The 17th European Football Championship is taking place in Germany. Spectacular competitions and fierce confrontations await different cities of this powerful country. We hope that in between the matches, fans will be able to have fun and get to know the popular sights of Germany. Find out more about what to see and where to stay in Leipzig, Stuttgart and Gelsenkirchen

On June 14, 2024, the European Football Championship started in Germany. Thousands of fans from all over Europe traveled to support their national teams. The German tourism sector expects to earn an additional billion euros by offering guests a wide range of services and experiences. According to Ifo Institute experts, this will bring approximately 1 billion euros to the German economy and increase GDP by 0.1%.

The matches will be held at ten different stadiums, giving fans the opportunity to travel between German regions. This is a great opportunity for the host cities to present their sights, history and culture to tourists. In this article, you will find detailed information about Leipzig, Stuttgart, and Gelsenkirchen. We will tell you what tourists can do between matches, where to stay and what to visit in these cities.

You can find the first and second parts of this guide on our website.

Leipzig

Berlin and Leipzig are the two cities of the former GDR that will host this year's Euro. The rest of the matches will take place in West Germany, where the best football stadiums and infrastructure are located. Leipzig is known for its rich history and cultural life. It has earned the nickname Messestadt ("City of Fairs") due to its world-famous fairs, including the book fair.

Leipzig is the pearl of Saxony, the capital of fairs, festivals, museums, music, delicious cuisine, and architecture. Its historic buildings have made it the architectural capital of Germany. Here you can see buildings in the Gothic, Baroque, and Art Nouveau styles that create a harmonious architectural ensemble. Leipzig was home to such prominent personalities as Johann Sebastian Bach, Felix Mendelssohn, and Johann Wolfgang von Goethe. This city is full of cultural richness and historical monuments that attract tourists from all over the world.

What to see?

Leipzig is an ancient and at the same time very modern city. It has many historical architectural monuments and modern landmarks. It is called "German Prague", "Little Venice" and "German Paris".

And, of course, no tour of Leipzig is complete without a walk through the ancient streets. Be sure to visit these attractions:

1. The Old Town is the historic center of Leipzig with beautiful old buildings, narrow streets and squares. Take a stroll through Marktplatz and Alter Johannisfriedhof, where famous composers including Johann Sebastian Bach are buried;

2. The New Town Hall Palace is a magnificent castle-town hall that is the main attraction of the city. Go up to the observation deck to enjoy the magnificent panoramic view;

3. Thomaskirche is an old Gothic church where Johann Sebastian Bach worked as a cantor. Here you can visit his grave and listen to organ concerts;

4. Grassi Museum - offers a large collection of decorative arts. Here you will find unique masterpieces from ancient times to the present;

5. Leipzig Zoo - one of the oldest zoos in the world, known for its efforts to preserve and breed vulnerable species of flora and fauna. Here you can see rare species of birds and animals.

These attractions provide an opportunity to immerse yourself in the rich history and culture of Leipzig, ensuring an unforgettable experience for every tourist.

Where to stay? 

For tourists coming to Leipzig for Euro 2024, there are many options for a comfortable stay. Here are some recommendations:

1. The Steigenberger Grandhotel Handelshof Leipzig is a luxury hotel in the city center, close to the main square and historical sights.

2. Hotel Fürstenhof Leipzig - a five-star hotel with an elegant design, located near the central station.

3. INNSiDE by Meliá Leipzig is a modern hotel with a beautiful view of the city, next to the iconic market square.

4. Leipzig Marriott Hotel is a comfortable hotel with all amenities, located in the heart of the city.

5. Sleepy Lion Hostel, Youth Hotel & Apartments Leipzig is a comfortable hostel in the city center, ideal for young travelers.

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Planning a trip or move abroad? An important part of a successful trip is an insurance policy, as it guarantees high-quality medical care anywhere in the world and can protect you from unnecessary expenses while travelling.  You can buy insurance from trusted agents on the Visit World portal. 

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Stuttgart

Located in the center of a fertile valley, Stuttgart is surrounded by vineyards and is a major industrial and cultural center. Once an important agricultural region, today Stuttgart is known for its technological innovations and automotive industry. The city attracts tourists with its many attractions and mild climate. Stuttgart, the capital of the second richest state in Germany, Baden-Württemberg, is often underestimated by tourists. However, it is able to compete with Munich thanks to its old buildings, luxurious palaces, beautiful parks and museums.

Among the city's attractions is the Wilhelm Zoological and Botanical Garden, which is worth a visit. The Mercedes-Benz Museum is another landmark that can compete with Munich's BMW Museum. Tourists can also enjoy strolling through Stuttgart's many parks, discovering its cultural wealth. In addition, it is worth visiting the mysterious Black Forest and the free city of Freiburg, which are located nearby and will complement the experience of the trip.