If you want to be close to the fun, check out Stuttgart's World Cup hotels and budget hostels in the central Mitte district. Make sure you book ahead for the FIFA World Cup, as the best places fill up fast. If you're a fan of the great outdoors, pitch a tent at the campsite near the stadium. Stuttgart tourist office helps with advance World Cup hotel bookings (+49 (0) 711 22 28 233).

Huge Hostel: Jugendherberge Stuttgart
Good value and central, this decent hostel, 15 minutes from the stadium,has been kicked into shape for the FIFA World Cup, with space for 300 fans in two- to four-bed dorms. Most importantly, there's a big screen showing all 64 games.


U-Bahn Station: Staatsgalerie
Address: Haußmannstrasse 27, 70188 Stuttgart
Phone: +49 (0) 711 24 15 83
Rates: 23.30 (Euro); under 26s dorm bed 20.30 (Euro)
Web: www.jugendherberge-stuttgart.de

Near The Stadium: Camping Platz Stuttgart
Right near the stadium in the Cannstatter Wasen district, this campsite beside the River Neckar is a top budget option. There's plenty of hot water, a laundry, a shop and a bistro.

U-Bahn Station: Mercedesstrasse
Address: Mercedesstrasse 40, 70372 Stuttgart
Phone: +49 (0) 711 55 66 96
Rates: 5 (Euro) per person; tent 3.10 - 4.10 (Euro); caravan 5.50 (Euro)
Web: www.campingplatz-stuttgart.de

Central Hotel: Hotel Garni Rieker
This central, English-speaking World Cup hotel is the perfect place to kick back. The 65 rooms have comfy beds, minibars and cable TV. Room rates include a substantial breakfast, there's a 24-hour reception and even bike rental.

Train Station: Hauptbahnhof (Main Station)
Address: Friedrichstrasse 3, 70174 Stuttgart
Phone: +49 (0) 711 22 13 11
Rates: Singles from 70 (Euro); doubles from 90 (Euro)
Web: www.hotel-rieker.de