We all have a footballing bucket list. Whether it is to see your side win a trophy or get to witness Lionel Messi play in person, attempting to tick these off is part of the joy of following football. But the gladiatorial arenas these teams play in offer some of the finest experiences in sport. Below we’ve run through ten of the most eye-catching and epic football stadiums you simply have to visit before you die.
San Siro - Milan
You better get a shift on if you want to visit San Siro. As we reported in detail here, the iconic old stadium will be knocked down ahead of the 2027-28 season and replaced by a more modern structure called The Cathedral. The home of Inter and AC Milan since 1926 is one of the most striking stadiums anywhere in the world with its 11 ‘helter-skelter’ footways, and it is well worth a visit, before it is too late.
Tottenham Hotspur Stadium - London
From the historical to the modern. In terms of bells and whistles, this stadium has everything. Beer cups that fill from the bottom, exceptional lounges and the biggest single tier stand in the country which holds 17,500 people behind one goal. Wembley might be just around the corner, but Tottenham’s new stadium might even trump it.
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Pancho Arena - Felcsut
The home stadium of Puskás Akadémia FC, just outside of the Hungarian capital Budapest, might not spring to mind as one of most iconic stadiums in the world. But only if you haven’t seen it. This stadium is one of the most unique on the planet, featuring a wooden roof and cathedral-like arches. It only holds 3,816 people though, so you will have to plan ahead to get a ticket!
Puskas Akademia's stunning 3,816 capacity stadium in Felcsut, Hungary.
Westfalenstadion - Dortmund
Potentially the most iconic stadium in the world. In Germany, no fans come close to Dortmund’s. The yellow wall, a single stand containing 25,000 fans, provides a spectacular backdrop to the action on the pitch. On so many European nights, the fans have played a major part and a visit to Dortmund should be on every footballer lover’s bucket list.
Como FC - Como
Looking at a picture of Como’s stadium, you can see why Cesc Fabregas decided to move there this summer. Sitting on the shore of the famous lake, it features some of the most spectacular scenery anywhere in the world. Only 40 minutes on the train from Milan, add this one to your San Siro trip!
Como, Italy. 📍🇮🇹
Nou Camp - Barcelona
Does this one need any introduction? The most breath-taking stadium in Europe, with a capacity of nearly 100,000 is simply spectacular. With three famous tiers, sitting at the very top is one of the unique experiences the game can offer, but the club are starting to make upgrades which will see the attendance increased to 105,000. Get to one of Spain’s finest cities to visit this footballing Mecca.
Braga Municipal Stadium - Braga
The Portuguese club has one of the most incredible stadiums on the continent. Two giant main stands run alongside the pitch but behind one of the goals, is a cliff edge used to house a big screen. It’s spectacular. It’s special. It’s completely unique. That is what makes it worth visiting and sets it apart from the generic bowls we see so often today.
Estadio BBVA - Monterrey
We are leaving Europe and heading to Central America on our hunt for the finest stadiums in world football. The home of Monterrey is an absolutely stunning modern arena, but its party piece is the spectacular view from the top of the stand. Buy yourself a ticket and take in the Cerro de la Silla mountain as it towers over the city.
Mercedes Benz Stadium - Atlanta United
America knows how to do major stadiums and now some of their major MLS teams are playing in incredible venues. Atlanta United, who share the stadium with NFL outfit the Atlanta Falcons are one of those. With a remarkable 360 degree screen hovering above the centre circle and a spaceship inspired retractable roof, it is no wonder that it has been selected as a 2026 World Cup venue.
La Bombonera - Buenos Aires
With one flat stand and three steep stands, the home of Boca Juniors is one of the most iconic stadiums anywhere in the world. A capacity of 54,000 and an electric atmosphere makes this place a must-visit, if you get the chance. The late Diego Maradona beamed with pride as he showed Gary Lineker the stadium - a truly special venue.
@GaryLineker | @BocaJrsOficial
