Europe is home to some of the world’s most iconic football clubs and stadiums. For families who love the beautiful game, a city break that includes visiting one of these legendary venues can be an unforgettable experience.
To coincide with the release of the EPL Price Index, which informs fans on how much it costs to watch the Premier League around the world, we have decided to hand-pick some of the best and most affordable cities to do some football tourism this year.
Munich
Bayern Munich, Germany’s most successful team and six times champions of Europe, regularly sell out the ultra-modern 75,000-capacity Allianz Arena. The stadium is wrapped entirely in colour-changing panels making for a real spectacle.
If you can’t get there for a match, consider taking the behind-the-scenes tour which includes access to the Bayern Museum trophy room, where countless trophies are on display. Stadium tour prices start at €11 (£9.50) for children and €25 (£22) for adults.
It’s a football-mad city, but the fun for the family doesn’t have to stop at the stadium. If travelling by rail, take advantage of Munich’s excellent connections and visit the Kindermuseum (Children’s Museum) at its main station.
Paris
PSG might boast big-name players but it’s another Paris stadium that takes top honours. The Stade de France, home of the French national team, holds an impressive capacity of 80,000 and has hosted three Champions League finals among other major sporting events.
The guided tour takes around 90 minutes and offers plenty more than just football history. It also played host to events at this summer’s Paris Olympics.
Aside from PSG’s Parc des Princes and the Stade de France, there is plenty more in the city for
football-loving families to enjoy and an atmosphere of excitement in the air on every matchday.
Barcelona
Barcelona is synonymous with football as a city. It is perhaps what it’s most famous for and it’s arguably the most famous European football city. The iconic Camp Nou plays host to the men’s team, while the table-topping women’s team play their games at the Estadi Johan Cruyff. Both are fantastic venues for watching live sports. Meanwhile, the stadium tour at Camp Nou is something every football fan should do once in their lives.
What’s more, the city’s plethora of quality beaches, historic landmarks and top-class gastronomy
make it a key destination for any family, football-loving or not.
London
London offers the most diversity of football activities of any city on this list or any in the world. Football fans really are spoilt for choice when visiting London. The city is home to Premier League giants Arsenal, Spurs and Chelsea, as well as other EPL clubs like Crystal Palace, Fulham and West Ham United.
There are also countless EFL clubs based in London. As a tourist and football fan in the British capital, you will find it very hard not to find yourself outside a stadium with the chance of watch high-level football on a Saturday.
Milan
The world-famous San Siro in Milan is home to both AC Milan and Inter Milan making it a stadium rich in history. With two resident clubs, there are double the matches, thus increasing your chances of getting tickets to watch the beautiful game live.
If your trip doesn’t coincide with a game, stadium tours are available at €23 for children or €30 for adults and make a worthwhile investment for any football fan and their family.