From the Estadio Hernando Siles, La Paz to Svangaskarð – Toftir, Faroe Islands, football brings people together and connects countries all over the world.
Upon our travels, we have visited many a football stadiums – in the rain, snow and sunshine – for Joe to experience the grounds he has seen growing up while watching TV. Here are our top stadiums we have visited, with Uruguay having a special place in the hearts of all footie fans. ⚽⚽⚽
Alfheim Stadion (Norway)
Founded in 1920, the football ground is the second most-northern stadium used in EU football, after the Finnmarkshallen, which is located 107 miles to the northeast in Alta, Norway.
Located in Tromsø, the stadium can hold 6,859 fans and is about a 10-minute walk from downtown.
Nou Camp (Barcelona)
While visiting Barcelona, we thought about a visit to the world-famous home of Barcelona FC, The Nou Camp.
The stadium holds 99,354 spectators and the tour is spectacular with nowhere off limits.
Walk the paths Lionel Messi and co have walked, stand where Pep shouted and sit where the supporters chanted. The tour is €26, which isn’t cheap, but the silverware is well worth it. Barcelona has a lot to offer, but if you have a spare few hours to walk around this amazing fortress, you won’t regret it. Catch the Metro line L3 from the centre of the city to Palau Reial station and you will arrive just north of the stadium in 20mins.
Seoul World Cup Stadium (South Korea)
This stadium was used for the opening of the 2002 World Cup. It was designed to represent the traditional Korean kite. It has a capacity of 67,000 and the tour wasn’t as impressive as others on this list but still worth a look.
We were staying in the Gangnam area, so it was quite a trek to get there. Once there, it was a very nice area with the peace park and the naval museum a short walk away.
From city hall, catch the metro line 2 to Hapjeong and then change to line 6 for the stadium.
San Siro (Italy)
I have visited the San Siro twice now and both times it has been amazing.
The stadium holds 80,000 spectators and hosts two of the most recognised teams in Italy, fierce rivals Inter and AC Milan. The tour of this iconic stadium is a must.
Changing rooms where Kaka, Ronaldo and Maldini readied themselves for the classic Derby di Milano are all accessible. Inter Milan’s museum is still in the stadium but since 2014, the Museum of AC Milan has moved to a new home.
A quick ride on the Metro line 5 will get you to the front door of the Casa Milan.
Estadio Centenario (Uruguay)
This 76,609-seater stadium is a very special place in the footballing world. It held the first World Cup final in 1930 and has been certified by FIFA as a football monument.
The museum isn’t as flashy as some of its EU cousins, but it oozes charm. The tower gives you amazing views over the city of Montevideo and of course the stadium below. The staff are friendly, and the cost is €5.
Board the no.714 to Barra Pinar and get off at Italia Y Sambucetti. Walk thought the Parque Batlle Park and passed Monumento a la Carreta. Afterwards the Obelisk of Montevideo is within walking distance.
Checking out J & C
In 4 The Long Haul 