Top Nine Football Stadiums In Europe

Football is enjoyed up and down this country not to mention right across Europe week in week out. Whilst modern technologies mean you can view all of your team's action from the comfort of your living room, nothing beats the thrill of watching the game live. So with that in mind, just where are the best stadiums to go and experience the atmosphere in Europe? FREEbets.org.uk gives you the rundown on nine of the best spots to take in a game. Our judging criteria? We are trying to find stadiums that are the most architecturally and visibly impressive combined with red-hot atmospheres. So don't expect a list full of ultra-modern, state of the art stadia, we've got some much smaller venues that cram in character in abundance.

9. Estadio da Luz, Lisbon, Portugal

• Tenants: SL Benfica
• Opened: 2003
• Capacity: 65,647
• Notable fixtures: UEFA Euro 2004 final and UEFA Champions League Final 2014

Translating to the 'Stadium of Light', the home of the Portuguese giants may share its name with that of Sunderland's stadium but is in fact another English ground that the Estadio da Luz shares its name. Built by the same architectural firm that constructed Arsenal's Emirates Stadium, the similarities between the two are obvious. Benfica's old stadium of the same name was demolished with the club seeking a new modern venue to bring them in to the 21st century. With Portugal announced as the host nation for the 2004 European Championships, the new stadium was completed in time to host a number of games for the tournament including the final.

Benfica's supporters refer to the stadium as The Cathedral as fans flock in their thousands to support their team with the atmosphere particularly raucous when either Lisbon rivals Sporting or Porto are the opposition. The 'No Name boys' ultra group are not a group associated with hooliganism like many ultra groups but instead focus their attentions on making a serious racket from behind the goal. Prior to the game, Benfica's mascot, an eagle named Vitoria, circles around the pitch which looks an awful lot more impressive than when it is done at Crystal Palace, adding further to the grand sense of spectacle. If you're planning on visiting be sure to try the local delicacy of a Bifana (Pork fillet sandwich) from one of the many food vans prior to kick off. The locals gather in their droves ahead of the game and wash them down with a bottle of Super Bock whilst soaking up the atmosphere.

8. Camp Nou, Barcelona, Spain

• Tenant: FC Barcelona 
• Opened: 1957 (Renovated in 1995 and 2008)
• Capacity: 99,354
• Notable fixtures: UEFA Cup Winners' Cup Final 1972 and 1982, FIFA World Cup Opening Venue 1982 European Cup Final 1989 and UEFA Champions League Final 1999

The largest football stadium in Europe and the second largest in the entire world that is used primarily for football, the sheer size of the Camp Nou alone sees it make this list. Barcelona moved into the ground in 1957 after the club decided their Camp de les Corts stadium was too small despite its 60,000 capacity. The football club was ever growing in popularity at the time and after the signing of Hungarian superstar Laszlo Kubala provided the impetus needed for a much larger venue.

Camp Nou has long been an important part of pride amongst the inhabitants of Barcelona and across the whole of Catalonia. During Franco's regime he widely outlawed the speaking of the native Catalan language in public and the stadium became one of the rare places that Catalonia's were able to express pride in their region. This tradition continues right up until this day with the Senyera (Catalan flag) regularly flown from the stands. The giant bowl size makes for an imposing three tiered venue in which the locals come to cheer on their heroes. Any trip to see Barcelona these days will of course allow visitors to enjoy some of the best club football ever seen on the pitch in possibly the most iconic stadium on the planet. Despite its size, the atmosphere is not always overly impressive although few fail to be mesmerised by the Camp Nou on matchday. Despite renovations the facilities still remain slightly dated in comparison to some of Europe's other top stadia and Barcelona have plans in place for another to begin in 2017. Plans include a full roof for the stadium as well as increasing the capacity to around 105,000 whilst giving a modernising facelift to the exterior.

7. San Siro, Milan, Italy

• Tenants: Internazionale/Milan
• Opened: 1926
• Capacity: 80,018
• Notable fixtures: European Cup Final 1965 and 1970, World Cup Opening Venue 1990, UEFA Champions League Final 2001 and 2016

A stadium truly unique in its appearance and its rectangular shape is an uncommon site in Italian football. It also has no running track, another come fixture among stadia in the country, meaning that supporters are right on top of the action only enhancing the crackling atmosphere. Archietecturally it is perhaps the most recognisable of any stadium on the planet with the circular columns on the outside coupled with the Mechano-like red steel girders forming the roof. The steep three tiered interior makes for a cavernous atmosphere and if you are planning a trip to Milan during the football season, Inter and Milan alternate their home games meaning there is ore than likely to be a game at the famous stadium.

It is common place in Italian football for the teams of a city to share a stadium although both the inhabitants of the San Siro have explored the possibility of leaving the venue and building their own stadiums. However the two remain for now at least and this is a venue that is surely high on the list of football groundhoppers. Recent seasons have seen both of the Milanese clubs endure tough times on the pitch and as result the attendances are on average at around just 35,000. However for the big games and European encounters, the ground is much fuller complete with the usual mixture of flares, banners and tifos that are common place in Italian football. Spare seats are also in short supply when the two tenants meet, making for one of the grandest spectacles in world football.

6. Olympiastadion, Berlin, Germany

• Tenants: Hertha BSC
• Opened: 1936 (Renovated 1974 and 2006)
• Capacity: 74,475
• Notable fixtures: 2006 World Cup Final and UEFA Champions League Final 2015

Whilst the club football seen at the Olympiastadion falls way short of some of the others on this list, it more than makes it up for it in terms of other historic significance. The stadium was initially designed for the 1936 Olympic Games with Adolf Hitler wanting to use the games for political propaganda. Hitler and the Nazi party wanted to put on a huge spectacle and in order to do so required a venue to match. The venue was the sight of Jesse Owens historic triumphs that summer as he won four gold medals. Reminders of the stadium's dark past can still be seen to this day such as the bell tower and Olympic gates, whilst the stadium retains the shape of the original stadium.

The late 90's saw many Berliners debate the stadium's future, with some in favour of replacing it with a new venue before it was ultimately decided it would be renovated. Renovation took place after Germany was announced as the host country for the 2006 with the Olympiastadion announced as the venue for the final. Now ranked as one of UEFA's top stadiums in Europe, the huge arena retains the imposing size and stature it has always had whilst encompassing all the latest technological features such as artificial illumination, sounds equipment, VIP areas and restaurants.

Hertha BSC are Berlin's biggest club and have played at the Olympiastadion since 1963 and despite never establishing themselves amongst Germany's elite clubs in terms of on-field success, they still average over 50,000 supporters per home game. The noisiest fans usually gather in the Ostkurve section of the stadium where a host of flags, banners and choreographed displays take place. British fans can also make the most of being able to stand up and enjoy a beer in full view of the pitch!

5. Stade Velodrome, Marseille, France

• Tenants: Olympique de Marseille
• Opened: 1937 (Renovated 1984, 1998 and 2014)
• Capacity: 67,394
• Notable fixtures: UEFA Euro 1984 and 2016 semi-final, World Cup semi-final 1938 and 1998

France's second largest city after Paris, Marseille has established itself a reputation as a genuine footballing hotbed. The atmosphere in the Velodrome is not only considered as amongst the most fervent in France but in Europe as a whole. Supporters of Olympique de Marseille, commonly referred to simply as Marseille, make their home an intimidating venue for any visitors with both ends behind the goals occupied by different ultra groups. This is somewhat unique for many clubs in Europe, who usually have just one area filled with fans making a right old noise but with supporters groups in both the 'Virage Nord' and 'Virage Sud'

As its name suggests, the venue has been the host of numerous cycling events over the years although over time they have been less and less frequent, with the cycling track around the pitch gradually eaten up by the expansion of the stands. The stadium has undergone major changes in the last couple of years with the notable addition of a roof. The way in which it contours around the curved stands makes it look like something from outer space and when lit up in the evening, it really is a truly stunning sight. The decision to recover the stadium was welcomed by the club's supporters who felt that atmosphere was able to escape out of the ground.

Whilst World Cup's have seen numerous games held here, it is for the vibrancy and colour produced by Marseille fans for which this stadium has become a must visit venue for football fans. If you get the chance, visit when Paris Saint Germain are in town for Le Classique. The meeting between France's two most successful clubs is when it is at its most atmospheric.

4. Sukru Saracoglu Stadium, Istanbul, Turkey

• Tenants: Fenerbahce S.K
• Opened: 1908 (Renovated 1929-1932, 1965-1982, 1999-2006)
• Capacity: 50,509
• Notable fixtures: UEFA Cup Final 2009

When recommending stadiums to visit, it felt wrong to omit a Turkish venue from this list given the ultra-passionate nature of Turkish football fans. Some may argue that Fenerbahce's home stadium is not technically in the European part of Istanbul but as Turkey is classed as a UEFA nation, we're going to include it. Atmosphere inside football stadiums in Turkey first came to the focus of fans on these shores with Manchester United's trip to Galatasaray's Ali Sami Yen stadium in 1993. The home fans held up banners infamously proclaiming 'Welcome to Hell' and the cauldron that awaited them awash with the smoke from flares certainly resembled something sinister. The atmosphere was similar when United travelled to Fenerbahce in 1996 and although not as infamous as the game with Galatasaray, many observers felt the atmosphere was even more hostile.

Named after former Turkish prime minister, this stadium makes the list ahead of that of its rivals due to its longevity where as Galatasaray left their infamous Ali Sami Yen stadium for the brand new Turk Telekom Arena in 2011. Located in the bustling Kadikoy area of Istanbul, on matchday the area around the stadium comes alive with a vast array of bars, street vendors and coffee shops packed with Fener fans adorning the clubs distinctive Blue and Yellow colours. This is not just a stadium that packs an intimidating atmosphere but a venue that also boast some top class credentials to compliment it.

Numerous renovations have allowed the stadium to keep up with the demands of modern football and provide an arena befitting of a club that regularly competes in European competition. The rectangular shape still ensures the acoustic approach deafening levels.

3. De Kuip, Rotterdam, The Netherlands

• Tenants: Feyenoord
• Opened: 1937 (Renovated in 1994)
• Capacity: 51,117
• Notable fixtures: UEFA Cup winners Cup Final 1963, 1968, 1974, 1985, 1991 and 1997, European Cup Final 1972 and 1982, UEFA Cup final 2002 and Euro 2000 Final

Officially named Stadion Feijenoord, the stadium is affectionately known as De Kuip which translated from Dutch literally means the Tub. This name derives from the simple bowl shaped design of the stadium, giving it a bath-tub like appearance. No stadium has hosted more major European finals and despite it's age, it has managed to retain its distinctive character over the years even after renovations. Whilst still not the most modern or futuristically designed, De Kuip's charm certainly resonates from its boisterous atmosphere. Feyenoord fans are renowned for creating an impressive atmosphere and no more so than when Ajax are the visitors. The two biggest clubs in the Netherlands have a bitter rivalry which has seen away fans restricted and some times banned from the fixtures but this year's cup tie at De Kuip saw a last minute Feyenoord winner and it is fair to say it sparked jubilant scenes in Rotterdam.

Chants from the Feyenoord supporters are in English are prevalent throughout and 'You'll Never Walk Alone' can be heard both before and after the games. These British-inspired songs are coupled with some typically Dutch dance music played both in the build-up and after games making for a carnival like atmosphere. The club have even granted fans an area in the south stand with a designated area for sound systems and a DJ booth allowing supporters an area to jump around like lunatics to hardcore house music making for scenes that are unlikely to be experienced anywhere else across the continent.

2. Millerntor-Stadion, Hamburg, Germany

• Tenants: FC St. Pauli
• Opened: 1963 (Renovated 1988 and expanded 2006-2015)
• Capacity: 29,546

Despite being the smallest of the stadiums on the list and not being able to boast of hosting famous fixtures like many of the others, the Millerntor-Stadion is more than deserving of its place. To understand its inclusion, you first of all have to understand St. Pauli as a football club. Hailing from Hamburg's Red Light District, the club has a long history associated with the city's punk scene. With many German football clubs attracting a large hooligan following in the mid 80's, many supporters grew tired of this negative image. This led to a huge growth of popularity at St. Pauli, whose left-leaning politics, social activism and party like atmosphere proving a huge draw. The club quickly became a cult phenonmenon with the skull and crossbones flag quickly adopted as the club's unofficial emblem.

With such a vibrant fan scene, it is hardly a surprise to find out that the Millerntor has become a popular destination for football fans from all of Europe to travel to and take in a game. A good natured atmosphere is prevalent throughout the game with supporters unrelenting in their passionate support of their team. Large terraced areas allow for supporters to stand throughout and although there has been modernisation to bring the stadium into the 21st century, the club have been careful to preserve some of the traditions that make both St. Pauli as a club and the Millerntor so special.

Ahead of every home game the players run out to 'Hell's Bells' by AC/DC and although the crowd at the Millerntor encompasses people from all walks in life, the punk/anarchist themes are still clear for all to see. A range of vegetarian and vegan food is on offer on match days and the club has won many plaudits over the years for his commitment to combatting racism, homophobia and there is even a creche on site to look after your little ones. Not the biggest or the famous of stadiums but the Millerntor is certainly one of a kind.

 1. Signal Iduna Park, Dortmund, Germany

• Tenants: Borussia Dortmund
• Opened: 1974
• Capacity: 81,359
• Notable fixtures: UEFA Cup Final 2001, World Cup semi-final 2006

Borussia Dortmund under Jurgen Klopp captured the hearts of many across Europe with their exciting, intense brand of attacking football and whilst on the field the club were winning many admirers , there were doing much the same off it. The atmosphere at the Signal Iduna Park or Westfalenstadion has achieved somewhat mythical status across Europe and the 'Yellow Wall' has perhaps overtaken the Kop at Anfield as the most famous single stand in the whole of World football.

The Sudtribune can hold up to 25,000 spectators making it the largest standing grand-stand on the continent. It's nickname derives from the fact that when looking at it as it is absolutely packed to the rafters it simply resembled a huge wall of yellow. The noise that bellows out of the south stand is one that cannot scarcely be matched across the globe and at its best the terrace feels like a minor earthquake during goal celebrations.Their rendition of 'You'll Never Walk Alone' characterised with its Europop guitar riffs, really is a sight to behold and it is little wonder that football fans from all over Europe make a pilgrimage-like journey in their droves. The stadium last season saw an average attendance of over 80,000 spectators, a higher average than any other club in world football.

An industrial looking exterior complete with distinctive bright yellow pylons give unique character to its brutalist design. Whilst the exterior is strikingly unique, this stadium really comes alive in the inside and it is estimated that over 1,000 fans from these shores are attracted every home game. It is little surprise given that the stadium seems almost custom built in order to give Dortmund's vociferous supporters the platform they deserve to worship their side. Worship is the correct term to describe as well for the process is much like a religious experience with the Westfalenstadion acting as the temple.