Already this Friday, Euro-2024 will start in Germany. In addition to spectacular competitions, tourists will be able to enjoy numerous sights and cultural events here. Find out what to see in Germany during the break between matches and where it is better for tourists to stay

From June 14 to July 14, Germany will host Euro 2024, a large-scale football competition that brings together sports fans from different parts of the world every time. With matches taking place in ten different stadiums, fans will be traveling through some of Germany's most popular cities. The first game will be held in Munich, the final will be held in Berlin. For all host cities, this is a chance to introduce football fans to their sights, history and culture.

What do tourists do between matches? Where to stay? Read our host city guide.

Munich

Munich is the third largest city in Germany, with a population of about 1.6 million people. Due to its location near the Alps, nearby lakes, and generally laid-back lifestyle, it is often jokingly referred to as Italy's northernmost city.

Euro-2024 will start in Munich, when Germany will meet Scotland at the "Allianz Arena" on June 14. The stadium is the home ground of Bayern Munich. It has hosted several iconic games throughout its history, including Chelsea's victory over Germany in the 2012 Champions League final.

What to see?

Besides football, Munich also has a lot to surprise the fans who stay in the city. Here you can stroll through elegantly decorated city squares, visit grandiose Bavarian castles, immerse yourself in old German restaurants. In addition, the capital of Bavaria is an ideal place for quality shopping.

You can also take a walk through the Olympic Village here or visit the German Museum - one of the largest museums of science and technology in the world.

Munich's famous year-round food market, the Victualienmarkt, is the place to go for fresh food and authentic Bavarian beer.

Landmarks: New and Old Town Hall, Bavarian State Opera, BMW Museum, Hofbräuhaus Beer Restaurant, English Garden, Glyptotheque, etc.

Where to stay?

If you want to be as close as possible to the action at the Munich Football Arena, the Schwabing-Freimann district offers accommodation options close to the stadium. There are many properties to choose from, including both hotels and apartments. The area is known for its high-end shops, charming squares and the English Garden.

It takes around 45 minutes on foot or 15 minutes by public transport from Schwabing-Freimann to the Munich Football Arena. Fan Zone Olympiapark can be reached in about 20 minutes by public transport.

Berlin

Germany's vibrant capital attracts visitors year-round with its fascinating history, diverse cultural events and unrivaled nightlife that will last long after the final whistle.

At Euro 2024, the city will also be gripped by football fever. The Olympiastadion stadium has a capacity of 74,475 and will host six games of the tournament, including the final on July 14. It previously hosted the 2006 World Cup final between Italy and France and the 2015 Champions League final between Barcelona and Juventus.

What to see?

Berlin is known for its sights and historical sites, including the Brandenburg Gate, the Reichstag Building, and the Berlin Wall Memorial.

We recommend visiting the TV tower, which offers an amazing panoramic view of the German capital from a height of more than 200 meters.

Landmarks: East Side Gallery, Museum Island, Berlin Cathedral, Berlin TV Tower, Charlottenburg Castle, etc.

Where to stay?

If you want to stay near the Olympic Stadium in Berlin, look for accommodation in the Charlottenburg-Wilmersdorf area. This elegant rococo district is best known for its former royal residence, Charlottenburg Palace. Here, next to shopping pavilions, museums, art galleries and parks, everyone will find something for themselves. A number of apartments and hotels are available for those wishing to stay nearby.

Charlottenburg-Wilmersdorf is about 20 minutes from the stadium by S-Bahn or U-Bahn and about half an hour from the fan zone.

Hamburg

Hamburg is the second largest city in Germany with a population of almost two million. The city has a world-famous port, rich culture, history and a large number of beautiful old buildings. Since 2015, Speicherstadt and the neighboring Kontorhaus district have been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

What to see?

Hamburg is often referred to as the Venice of the North because of its world-famous harbor and visitors can take wonderful boat tours on the Elbe River.

After a night at the football match, the legendary entertainment district in the center of St. Pauli is worth a visit, as it is full of bars, clubs and live music venues.

Highlights: Hamburg Town Hall, Elbe Philharmonic, St. Nicholas Church, Kunsthalle Art Museum, Port of Hamburg, Alster Lake, Rickmer Rickmers Ship Museum and Chilihaus.

Where to stay?

As Germany's second largest city, Hamburg offers a wide range of accommodation options to suit your budget.

Several hotels and apartments can be found near the stadium, which will allow you to stay closer to the events. Located northwest of the city center, the Stellingen district is quieter and more residential. That is why it is ideal for a family holiday during football fever.

From Stellingen, you can walk to the stadium in 25 minutes or use public transport. In particular, it will take you about 30 minutes by public transport to reach the fan zone in Heiligengeistfeld.

 Cologne

Cologne is one of the largest and oldest cities in Germany, located on the Rhine River. Guests from all over the world appreciate its relaxed, easy atmosphere the most.

What to see?

As part of Euro-2024, FC Cologne's home arena, RheinEnergieStadion, will host matches between Scotland and Switzerland and England and Slovenia. In addition, the city offers tourists an introduction to its cultural life, museums, diverse gastronomy and numerous cultural attractions.

Be sure to stroll through the old town here, visit the various museums and visit the observation deck on the east bank of the river.

Landmarks: Cologne Cathedral, Hohenzollern Bridge, Romano-Germanic Museum, Cologne Cable Car, Wallraf-Riharz and Ludwig Museums, St. Martin's Church, Fantasy Land Amusement Park, St. Mary Capitol Church.

Where to stay?

If you want to shorten the travel time to the Cologne stadium, book accommodation in the Lindenthal area. In addition to its convenient location, visitors will also be charmed here by its tree-lined suburban streets, local cafes and a young, lively atmosphere, thanks to the student population of the nearby University of Cologne.

The journey from Lindenthal to the stadium takes about 15 minutes on foot or 12 minutes by tram. The tram ride to Fan Zone Heumarkt takes about 25 minutes.

Security measures in Germany in connection with Euro-2024

The German authorities take serious care of security issues within the framework of the tournament, in particular, throughout the country they expect:

- Inviting hundreds of security experts from participating countries to help monitor the process.

- Strengthening checks at the border with Germany since the beginning of June in cooperation with the authorities of neighboring and transit countries.

- Deployment of the army to monitor the local airspace during the tournament.

- Establishment of zones in which drone flights are strictly restricted.

- Strengthening the presence of the police in trains, stations and airports.

As for the negative factors, the authorities expect traffic disruptions and large crowds.

Among the restrictions, the head of security for the tournament said that vehicles will not be allowed into the arenas. Special security borders will be established to check vehicles, bags and tickets. Fans will cover the final part of the way to the match by public transport.

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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