From key info on the Red Bull Arena, through to the top sights, restaurants, day trips, and more, discover how to make the most of your Euros trip to Leipzig.
With the Euros just weeks away, the artsy city of Leipzig is gearing up for the games at their Red Bull Arena, ready to give football fans across the continent an unforgettable experience.
As the city prepares to welcome tourists from around the world in June and July, we’ve created a guide to the Euros 2024 in Leipzig; giving you all of the information you could possibly need, for an epic football-filled trip.
Whether you’re there for just one game or spending the entire tournament in the official fan zone, make sure you read on to find out everything you need to know and what to do in Leipzig. Alternatively, explore the latest Euro 2024 odds.
In this Leipzig travel information guide:
· Which Euro 2024 matches are being held in Leipzig?
· Visiting Leipzig’s Red Bull Arena
· Where is the Euro 2024 fan zone in Leipzig?
· How to get from Leipzig airport to the city
· Where to stay in Leipzig for Euro 2024
· How to travel around Leipzig
· Where to eat in Leipzig
· Leipzig’s most picturesque photo spots
· The best day trips from Leipzig
· Final things to know before visiting Leipzig for the Euros
· Explore the other Euro 2024 host cities
Which Euro 2024 matches are being held in Leipzig?
Leipzig will be hosting four matches in total over the Euros, three of which are in the group stages, with the fourth match set to decide who progresses through to the quarter-finals.
With the likes of Portugal, France, Netherlands, Croatia, and current champions Italy taking to the pitch in Leipzig, there’s guaranteed to be some exciting matches, as we wait to see who progresses beyond the groups.
The Euro 2024 fixtures in Leipzig are:
Visiting Leipzig’s Red Bull Arena
The largest football stadium in East Germany, with a capacity of 41,000, the famous Red Bull Arena is likely near the top of your list of things to do in Leipzig – especially if you’re visiting for Euro 2024. It’s conveniently located just outside of the city centre and is easily accessible both on foot and by public transport.
How to get to the Red Bull Arena?
If you’ve got a match ticket, then you can get a free 36-hour travel pass that can be used across Leipzig’s entire Mitteldeutscher Verkehrsverbund network (MDV). Valid from 6am on match days through to 6pm the following day, the MDV covers trams, buses, and night buses.
However, the easiest way to get to the arena is by tram. If you’re coming from Leipizig Hauptbahnhof, you can take numbers 3, 7 or 15 towards Sportforum, which is just a seven-minute ride.
If you’re coming from other areas of the city, then lines 1, 2, 8, and 14 also stop off by the Red Bull Arena – simply get off at Waldplatz or Marschnerstraße, which are an 11-minute and 15-minute walk, respectively, from the stadium.
Alternatively, if you’d prefer to walk, it’s just 2km away from the station, which should take you around 20-30 minutes.
Where to park at the Red Bull Arena?
There isn’t any public parking at the arena, so it’s advised that you travel to the matches by public transport instead. Whilst there are several carparks within a 10-15 minute walk from the stadium, they’re likely to fill up fast.
If you’re travelling to Leipzig by car, then the easiest option is to park at either Leipziger Messe, Schönauer Ring, or Plovider Straße, where you can take the tram to the arena.
Leipzig stadium history
The history of the stadium dates all the way back to 1939, when initial plans were drawn together. However, construction was put on hold when World War II broke out. A stadium was then built between 1954-56 but was unfortunately disused from 1994.
However, a new arena, Zentralstadion Leipzig, was constructed in the same location in 2004, becoming the largest football stadium in eastern Germany.
Bundesliga team RB Leipzig was eventually founded in May 2009, and the arena’s name subsequently changed to the Red Bull Arena in 2010. Since, it’s seen some of the world’s biggest teams grace the pitch, with RB Leipzig’s meteoric rise seeing the team become Champions League regulars.
Alongside its strong football history, the Red Bull Arena has hosted many international artists, with the likes of Elton John, Tina Turner, and Coldplay performing here.
Best Red Bull Arena selfie spots
With so many selfie spots at Leipzig’s Red Bull Arena showcasing the history and architecture, it can be hard knowing where to stand for that all-important picture! Not to worry though, as we’ve got the low-down on the best Insta backdrops:
· Glass-walled entrance: Before you head in to watch the match, make the most of the photo opportunity directly by the main entrance – you’ll spot the Red Bull logo on the glass wall, to show everyone where you are.
· Nordtribüne: The North Stand is known to be the area where the most passionate fans gather; so, if you get a ticket for here, your selfie will showcase the passion and excitement during the Euros in Leipzig.
· Südtribüne: Alternatively, if you’d prefer a selfie with the pitch behind you, the South Stand tends to be less crowded… although we can’t guarantee that, of course!
Refreshments at the Red Bull Arena
On a typical matchday at the Red Bull Arena, the Leipzig stadium offers 44 independent food stalls, which equates to a stand per 1,027 attendees – across all Euro 2024 venues, only Dortmund’s Signal Iduna Park betters the arena on each count, so fans visiting Leipzig are sure to be well-refreshed throughout the games!
In terms of the typical cost of food and drink here, the Red Bull Arena offers relatively affordable refreshments, compared to other Euro stadiums. As an example, during the regular season, you can expect to pay €3.70 for a basic bratwurst and €3.70 for a standard soft drink.
Red Bull Arena rules
When visiting Leipzig’s Red Bull Arena for the Euros, there are a few rules you’ll need to follow. Some are pretty obvious, whereas others might not be – so make sure you’re prepared! These are the key things to be aware of, before you turn up for a match:
· Bags: Any bags that are bigger than A4 size won’t be allowed into the arena. There are bag drop-off points where you can leave belongings, but available storage is likely to fill up fast, so you’ll want to get there ahead of time to avoid any long queues.
· Power banks: As long as your power bank is no larger than your phone, you’ll be able to take it into the arena, so you can charge your phone.
· Smoking: Red Bull Arena is an entirely smoke-free venue, which means that smoking, vaping, and heat-not-burn tobacco products are all banned.
· Flags: You’re permitted to bring in flagpoles that are no more than 1m long, and 1cm in diameter; as well as flags or banners that are no larger than 2m x 1.5m.
· Cameras: Professional cameras aren’t allowed into the arena, so make sure that any footage you capture is on your phone.
· Umbrellas: With Red Bull Arena open-air, there’s a chance you might get rained on. You’ll be allowed to enter with a small, collapsable umbrella, but any cane umbrellas will need to be left outside.
· ID: You should make sure to carry a valid form of ID on you when going to a match, otherwise you run the risk of not being let into the stadium!
Where is the Euro 2024 fan zone in Leipzig?
The fan zone will be held in Augustusplatz, which is located in the heart of the city centre. Surrounded by key attractions – not to mention, some super pretty buildings – there will be lots to occupy your time with while you’re here! A football-mad city, visiting the Euro 2024 fan zone is a must-see thing to do in Leipzig this summer.
How to get to the Leipzig Euro 2024 fan zone
Just 4km away from Red Bull Arena, Augustusplatz is easily accessible if you’re splitting your time between here and the arena. Leipzig’s fan zone is just a 12-minute walk from the main station, and tram lines 4, 7, 8, 10 11, 12, 14, and 15 all stop off here, meaning you can easily reach it no matter where you’re staying in the city.
Euro 2024 fan zone entry requirements
Entry is free, with no ticket required, meaning anyone can turn up and enjoy Leipzig’s bustling fan zone!
Euro 2024 fan zone activities
There are lots of things going on in the fan zone, for all ages! Alongside the screening of all 51 Euro matches, with a guaranteed great atmosphere, Leipzig’s fan zone will also have its own football pitch with various games going on, as well as sponsor giveaways and a Ferris wheel where you can enjoy beautiful views of the city.
Alongside that, there’s set to be a jam-packed programme of music and other live performances, in addition to lots of child-friendly activities for the little ones – not to mention loads of food and drink outlets to keep you going throughout the day.
Other places to watch the games
If you want to head somewhere indoors to watch the match, then there will be plenty of options available, with many bars and pubs throughout Leipzig showing the tournament. Some of the top-rated sports bars in Leipzig include:
· Champions Leipzig (4.2-rated on Google, from 460+ reviews)
· Bobbys Pub (4.5-rated on Google, from 200+ reviews)
· Kildare City Pub (4.6-rated on Google, from 2,700+ reviews)
How to get from Leipzig airport to the city
The nearest airport to Leipzig is Leipzig-Halle airport, which is just 20km outside the city. From here, you have three ways to make your way to the centre:
· Train: With a station directly under the airport terminal, you can reach Leipzig Hauptbahnhof in just 14-minutes, with the S-Bahn Mitteldeutschland. Take lines S5 and S5X, with trains running every 30 minutes.
· Airport shuttle: The airport runs a bookable shuttle service, which runs 24 hours a day, and operates within 45 km of the airport. With vehicles able to hold up to eight people, you’ll just need to remember to reserve this at least a week in advance of your arrival.
· Taxi: Offering the ultimate convenience, this will be more expensive than the other two options, but they’ll take you directly to your hotel. Five main companies service the airport, and you can find them outside Terminal B, with the journey into Leipzig expected to take 30 minutes.
With Leipzig only being a regional airport, you might be flying into Berlin instead. If this is the case, when travelling from Berlin Brandenburg airport to Leipzig, first get the train to Magdeburg before catching a connection to Leipzig – the trip should take you around two and a half hours.
Where to stay in Leipzig for Euro 2024
Picking a place to stay is a crucial part of any holiday – and luckily for you, there are some great options in and around Leipzig. Here are a few of our favourites, each offering something unique.
Zentrum
If you want to stay in the heart of the action, then Zentrum is the place to be. The fan zone is just a short walk away, and you’ll have all of Leipzig’s main attractions at your fingertips, not to mention lots of great restaurants, bars, and shops, too.
Zentrum-Süd
Home to Leipzig University Library and the Federal Administrative Court of Germany, Zentrum-Sud is another great option for your base in Leipzig. Not only are you a short walk from the centre of the city, but you’ll have the picturesque Clara-Zetkin-Park right by your hotel, for sunbathing in when you’re in between matches.
Plagwitz
Known for its vibrant arts scene, stay here and you’ll be rewarded with lots of great restaurants to dine in, as well as galleries and studios to explore – when you’re not watching the football. Its riverfront positioning is extremely pretty, and you can get to the city by tram in 25 minutes.
Connewitz
A favourite amongst students and hipsters, Connewitz is one of the most authentic districts in Leipzig, and has lots of great restaurants and museums on its doorstep. It’s also close to scenic Cospuden Lake and the Ratsholz Forests, if you want to escape the city during your time here.
How to travel around Leipzig
Leipzig’s MDV has the entire city covered, stretching into central Germany too; making it super easy to get around. When it comes to modes of transport, you’ve got a few options, all of which you can use free-of-charge with your match ticket:
· Tram: The tram is Leipzig’s main form of transport, with an extensive network that covers all four corners of the city. Made up of 13 tram lines, covering 218km, this is the easiest way to get around the city – and to the Red Bull Arena.
· Bus: Leipzig’s 61 bus lines primarily serve the districts across the city. It goes deep into the night, too, with nightliner buses departing from the railway station at 1.11am, 2.22am, and 3.33am; as well as two extra departures on early Saturday and Sunday mornings.
· S-Bahn: The S-Bahn are overground trains that run through central Germany, connecting Leipzig with the likes of Halle, Zeitz, and Geithain.
Leipzig is a relatively compact city, so you’ll find that most of the key attractions can be covered either on foot or by bike. If you prefer to cycle, then you can rent a nextbike, with lots of bicycle stations to pick up and drop off.
Leipzig public transport tips and tricks
As you’ll most likely be navigating Leipzig on public transport, here are some things to take into consideration:
· Validate your ticket: Whether you buy a single ticket, a four-trip ticket, or a 24-hour ticket, if you’ve bought them in advance, you’ll need to validate them either at the ticket machine on the platform, or inside the tram or bus – otherwise, you could be fined.
· Download the app: You can also buy your tickets on the MOOVME, LEIPZIGMOVE, DB NAVIGATOR, or FAIRTIQ apps, which will cover you for transport in Leipzig – and in some cases, across the whole of Saxony. You’ll also get real-time updates on arrival and departure times, as well as any disruption alerts.
· Free tickets: If you’re travelling with children under the age of six, or people with reduced mobility, then they can get free tickets. Children aged between 6-14 will also get a reduced rate; and don’t forget, if you’ve got a ticket to one of the matches, you can claim your own free 36-hour travel pass.
Where to eat in Leipzig
Leipzig might be a smaller city, but it sure packs a punch when eating and drinking out, with so many different types of cuisine available. Prices do vary, but if you’re looking to stick to a budget, you can expect to pay around €10 for a meal at an inexpensive restaurant; or around €55 for a three-course meal for two somewhere a little fancier.
A litre of beer will set you back by around €4, with a cappuccino slightly cheaper, at €3.36; so, bearing this in mind when coming up with your budget will help to stop you from spending too much.
Looking for some restaurant recommendations? Here’s our pick of the best:
· German: Winner of ‘Traveler’s Choice Best of the Best 2023’, Ratskeller is the top-rated German restaurant in Leipzig, with 4.6 stars from 4,600+ reviews on Google. Choose from classic German delicacies such as pork knuckle, schnitzel, and more – which you can wash down with one of their home-brewed beers.
· Italian: Trattoria Anna Rosa scores highly on Google, with diners rating their cosy atmosphere. Their pasta and pizza selection is vast, and there are lots of vegetarian options too.
· Greek: If you’re craving souvlaki, moussaka, or stifado; then look no further than Restaurant Alfa. Rated among the very best restaurants in Leipzig, it’s won several awards; and has a dedicated children’s menu, as well as classic Greek desserts, such as baklava and portokalopita.
· Burgers: Alternatively, if all you’re after is a simple burger, then you can’t go wrong with Hans im Glük, which is situated right by the Panorama Tower. It offers beef, chicken, veggie, and vegan options, alongside classic fries, and sweet potato alternatives.
· Indian: Finally, if you want to line your stomach with a curry ahead of the game, then pay a visit to Indian Crown. Again, this is another that’s consistently ranked among the best restaurants in Leipzig, with veggie and gluten-free options available alongside classic kormas, vindaloos, and more.
The best döner kebabs in Leipzig
Though it might not live up to Berlin’s reputation as the döner capital of the world, Leipzig has its fair share of top-tier kebab shops! But where abouts can you find the finest examples of this delicious takeaway treat? For the best kebab in Leipzig, consider some of these top-rated establishments:
· Haus Aladin: 4.2-rated on Google, from 840+ reviews
· Alibaba Kebab Leipzig: 4.3-rated on Google, from 640+ reviews
· Al Mustafa Doner Kebab: 4.5-rated on Google, from 190+ reviews
· Yamac Doner & Grill: 4.6-rated on Google, from 260+ reviews
· Hallo Doner Leipzig: 4.7-rated on Google, from 1,250+ reviews
Other famous Leipzig food to try
As a city seeped in history, it comes as no surprise that Leipzig has its own regional delicacies that you should sample during your stay:
· Bachtaler: A delicious chocolate cake filled with ganache, fresh cream, and butter cream, you can try one exclusively at Café Kandler. Alternatively, you could sample one of their Backtortens: a mocha cream-filled tart – ideally washed down with some rich hot chocolate!
· Leipziger Allerlei: Perhaps the most famous dish in all of Leipzig, it’s a mixture of asparagus, peas, carrots, and morels; with Gasthaus Barthels Hof offering some of the best.
· Leipziger Rächen: The Saxons love a sweet treat, so this is another dish you should try. Prunes filled with delicious marzipan, encased in an egg batter; they’re served hot, and dusted with cinnamon sugar and custard. Again, they’re best tried at Café Kandler – so you might want to strategically plan your days around getting your next sugar fix!
Leipzig’s most picturesque photo spots
Famed for its art, coffee, and museum scene; Leipzig might be a small city, but it’s sure got a lot going for it! In between Euro 2024 matches, you’ll see a mixture of modern skyscrapers, alongside Baroque, Gothic, and Art Nouveau architecture – with plenty of photo opportunities along the way.
When in Leipzig, places to visit include:
· Panorama Tower: Looming over Leipzig’s skyline, it’s pretty hard to miss! Head to the observation deck on the 31st floor as the sun starts to set, and you’ll get to see arguably the best view of the city.
· Bach Museum: Leipzig was the city Johann Bach called home for many years, with a lot of his musical compositions created here. The museum often houses Bach’s delicate handwritten manuscripts, and is housed in a pretty yellow building, perfect for a photo opportunity – no wonder it sits atop many ‘What to do in Leipzig’ lists!
· Old City Hall: One of the most iconic buildings in all of Leipzig, Old City Hall dates back to 1556, with its renaissance design acting as a backdrop to the Markt, which constantly houses markets and fairs throughout the year.
· Mädler Passage: Step inside this upscale shopping arcade, and your eyes will be drawn upwards to the high domed ceilings with glass windows, and the elaborate bronze figures lining the entrances to the shops.
· St. Nicholas Church: A pastel paradise, this has to be one of the most Instagrammable interiors in Leipzig. It’s gone through many design changes over the years, so you’ll be able to see Romanesque, Gothic, and Baroque influences; and interestingly, the church was the home of the initial Monday Demonstrations, which ultimately led to the fall of The Berlin Wall.
· Karl–Heine Canal: For fans of Industrialism design, head to Plagwit, where you’ll get to enjoy views of winding canals lined with industrial brick buildings. The canal has a path for pedestrians and bikes, so you could easily spend an afternoon walking along the canal, viewing the different architecture.
The best day trips from Leipzig
Sure, Leipzig alone is worth visiting, but since you’re in the area, you might also want to spend some time outside of the city, seeing more of what Saxony has to offer! Here are just some of the most popular day trips from Leipzig you can embark on during your time here.
· Colditz Castle: 60km outside of Leipzig, this building has seen over 1,000 years of history, including its time spent as a camp for prisoners during the Second World War; featuring winding tunnels, secret radio rooms, and more. It’s an essential day trip from Leipzig, for anyone interested in history and culture.
· Freiberg: A thriving university city, you can reach it by train in 1hr40. Close to the Czechian border, you can visit the Mining Museum and silver mines, Freudenstein Castle, and Mineralia Science Museum.
· Wörlitzer Park: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the gardens are beautifully maintained, with blooming flowers and a pretty lake that you can glide down in a gondola.
· Burg Stolpen: 160km away from Leipzig, if you grew up reading fairytales and dreaming of castles and princesses, then you should visit Brug Stolpen. The Countess Cosel was held captive here for over 50 years, and you’ll get to uncover more of the castle’s secrets on a guided tour.
· Seiffen: For some festive cheer all year round, visit Seiffen: a tiny town situated high in the Ore Mountains that’s known for its production of nutcrackers you see sold at German markets.
Final things to know before visiting Leipzig for the Euros
From what to pack through to safety tips, it’s always worth knowing a few extra bits about a city before you visit it. Here, we’ve gone through all the essentials you’ll need to know, to have a great time in Leipzig!
Weather in Leipzig
Leipzig generally tends to enjoy warm summers, with plenty of sun predicted for June and July. Expect temperatures of around 23-26°C during the day – though it’ll likely dip to 12-14°C at night, so you’ll want to pack some layers!
Still, despite the sun, Leipzig tends to also experience rain during June and July – so make sure you pack an umbrella and some waterproofs, as there’s a high chance you’ll be caught in a shower!
Language
As you’d expect, the main language spoken in Leipzig is German! Whilst the city’s well-equipped for football-related announcements in English, and many people (especially the younger generation; with the older generations having learnt Russian as a second language) speaking English; it’s always polite to have a few German phrases to hand when navigating around the city!
· 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)
Whilst Leipzigers tend to have a distinct Saxon accent, unless you’re fluent in German, it probably won’t be something you’ll pick up on!
Payment
Before visiting Leipzig for the 2024 Euros, it’s important to familiarise yourself with the German tipping culture, as well as the best payment methods:
· Tipping: Aside from eating out, tipping isn’t usually expected in Germany. If you’ve had good service, then tipping 10% when eating or drinking out is appreciated; and with the word for tipping in German (“Trinkgeld”) directly translated to “drink money”, it means the recipient can treat themselves to a glass of their favourite tipple for a job well done!
· Cash or card: You should be able to pay with cash or card in most places, with the vast majority of restaurants and bars accepting card. However, it’s always handy to carry some cash on you for street vendors and other smaller shops.
Hospitals in Leipzig
Hopefully you won’t need to visit one while you’re in Leipzig, but it’s always good to know where the nearest hospital is, should you need to make an emergency trip.
· Klinikum St. Georg: The oldest and second largest hospital in the city, it’s 6km outside of the centre.
· Leipzig University Public Hospital: The largest hospital in Leipzig, this hospital is just outside the centre of the city, and has an A&E.
· Leipzig Lutheran Deaconess’ Hospital: This hospital is home to several clinics and treatment centres.
· St. Elisabeth Krankenhaus: Specialising in trauma services, this hospital also has an ER, and is situated in the south of the city – 5km out of the centre.
Explore the other Euro 2024 host cities
With the help of our handy guide, you should have no problem navigating the city during Euro 2024, including discovering things to do in Leipzig and all the necessary travel information. 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
· Hamburg
· Munich