Germany is a country rich in history, culture, and natural beauty, offering visitors a diverse range of experiences. It’s a special destination for football fans in particular, as the sport is as ingrained in its culture there as it is here in the UK. 

Whether you’re a footie fan yourself, or just travelling with your loved one, you won’t want to miss out on the opportunity to explore the cultural wonders Germany has to offer. Exploring fairytale-like towns, immersing yourself in art and culture, or maybe going on a few brewery tours, Germany has something for everyone. 

We’ve created this travel guide to help you make the most of your experience, even if you have to squeeze it in between a match or two:

Cities to visit in Germany

Whatever you choose to do, it’s definitely worth taking the time in between matches to explore some of Germany's cities. Here are some popular places for football fans, with popular tourist attractions:

Berlin

Germany's capital, known for its rich history, cultural diversity, and dynamic nightlife.

Top attractions

Brandenburg Gate: A symbol of German unity, this iconic neoclassical monument is located in the heart of Berlin. It's a must-visit for its historical significance and impressive architecture.

Reichstag Building: Home to the German Parliament, the Reichstag offers guided tours and a stunning glass dome with panoramic views of the city.

Berlin Wall Memorial: Experience the history of the Cold War at this memorial site, which preserves a section of the former Berlin Wall together with exhibits and documentation.

Cologne

Home to the Gothic Cologne Cathedral and picturesque Old Town, Cologne is a lively town with an active arts and music scene.

Top attractions

Cologne Cathedral (Kölner Dom): This magnificent Gothic cathedral is Cologne's most famous landmark and one of the largest cathedrals in Europe. Don't miss the opportunity to climb to the top for panoramic views of the city.

Old Town (Altstadt): Wander through the charming streets of Cologne's Old Town, where you'll find historic buildings, traditional breweries, and lively squares like Alter Markt and Heumarkt.

Hohenzollern Bridge: Known for its ‘love locks’, the Hohenzollern Bridge offers picturesque views of the Rhine River and Cologne Cathedral. It's a popular spot for romantic walks and photography.

Dortmund

A vibrant city in the North Rhine-Westphalia region famous for its industrial heritage, modern attractions, and bustling city life.

Top attractions

Westfalenpark: A sprawling green space perfect for leisurely walks, picnics, and outdoor activities.

Dortmund U-Tower:: Formerly a brewery, this iconic building now houses the Museum Ostwall, showcasing contemporary art and cultural exhibitions.

Dortmund Zoo: Explore the diverse range of animals and habitats in this family-friendly attraction.

Frankfurt

Germany’s financial hub, known for its modern skyline and historic landmarks.

Top attractions

Römerberg: The historic heart of Frankfurt, featuring picturesque mediaeval buildings, including the iconic Römer town hall.

Goethe House: Birthplace of the renowned German writer Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, now a museum showcasing his life and works.

Main Tower: Offers panoramic views of Frankfurt's skyline from its observation deck.

Gelsenkirchen

Located in the Ruhr area, Gelsenkirchen boasts an industrial heritage, and is well known for its expansive sports facilities.

Top attractions

Zoom Erlebniswelt: A zoological park offering immersive habitats for animals from different regions of the world.

Nordsternpark: A recreational area with walking paths, playgrounds, and a former coal mine turned cultural centre.

Red Dot Design Museum: Located in the former Zollverein Coal Mine Industrial Complex, showcasing contemporary design objects.

Hamburg

A bustling port city with a maritime charm, offering a mix of modern architecture and historic attractions.

Top attractions

HafenCity: As one of Europe's largest urban regeneration projects, HafenCity is a modern waterfront district that offers stunning architecture, shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions. The Elbphilharmonie concert hall is a standout feature here.

Speicherstadt: This historic warehouse district is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Hamburg's most iconic landmarks. Explore the red-brick buildings, narrow canals, and visit attractions like the Hamburg Dungeon and the Spice Museum.

St. Michael's Church (St. Michaelis): Known as the ‘Michel,’this iconic Baroque church is one of Hamburg's most recognisable landmarks. Visitors can climb to the top of the tower for panoramic views of the city.

Leipzig

A dynamic city in the Saxony region known for its rich history, cultural heritage, and vibrant arts scene.

Top attractions

Leipzig Zoo: One of the oldest zoos in the world, home to a wide variety of animals and themed exhibits.

St. Thomas Church: Famous for its connection to Johann Sebastian Bach, who served as a cantor here. Don't miss the weekly concerts featuring his music.

Auerbachs Keller: A historic restaurant and wine bar dating back to the 15th century, frequented by famous literary figures such as Goethe.

Munich

The capital of Bavaria, well known for its rich history, cultural landmarks, and lively beer gardens.

Top attractions

Marienplatz: Munich's central square, home to the iconic Glockenspiel clock tower and the New Town Hall.

Englischer Garten: One of the world's largest urban parks, perfect for picnics, strolls, and even surfing on the Eisbach River. Hofbräuhaus: Germany's most famous beer hall, offering traditional Bavarian food and beer in a lively atmosphere.

Nymphenburg Palace: A magnificent Baroque palace surrounded by beautiful gardens, former summer residence of the Bavarian rulers.

Stuttgart

An exciting city in southwest Germany known for its automotive heritage and picturesque vineyards.

Top attractions

Mercedes-Benz Museum: Trace the history of automotive innovation at this stunning museum dedicated to Mercedes-Benz vehicles.

Stuttgart Zoo Wilhelma:One of the largest zoological-botanical gardens in Europe, home to a diverse array of animals and plants.

Schlossplatz: Stuttgart's central square, surrounded by historic buildings, shops, and restaurants.

Königstraße: The city's main shopping street, lined with boutiques, department stores, and cafes.

Stadium tour costs

Make the most of your visit and book a stadium tour before a match.

Stadium Stadium tour (per visitor) Private tours (for 10 - 20 visitors)
Olympiastadion, Berlin €15 - €18 €169 - €325
Rhein Energie Stadion, Cologne €9.90  
BVB Stadium, Dortmund €9 - €29 €208.50 (for up to 15 visitors in a group)
Deutsche Bank Park, Frankfurt €23  
Veltins Arena, Gelsenkirchen

€9 (adults aged 21+) 

€5 (children under 21)

€175 (for up to 17 visitors in a group)
Volkspark Stadium, Hamburg

€10 - €14 (adults aged 15+)

€6 (children aged 6-14 years old)

€150 - €180 (for up to 10 visitors in a group)
Red Bull Stadium, Leipzig €10 - €20 €160 (for up to 25 visitors in a group)
Allianz Arena, Munich

€25 (adults aged 14+)

€11 (children aged 6-13)

Free (children under 5)

 
VFB Stadium, Stuttgart

€11 (adults aged 17-64)

€7 (adults aged 65+)

€7 (children aged 6-17)

Free (children under 5)

Discounted rates are also available to Stuttgart FC season ticket holders

€165 (for up to 15 visitors in a group)

 

Discounted rates are also available to Stuttgart FC season ticket holders

Merkur Spiel-Arena, Düsseldorf €5 €150 - 280

Average cost for food

From Wursts to Reibekuchens, Germany is not short on delicious food. No matter which city you’re visiting, be sure to explore regional cuisines, as each area of Germany has its own specialties and culinary traditions.

  Meal for 1 at an inexpensive restaurant 3-course meal for 2 at a restaurant
Berlin €13.50 €65
Cologne €12 €57.50
Dortmund €15 €60
Frankfurt €15 €65
Gelsenkirchen

€8

€70
Hamburg

€15

€80
Leipzig €10 €55
Munich

€15

€70
Stuttgart

€14

€65

The information above is correct as of 15/03/24. Data sourced from numbeo.com. Note that prices are subject to seasonal and inflationary fluctuations.

Average cost for beer

As we know, Germany is renowned for its beer culture, with a wide variety of brews across the country. Whether you’re grabbing a pint at a beer garden, or sampling a bottle of the local beer from the supermarket – there are great options to try in each location.

  Local draught beer served at restaurant or bar (0.5 litres, or roughly 1 pint) Bottled local beer at a supermarket (approx cost for 1 bottle or can)
Berlin €4.50 €1.03
Cologne €3.50 €0.99
Dortmund €5 €0.91
Frankfurt €5 €0.96
Gelsenkirchen

€4.10

€0.90
Hamburg

€4.90

€0.94
Leipzig €4 €0.97
Munich

€4.50

€0.98
Stuttgart

€4.30

€0.93

The information above is correct as of 15/03/24. Data sourced from numbeo.com. Note that prices are subject to seasonal and inflationary fluctuations.

Travelling around Germany

Germany has an efficient public transport system consisting of trains, buses, trams, and subways. The Deutsche Bahn operates an extensive network of trains connecting major cities and towns. If you plan on visiting multiple cities on your trip, it may be worth purchasing a German Rail Pass if you plan to travel around the country by train. 

Additionally, renting a car can be a convenient option for exploring rural areas and smaller towns.

Recommended guides

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