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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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.

What to see?

The new castle in Stuttgart, built in the late 18th century, impresses with its grandeur as an example of late Baroque. Built by Karl Würtenberg, it served as a kind of German Versailles. The castle has three wings and is decorated with sculptures on the balustrades, which adds to its impressive appearance.

Dating back to the 10th century, the Old Castle is one of the oldest buildings in the city. Despite numerous reconstructions, it has retained its medieval character and was once the residence of local rulers.

The Schillerplatz, located next to the Old Castle, is named after the German poet Friedrich Schiller and features a sculpture of him. Nearby are the Old Chancellery and the Monastery Church, built in the 12th century and significantly rebuilt in the late Gothic style.

The Mercedes Museum and the Porsche Museum present automotive history, displaying more than 230 cars reflecting the heritage of these brands. The Stuttgart Opera is an important theater institution that attracts attention with its performances.

St. John's Church, a neo-Gothic building located on the banks of an artificial reservoir, adds to the charm of the cityscape. The chapel, built by King William in honor of his beloved wife, is one of the city's most romantic landmarks.

The Bean Quarter, a former poor neighborhood, is now known for its antique shops, art studios, cozy cafes and wine bars.

Where to stay?

Stuttgart, one of the cities hosting Euro 2024, offers tourists many options for accommodation. Here are some recommendations on where to stay:

1. Hotel am Schlossgarten: a luxury hotel near the central train station and Schlossgarten Park. Offers excellent service and convenient access to major attractions.

2. Motel One Stuttgart-Bad Cannstatt: A stylish and modern hotel at an affordable price. Located near the Mercedes-Benz Arena stadium, where matches are held.

3. Hilton Garden Inn Stuttgart NeckarPark: An ideal choice for football fans as it is located right next to the stadium. It offers comfortable rooms and good service.

4. Holiday Inn Stuttgart: a modern hotel with spacious rooms, a fitness center and a restaurant. Located close to the business district and transportation links.

5. AMERON Hotel Abion Stuttgart: offers comfortable rooms with city views, a convenient location near highways and good transport links.

Gelsenkirchen

Gelsenkirchen is a town of about 250 thousand people, which was once a powerful industrial center of the Ruhr agglomeration. After the decline of the steel industry and coal mining, abandoned mines and factories were given a second life, turning into clubs, museums, and industrial parks.

Today, Gelsenkirchen is located in an industrial and economically developed region, which contributes to its sustainable development. It is part of the Ruhr metropolitan area, a large agglomeration that includes several settlements. The city is also famous for its sports and cultural life. The Schalke 04 football club, which plays in the German football Bundesliga, has a large following of loyal fans.

What to see?

Gelsenkirchen offers many museums, galleries, and other cultural venues. The city creates ideal conditions for hiking, cycling, and camping. Thanks to the dense location of the cities in the region, you can reach other interesting locations in just half an hour or an hour from Gelsenkirchen, making it a convenient travel destination.

The most popular locations for tourists are:

1. Feltins Arena. Home arena of the football club Schalke 04. The stadium is known for its modern architecture and atmosphere during matches. In addition to football, it hosts concerts and other public events.

2. Zoom Erlebniswelt Zoo. One of the best zoos in Germany where you can see animals from different continents. It is divided into three thematic zones: Africa, Alaska and Asia, making it an ideal place for a family vacation.

3. Nordstern Park. A huge park that was built on the site of a former mine. Here you can enjoy walks, cycling routes, visit the amphitheater and climb the observation tower with a beautiful view of the city.

4. Museum of German Mining. This museum tells the story of coal mining and steelmaking in the region. Visitors can go down into the mine and get acquainted with the work of miners.

5. Kaiser-Friedrich-Park Cultural Center. This place combines historical architecture and modern cultural events. Exhibitions, concerts and other cultural events are held here.

6. Wülffen Castle. An ancient castle surrounded by a beautiful park where you can stroll and feel the atmosphere of the past centuries. The castle is often used for weddings and other celebrations.

7. Classic Remise car museum. A paradise for vintage car lovers. Here you can see unique models of classic cars and learn about their history. The museum also offers a variety of themed events and exhibitions.

Where to stay?

Gelsenkirchen offers a wide range of hotels for every budget and preference, ensuring a comfortable stay during Euro 2024:

1. Maritim Hotel Gelsenkirchen: This hotel offers a convenient location, modern rooms, a swimming pool and a sauna. It has easy access to major attractions and public transportation;

2. Courtyard by Marriott Gelsenkirchen: located near the Veltins-Arena stadium, this hotel offers comfortable rooms, restaurants and a fitness center;

3. Heiner's Parkhotel: a cozy hotel in the Boer district offering comfortable rooms, a restaurant with a terrace and easy access to the Veltins-Arena, where the matches take place;

4. Vitalounge Hotel: a modern hotel located next to the stadium. It offers comfortable rooms, a gym and spa services;

5. Hotel Arena: A cozy hotel near the Veltins-Arena stadium. Offers clean rooms and good service.

Germany is a wonderful country that hospitably invites all fans to enjoy not only the spectacular competition, but also the local attractions. 

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Daria Rogova, Head of Insurance at Visit World

To move, travel or work safely in a new country, you will need travel insurance. You can apply for an extended policy on our website here.

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Products from Visit World for a comfortable trip:

Checklist for obtaining a visa and necessary documents in Germany;

Legal advice on business issues in Germany;

Travel insurance for foreigners in Germany;

Medical insurance around the world.

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