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

Discover which travel experiences, from soccer with locals to stadium tours, should be on every fan’s wish list.
Soccer fans celebrate at a football stadium.
Photo credit:Alizada Studios / Shutterstock

Soccer is the world’s most popular sport, played in countries worldwide. But this leaves soccer (aka football) fans with far too many destinations and experiences to choose from if they want to explore how other communities embrace the game. So, how do you narrow it down?

For starters, check out the most famous football leagues and cities to discover the many soccer travel experiences they offer. Whether it’s attending a match with a local fan showing you around, or going with a guide behind the scenes at a stadium or a dedicated museum, here are some Viator sports tours that should be right at the top of every soccer fan's bucket list.

1. Cheer in the stands for a local game in Rio de Janeiro

Brazil is one of the biggest global soccer destinations, and there’s no better place to surround yourself with people who love the game than Rio de Janeiro. Between spending time at Copacabana Beach and the Christ the Redeemer Statue, you can experience the electric atmosphere at Maracana Stadium.

There, watch one of the city’s four main teams, such as Fluminense or Flamengo, play at home. This guided football match, which includes a general admission ticket, makes it easy to navigate the crowds and get there and back with provided transportation.

What one reviewer said: “Great experience. Everything from transportation to getting in and out of the stadium was fantastic. Our guide was super friendly and knowledgeable, sharing facts along the way. This is a great way for tourists to experience the local tradition of a football game.” Karen_D, March 2026

2. See the London stadium that Arsenal calls home

Soccer fans the world over follow the Premier League, making England an easy choice of destination to visit if you're into the beautiful game. While you’ll no doubt want to catch a match during your visit if you can, you can also find one of the best football stadium tours in the country right in London.

This self-guided tour, following an audio guide, takes you into Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium to see where the prolific Gunners play, including special areas such as their changing rooms. While there, you also visit the Arsenal Museum to dive into the club's history and admire its collected memorabilia.

What one reviewer said: “It was a very interesting tour, especially for my son who is a huge football fan. He felt like he was part of the club.” Jeanine_C, August 2025

3. Join the crowds at a Buenos Aires match

Buenos Aires is famous for its love of soccer and the atmosphere its matches create, so there’s no question it’s a winner if you want to attend live football matches abroad. Join this group game-day tour to experience much more than just a local match in Buenos Aires.

Your guide will tell you about the local football scene, take you pregaming, and help you to find your spot in the stands. This way, you get to immerse yourself in the experience without feeling lost or overwhelmed by logistics.

What one reviewer said: “We did the match day experience at a Platense game. It was an awesome atmosphere, and everything was so well organised. Highly recommended!” Joe_H, September 2025

4. Discover all-things-football in Barcelona

Barcelona is already one of Europe’s most popular destinations, and it’s an especially good place to choose for a European soccer trip. Not only is the city home to one of the world’s biggest clubs, FC Barcelona, but it also has a wealth of attractions related to the sport for you to explore when not at a match.

This football-themed tour introduces you to the city’s fixation on the game by combining guided visits to several city stadiums, including but not limited to Spotify Camp Nou, as well as the FC Barcelona Museum and its official merch store.

What one reviewer said: “This tour was fantastic and Gabriel was an absolute legend! Thank you for a great experience and insight into Barcelona’s two big football clubs, but also a sense of what grassroots football means to locals.” JUSTIN_H, August 2025

5. Go behind the scenes at Real Madrid

If you’re already doing one famous football clubs visit in Spain, there’s no reason you shouldn't also head across to Madrid to visit Barcelona's main La Liga rival.

This guided visit takes you on a stadium tour of Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, home ground to Real Madrid. You'll learn about the grand history of the club as your guide takes you on a tour behind the scenes to visit the benches by the pitch, the trophy room, and, of course, the official club store.

What one reviewer said: “Bernabeu Stadium is absolutely incredible and probably the best and most modern facility I've ever seen. Our guide was super knowledgeable about every part of the stadium and did an admirable job keeping our group together and engaged throughout.” Lauren_C, April 2026

6. Find the World Cup Trophy at the FIFA Museum in Zurich

Of the many soccer museums and tours available in Europe, only one steps above club loyalty and celebrates the game as a whole. That’s the FIFA Museum, found in Zurich, a must-visit for fans of the sport.

On this audio-guided tour of the museum, you’ll discover the history of the game, learn about FIFA’s origins, and see memorabilia from World Cups past, including the World Cup Trophy. But it’s also a family-friendly attraction, thanks to interactive exhibits and new sections on soccer’s place in gaming.

What one reviewer said: “If you’re a football fan, stepping into the FIFA Museum feels like entering hallowed ground. From the moment you arrive, the energy shifts—this isn’t just a museum, it’s a shrine to the sport that unites the world.” Andrew_M, September 2025

7. Explore the long legacy of Celtic in Glasgow

A love of soccer is not a unique interest of the English; you’ll find clubs and dedicated fan bases across the United Kingdom, especially in a city such as Glasgow. Here, football is a lively part of the culture, especially thanks to the enduring rivalry between Celtic and Rangers.

While you don’t have to pick a side on match days, this stadium tour makes visiting Celtic’s home ground a much easier experience. You'll take a journey into the club’s mighty past from the sidelines, while also touring through the changing rooms and other special access areas.

What one reviewer said: “The tour with Mr. John was fantastic. He is passionate and very knowledgeable about the Celtic Football Club. It was a wonderful experience—highly recommended!” robertotirloni80, December 2025

8. Experience match day in Mexico City

If you’re hunting for one of the liveliest football experiences worldwide, then look no further than Mexico City. Besides offering history, culture, and delicious food, the Mexican capital is also home to several of the top Liga MX teams, with plenty of excitement whenever there’s a match on.

See what soccer in Mexico City is like with this matchday experience, during which a guide will take you from fun pregame tailgating to cheering in the stands and soaking up the spirited atmosphere at a local match.

What one reviewer said: “This was a great experience! The host was super friendly and accommodating, and the tailgating tacos and beers were great! Definitely a fun experience! (Oh, and they provided sunblock as well, which you’ll definitely need!)” Meghan_R, January 2026

9. Step into Manchester City’s revered home ground

For many people, particularly soccer fans, the sport is the first thing they associate with the city of Manchester. And while Old Trafford and Manchester United have the more prolific history, it’s Manchester City’s Etihad Stadium that offers tourists the better experience between games.

On this stadium tour, see what this state-of-the-art facility looks like behind the scenes, from visiting the manager’s dugout to pretending to answer post-match questions in the press room, all with added immersive elements to make each moment feel like the real thing.

What one reviewer said: “Really good insightful tour with Emma and Mick. They had lots of knowledge and made the whole thing fun. [We had] plenty of photo opportunities and a good amount of time.” Lisa_L, March 2026

10. Feel the energy of a Bogotá football match

While seeing teams that you’ve always followed can be a lot of fun, it’s also exciting to experience the matchday atmosphere in leagues you’re less familiar with. Bogotá is the perfect candidate for exploring a less internationally well-known football league, thanks to the enthusiasm and intensity of Colombia’s crowds.

On this matchday tour, learn about the local traditions, chants, and history of Liga DIMAYOR from your guide before watching a Millonarios F.C. or Independiente Santa Fe match among energetic local supporters.

What one reviewer said: “Awesome experience. A must-do excursion for anyone visiting Bogota. This is the most underrated experience available in Bogota.” DAVID_R, February 2026

11. See FC Bayern Munich’s stomping ground up close

Germany is another proud footballing nation that makes its way onto the bucket lists of traveling fans. And there’s no better choice of city to visit than Munich, home to Bayern Munich, the most successful club of the Bundesliga.

Aside from attending a game, the best thing a soccer fan can do is take this group tour that’s one part city sightseeing tour and one part stadium tour. Following a trip around the city, head to Allianz Arena to tour their impressive venue, explore the FC Bayern Museum, and shop at the fan store.

What one reviewer said: “This was a wonderful, up-close look at soccer life! My grandson loved it! It was just enough time to see the museum and the tour of Allianz Stadium was amazing!” Nancy_Z, August 2025

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