9 Bucket List–Worthy Soccer Experiences for Football Fans According to Viator Travelers

Soccer—aka football, or the beautiful game, depending on where in the world you are—provides a never-ending stream of excitement, whether you're watching the Champions League, La Liguilla Mexicana, or the World Cup. Watching televised games from your home is fun, but traveling and seeing them live is even better. And even if you can't catch a game, you can certainly take a stadium tour, visit a football museum, or learn about the history of the sport in your destination of choice.
Whatever you're looking for, this bucket list of soccer experiences around the globe is sure to inspire every type of football fan. Goals, triumph, and heartbreak await.
1. See a soccer match in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
This Brazilian experience allows you to enjoy a soccer game at one of Rio de Janeiro’s famed stadiums: Maracanã or Nilton Santos. You’ll benefit from a local guide and go home with a new allegiance—perhaps to Fluminense, Vasco da Gama, or Botafogo.
2. Visit Celtic Park, Glasgow on a guided tour
Take in the best of Scotland’s soccer history with a behind-the-scenes look at Celtic Park in Glasgow, which has one of the largest and most die-hard fanbases in Europe. You’ll hang out in the home team locker room, visit the dugout, and learn about legendary Scottish footballers.
3. Catch a Roma or Lazio match in Rome, Italy
Take a stroll through Trastevere, enjoy coffee and drinks before the match, and then make your way to the stadium to see a Roma or Lazio game with this soccer experience which includes match tickets and seats in Rome’s Stadio Olimpico. The history and dedication of the supporters and players will echo around the field as you sit back and enjoy the game.
4. Cheer on Barça in Barcelona, Spain
Barcelona’s Camp Nou is one of the most historic and atmospheric stadiums in the world. This tour, which includes skip-the-line, priority access admission to the stadium and the FC Barcelona Museum, offers fans a chance to visit the locker room, pitch, presidential box, press room, and even see the team’s glittering trophy collection at the museum.
5. Learn about Barça’s Rivals in Madrid, Spain
Alternatively, if you support Real Madrid, consider a visit to Spain’s capital city for some of the most exciting soccer in the country. Take a guided tour of the Santiago Bernabéu stadium in Madrid and get behind-the-scenes insight into one of the country's most beloved teams.
6. Feel the spirit of South American fútbol in Buenos Aires, Argentina
A city with a fanatic appreciation for fútbol, Buenos Aires is the perfect place to get a taste of the South American soccer atmosphere. This experience includes a tour of the Boca Juniors stadium and museum with skip-the-line access and a visit to the changing rooms.
7. Take a tour of the Etihad in Manchester, England
Manchester City is a highly successful soccer team with a dedicated international fanbase: Cityzens. Whether you're a Cityzen or not, don't skip the opportunity to tour the Etihad Stadium that Man City calls home on this tour, which also includes an audiovisual show and insider info from a Cityzen guide.
8. Experience soccer in the Land of the Inca—Cusco, Peru
Cusco was once the capital of the Inca Empire. These days, it’s the gateway to Machu Picchu and one of the most interesting cities in South America. Before exploring Inca ruins, get a taste of local soccer with tickets to a Peruvian soccer match at the Inca Garcilaso de la Vega stadium.
9. Meet Messi’s biographer for stories about La Pulga in Barcelona, Spain
Meet the author of “King Leo,” who has met and interviewed the 8-time Ballon d’Or winner Lionel Messi and is a treasure trove of information about the player’s life. Meet the biographer at a café in Barcelona, sip an included drink, and ask any questions that come to mind about the legendary soccer star.
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