7 Budget Friendly Football Mad Cities In Europe
Want a roaring match day without draining your travel fund? These seven cities mix fierce supporter culture with easy-on-the-wallet logistics. Plan smart and you can even stack a European night on Thursday with a domestic league game at the weekend for a two-match mini break.
Porto, Portugal
Porto is a dream for groundhoppers thanks to the metro that runs directly from the airport to Estádio do Dragão. The stop is literally called “Estádio do Dragão” so you step off the train into matchday atmosphere.
Budget Tip: Buy a reusable Andante travel card and load only the zones you need. Tour FC Porto’s museum and stadium for great value, then cross the city to watch Boavista the following day for a two-club weekend.
Kraków, Poland
Two historic clubs share this city, making it perfect for a football double-header. Wisła Kraków play at Stadion Henryka Reymana while Cracovia’s Stadion Józefa Kałuży sits just across town.
Budget Tip: Grab a 24-hour transport ticket for just a few pounds, giving you unlimited tram and bus travel so you can hop between stadiums and sample pierogi in between games.
Budapest, Hungary
Budapest blends big-club passion with a reasonable price tag. Ferencváros dominate the scene at Groupama Aréna, and getting a ticket is straightforward with a free supporter card you can register for online.
Budget Tip: Use the BudapestGO app to buy a 24-hour travelcard for unlimited metro, tram and bus trips within city limits. It’s cheaper than multiple singles and perfect for stadium-hopping.
Belgrade, Serbia
If you crave noise, smoke and songs that shake the stands, Belgrade delivers. Red Star’s Rajko Mitić and Partizan Stadium are both close to the city centre, with the Eternal Derby ranking among Europe’s most intense fixtures.
Budget Tip: Local buses and trams run directly to the stadiums for pocket change. Wear neutral colours if attending the derby — rivalries here run deep.
Bucharest, Romania
Bucharest boasts three passionate fan bases. The National Arena hosts FCSB and Romania’s national team, Rapid play in the newly renovated Giulești Stadium, and Dinamo currently use Arcul de Triumf.
Budget Tip: Base yourself near a metro station and walk the final stretch with home fans. Tickets are often very affordable compared to Western Europe, even for big fixtures.
Thessaloniki, Greece
This port city lives and breathes football. PAOK play at the electric Toumba Stadium, while Aris bring the noise at Kleanthis Vikelidis. With fixtures often falling on different days, you can see both in one weekend.
Budget Tip: Skip taxis and use the bus network to keep costs low. Spend the savings on souvlaki and coffee between games.
Valencia, Spain
Two clubs, two stadiums and plenty of sun. Valencia CF’s Mestalla is steeped in history, while Levante UD’s Ciutat de València offers another passionate crowd just across the city.
Budget Tip: Pick up a SUMA T1 travel pass for unlimited 24-hour travel on metro, bus and tram within the AB zones. Stay on lines 3 or 5 for direct access to Mestalla.
