In June 2024, the eyes of all European football fans will be on Germany. The finals of the European Championships will take place here, bringing together the very best teams from this part of the world. Although the fight for match tickets to see the players compete in person won’t be easy or cheap, the footballing excitement is well worth the sacrifice, especially when you can combine it with a nice city break. Read on to learn how to prepare for Euro 2024 and which host cities are worth visiting.
Everything you need to know about Euro 2024
The European Championship will kick off on 14 June 2024 at the Allianz Arena in Munich. The home match against Scotland precedes the opening ceremony and group matches and cup competitions will take place throughout the month. The final will be played at the Olympiastadion Berlin on 14 July 2024.
The tournament will be played over the course of a month in 10 stadiums in 10 German cities: Berlin, Munich, Dortmund, Gelsenkirchen, Stuttgart, Hamburg, Düsseldorf, Cologne, Leipzig and Frankfurt am Main.
Euro 2024 tickets – how much do they cost and where can I buy them?
The first pool of tickets were released in October 2023. In November, a pool of tickets went on sale for fans from countries that are already certain to take part in the tournament. In January 2024, there will be a draw for those who tried to buy tickets in October but were unsuccessful and in March, fans of teams that qualify for Euro 2024 through the play-offs will be able to compete for tickets.
The cost of tickets depends on the significance of the match and the tournament stage. The cheapest tickets cost €30, while a ticket for the opening match costs €50. The final will cost fans the most, with tickets starting at €95. More expensive options are also available, including premium packages.
The Euro 2024 arenas. Which cities are worth visiting?
Don’t limit yourself to stadiums and local pubs if you’re travelling to Germany to watch the Euro 2024 matches. It’s also worth going there to experience the excitement of the sport in the host cities. The holiday atmosphere and summer weather are also a perfect opportunity to do some sightseeing, making the host cities ideal destinations for a city break.
City break, Bavarian style: Munich
The heart of Euro 2024 will be the Allianz Arena, home of Bayern Munich. Start your tour of Munich in the historic old town – Marienplatz is the scene of festivals, parties and even football celebrations. Be sure to catch the display of knights and dancing figures on the town hall clock. When it comes to food, you can’t go wrong with a traditional Bavarian feast. Pubs serve local dishes such as roast veal, sausages and potato pancakes and don’t forget to try the famous Munich beer at one of the many breweries (it’s just as good outside of Oktoberfest!).
A visit to the city takes you through different eras and artistic styles. The old and new Pinacotecas have a huge collection of works, especially European paintings. For those who prefer architecture, the synonym for rococo splendour is Nymphenburg Palace. After a day of sightseeing, take a break in the English Garden, one of the largest urban parks in the world and the perfect place to relax or picnic.
Order and automation: A city break in Stuttgart
The first thing you notice as you leave the airport is the order and cleanliness of this city. You can start your sightseeing tour right in the centre, where the New Palace, often compared to the Versailles, awaits you. The surrounding gardens are the perfect place to relax and onsummer days, Germans like to spread out blankets and have picnics here.
As the name suggests, if there is a new palace in town, there must also be an old one. The Old Palace refers to the former Augustinian monastery that was once inhabited by Louis II. Inside you can see the rooms just as the king left them. In addition, over 20% of Stuttgart’s area is green space – including the aforementioned palace gardens, recreational areas and parks, one of the most interesting of which is Rosenstein Park. If you are a car enthusiast, be sure to visit the Mercedes-Benz Museum and the Porsche Museum to learn more about the development of German automotive thinking.
Berlin: The cultural and artistic heart of Germany
The 2024 European Football Champion will be chosen in the German capital, at the Olympic Stadium. The city is a silent witness to history and political change. It is also known as the city of a thousand museums. Need any more reasons to tempt you into a city break in Berlin next summer?
The East Side Gallery isa section of the Berlin Wall covered in colourful graffiti. It isboth an example of modern art and a historical monument to German reunification. The German capital is also home to countless art galleries, museums and dozens of art districts such as the Hackesche Höfe – a labyrinth of art courtyards in the Hackescher Markt district. Places such as Museum Island, where you can admire and learn about various collections, are a cultural eldorado.
Berlin Cathedral is famous for its impressive dome and rich interior. The unique Holocaust Memorial commemorates the victims of the Holocaust; this moving and symbolic site consists of concrete fields and blocks of different heights. You can also visit Potsdamer Platz, the city’s modern quarter, filled with skyscrapers, cinemas, restaurants and a shopping mall.
