Football tourism is big business, and it will be more so over the next few years as people look to get away on their holidays and catch up with friends.
Across Europe there are thousands of clubs that lend themselves well to these sorts of trips, from Amsterdam to Dortmund, but then there are also some that are just completely on another level.
Yes, if you’re looking for a great European trip to watch some football this year, here are our top three grounds you should be visiting…
Venezia FC
The story of Venezia FC is a great one. This season they made it back into Serie A, now taking on the likes of Milan, Juventus and Napoli. It might not last forever, they are in danger of facing the drop, but whether they are in the top flight or second tier it’s a great trip.
Venice is a special place as it is, with plenty to do from exploring its ancient history to enjoying the nightlife, including the world’s oldest casino. But then there’s the football ground and the whole culture around Venezia.
Firstly, the best option for getting to the stadium is by boat. Cruising up the canals to the Pier Luigi Penzo Stadium offers match day travel like no other, and then inside the atmosphere is warm, friendly and exciting, a little similar to the hipster clubs you find in the UK like Dulwich Hamlet. It’s a wonderful club and naturally will round off a great trip in an incredible city.
AS Monaco
Monaco is one of Europe’s giants of football, despite being the club of the world’s second smallest city. The Stade Louis II is iconic, and the epitome of all good European stadiums, with the athletics track running around the pitch and an open end and the famous nine arches at one end of the ground.
While staying in Monaco is expensive, it really can’t be done on a budget, the Monte Carlo area of the city is stunning but pricey. Of course, if you are sticking around after a match rather than heading back into the south of France, a trip to the Monte Carlo Casino is a must. It’s one of the world’s most famous and luxurious casinos and has all the same sorts of games you’ve probably played on a live casino online, whether it be popular slot games, table games and much more.
It’s the city to hit the jackpot in for sure, and if you get a good game at Monaco, then you really have hit it.
St Pauli
They call St Pauli the punks of football, but you won’t find spitting at the players or heavy Doc Martins and mohicans, no you’ll find the punk spirit.
Based in Hamburg, the club have positioned themselves against everything that is wrong with football, from the commercialisation to the homophobia and racism that blights the game. It makes for a warm and vibrant atmosphere at the Millerntor Stadium, which packs in around 30,000 each week.
The side are currently in 2. Bundesliga but they’re looking good to join the top flight from next term. A trip to see them against Bayern would be a real joy.
Hamburg itself is a lively port town, well known for its big nights out and even allowing The Beatles to cut their teeth and transform into the super band that they became. There’s tons to do and with the city having two clubs you may even be able to time it just right and get a big derby if they both remain in the second tier.
