Beyond Football: Exploring Germany During EURO 2024

The matches will be played in ten locations, so here are our suggestions for things to do in these cities besides watching football.

Berlin

The city has something for everyone. There’s the remnants of the Berlin Wall that once divided the city, Checkpoint Charlie, museums, palaces and levels of greenery you’d never expect from such a major city.

The iconic Brandenburg Gate will be the heart of the fan zone. The monument will be framed by the largest football goal in the world and will provide a special backdrop for unforgettable summer evenings for the public viewing, along with concerts, installations, art and other activities.

You should experience the vibrant nightlife the city has to offer and visit the tallest building – Berlin TV Tower, where you can look out over the city in a 360° panorama from the viewing platform.

Berlin will host the EURO 2024 final match at the Olympiastadion on July 14.

Munich

Enjoy a leisurely stroll or bike ride through Munich's expansive English Garden, one of the largest urban parks in the world, visit The Olympic Park, and climb the tower of St. Peter's Church for panoramic views.

Munich boasts several world-class museums, including the Alte Pinakothek for art lovers, the world’s largest science museum – the Deutsches Museum, and the BMW Museum for car enthusiasts.

Munich is home to some of the finest beer around, so dont forget to try some special ones with Weißwurst or Schnitzel.

Consider also taking day trips to nearby attractions such as like Lake Starnberg, Tegernsee or more sobering trip to the Dachau concentration camp memorial site, located just outside Munich.

• For more information on another beautiful German lake, click here.

Dortmund

Explore Dortmund's charming old town, with its narrow streets, historic buildings, and lively cafes, and the Reinoldikirche, an impressive Gothic church.

Visit Dortmud Zoo, or take a trip to Hohensyburg Castle, located just outside the city, which offers panoramic views of the surrounding countryside and is steeped in history.

Dortmund also has a rich brewing tradition, so why not take a brewery tour to learn about the city's beer culture and sample some local brews?

Stuttgart

You can explore the fascinating history of automotive engineering at the Mercedes-Benz Museum or visit the Porsche Museum. There you will learn about the history and innovations of this iconic sports car brand through interactive exhibits and displays of classic and contemporary Porsche models.

But Stuttgart isn’t just about high-powered cars. Take things slower in one of the many large parks or castle and palace gardens, while there are also numerous lakes to enjoy for some quiet time.

You should also try the local delicacies Maultaschen – a variation on ravioli – and Spätzle - an egg noodle.

Gelsenkirchen

Its nickname is the city of thousand fires and it comes from the mines and blast furnaces that once characterised the region. You can lern more about the industrialization, mining, and urban life in the Ruhr area at the City Museum.

To escape the city centre, you can visit Schloss Berge, the late baroque castle situated within a lush green space. In addition to the castle, enjoy a stroll by the lake in the English park and stop for a drink at one of the beer gardens.

Zoom Erlebniswelt in Gelsenkirchen is one of the most popular zoos in Germany. Explore themed regions of the world, such as Alaska, Asia, and Africa, and learn more about their animals.

Frankfurt

Wander through the narrow streets of the Altstadt, home to medieval buildings, take a leisurely walk or bikeride along the River Main, or shop on Zeil, the main shopping street. You can also explore the former home of Germany's most famous writer, Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, and learn about his life and work.

Frankfurt is known for its Apfelwein (apple wine) and regional dishes like Grüne Soße (green sauce) and Handkäse mit Musik (marinated cheese with onions). You should try it!

And when the sun starts going down, there’s no better spot to be than in one of the rooftop bars in the centre of the city.

Hamburg

Hamburg is the second-largest city in Germany, and the third-largest port city in Europe. Its rivers and canals are crossed by around 2,500 bridges, and the city is often nicknamed the "Venice of the North."

So it's no surprise that Hamburg is known for its fresh seafood. Try local specialties like Fischbrötchen (fish sandwiches), Labskaus (a traditional sailor's dish), or enjoy seafood at one of the city's many restaurants.

Experience the vibrant neighborhood of St. Pauli, known for its nightlife, entertainment, and the famous Reeperbahn, a street where you will find the Indra music club. This is the place where the Beatles first made their name in the early 1960s.

Düsseldorf

Düsseldorf is an advertising and fashion hub – home to the country's modelling industry. Explore the charming old town with historic buildings, which is known as "the longest bar in the world." About 260 pubs, restaurants, and bars are packed into half a square kilometre.

Little Tokyo can be found around Immermannstraße, a short walk from the central station. Home to Europe's third-largest Japanese community, after London and Paris, the area offers high-quality sushi, ramen and soba.

The Fortuna Kiosk marks the start of the Rhine walk, where you can enjoy a leisurely stroll or bike ride along the Rhine River promenade.

Cologne

Pretty much the first thing you see upon arriving in Cologne is the two towers of its famous cathedral the Kölner Dom. The world’s third-tallest church is one of Germany’s most visited landmarks.

Visit German Sport & Olympic Museum, where a various aspects of all kinds of national, international and Olympic sports are shown in a permanent exhibition. But the sweetest of all museums is Cologne Chocolate Museum, where you can learn about the history of chocolate, see chocolate-making demonstrations, and even taste some delicious treats.

You can also head to the Cologne Triangle, a skyscraper with an observation deck offering panoramic views of the city and the cathedral.

Leipzig

Leipzig is the dynamic economic and cultural metropolis, only about 75 minutes by train from Berlin. You can expect a thriving art scene, cozy cafes and a variety of shopping opportunities.

It’s possible to explore the city from the water on a canoe tour! Enjoy the opportunity to paddle to Lake Cospudener via a series of locks connecting the city’s rivers to the New Lake District.

Learn more about the life and work of Johann Sebastian Bach at the Bach Museum, visit Leipzig Zoo, one of the oldest in the world, and observe a must-see monument in the city – Völkerschlachtdenkmal. The Monument to the Battle of the Nations is commemorating the Battle of Leipzig in 1813 during the wars of liberation against Napoleon. At an impressive height of 91m and featuring an observation deck, it not only offers a glimpse into history but also a panoramic view of the city.

While EURO 2024 will undoubtedly be the highlight of your trip to Germany, take the opportunity to explore everything else this fascinating country has to offer.

There's still time to book affordable GoOpti transfer to the airport, form where you will fly to Germany. Whether you're traveling solo, with family, or in a group, GoOpti offers flexible options to suit your needs. You can trust that your transfer will arrive on time, allowing you to plan your journey with confidence. So don't hesitate, and book GoOpti now.