Top 10 European Football Stadiums You Have To Visit Before You Die

 

What are the best football stadiums in Europe? 

Europe contains some of the most unique and atmospheric stadiums in the world, both old and new, that it's almost impossible to pick out a top 10 list. 

But, that's exactly what Lawrence Jacobs has done. Lawrence, a lifelong stadium enthusiast, has visited a vast amount of football stadiums in all over Europe. 

Here is Lawrence's top 10 favourite European stadiums, both old and new... 

10. Stade Vélodrome

Visually, you won't find many better stadiums in the world than Marseille's Stade Velodrome. This unique looking stadium, recently renovated, is absolutely stunning, and the atmosphere is also electric. I once watched Marseille take on arch rivals PSG here, and it had without doubt one of the best atmospheres that I can remember. 

9. Wesfalenstadion / Signal Iduna Park

I went to Borussia Dortmund's Wesflanstadion a few years ago, and it's a mightily impressive build. This cauldron of noise contains some of the loudest and most passionate fans in the world, and the structure of the stadium does well to hold in the atmosphere. It's the best stadium that I've been to in Germany, for sure. 

8. Stadio Giuseppe Meazza / San Siro

The San Siro in Milan is a classic stadium that you have to visit at least once. For many people, this stadium would be at the top of such a list, and it's easy to see why. It's a classic looking stadium, covered in history, with bags of character. The atmosphere can be pretty juicy, too. If you can get tickets to a Milan derby match, then I'd strongly advise you to do so. 

7. Stade Louis II

I was lucky enough to watch Monaco take on Manchester United some years back at the famous Stade Louis II. This stadium only holds 16,000, but it's incredibly impressive, and so unique. It's definitely worth visiting, just for the experience alone. 

6. Estadio da Luz

Benfica's "Stadium of Light" is some ground. I visited this place during the European Champions in 2004, and I remember being blown away. It's absolutely huge, and the atmosphere was electric. This has to be one of the best modern build stadiums in Europe, and definitely worth a visit. 

5. Camp Nou

How can anyone make a top 10 list on European stadiums, and not include the Camp Nou? I think most footy fans have been to (or are planning to visit) Barcelona's epic ground. It's the biggest stadium in Europe, with a capacity around 100,000. It's a beast of a stadium, and the Barcelona fans are some of the loudest and most hostile in the world. 

4. Sukru Saracoglu

The Şükrü Saracoğlu Stadium is located in the Kadıköy district of Istanbul, Turkey. It is the home of Fenerbache, and, for me, it's one of the wildest experiences that a football fan can go through. The atmosphere in this place is absolutely off the scale, and the style of the stadium does well to contain the noise. It's a terrific ground, blessed with hugely passionate fans. 

3. The Principality Stadium

I guess The Principality Stadium in Wales is more of a rugby stadium, but it has hosted plenty of football matches down the years, including FA Cup and League Cup finals. Its steep, high stands give it that daunting look, holding the atmosphere in, helped further by the roof.  What's more, the stadium is situated right in the city centre of Cardiff, which adds to the atmosphere. 

2. Celtic Park

If you think Anfield is good, then you seriously need to visit Celtic Park, if you haven't already done so. Celtic's home is a pretty impressive stadium in itself, but it's the fans that really make it what it is. This stadium is by far the most atmospheric I have been to, and I've not even been to an Old Firm game... yet.

1. Mestalla Stadium

The Mestalla Stadium, home of Valencia, is without question my favourite stadium in Europe. In fact, it's probably my favourite stadium that I have been to anywhere in the world. This stadium is an absolute monster, and if you thought the stands were steep at the Principality Stadium, then be warned, because the Mestalla takes steep to a whole new level. It's sad to think that they're due to leave this stadium at some point, but for me, it will take something special to replace this iconic stadium.

Ad.