Be prepared to immerse yourself in the culture of German football!
Euro 2024 is happening this summer, so which German cities are the best for watching football? If you were lucky enough to score tickets for the Euros, you're probably already planning which cities to visit. Even if you didn't get tickets, you might still want to head over to Germany to soak up the atmosphere. So, let's dive right into the best football cities in the country!
While Berlin isn't traditionally a powerhouse in club football (with Hertha Berlin being the most prominent team in the capital), it becomes a must-visit during an international tournament. The massive Olympiastadion will host several matches, including a quarterfinal and the final. Additionally, the city will feature a huge fan zone at the Brandenburg Gate, where fans can gather to watch the action on giant screens.
Munich is a must-visit for football fans, renowned for its gothic architecture, traditional beer gardens, and rich gastronomy. The Bavarian capital, with its deep love for football, will host the opening match of Germany’s home tournament at the Allianz Arena, promising a festive atmosphere from the start. Beyond football, you can enjoy a refreshing dip in the clean Rhine River. Munich also honours the victims of the 1958 air disaster at "Manchesterplatz," where a stone monument lists the names of those who died, including the legendary Duncan Edwards, offering a poignant football pilgrimage.
Munich’s Alliance Arena in the Winter
Just a short train ride from Berlin (under two hours), Leipzig is a stunning student town with plenty of green spaces, affordable pints, and a fun, friendly atmosphere. Matches will be held at RB Leipzig's Red Bull Arena, originally built for the 2006 World Cup. Key games include the Netherlands vs. France on June 21 (Group D) and Croatia vs. Italy on June 24 (Group B), promising early tournament drama. Leipzig, the only former entirely GDR city hosting Euro 2024 games, played a significant role in the fall of communism, earning the title "The City of Heroes." Its rich history and cobbled streets make it a fantastic tourist destination, beyond being a tournament host.
Hamburg, a vibrant port city located on the river Elbe, is renowned as a football hub. Home to both Hamburger SV and St. Pauli, it has earned a reputation as a football Mecca. The city's residents are passionate about the sport, with bars across its cobbled streets showing matches. The Volksparkstadion, hosting several group games and a quarter-final, is HSV's home ground. Beyond football, visitors can explore the bustling port, marvelling at the cranes and barges. The infamous Reeperbahn offers a taste of Hamburg's nightlife, while its historical significance includes being the site of the young Beatles' first European shows.
Neighbouring Dortmund and Gelsenkirchen, home to Borussia Dortmund and Schalke, respectively, share a fierce rivalry both on and off the football pitch. Situated just a half-hour drive apart in Germany's industrial Ruhr Valley, these towns boast two of the country's most iconic stadiums. BVB's Westfalenstadion, the nation's largest with an 81,000 capacity, ranks among the world's best for its electric atmosphere. Meanwhile, Schalke's Veltins-Arena, built for the 2006 World Cup and accommodating 62,000 spectators, is equally impressive. Both stadiums will host Euro 2024 matches, including England vs. Serbia at the Veltins-Arena on June 16. With their close proximity and vibrant football culture, Dortmund and Gelsenkirchen make ideal hubs for Euro 2024 fans, alongside fellow host cities Cologne, Düsseldorf, and Frankfurt.
Some close contenders on the list are the cities Cologne, Frankfurt, and Stuttgart. The Euro 2024 will be a thorough analysis into the old football cultures.
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