Nothing beats a football away day abroad. And if you agree, you've just stumbled on your dream website.

Watching european football is just grand. You get to visit some of the greatest places on Earth (and a few dives), see the sights, taste the food and sample the beer. And, of course, you get to watch the beautiful game.

If you're lucky, you may get to see your own team in the Champions League, or the once-great(ish) tournament formerly known as the UEFA Cup.

But even if you're not lucky enough to see your own team on the continent, that's no reason to sit at home and cry into your pint. And as a Watford fan that includes me.


Every weekend there are hundreds of professional games going on in Europe - from the ramshackled outposts of the former Soviet eastern bloc to the superstadiums of Germany and Spain.

Finding the info on getting to games and making sure you have a good time can be a minefield. I know, I've tried. That's why I decied to set up this site to help you enjoy a great football trip away, PLUS see a bit of the country. That, of course, and an excuse to see football everywhere in the name of 'research'.

So this website is your matchday guide to major football cities - updated for the 2011-12 season - including:

• Getting to the ground
• Where to eat and drink
• Making a weekend of it
• Getting around
• Places to see

Yep, I'll tell you where the nearest Irish bar is but there's a lot more to a European trip than that. Honest.

There'll be no long lists of 27 art galleries and 15 old churches that you have to tick off as seeing but instead I've given a nod to the very best places and attractions you might want to fill a morning or a day with. As well as just a general feel for what a city is like to visit and stay in.

There are a few suggestions on how to get there and get around, venues for a pre-match pint and places to eat, where i've stayed, and about the ground itself.  And there are loads of links included leading you to where you can find out more info.

The assessments are fair and honest - but if you have better suggestions, or have trekked a mile to a bar mentioned on this site that's now shut do let me know via the contact form on the menu.

There's loads on the site - and now we have a dedicated section where you can book match ticket packages to games big and small across Europe through our respected and experienced ticket partner.

Despite my best attempts to spend my life watching football I've barely scratched the surface. Expect more country listings and city guides... so bookmark this site.


Look forward to hearing from you!

Jimbob

Editor, www.eurofootballcities.com

The Nou Camp, Barcelona