The 10 best football cities to visit in 2025

Welcome to our guide to some of the best and most obscure football city breaks in Europe.

As football lovers and travellers, who are constantly seeking the next truly memorable and unique football holiday, we've compiled our favourite cities to watch a game in 2025.

You won't find Madrid, London, or Lisbon on our list. Instead, you'll find a unique set of cities that will change your view of the game altogether.

We've scoured the globe for different football-viewing experiences in cities that live and breathe the beautiful game.

From watching the Northern Lights during the game in Norway, to stunning scenery of Italy, you will find some true inspiration on where to travel on your next football-oriented city break.

We guide you through the path less travelled, for football enthusiasts, football hipsters, and football travellers who are willing to go to the edge of the earth (quite literally in one of the recommendations in this list) to catch a game.

If you're looking for a different setting to watch 90 minutes of the beautiful game, or perhaps you're looking for a city whose culture is as unique as its football club.

Whatever football experience you're looking for, our definitive list of the best and most obscure football city breaks has you covered.

10. Braga, Portugal

Braga's history stretches back over two millennia, with its ancient Roman roots visible in sites like the Braga Cathedral.

SC Braga has risen in the Portuguese football ranks, with their Estádio Municipal de Braga, carved from a quarry, standing as a testament to the city's blend of history and modernity.

Braga is not just a football city; it's a religious and cultural hub, known for its Holy Week celebrations, stunning baroque architecture, and the Bom Jesus do Monte sanctuary.

The city's compact size makes it ideal for exploring its rich history, vibrant food scene, and lively bars.

9. Ghent, Belgium

Ghent offers a picturesque setting with a fascinating juxtaposition of medieval architecture and vibrant street life.

This Belgian city is home to KAA Gent, who play their matches at the Ghelamco Arena, a beacon of modernity in a city that feels like a step back in time.

Ghent’s football culture is as rich and complex as its history, with the team's recent successes injecting fresh energy into the city's ancient streets.

Beyond football, Ghent boasts stunning landmarks like Gravensteen Castle and St. Bavo's Cathedral, offering a perfect blend of culture, history, and sport.

8. Basel, Switzerland

Basel sits at the crossroads of Swiss, French, and German cultures, offering a unique mix of influences.

FC Basel, the city's football heart, plays at St. Jakob-Park, a stadium that has witnessed the rise of many Swiss talents.

Basel's rich history is mirrored in its medieval old town, with landmarks like the Basel Minster and the Rathaus.

The city's location on the Rhine River adds to its charm, offering picturesque walks and cruises. Basel is also a cultural powerhouse, home to Art Basel, and boasts an array of museums, making it a perfect destination for those who appreciate art and sport alike.

7. Aarhus, Denmark

Aarhus, Denmark's vibrant second city, marries youthful energy with Viking-age roots. AGF Aarhus, the city's pride, plays at Ceres Park, where the fans' passion is palpable.

The stadium is set to be redeveloped, although no timeframes have been given yet by the club. But the new Aarhus stadium is set to be one of the most beautiful stadiums in the world.

The city's cultural scene is bustling, with the ARoS Art Museum and the Old Town Museum showcasing Danish history and modern art. Aarhus is also a culinary hotspot, offering everything from traditional Danish fare to innovative gastronomy.

The city's commitment to sustainability, cycling-friendly streets, and coastal beauty make it a delightful destination for those looking to explore beyond the football pitch.

6. Groningen, Netherlands

Groningen, with its youthful energy driven by a large student population, offers a vibrant mix of modern life and historic charm.

FC Groningen provides the football heartbeat, with the Euroborg stadium hosting passionate matches.

The city's history is on full display at the Groningen Museum and amidst the centuries-old architecture of the Grote Markt.

Groningen is famed for its lively nightlife, innovative restaurants, and the picturesque Noorderplantsoen Park, making it an ideal spot for a football city break that combines sport with cultural exploration.

5. Freiburg, Germany

Freiburg, nestled at the edge of the Black Forest, is known for its sunny climate, and eco-friendly living, and SC Freiburg, a club deeply embedded in the community's heart.

The old stadium, the Schwarzwald-Stadion, was replaced by a modern facility, which mirrors the city's blend of tradition and innovation.

The new SC Freiburg stadium, named the Europa-Park Stadion, is one of the most picturesque stadiums in Europe, and is even fitted with solar panels on its roof.

Freiburg's medieval minster, vibrant squares, and cobbled streets offer a picturesque setting, while its commitment to sustainability is visible in its public parks and green spaces.

The city's proximity to the Black Forest also offers outdoor enthusiasts a chance to explore beyond the football field.

4. Lecce, Italy

In the heel of Italy's boot, Lecce is a baroque masterpiece, often referred to as the "Florence of the South." US Lecce, the city's team, brings the flavour of Italy to the Stadio Via del Mare.

Lecce's ornate churches, Roman amphitheatre, and sun-kissed piazzas offer a deep sense of history, while its southern Italian cuisine and wines provide a feast for the senses.

The city's warm hospitality and slower pace of life make it an ideal spot for those looking to immerse themselves in Italian culture and football.

3. Cork, Ireland

Cork, with its rebel spirit, is a hub of culture, history, and football in the south of Ireland. Cork City FC play at Turner's Cross, where the intimate setting ensures a lively matchday atmosphere.

The city's history as a maritime trading port is alive in its narrow lanes, Georgian avenues, and bustling English Market.

Cork's lively arts scene, an array of craft breweries, and proximity to the scenic Wild Atlantic Way make it an ideal stop for those seeking a blend of football, history, and natural beauty.

2. Tromsø

Tromsø, the Arctic gateway, is a city where the Northern Lights dance across the sky, and football thrives in the land of the midnight sun.

Tromsø IL, the pride of the north, plays at the Alfheim Stadion, where fans brave the cold with warm hearts. This is one of, if not the most northerly football club and stadium in the world, which is worth it alone for a football city break.

Tromsø's unique charm lies in its stunning natural surroundings, from the fjords and mountains that offer endless outdoor adventures to the Tromsø Arctic-Alpine Botanic Garden, the world's northernmost of its kind.

The city's Polar Museum and the iconic Arctic Cathedral are testaments to its pioneering spirit. Tromso is a place where football, nature, and culture intersect in the most extraordinary of settings, offering an unforgettable journey to the edge of the world.

1. Como, Italy

Nestled at the foothills of the Alps, Como is a picturesque city that exudes Italian charm and elegance, far from the mainstream football frenzy yet imbued with a deep love for the game.

While Como might not boast Serie A giants, Como 1907 carries the city's pride, playing in the scenic Stadio Giuseppe Sinigaglia, with views that overlook the lake.

Co-owned by Cesc Fabregas and Thierry Henry, with the former serving as the current assistant manager of the club.

Como is more than just a football destination; it's a retreat into nature's embrace, with the serene Lake Como offering a backdrop of stunning villas, lush gardens, and quaint villages.

The city's historic centre, with its Gothic Como Cathedral, bustling Piazza Cavour, and the scenic funicular ride to Brunate, offers a serene yet enriching travel experience.

Como is a testament to the beauty of football's reach, blending the love of the sport with the allure of Italian lakeside leisure.

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