One restaurant, one pub within walking distance from the stadium, one must-visit, and one dark horse – in each host city – we asked our German translators and writers for their best tips.

450.0. Those are the odds on Poland winning Euro 2004. But there’s another significance to that number. It’s the number of translators and copywriters all over the globe who are on All-in Global’s books. The clue is in the name! Now, in normal circumstances that wouldn’t be of much relevance to you. But these aren’t normal circumstances, because Euro 2024 is about to kick off this week. And the good news is that among those 450, we have at least one iGaming translator or writer based in every one of the 10 cities hosting Euro 2024 matches.

And there’s more to it than just the fact they live there. They’re all fans who live and breathe football, are regulars at their local stadiums and know there’s a lot more to being a fan than just turning up at the game. So who better than to provide you with this peculiar guide to making the most of your time at the tournament this June?

We asked each one to share local insights on their favourite spots. One restaurant, one pub, one must-visit sight and one ‘dark-horse’ experience off the beaten track. Combined with their passion for football, you’ve got a surefire plan to get lost between the matches. It’s time for… kick-off!

STUTTGART

Restaurant

Ochs ́n Willi is a popular German restaurant with excellent traditional food and a lively ambience. From the Stadium, you can arrive here with any UBahn line within 10 minutes (Schlossplatz station).

If you’re looking for a quiet meal in a subdued atmosphere, this won’t be the place for you. Instead, this is a busy, buzzy, popular, crowded venue and I seriously recommend you book in advance because it’s not the best-kept secret in town.

Assuming you get a table(!), you won’t be disappointed because the food offers great value for your money.

Bar

Biddy Earlys Irish Pub is just the sort of place that may see you arrested by the so-called Fun Police, if there is such a thing, because it’s tailor-made for a good time.

If music is your thing, then take your pick from Karaoke contests or bands playing live music. If it’s table games you like, without having to exert yourself too much, then the billiards tables and darts boards may just have your name on them. Make no mistake: there’s fun to be had at Earlys.

Must-visit 

Schlossplatz, or Palace Square, is bang in the centre of the city. It sits along Königstrasse and is just a few blocks from the main train station, Hauptbahnhof.

If it’s a hot, sunny day, you can lounge on the grassy areas or even cool off in one of the large fountains. Don’t worry too much about getting into the water because the fountains are all chlorinated, just like at your local swimming pool.

Königstrasse is the main street you see as you exit the train station and is at the heart of the city. There are plenty of Biergartens, restaurants, and cafes to curb your hunger.

Dark horse

Fine. Not so much a dark horse as such but when in Stuttgart…drink Beer at a Biergarten (beer garden).

No prizes for guessing what most people get stuck into as a way of quenching their thirst but if you want to avoid the booze, why not try Apfelschorle, a local favourite? It’s essentially sparkling apple juice and is beautifully refreshing.

One such Biergarten is Schlossgarten, a large one in an even larger park near the main train station of Hauptbahnhof.

And while you’re sipping your pint, you can ask your fellow drinking buddies to name the player who scored the ‘Goal of the Century’ (as per votes made by viewers of German TV channel ARD) at this very stadium here in Stuttgart.

The answer is Klaus Fischer, whose bicycle kick against Switzerland in a 1977 international for his country means his name will forever be written in the history books of German football.

FRANKFURT

Restaurant

Kleinmarkthalle is a permanent marketplace, in the Altstadt, that́’s open all year round. It’s a bustling place with over 150 different vendors and you’ll find a whole array of local culinary favourites such as sausages and Frankfurt ́s famous “Green Sauce”.

It’s also the perfect place to pick up those souvenirs you need to take back home for family and friends.

Bar

Sam’s Sportsbar offers the ultimate experience for cocktail lovers, foodies and sports fans alike.

Remember that goal by Klaus Fischer just mentioned above? The bicycle kick one? Well, 47 years later it’s Germany v Switzerland once again and this time here in Frankfurt. If you’ve got tickets to it, lucky you. If not, Sam’s Sportsbar is a good second prize in terms of where to watch it on Sunday, June 23.

Must-visit 

The view from the Main Tower panorama.

Frankfurt’s skyline is one of the most spectacular in all of Germany, so much so that the city is often referred to as Germany’s Manhattan, with tall skyscrapers and futuristic building projects.

You’ll see it all from the viewing platforms at 200 metres/656 feet tall. Assuming you don’t suffer from vertigo, you can take the elevator all the way up to one of the best viewing spots in the city.

Dark horse

Take a cruise on the Main River. Frankfurt is built on the beautiful banks of the Main River, and the city sprawls for miles – both east and west – along this important waterway.

Cruises on it last either 50 minutes, 60 minutes or 100 minutes. You can also reserve a table on a dinner cruise and see the city spectacularly lit up while enjoying a good meal.

Which may, or may not, consist of Frankfurter sausages!

MUNICH

One thing to warn you about in advance is that the Allianz Arena is located a fair distance outside the city. That’s why there isn’t much in the immediate vicinity. You’ll have to walk a bit if that’s your preferred mode for getting around, though the subway stop is nearby.

Restaurant

Like the bookmakers finding it hard to split England, France and Germany for Euro 2024 glory, I can’t quite decide between Bella Vista (burger restaurant), Restaurant Mykonos (Greek restaurant) or the Arena Treff (beer garden) as my favourite of the three. But I’ll stick by the rules of picking just the one, take it to the VAR and the final decision is: Mykonos!

All three restaurants are located at the Kieferngarten subway stop (or 10 minutes by foot). From there it’s about a 20-25 minute walk to the stadium.

Bar

Arena Treff is a beer garden/bar/restaurant just before you arrive at the arena with plenty of screens showing the football.

By the way, Germany v Scotland, the opening game of the tournament, will be played here at the Allianz Arena, home of Bayern Munich, so all eyes on it as millions of fans look for clues as to what sort of shape hosts Germany are in.

Must-visit 

Therme Erding is the largest thermal bath in the world.

It is in the Erding district and can also be easily reached by S-Bahn and bus. It has over 28 slides, 35 saunas and 40 pools. I won’t make any jokes about the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo coming here to practice their ‘diving’ skills ahead of their first game.

There is also a hotel right next to this thermal bath where you can stay overnight and have direct access to the thermal bath.

Dark Horse

Eisbach Wave Munich. The Eisbach is located on the southern edge of the English Garden and is considered a perfect photo spot for photographers, surfers and of course, spectators.

It has the world’s largest, most consistent and best river wave in a major city, and has been surfable for 40 years.

So it’s a really great experience to attend the spectacle because you’ll struggle to find anything else quite like it. Not just at any of the other German Euro 2024-hosting cities but anywhere in the whole of Europe, for that matter.

LEIPZIG

Restaurant

If you want to go for a quick snack before or after the match, I highly recommend Tamers at Waldplatz, which is very close to the stadium. Get one of their famous “Antipasti Döner”; you won’t regret it! It is a variety of the classic German fast-food staple that is Döner, filled with delicious Mediterranean antipasti.

So if you’re a fan supporting the likes of Italy, Spain or Portugal here in Germany and need your fix of Mediterranean food while you’re out here, you might want to pay Tamers a visit.

Bar

About 10 minutes from the stadium, close to the tram station “Angerbrücke”, there is a bar called Herr Kauzig in an old gas station building. It features “flying” cars and other oddities and there will surely be enough room for you and all of your friends.

Must-visit

I highly recommend going to the Clara-Zetkin-Park to rent a kayak or rowing boat to take a round tour of the channels and rivers in Leipzig’s west.

The self-guided tour will take about 2 or 3 hours. You will start on the river, then turn into small channels that will lead you through the park and a forest, but also through the urban channel system of Leipzig’s west, where you will see a lot of old industrial buildings and bridges.

Dark horse

When you are at a bar, try ordering a Gose, which is a very special beer that is a local speciality of Leipzig and is hardly known anywhere else. But beware: it is not for everyone.

This top-fermenting beer is brewed with coriander seeds and salt, so be prepared for a very different beer experience: salty, sour, dry and full of flavour.

HAMBURG

Restaurant

If you’re after traditional German cuisine, then Bistro Picnick would be my ‘Pick’, no pun intended.

But just as our national side features players with all sorts of different birthplaces and ethnic backgrounds, so our restaurants are extremely diverse, too.

And if Vietnamese food is what floats your boat, then you should head to Panda’s Küche, which is on your way to the stadium.

Bar

Recommending a classic “brick and mortar” bar is a bit hard, because there is not much around But what might be nice is a beer garden that is pretty close to the stadium. So I’ll give you Klempau’s Biergarten, which is situated in the Volkspark.

Poland v Netherlands, here in Hamburg on June 16, is one to mark on your card as what could be a great game; so if you’re going to that one, make sure you stop here on the way to it.

Must-visit

I’d suggest walking through the Old Elbtunnel.

This one takes you to the other side of Hamburg, with a nice view of the skyline.

After you get back, you are at Landungsbrücken anyway, so maybe take a round trip with the ferry line 62, which is included with the normal public transport ticket.

It’s the so-called “unofficial harbour tour” – costs way less, too.

Dark Horse

If you’re visiting Hamburg on a weekend, you might want to visit the fish market, open on Sundays, from 5 am to 9:30 am.

You often see people there who were partying all night, meaning this is a place for the early risers… or those who haven’t gone to bed yet!

There’s plenty of shouting going on as the market vendors look to get their message across about what they’re selling and at what price so if you were one of those who was up all night celebrating your team’s win and are nursing a headache, this might be one to avoid…

GELSENKIRCHEN

Restaurant

After an exhilarating match, head to Der Schalker for a hearty meal.

Start your day with their Schalker Breakfast, featuring a selection of fresh rolls, eggs, and an array of cold cuts. For lunch, indulge in their daily specials like Schnitzel “Cordon bleu” or Seelachsfilet “paniert”.

If you’re interested in football history, you might like to know that the Arena AufSchalke here in Gelsenkirchen was the venue for the 2004 Champions League final where a young Jose Mourinho guided his Porto side to a 3-0 win over Monaco. Now you know.

Bar

Before the match, immerse yourself in the electric atmosphere of Fankneipe Auf Schalke. Just a short walk from Arena AufSchalke, this pub is the ultimate gathering spot for die-hard fans.

Open four hours before kick-off on match days, it offers everything from live DJ performances and freshly grilled food to the iconic Veltins beer. The pub stays open long after the final whistle, ensuring the celebrations (or commiserations) continue late into the night.

Must-Visit

For a break from the football frenzy, visit Berger See, a serene oasis in the middle of what is a busy and fast-paced city.

This picturesque lake, part of the extensive Berger Anlagen park, offers a refreshing escape.

Take a leisurely stroll along its 1.8-kilometre trail, rent a paddleboat, or simply relax by the water, watching the swans and ducks glide by. The surrounding parkland is perfect for a picnic or a quiet moment of reflection before diving back into the excitement of the tournament.

Dark Horse

A great spot within walking distance of Arena AufSchalke (Veltins-Arena) in Gelsenkirchen is the Berger Feld area and its surrounding parkland.
Located just a short walk from the Arena AufSchalke, Berger Feld is a large green area with parks, walking paths, and sports facilities. It offers a peaceful retreat where you can enjoy nature, take a leisurely walk, or have a picnic –a perfect spot for a relaxing break from the hustle and bustle of the arena.

DORTMUND

Restaurant

Located at Strobelallee 50, Strobels Dortmund is a vibrant restaurant, ideal for a post-match meal.

Known for its lively atmosphere, it’s a favourite among locals and visitors alike. With its spacious outdoor seating, it’s perfect for enjoying Dortmund’s lively ambience. The menu offers a variety of grilled specialities, and the restaurant broadcasts sports games, making it a great spot to continue the football festivities.

Such as Italy v Albania, played on June 15 here at the Westfalenstadion.

Bar

For a drink before the match, head to Domicil, a renowned bar and music venue in the heart of Dortmund. Located conveniently close to Signal Iduna Park, Domicil offers an eclectic mix of live music and a great selection of drinks. The warm and welcoming atmosphere of Domicil ensures that it’s not just a place to drink but a venue to experience the local culture.

Must-visit

No trip to Dortmund is complete without a visit to the Deutsches Fußballmuseum.

Situated directly opposite Dortmund’s main train station, this museum is a haven for football enthusiasts, featuring interactive exhibits, a 3D cinema, and a treasure chamber filled with original trophies.

The Hall of Fame showcases the legends of German football, making it a must-visit for any fan. The museum offers guided tours and opportunities to play football, both indoors and outdoors. So if you’ve just been to the Westfalenstadion or were watching games on TV, here’s your chance to replicate some of the moves you’ve been watching the stars of Euro 2024 perform.

Dark Horse

For something truly unique, visit Borussia Dortmund’s official museum located at Signal Iduna Park, the Borusseum.

Featuring historical exhibits, interactive displays, and an extensive collection of memorabilia, it’s an immersive experience that highlights the club’s traditions, successes, and the electric atmosphere of their home stadium.

It’s worth remembering that Borussia Dortmund won the 1996/7 Champions League to go with a runner-up spot in 2012-3 and another just a couple of weeks ago when they lost the final to Real Madrid. So just like with the Deutsches Fußballmuseum, there’s plenty to see here.

DUSSELDORF

Restaurant

For a bit of trivia, Dussldorf’s Stadium, the Merkur Spiel-Arena was the venue for the 2021 Eurovision Song Contest, won by Azerbaijan. There’s no Azerbaijan in the draw for Euro 2024 but there’s Austria v France to look forward to on Monday, June 17. France are many people’s fancy to go all the way but if there’s one team at the Euros who can be considered ‘dark horses’ in a similar way to the section below, it’s them. You heard it here first!

Restaurant Schellenburg is nowhere near the stadium because few good dining places are.

It is, however, next to the river Rhine, so you can watch boats go by while dining.

Bar

As hinted already, this area doesn’t really offer much, but the best of a bad bunch might be this one: Bierkneipe “Zum armen Mann.”

It’s friendly, decently priced and welcoming to football fans.

Still, it is about 45 minutes by foot and 30 minutes by public transportation.

Must-visit

A really great place in Düsseldorf is Little Tokyo. There is of course no Japan at the Euros either (why would there be?) but that’s not to say fans of other teams at the tournament won’t be swinging by Little Tokyo for something a little different; and you should be one of them.

Smack-dab in the middle of the city, it is like a little piece of Tokyo – ramen shops, cosplayers, izakayas, you name it.

Dark Horse

Düsseldorf is known to have the “longest bar counter in the world”:

As the name suggests Düsseldorf Old Town is not one single bar counter but a cluster of over 250 bars, pubs, and breweries.

The place dates back to the 17th century and is only a quarter of a square kilometre in size.

It’s an interesting place and worth a look, even if you don’t want to party.

COLOGNE

Restaurant

If you’re into Mexican-style food, then Taco Loco is a great place to go to.

Very tasty, big portions with a large drink menu, pretty affordable and almost across the street from the stadium, what’s not to like?

Bar

The My Way is a pub that embodies the famous Cologne hospitality and where you can find locals meeting for their after-work beer – don’t be too surprised if they invite you, treat you to a beer and talk about their whole life’s story with you. To paraphrase My Way itself: regrets, you may have a few… if you get too pally with the locals!

If you don’t fancy that, alternatively you can ask the locals what they think ahead of England v Slovenia on June 25, played here at the RheinEnergieStadion.

Must-visit

Taking a walk along the bank of the river Rhine is always a really nice experience.

Especially the eastern bank, which offers a nice view of the many impressive buildings Cologne has to offer, including the most impressive of all: the Cologne Cathedral.

Still tense from the match? Shoulders a bit tight? Pulse still racing? Sounds like you need a visit to the Rhine Park and its beach for some rest and relaxation after the exertions of supporting your team. The beach aside, highlights here include: waterfalls, fountains, a rose garden, sculptures.

Dark Horse

Cologne has a rich history, spanning around 2.000 years. It is actually very common to find Roman relics or even whole buildings there, which often causes problems when excavating construction sites.

Lesser known is that there are tours that lead you through the catacombs of Cologne, where you can visit several crypts and medieval or Roman-era sites.

BERLIN

Restaurant

If you want a cheap and cheerful, really ‘German’ meal that is right next to the stadium, you can visit Preußisches Landwirtshaus.

It really doesn’t get more German than here – sausages, schnitzel, big beer garden.

And the big beer garden also means that you might get a seat on the night of the game.

Our local club Hertha Berlin is currently in the Bundesliga 2 so our players are hardly household names but a few Hertha fans may just gather here to watch local hero Pete Pekarik in action for his native Slovakia. Now 37, he’s played over 200 times for Hertha and has 125 caps for his country so this is likely to be the last chance you’ll see him in action at a major international tournament. So pick up a Slovakia replica shirt from a nearby sports shop (or street vendor at a quarter of the price), sing some songs about Pete and you’ll blend in beautifully.

Bar

A bit of a longer walk, but Studio 14 is certainly worth it.

This is a rooftop bar, situated in the headquarters of Berlin’s public broadcasting station.
With a good view, decent food and a good supply of drinks, it’s an inspired choice.

It is admittedly a bit on the pricier side but still worth it, though.

Must-visit

The Teufelsberg is a really interesting place to visit and not too far from the stadium.

It is a former U.S. listing station that fell into disrepair. Now, it is covered with street art, making it a really interesting place. And if you’re up for a hike, you can wander around and visit the nearby lake, for example.

Dark Horse

Well, Berlin itself is pretty crazy – sometimes maybe a bit too crazy.

Something that is unusual, in my opinion, is the Monsterkabinett, which translates as “cabinet of monsters“.

It is an artsy, weird, creepy place full of animated sculptures/animatronics.

In other words: an extremely interesting experience!