Euro 2024: Exploring the Stadia and Host Cities – Part 1
This was part 1 of a 2-part blog on Euro 2024, where we explored all the stadia and host cities involved in the tournament. All costs mentioned in the following paragraphs were correct at the time of publication.
EURO 2024 was held across 10 different cities in Germany, marking the first time a German country had hosted the European Championship since 1988.
There was an increased demand for accommodation and transportation during this time. However, we gathered some of our best tips to help navigate the tournament.
Munich Stadium
One option for staying in Munich was to book accommodation in Altstadt, considered the Old Town. It was about 40 minutes from the stadium via the U-Bahn, and since it was in the city center, an all-day ticket cost around $10.
Staying in the center of Altstadt could be expensive, but there were more affordable options on the outskirts, with prices starting at $150 per night.
Nearby was Olympia Park, which hosted one of the Euro 2024 fan zones. The fan zone featured a public viewing area where all the matches were broadcast on a large screen. There was also live music, podcasts, and many other activities. The best part? It was free!
Getting from Altstadt to Olympia Park took about 30 minutes via the number 20 or 21 trams. Plus, if you had an all-day U-Bahn ticket, it was valid on all forms of transportation, meaning you could use the tram, train, or bus without paying extra! It was worth exploring the best ticket options, as multiple-day tickets helped keep costs down. You could also download various phone apps to help navigate around.
Arena AufSchalke (Gelsenkirchen)
Getting to the stadium couldn’t have been easier. If you had a match ticket, you were entitled to a 36-hour pass for the VRR and virtual reality public transport networks. This pass was free and valid from 6 AM on match day until 6 PM the next day!
If you were looking for accommodation close to the action, staying in Essen-Stadtkern was a great choice. It was about an hour away from the stadium and 45 minutes from the fan zone at Nordsternpark. There was also a shuttle bus running between the fan zone and the stadium, so everything was easily accessible.
Essen-Stadtkern was considered the most central district, offering something for everyone. Accommodation started at $140 per night, and while you were in town, you could treat yourself to some authentic German food at one of the many restaurants, where you could enjoy a beer stein (or jug, as we knew it!).
The atmosphere around the games was unparalleled, and there was no better place to stay than in the heart of the action. If German food wasn’t your thing, there were also plenty of places serving other European cuisines or even American food.
Cologne Stadium
If you traveled to Cologne, you were also entitled to the free 36-hour travel pass mentioned earlier.
Just 26 minutes from the stadium, the Cologne fan area was located at Heumarkt. There, they showed all the games on the big screen, so if you couldn’t secure match tickets, this was the best way to experience the action.
If you stayed in central Cologne, hotel rates started at around $106 per night. You were next to the fan zone and close to other attractions. For example, Cologne Cathedral was right on your doorstep, or if you wanted a change of pace, you could visit the Schokoladen Museum—home to all things chocolate! Indulge your sweet tooth with a tasting session for just 3 euros per person.
After a match, there were great places to relax at nearby restaurants, just a 10-minute walk away. There were also pubs with live music and themed nights. Plenty of events took place during the tournament, so you had to check out what was happening!
BVB Stadium Dortmund
Italy’s first match of Euro 2024 was in Dortmund on June 15th. Dortmund was one of Germany’s largest cities, so you’d never run out of things to do. A great area to stay in was Westfalenhalle, a 10-minute walk from the stadium. It was also just 10 minutes by U-Bahn to the Friedensplatz fan zone. Hotels in this area started at $122 per night, putting you right in the center of everything.
It was a 15-minute walk from Westfalenhalle to the lively Kreuzviertel, known for its nightlife. Alternatively, you could visit the German Football Museum for a more relaxed day. With over 1,600 exhibits, it was a must-see for any football fan. Admission started at $22 per person, making it a top choice for your to-do list!
Volksparkstadion Hamburg
If you were heading to the Volksparkstadion in Hamburg, staying in Altona-Altstadt was a good option. This popular waterfront area cost around $83 per night. It was a 50-minute bus ride to the stadium and only 26 minutes to reach the center of Hamburg. It was also a short journey to the fan zone at Heiligengeistfeld, so you were close to everything.
While in Hamburg, you could explore the local history at the Hamburg city center or Altona City Hall—both historic sites worth checking out. Hamburg also boasted a huge public transport system, but buses were the best way to explore the area.
You had to try some local specialties, such as Finkenwerder Scholle—a traditional fish dish named after an old Hamburg fishing area. You could also visit the St Pauli Fischmarkt, which had seafood as well as shops selling clothing and other goods. It was a great place to pick up souvenirs, and it was only open on Sunday mornings when most other places in Germany were closed.
5 Top Tips for Attending Euro 2024 in Germany
When visiting any part of Germany, there were a few important things to remember:
There was plenty to do around the stadiums, but it was important to research ahead of time to find activities that suited your needs.
Tipping was common, so it was a good idea to carry some small change.
Most shops were closed on Sundays, so it was best to get anything you needed the day before. Sundays could be spent exploring the old towns.
It wouldn’t hurt to learn a few basic German phrases—saying “Bitte” (please) and “Danke” (thank you) went a long way.