornsey Road directly after full-time.
There is no general public stadium parking at Emirates Stadium and the surrounding streets are covered by matchday controlled parking zones. The most realistic driving option is to pre-book a private driveway or commercial space through a recognised parking platform in the wider Holloway, Highbury or Finsbury Park area, then walk to the stadium. Book early, check the walking route, and avoid trying to park in the streets immediately around Drayton Park, Hornsey Road or Holloway Road.
Cockfosters can work as a park-and-Tube option for supporters arriving from the M25 or A1 north of London. Park at the station car park, then take the Piccadilly line directly towards Arsenal or Finsbury Park. It is not close to the stadium, but it avoids driving into the Islington matchday parking zone and is often less stressful than searching for parking near the ground.
For supporters driving part of the way into London, pre-booked parking around King's Cross or St Pancras can be viable, then continue by Piccadilly line to Arsenal or Finsbury Park. It is more expensive than outer-London parking, but it keeps you out of the stadium CPZ and gives a simple Tube link. Check event-day tariffs and book in advance.
A well-known Finsbury Park pub often used by football supporters before Arsenal matches. It is a practical option if arriving by Tube or rail into Finsbury Park, but it can get very busy and away colours may depend on the fixture.
Large Wetherspoon-style pub on Holloway Road, useful for supporters who want a straightforward pre-match drink away from the tight streets immediately outside the Emirates. Arrive early and expect it to be busy on Arsenal matchdays.
Small but highly rated Chinese restaurant very close to Arsenal station and the Emirates. Best for early arrivals because it is compact and can get busy around matchdays.
Popular pizza restaurant on Holloway Road, useful before Arsenal matches if you want a proper sit-down meal rather than standard stadium food. Book or arrive early on matchdays.
Pizza takeaway/restaurant option near Finsbury Park, useful for supporters arriving by Tube or rail before walking to the Emirates. Good for a quicker casual meal before the game.
Modern hotel close to Finsbury Park, making it a strong option for Arsenal away fans arriving by rail or Underground. It gives an easy onward walk to the Emirates without staying directly beside the stadium crowds.
Budget-friendly chain hotel north of the Emirates. Useful if you want a cheaper London base within a longer walk or short Tube/bus journey of Arsenal.
Good London base around Angel and King’s Cross for supporters who want wider rail connections, food and nightlife after the match. Not beside the stadium, but practical by Tube or taxi.
The strongest advice for Emirates Stadium is to use public transport and arrive early. Arsenal station, Holloway Road, Finsbury Park, Highbury & Islington and Drayton Park all serve the wider area, but crowd-control arrangements can mean some stations are exit-only, closed, or much slower after the match. Holloway Road in particular is not always the best post-match option, so it is worth planning a second station rather than simply following your phone.
The stadium has a wide podium and several major approach points, but queues build quickly close to kick-off because of ticket checks, bag searches and the volume of supporters entering from the same directions. If you want to visit The Armoury, take photos around the statues, or walk past the old Highbury site, give yourself proper time rather than treating it as a last-minute arrival.
For away fans, expect a heavily managed route around the stadium, especially for higher-risk fixtures. Police and stewards may hold or redirect crowds after full-time. Pubs around Holloway, Highbury and Finsbury Park can be very home-orientated on matchdays, so visiting supporters should check advice from their own club before choosing where to drink.
Arsenal home tickets are among the hardest in English football to obtain through normal routes. For league fixtures, tickets made available to members are generally handled through Arsenal's membership and ballot system, with the official Ticket Exchange acting as the club-approved resale route when season-ticket holders or members cannot attend. General sale for Premier League fixtures is uncommon, so a neutral visitor should plan well ahead and use official club channels only.
For the best balance of view and comfort, neutral supporters are usually best looking at the East or West Stand areas, where the sightlines are excellent and the atmosphere is less intense than the blocks behind the goals. The North Bank and Clock End are better choices for supporters wanting a more vocal Arsenal experience, although availability is naturally limited. The blocks immediately beside the away allocation can be lively and are not the obvious choice for someone wanting a calm first visit.
Away tickets are sold by the visiting club, not by Arsenal, and are normally allocated according to that club's own loyalty-point or priority system. Travelling supporters should not buy in home areas, particularly for high-profile fixtures, as segregation is enforced and entry may be refused if away support is identified in home sections.
Emirates Stadium operates the usual Premier League ground regulations, including searches on entry, no pyrotechnics, no pitch encroachment, no discriminatory or abusive behaviour, and no alcohol consumption in view of the pitch. Supporters should follow the ticket terms and the instructions of stewards at all times.
Arsenal also operates a strict small-bag policy. Supporters are advised not to bring bags unless absolutely necessary, and bags larger than the permitted size may not be allowed into the stadium. All bags are subject to search, which can slow entry at busy times. There are no normal matchday storage facilities at the stadium, so luggage should be left elsewhere before travelling.
Digital ticketing, named-ticket checks and collection requirements can apply depending on the fixture and ticket type. If a supporter is asked to collect a ticket or provide identification, they should allow extra time and follow the specific instructions issued before the match.
Arsenal publishes a dedicated Emirates Stadium Access Guide for disabled supporters and visitors. The stadium has accessible viewing areas, accessible toilets, lifts and steward assistance, with specific arrangements depending on whether the supporter is in a home, away or hospitality area. Supporters with access requirements should contact Arsenal or their own club in advance rather than leaving arrangements until matchday.
For away supporters, accessible tickets and wheelchair spaces are normally handled through the visiting club's ticket office. The away-access arrangements can vary depending on allocation and competition, so travelling disabled supporters should check their ticket confirmation carefully, particularly entry point, lift use and companion-seat details.
The Emirates is a relatively modern stadium and is much easier to navigate than many older grounds, but the surrounding area can still be challenging because of crowds, bridges, station closures and post-match queues. Anyone who needs step-free travel should plan the whole journey, not just the stadium entry.
Arsenal offer regular Emirates Stadium tours. The main stadium tour is a self-guided experience with access to areas such as the changing rooms, players' tunnel, pitchside, interview areas and the Arsenal Museum, subject to availability and matchday restrictions. Legend Tours and other premium tour formats are also offered on selected dates.
Tours should be booked in advance through Arsenal's official channels, especially during school holidays, weekends and around major fixtures. Matchday tours can be more restricted because parts of the stadium are in operational use. Visitors should also check bag rules and opening times before travelling, as tour arrangements are not always the same as normal matchday access.
The obvious football attraction for Arsenal away days. The Emirates Stadium Tour and museum are useful if you are arriving early or making a weekend of the trip. Check tour availability around matchdays before planning.
One of North London’s best-known visitor areas, with food stalls, shops, bars and music culture. Useful before or after Arsenal if you want something away from the immediate stadium area.
Regenerated King’s Cross area with shops, restaurants, canalside walks and bars. Practical for away fans arriving into King’s Cross or St Pancras before travelling to the Emirates.
Official Arsenal ticketing page for match tickets, membership sales, hospitality, accessibility information and fixture-specific ticket updates.
Official website for Arsenal. Useful for tickets, travel updates, accessibility information, stadium rules and matchday announcements.
Useful starting point for information about Emirates Stadium, including visitor details, stadium facilities and matchday guidance where available.