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The top 5 destinations to watch football in Europe

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1. Barcelona

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The stunning city of Barcelona also boasts of the biggest football ground in all of Europe, as well as one of the world’s best teams and arguably the world’s best footballer. That must surely be a combination to tempt any football fan to go backpacking on a football extravaganza.

The home of the MSN i.e. Messi, four timeSuarez & Neymar, it is a must for any football fan to make the trip. Walking into the Camp Nou for the first time is an amazing feeling as you gaze around at over 99,000 seats, towering above pitch four-timeChampions League winners always put on an entertaining show and the Catalan fans are highly passionate about their football, creating an enjoyable atmosphere during the game.

Apart from the ground, you can enjoy several beaches along the coastline of Barcelona.The bars, restaurants and shops along the 1.2km long main street – Las Ramblas is one of the most prestigious food heavens of the world. The Sagrada Familia Cathedral is a major attraction in the city. The building of the cathedral began in 1882 and is yet to be finished! The estimated date for completion is 2026, 144 years after building began.

Ticket prices for Barcelona home games range from €49 for a seat up in the heavens to €154 for a seat along the halfway line.

There are three airports in Barcelona with Barcelona El Prat (or Barcelona International) located closest to the city center. Both Ryanair and Aer Lingus fly directly to El Prat with Ryanair usually working out as the cheaper although it is worth checking out both website before booking.

 

 2. Dortmund

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Football lovers around the world wish to visit the Westfalenstadion at least once. If you have not visited already, then make sure you go. Borussia Dortmund fans have gained a reputation in recent years for creating the best atmosphere as compared to any other football stadium around the world. The fabled ‘Yellow Wall’ behind the goals has become famous for colour, noise and stunning pre-match displays. Although tickets are hard to come by for this particular section of the ground, it is an experience just to be inside the stadium and see the stand in action. With a capacity of 80,000 hardcore fans, the noise is deafening on matchdays.

Away from the ground, Dortmund is an attractive old-style German city. The Altes Rathaus is the old town hall, constructed during the 19th century. Located in the center of the city are the bars and restaurants and that is where you will find many Dortmund fans on match days prior to kick-off.

Prices: The Westfalenstadion is renowned for having some of the best value ticket prices for top level football in Europe. Tickets for the ‘Yellow Wall’ standing area are just €16 while the most expensive category one tickets are priced at €52.

Flight details: Unfortunately it is not possible to fly directly from Dublin to Dortmund. Usually, the cheapest way to do it is to fly first to London Stansted and then take a Ryanair flight from there to Dortmund.

3. Rome

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Rome is one of the most historic cities in the world and also boasts two top class football teams who both play their home games in the same stadium. The atmosphere in the Stadio Olimpico is renowned around the world as extremely energetic. At times very hostile, because of the defensive Italian style of Football, it is always very intense and is an experience not to be missed. With a capacity of over 82,000, it is always loud, despite the running track around the pitch.

There are countless tourist attractions around the city such as The Colosseum, The Roman Forum, and The Trevi Fountain to name a few. If you’re someone who enjoys combining art galleries and football stadiums while traveling, then you will not be disappointed in Rome as art plays a central role in the life of the city. Ticket prices differ between AS Roma and Lazio with the blue team in the city working out a slightly cheaper deal for the tickets depending on what seats you are looking for.

 

4. Madrid

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The Spanish capital is home to both the current European champions and the current Spanish champions and the current Ballon d’Or  Cristiano Ronaldo , arguably the best in business. Messi vs Ronaldo is a debate yet to be determined. You are spoilt for choice on a trip to Madrid with the Santiago Bernabeu offering a chance to see The Galacticos of Real Madrid strut their stuff in the breathtaking 90,000 seater Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, while on the other side of the city the simmering cauldron of atmosphere that is the Vicente Calderon is home to the ‘working class team’ of Madrid – Atletico.

While both stadiums are well worth a visit you get a better feel for the more authentic Madrid football supporter with a trip to the Vicente Calderon (and it will leave less of a hole in your pocket). For years Atletico played second fiddle to their richer, more glamorous neighbours but their La Liga title last season has shown that they are ready to stand up to Los Blancos. Atletico fans are proud of supporting what has historically been the smaller team in the city and they let that be known during their matches, creating a hostile atmosphere for the away team. Plan your trip aiming for the El Clasico, catching Ronaldo vs Messi will be a dream come true for any football fan.

 

5. Wembley

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The second largest stadium in Europe, it was designed by HOK Sport and Foster and Partners. It includes a partially retractable roof and a 134-metre-high arch. The stadium has a circumference of 1 km and encloses 4,000,000 m³ inside its walls and under its roof. That’s is the equivalent of 25,000 double-decker buses or 7 billion pints of milk.

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