Euro 2012 Venue Guide

Kiev – National Sports Complex Olimpiyskiy (70,050)

In short:
Kiev is a city of contrasts, mixing up sparkling gold-domed churches with pompous Soviet monuments and shiny shopping malls. And with its large avenues it feels like a proper big city. The influx of new money is clearly visible with lots of fancy restaurants, SUVs, and stiletto heels, but the cobbled streets, self-service restaurants, and peaceful river banks more than balance that.

Donetsk – Donbass Arena (51,504)

In short:
Donetsk lies in the industrial heart of Ukraine, but has recently undergone something of a facelift. It lacks a historic city centre and is most of all a city of avenues, parks, shopping malls, and nightclubs. It is a touch bland, but also does not deserve the negative reputation some have given it. Its highlight is undoubtedly the magnificent Donbass Arena.

Kharkiv – Metalist Stadium (38,633)

In short:
Kharkiv is the big unknown. But those expecting a dull city full of Soviet era apartment blocks might be in for a nice surprise. The apartment blocks are there, of course, but also lots of green spaces, large squares, some beautiful churches, chaotic markets, and a large student population that brings a lively atmosphere and guarantees plenty of nightlife options.

Lviv – Arena Lviv (34,915)

In short:
Lviv more resembles the cities in neighbouring Poland than its Ukrainian counterparts. It has an old town that has not received a touristic make-over yet, and the surrounding green hills give it a romantic and mysterious edge. It is packed with open-air terraces, and well-stocked with modern coffee bars, thematic pubs, and posh nightclubs.

Warsaw – Stadion Narodowy w Warszawie (58,145)

In short:
Warsaw is possibly the most underrated city in Europe. Its old town is small, touristic, but still lovely. What’s more, the surrounding areas are packed with bars, restaurants, theatres, parks and museums. Its architecture is a fascinating mix between the old, new, and ugly, but rapid economic progress has now resulted in glass skyscrapers accompanying the Stalinist Palace of Culture.

Wrocław – Stadion Miejski w Wrocławie (44,901)

In short:
Wrocław has the beauty of a Krakow, but (still) goes without the hordes of tourists. Its market square rates as one of Europe’s most beautiful, and the surrounding old town is picture perfect. The leafy banks of the Oder river are great to quiet down from the football excitement, but rest assured that the healthy student population provides for a wide range of eating or drinking options.

Poznań – Stadion Miejski (43,269)

In short:
One probably would not call Poznań spectacular, but it certainly is a city with charm. The old town and market square are the heart of the city and filled with bars and restaurants. There is an abundance of parks and the nearby water reservoir provides for excellent outdoors entertainment. Another plus is that the city is well-connected with the rest of Poland for a quick break-away.

Match schedule:
10 June (8:45 pm) – Republic of Ireland vs Croatia
14 June (6:00 pm) – Italy v Croatia
18 June (8:45 pm) – Republic of Ireland v Italy

Gdańsk – PGE Arena (42,105)

In short:
Another beautiful Polish city, with the added advantage that the beach is only a few kilometres away. It has got a vibrant old town full of cafes, bars and restaurants, and for the heavier nightlife you can head up to beach resort Sopot. A city perfect for day trips with beaches, castles, medieval villages, and nature reserves all a stone’s throw away.