Discover all you need to know about visiting Hamburg for Euro 2024, including what to do in Hamburg, as well as the best places to visit, stay, and dine.
With June fast-approaching, for football fans, that can only mean one thing – Euro 2024 is almost here! And that means Germany is the place to be if you want to see Europe’s best international teams face off against each other in the beautiful game.
Of course, while the various matches and high-profile fixtures are the draw, many of us will also be using the tournament as an excuse to visit some of Germany’s biggest cities, as well as sample the local food and drinks.
But with that being said, travelling to another country, especially for such a big event, can be quite intimidating – which is why we’ve pulled together this piece around Euro 2024 in Hamburg as part of our complete guide to Euro 2024.
From the quickest way to get to the arena to the best things to do in Hamburg – as well as where to stay, visit, and dine – we’ve covered everything you need to know about visiting Hamburg for Euro 2024. Alternatively, explore the latest Euro 2024 odds.
In this guide we’ll cover:
· Which Euro 2024 matches are being held in Hamburg?
· Visiting the Volksparkstadion
· Where is the Euro 2024 fan zone in Hamburg?
· How to get from Hamburg airport to the city centre
· Where to stay in Hamburg for Euro 2024
· How to travel in Hamburg
· The best places to eat in Hamburg
· Hamburg’s most picturesque photo spots
· The best day trips from Hamburg
· Final things to know before visiting Hamburg for the Euros
· Explore the other Euro 2024 host cities
Which Euro 2024 matches are being held in Hamburg?
First things first, let’s take a quick look at just which teams Hamburg will be playing host to over the course of Euro 2024, and what stage of the tournament these matches fall under.
Hamburg will be home to an eclectic mix of teams, including established international footballing countries like the Netherlands and Croatia, alongside more recent hopefuls, such as Albania, who only qualified for their first Euros placement back in 2016!
The games themselves will be held from June 16th to July 5th, with the final game held in the stadium being a quarter-final. This gives you plenty of opportunity to celebrate the Euros in Hamburg in style.
The Euro 2024 fixtures in Hamburg include:
Visiting the Volksparkstadion
Built just outside of Hamburg’s historic city centre, the Volksparkstadion can hold up to 49,000 fans and is perhaps one of the most famous stadiums in all of Germany, thanks to the venerable age of the site and the various historic matches played here.
In fact, it’s been rated 5 stars by UEFA, placing it as one of Europe’s top-rated football venues. So it’s only right that this city landmark should place highly on your list of things to do in Hamburg!
How to get to the Volksparkstadion
As with most football matches, it’s recommended you reach the Volksparkstadion with plenty of time to spare before kick-off (we recommend 3 hours minimum), which you can do by using Hamburg’s excellent public transport network:
· S-Bahn: By far the easiest way to reach the Volksparkstadion, simply take the S3 or S21 S-Bahn lines towards Stellingen or Eidelstedt, or the S11 towards Othmarschen, and then either walk the 15 minutes to the stadium or hop on one of the many shuttle busses that run from these stops on match day.
· Bus: You can also reach the Volksparkstadion by riding the number 22 bus to Schnackenburgallee. From here, it’s a short 10-minute walk to the stadium. Please be aware, however, that there’s every chance busses may be delayed due to gameday traffic.
Where to park at the Volksparkstadion
If you plan on driving to the Volksparkstadion on game day, your best option is to take the A7 motorway and then follow the signs for Hamburg-Volkspark, which will get you close to the stadium.
However, it’s very important to note that there will be no stadium parking on offer on any match days – unless you’re requiring disability parking, in which case the stadium car park has 48 spaces – so if you do plan to arrive by car, you will need to park in one of the various car parks further out and then either walk to the arena or take the nearest public transport.
Volksparkstadion history
Built way back in 1953, the Volksparkstadion has been known by many names throughout the years, but its original title is the one that seems to have stuck with fans over its long and storied career – even after its demolishing and reconstruction between 1998 and 2000.
Prior to it being rebuilt, the Volksparkstadion played host to the ‘German derby’ of 1974 between East and West Germany at the time, as well as being an important venue for Euro 1988. Since, it’s continued to stage major football events and matches, taking a spot as one of the core stadiums for the 2006 World Cup and acting as the host stadium of choice for the 2010 Europa League final!
Best Volksparkstadion selfie spots
It’s safe to say that, if you’re heading to the Euros in Hamburg this year, then you’re going to want to snap a pick or two to commemorate the occasion, especially while you’re at the Volksparkstadion!
From right outside the front doors to the interesting artwork and wide-open plaza located just before the stairs leading up to the stadium itself, there are plenty of picture locations for you to discover around the stadium to share online:
· The entry balcony: Standing above the stadium’s nearest parking spots, the entry balcony for the Volksparkstadion is the perfect spot in the stadium to get a picture of you and your family or friends with a chunk of the Hamburg skyline behind you.
· Uwe Seeler Foot: Sat just below the stadium staircase, this giant foot statue was built to commemorate HSV idol, Uwe Seeler. A place of remembrance, its novelty is yet to be lost on fans, who regularly take respectful pictures besides this distinctive piece of artwork.
· Stadium staircase: Your way in the Volksparkstadion, the stadium staircase provides a somewhat imposing aesthetic, with the stadium rising up at its peak. But that just makes it perfect for an angled selfie or two!
Naturally, once you’ve hit up all these spots, you can then take your seats and snap those all-important pre-and post-match selfies to capture the thrill of the game.
Refreshments at the Volksparkstadion
On a typical matchday at the Volksparkstadion, the venue offers 32 independent food stalls and a stadium restaurant, which equates to a stand per 1,609 attendees with a full-capacity crowd. This is the third-best rate of stalls of all Euro 2024 arenas, behind only Dortmund (396) and Leipzig (1,028), so fans visiting Hamburg are sure to be well-refreshed throughout the games!
In terms of the typical cost of food and drink here, prepare for a relatively affordable experience, compared to other Euro stadiums. As an example, during the regular season, you can expect to pay €3.50 for a basic bratwurst and €4.30 for a standard soft drink. That’s the second-cheapest hot dog and third-cheapest soda of all Euro venues.
Volksparkstadion rules
Given the importance and popularity of the Euros, we’re sure you’re not surprised to hear that there are a few extra rules being put in place around the Volksparkstadion over the course of the tournament to help keep everyone safe while visiting the Hamburg arena.
Here are the most important ones for you to be aware of:
· Bags: Bags are allowed within the Volksparkstadion, however, they can be no bigger than a piece of A4 paper. There is also no on-site storage, so any larger bags will need to be left in your car or accommodation.
· Power banks: The Volksparkstadion does permit the use of power banks for fans, but those brought must be kept to the size of your phone or smaller.
· ID: You should have a valid form of ID kept on you at all times while visiting the Volksparkstadion.
· Cameras: Professional cameras are not allowed within the Volksparkstadion grounds.
· Smoking: All stadiums chosen to host matches for Euro 2024 are smoke-free zones. This includes a ban on the use of e-cigarettes.
· Flags: Fans are allowed to bring flags into the stadium, but they must be no larger than 2m x 1.5m, with poles being kept to 1m in length and 1cm in diameter.
· Tickets: All tickets provided for games at the Volksparkstadion will be virtual tickets. There are no physical tickets being sold for games at this arena.
With all these essential rules covered, you can pack appropriately for your visit and enjoy whichever matches you intend on seeing the Volksparkstadion.
Where is the Euro 2024 fan zone in Hamburg
As part of the Euro 2024 tournament celebrations, Hamburg and every other German host city will be home to its very own fan zone. For Hamburg, this zone can be readily found in the heart of the St. Pauli district – just to the west of Hamburg’s central area – putting you in direct access to Hamburg’s public transport network and tourist hotspots.
How to get to the Euro 2024 Hamburg fan zone
Hamburg’s public transport network makes it very easy to reach fan zone Heiligengeistfeld, especially from the city centre where the Heiligengeistfeld area is just a short 10–15-minute journey away on either the U-Bahn or via bus.
Euro 2024 fan zone entry requirements
Much like every other fan zone open for this year’s Euros, the Heiligengeistfeld fan zone offers all fans free entry for the entirety of the tournament.
Hamburg Euro 2024 fan zone activities
Being a month-long celebration of all things football, the Heiligengeistfeld fan zone has plenty going on between matches to keep fans entertained and immersed in Hamburg’s culture, such as concerts, various pieces of live entertainment at its beach club, a huge range of food and drink to sample, and many a football-related challenge.
On top of this, Heiligengeistfeld is also where Hamburg’s dedicated viewing space will be, with a 100m2 screen displaying 22 of the tournament’s matches, including all Hamburg and Germany games, as well as all knockout fixtures from the final 16 onwards.
Other places to watch Euro 2024 in Hamburg
Although there are no other specialised viewing spots in Hamburg to watch the Euros, the city is home to countless bars and pubs that will no doubt be showing each and every match over the course of the tournament, so you should have no trouble finding a place to kick back and relax with a pint as you cheer on your favourite teams.
For example, some of the best sports bars in Hamburg include:
· Libero (4.7-rated on Google, from 97+ reviews)
· Vivi Bar (4.1-rated on Google, from 210+ reviews)
· Sportspub (4.4-rated on Google, from 500+ reviews)
How to get from Hamburg airport to the city centre
Air travel is certainly the simplest way to arrive in Hamburg, with Hamburg Airport Helmut Schmidt being less than 10km outside of the city. You can then hop on any of the following public transport options to get into the city centre and find your accommodation:
· S-Bahn: Running every 10 minutes on the S1 line straight to Hamburg central station, the local S-Bahn can get you right into the heart of the city in 30 minutes.
· Bus: By taking either the 292 or 392 bus from the airport, you can get directly to the Lattenkamp U-Bahn station, which has several services that run right to Hamburg Central.
· Taxis: Hamburg’s airport is no stranger to taxis, which can be identified by their off-white colour and yellow taxi roof sign and can take you straight to your accommodation. Best of all, their fares are fixed, so it’s easy to calculate how much your journey will cost you.
Where to stay in Hamburg for Euro 2024
Being Germany’s second-largest city, it goes without saying that, when it comes to local accommodation, you’ve got plenty of unique and vibrant cultural hotspots to pick from when booking your stay – whether that’s putting you right at the heart of Hamburg’s historic district for sightseeing or near to stadium for those lazy matchday mornings.
Stellingen
Starting with the quietest of Hamburg’s districts, Stellingen is by far the closest accommodation spot to Hamburg’s stadium, at just a 25-minute walk. With a range of hotels and apartments available for fans and families seeking a quieter stay, it’s perhaps the best area to stay in Hamburg if you’ve for the football and don’t care for staying out late.
Heiligengeistfeld
Positioning you in the perfect spot to hit up the fan zone or reach any of Hamburg’s other famous districts, Heiligengeistfeld has a plethora of accommodation options available, making it a prime spot for those wanting to enjoy everything Hamburg has to offer as part of the Euros festival.
St Georg
Located to the east of Hamburg, St Georg is a vibrant neighbourhood that’s filled with designer shops and plenty of museums, including the renowned art museum, Kunsthalle Hamburg. Nearby hotels in this area that overlook Alster Lake are particularly sought after as luxury accommodation options, making for a memorable stay if you have the budget.
Altstadt & Neustadt
Interested in dabbling in some cultural pursuits during your stay in Hamburg? If so, then Alstadt and Neustadt (Old Town and New Town) are both prime candidates for those excited to see Hamburg’s beautiful brickwork buildings, both being home to cosy side streets and many of Hamburg’s key historic landmarks, such as Hamburg town hall.
Sternschanze & Karolinenviertel
To wrap up, for anyone excited to experience Hamburg’s legendary nightlife during their stay, then the Sternschanze & Karolinenviertel districts should be your first port of call. Very close to the Reeperbahn, which is the internationally renowned party street in St Pauli, it’ll leave you spoilt for choice when it comes to late-night entertainment. Even if you don’t stay in St. Pauli, it’s up there with one of the best places to visit in Hamburg.
How to travel in Hamburg
When it comes to easy city navigation, Hamburg is a pedestrian’s dream, with all major districts, landmarks, and sports venues being reachable on foot if you don’t mind a reasonable walk or two.
But, as we’ve flagged many times already, Hamburg is equipped with plenty of cheap public transport services that connect the entirety of the city together for quick travel at a moment’s notice.
So, if you are in a hurry to get to your next destination, you can make use of the following local transportation options:
· U-Bahn: Hamburg’s underground rail network covers the whole of the city, with U-Bahn trains running every 5-10 minutes throughout the day and every 10 minutes at night.
· S-Bahn: Running in tandem with the U-Bahn, Hamburg also has an S-Bahn service that operates on four lines, some of which reach areas separate from the U-Bahn, such as Hamburg Stadium.
· Bus: Like many German cities, Hamburg operates an extensive bus network that has routes running the length and breadth of Hamburg’s busy road network, giving you a nifty transport option if no train stations are nearby.
· Bike: For those after a healthier mode of transport during their stay, Hamburg’s steadily expanding network of cycle routes makes it easy for you to bike from one location to another without interruption.
Hamburg public transport tips and tricks
With its public transportation network built to provide a seamless and smooth journey from stop to stop, we’ve no doubt you’ll find it easy to navigate Hamburg’s busy streets. But if you want to make getting around an absolute breeze, then we certainly recommend taking advantage of the tips below:
· Travel pass: If you haven’t heard already, all matchday ticket holders for Euro 2024 get a 36-hour travel pass for the whole of the HVV network, for free! These passes are considered valid from 6am matchday to 6pm the next day, giving you the freedom to travel across Hamburg for next to no additional costs.
· E-scooter: Hamburg is home to over 20,000 e-scooters throughout the city, which make for a quick and fun way to zip from one spot to the next as and when you need to. However, do bear in mind that you’ll need to drop them off in pre-defined scooter parking areas once you’re finished with them.
· Rideshare: If you’ve made friends with a few locals during your stay, or you and some other fans are travelling from the same spot to the stadium, then you could opt to use the local ride-share service to save money.
· Validate your ticket: If you’re travelling via the S-Bahn or U-Bahn at any point during your stay, you will need to validate your ticket before boarding your train. This can be done at any of the red or yellow validation machines present on the different station platforms. If you don’t validate your ticket, there is a chance you will be fined by a conductor during the ticket inspection process.
· Night service: Similar to London, the Hamburg U-Bahn service operates throughout the night, giving you a reliable and safe way to return to your accommodation after post-match celebrations.
The best places to eat in Hamburg
While getting the right accommodation is absolutely essential to enjoying your stay over the Euros, so too is indulging in the best food and drink Hamburg has to offer. And when it comes to the culinary scene in Hamburg, you won’t be disappointed.
From well-known delicacies and treats, such as labskaus, pannfisch, and currywurst, to a dynamic range of locally brewed beers, Hamburg is an incredible experience for any food lover. And the best news is that the average cost of a meal in Hamburg is just €15, making it relatively cheap compared to other German cities.
Of course, if you do decide to go with more high-end restaurants over the course of your stay, this price will naturally be high, which is why we’ve taken it upon ourselves to select several choice restaurants of varying cuisines that you can try while you’re there:
· German: First off, if you’re staying in Germany, then you probably want to sample some traditional German food, which is why you might want to visit Heimathafen if you get the chance. A harbourside inn that offers cosy seating, riverside views, and local craft ales, it holds a 4.4 rating on Google from 6,000+ reviews.
· Italian: As good as German food is, sometimes, a classic pizza can really hit the spot. Ristorante buon Giorno is considered one of the best Italian restaurants in Hamburg, serving up old-school Italian dishes and delicious pizza at a rating of 4.6 on Google out of 1,800+ reviews.
· Mezedes: Considered by many to be the best restaurant in Hamburg for Greek food and located right on the river, its all-you-can-eat service is always a popular dinner choice. Providing a classic, polished restaurant feel, Mezedes hold a 4.7 rating on Google after 1,400+ reviews.
· Burgers: Some claim Dulf does the best burgers in Europe. Whether or not this is true is up to you, but with regular statements like that, you know your tastebuds are in for a treat, especially given its 4.5 rating on Google from 7,000+ reviews.
· Vietnamese: Lastly, if you’re after some Asian dishes for a break from classic tournament food, then NOM Vietnamese fusion food is a great option. A relaxed eatery with common Vietnamese food choices, its quaint aesthetic, indoor fireplace, and outdoor seating have earned it a 4.5 rating on Google from 2,200+ reviews.
The best döner kebabs in Hamburg
Much like the Brits, if there’s one type of takeaway the Germans love, it’s a döner kebab, meaning you’ll have no trouble finding this sort of post-match or night-out treat during your stay.
Of course, with so many kebab shops available for you to pick from, how do you know which are the best? Well, after doing a bit of our own research, we’d recommend the following eateries:
· Hamza Kebab: 4.5-rated on Google, from 1,000+ reviews
· Beyoğlu Kebap House: 4.7-rated on Google, from 1,200+ reviews
· Kebab House KURTULAN: 4.6-rated on Google, from 1,400+ reviews
· Elbe Kebap House: 4.6-rated on Google, from 774 reviews
· Sphinx Döner Landwehr: 4.6-rated on Google, from 762 reviews
Hamburg’s most picturesque photo spots
Given its rich history, it’s only natural that Hamburg boasts some of the best photo spots in the whole of Germany, giving you ample opportunities to capture those city sights as you head to and from each game.
Whether it’s finding just the right area to snap an unbroken shot of Hamburg’s entire skyline or getting a selfie of you and that special someone in front of the Old Town’s brickwork facades, there plenty of photo opportunities for everyone visiting this city.
But if you’re short on time for exploration and want to make sure you take some stunning vistas home with you, below, we’ve recommended some of the best places to visit in Hamburg:
· Elbe Beach Panorama: Hamburg’s foremost beachfront locale, Elbe Beach might not be able to match the Caribbean for sun or sand, but its incredible and uninterrupted view of Hamburg’s harbour and cranes (dubbed the harbour giraffes), along with plenty of old townhouses, makes this an unmissable photography spot in the early morning or late evening.
· Elbphilharmonie: A must-see landmark of Hamburg, even if you weren’t planning on getting a photo in front of it, this concert hall makes for an amazing foreground image when flanked with Hamburg’s central skyline as its back, especially if you take your photo directly from the plaza in front of it.
· Hamburg Port: As nice as it is to capture the whole of Hamburg’s port in one go, there are also countless nooks and crannies spread within the public dock area itself that are too perfect not to take pictures in front of. From the ideal angle to capture ships sailing past to ancient portside architecture, this area has it all.
· Altstadt: Speaking of magnificent architecture, if that’s what you’re looking to capture on camera, then the Old Town is a must-visit place during your stay. Crammed with narrow streets and towering historical buildings, it provides the quintessential traditional Hamburg feel when taking photos.
· Speicherstadt: A fancy term for Hamburg’s warehouse district, the Speicherstadt is perhaps home to some of the most uniquely styled buildings in the whole of the city and looks absolutely spectacular when photographed at night.
The best day trips from Hamburg
Hamburg is certainly a bustling city with plenty for budding tourists to do. But if you’re planning on making your stay in Hamburg a long one, then we’ve pulled together several day trips you might be interested in trying to give yourselves a break from the city atmosphere:
· Schwerin Schloss: Highlighted as one of Germany’s most famous castles, Schwerin Schloss is located on an island in the Schweriner See (the German word for lake). Vast in scope and coated in a gilded grandeur, this castle currently houses the state parliament and is just 1 hour and 30 minutes away by train. It’s certainly one of the best day trips from Hamburg and well worth a visit.
· Lübeck: The main city of the ancient Hanseatic League, Lübeck’s port is classed as a UNESCO World Heritage site and is constructed in the style of the famed Brick Gothic architecture. From the stunning old town to its many churches, Lübeck is a fantastic place to tour if you’re looking for a calmer atmosphere, and it’s only an hour out on the train.
· Altes Land: One of Germany’s foremost fruit-growing regions, Altes Land is the largest closed-growing area in Europe. Dotted with picturesque towns and villages that help to instil a sense of calm and tranquillity, it’s also brimming with history and countryside just waiting to be explored by foot or on bike. Close to the outskirts of Hamburg, you should have no trouble reaching it by public transport.
· Island Helgoland: If you have days to spare and wondering what to do in Hamburg and the surrounding area, why not take a ferry trip to Germany’s only deep-sea island, that leaves directly from Hamburg’s port? Upon arrival, you’ll have 3.5 hours to explore the island before the ferry heads back to the mainland, but this is more than enough time to see the picturesque sites and walk a full loop of the island.
· Lüneburg Heath: Another of Germany’s famous Hanseatic cities, Lüneburg and the heath surrounding it offer an idyllic location that’s ripe for hiking and cycling through an area of outstanding natural beauty. Lüneburg is just 30 minutes away by public transport and from there you can directly make your way into the heath for a quick and long walk alike.
Final things to know before visiting Hamburg for the Euros
At this point, you’re probably more than ready to hop on the next plane to Hamburg and get ready for the tournament festivities. But there are still a couple more tidbits of important information that we need to cover before you set off which you’ll be glad to know when the fixtures finally kick off.
Hamburg weather
Being one of Germany’s more northern cities, Hamburg doesn’t experience as high temperatures as Munich or Frankfurt. However, you can still expect to enjoy an average summer temperature of 23 degrees, which is ideal shorts and t-shirt weather.
But with that being said, there is always the potential for an unexpected heatwave, so keep some water, sunscreen, and a hat handy – just in case.
Language
If you’re at all worried about the potential language barrier while visiting Hamburg, the good news is that English is fairly common throughout German cities, with Hamburg being home to the 2nd largest population of English speakers in the country.
However, making an effort to use the local language can also go a long way with the locals, so why not try out these common phrases while you’re there:
· Hallo (Hello)
· Bitte (Please)
· Tschüss (Bye!)
· Danke (Thanks)
· Entschuldigung (Excuse me)
· Sprechen sie Englisch? (Do you speak English?)
· Ich verstehe nicht (I don’t understand)
Tipping
Like most modern cities, the use of debit and credit cards is fairly common in Hamburg, though small venues, shops, and stalls may prefer that you pay in physical cash instead, so always keep a few Euros on you.
On top of this, tipping is an expected part of the culture in Germany, with a decent tip being expected if you feel the service was good. The same is also true if you’re drinking at a bar, where bills are often rounded up as a sign of gratitude.
Hospitals in Hamburg
While unlikely to happen during your stay, there’s always the chance that you or someone you know needs to visit the hospital while away. We’ve highlighted various city hospitals below so you have an idea of the options available to you, should you need them:
· Marien Hospital: Centrally located, this hospital is open 24 hours and is close for those planning on staying in Hamburg’s main pedestrian zones.
· Agaplesion Diakonieklinikum Hamburg: Further to the west of central Hamburg, this 24-hour hospital is closer to the stadium.
· Wilhelmsburger Krankenhaus Groß-Sand: Across the river and to the south, this hospital is open 24 hours.
· Albertinen Krankenhaus: Farther north than the other hospitals on our list, this one is also close to the stadium and is open 24 hours.
Explore the other Euro 2024 host cities
With our Hamburg travel guide in tow, you should have no problem navigating the city during Euro 2024. And if you’re planning on city-hopping throughout the tournament, be sure to check out our other guides which explore the things to do and see in each of the other host locations:
· Berlin
· Cologne
· Dortmund
· Leipzig
· Munich
