Sydney,
01
August
2018
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01:25
Europe/Amsterdam

The top travel destinations around the world for football fanatics

With the tournament underway, football enthusiasts may be left pondering how they’ll fill the void once the games are over, learn more about the ‘beautiful game’ or simply where to watch and celebrate the final. Booking.com, global leader in connecting travellers to the widest range of accommodation, reveals the top football themed destinations around the world.

Manchester, United Kingdom

Home to two of the world’s most famous football teams, the city of Manchester is a prime destination for football, Manchester United and Manchester City fans alike.

Following a tour of Old Trafford Stadium, Manchester’s most iconic sporting arena, soccer fans can rest easy at the famous Hotel Football, just a stone’s throw away from the grounds. Boasting a selection of football themed guestrooms equipped with sports entertainment packages for all your TV viewing needs, a football inspired Café, a five-a-side pitch on the roof and views of Old Trafford Stadium, Hotel Football is a perfect choice for any fan seeking the spirit of the game. The hotel is even partly owned by footballing legends Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes, Nicky Butt, Phil Neville and Gary Neville, truly adding to the destination’s atmosphere.

Buenos Aires, Argentina

The Capital of Argentina has sport running through its veins! Not only because it will host the Youth Olympic Games this October, but because Buenos Aires is the birth place of renowned footballing hero Diego Maradona, who led Argentina to World Cup glory in 1986.. The hotly contested ‘superclásico’ football derby between Boca Juniors and River Plate makes for superb entertainment, whilst the atmosphere at the La Bombonera stadium is like nothing else in sport.

Located just 700 metres from the centre of the City’s action, the Hotel Boca Juniors by Design is the first football themed hotel in Buenos Aires boasting bright, spacious rooms, football themed décor and a full range spa.

London Wembley, United Kingdom

The capital of the England offers so much more for tourists than Big Ben and Buckingham Palace.. In fact, the city plays host to the English national football stadium in the heart of Wembley and several premier league football clubs such as Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham.

Overlooking Wembley stadium is the landmark Hilton London Wembley, which pays homage to the football stars that have graced the stadium. Enjoy authentic British cuisine in the football themed rooftop bar at this hotel with Wembley’s towering Arch in full view. Offering stylish leisure facilities and close links into the centre of London, this hotel is the perfect retreat for football fans.

Funchal, Portugal

For those that idolise the great Cristiano Ronaldo, Funchal is a must-visit City on the Portugese island of Madeira, where Ronaldo was born and raised. Famous for its magnificent harbour views and botanic gardens, Funchal also hosts the Cristiano Ronaldo Musuem!

Set up by Ronaldo himself in partnership with Pestana Hotels, Pestana CR7 Funchal is an elegant hotel just a short stroll from the Marina. Guests can feast on the delights of the in-house restaurant which uses fresh locally sourced produce and rest easy in the comfortable rooms following an afternoon wandering around the Cristiano Ronaldo Museum, which is just a 7-minute walk away.

Liverpool, United Kingdom

Named European Capital of Culture in 2008, not only is Liverpool home to one of the world’s most famous bands (The Beatles), but two rival premier league football clubs including one of England’s most successful teams, Liverpool FC. The Liverpool football experience gives an insight into football rivalry at its most intense, with the two main local teams separated by merely a mile.

Honouring the legendary Liverpool FC manager Bill Shankly, the Shankly Hotel has luxury features throughout. Guests can partake in the ‘Shankly Experience’, including memorabilia and a thirty-foot video screen to gain a personal insight into one of football’s greatest characters, before immersing themselves in fine dining at the Bastion Restaurant.

Buriram, Thailand

Renowned for its rich history, temple ruins and archaeological splendours, Buriram is also known for its footballing successes. The province’s local team are growing a strong reputation as the first ever Thai football team to reach the knockout stage of the Asian Champion’s league in a decade.

Keen to put Buriram fairly and squarely on the map as a top sports destination, Buriram United Football Club invested in a 60-room football themed hotel in the province, nearby to the club owned stadium. The Amari Buriram Hotel has a distinctive stadium feel with rooms directed towards a central area which includes a mini football field and swimming pool.