Every major football tournament is met with great excitement, but there’s an extra special buzz around this year’s European Championships. With so many top national teams in great form, this promises to be the most entertaining competition in its history.
The major broadcasters will screen the event all across Europe and beyond. Millions will tune in to the action, but several thousand others will be lucky enough to watch the Euros in person.
The Teams to Watch
Euro 2020 finalists England are the favorites to win Euro 2024. Behind Gareth Southgate’s men, sports betting markets suggest that the closest challenges are expected to come from France, Germany, Portugal, Spain, Italy and the Netherlands.
Each of those teams has an exceptional record in this tournament, with Italy coming into the competition as the defending champions. It promises to be a thrilling few weeks, but what can you expect if you are traveling to Germany to watch the action?
German City Guides
The 2024 edition of the European Championships is being held in ten cities across Germany. Berlin, Munich, Cologne, Stuttgart, Dusseldorf, Hamburg, Gelsenkirchen, Dortmund, Leipzig and Frankfurt are sharing the honor of hosting this prestigious event.
Each of those cities is served by international airports. Most who are attending Euro 24 will have already booked flights, but it may still be possible to secure some last minute deals.
Good public transport networks are also in place, including trains, buses and trams. It’s advisable to check timetables in advance, but it’s likely that most locations will also put on extra services during the tournament.
Match Tickets
Anyone without a match ticket at this late stage will struggle to gain entry to the big games. The final in Berlin, on July 14th and the two semi finals have been sold out in advance, but it may be possible to find tickets in the secondary markets through the official channels.
For the earlier group games, it’s more likely that tickets will be available. The initial sale began in October 2023, while the last release was held in April 2024, but surplus tickets may be accessible via the official Euro 2024 website.
For safety reasons, it’s not advisable to travel to any of the stadiums without a match ticket.
Staying There
Accommodation in the city centres will be at a premium across the four weeks of the tournament. Most major hotel chains will be full, but it’s worth checking them individually in case of any cancellations.
Websites such as Airbnb may still have options, but in general, if you are prepared to stay further out of the main sites, you are more likely to find somewhere to stay.
Watching the Game
While you shouldn’t travel to a stadium without a ticket, it’s still possible to enjoy a great matchday experience in any of Germany’s ten host cities. The country has set up a number of fan zones where the games will be streamed live in an incredible atmosphere.
One of the best places to watch the action will be in Berlin, where the capital has built a fan zone next to the historic Brandenburg Gate. The area has been transformed into a football pitch with what promises to be the biggest goal in the world.
Another popular location will be the Olimpiapark in Munich, where entertainment is available in the lead up to each match. Elsewhere, at least one fan zone is in place in each of the ten host cities.
Bars across the country will also show live games, with that classic German hospitality in place. A fun experience awaits, and some fans may find these locations to be even more enjoyable than the main stadiums.
Completing the Package
While you’re in Germany, it’s a good idea to take advantage of the incredible sightseeing opportunities. Berlin is one of the world’s most historic cities, and there’s plenty to see and do in the nation’s capital.
Munich, Frankfurt and Dusseldorf are among the top tourist locations here with lots of attractions of their own. In Leipzig, the city offers an insight into how the old East Germany operated. Anyone traveling here during Euro 2024 will primarily be in Germany for football, but there is much to enjoy during days when you’re without a game.
Germany has a proud reputation for hosting some of the best football tournaments throughout the history of the game. The country also tends to do well in their home stadiums, and that will lead to an even better atmosphere across the competition.
If you are traveling to Euro 2024, your itinerary will likely be in place, but there may still be time to join in the fun and enjoy one of the most highly anticipated sporting events in the world.