Six Pitch Perfect Stays to Celebrate the FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia and New Zealand 2023™

The FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia and New Zealand 2023™ kicked off on July 20 and football fans from all over the world are descending on co-host nations Australia and New Zealand, as they travel to see their national team in action. With a huge momentum swelling behind the women’s game, this year’s tournament is set to be the biggest yet, with ticket sales surpassing previous tournaments. Captivating both seasoned supporters and first-time followers of women’s football, the amazing action is taking place in 10 iconic venues across the two countries until August 20. Booking.com has signed on as the Official Online Travel Sponsor for the FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia and New Zealand™ and is perfectly positioned to make it easier for football fans from around the world to book their accommodation when traveling to see their favorite team play. To celebrate the sponsorship and inspire fans of the beautiful game to book their next football-inspired trip, Booking.com is sharing a selection of the most breathtaking football pitches around the world. 

Gosford, Australia  
 

While not hosting any of the matches for the FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia and New Zealand 2023™ tournament, Australia’s most scenic pitch, the Central Coast Stadium, is perfectly positioned in an idyllic bayside location in Gosford. What makes this 20,000-seat venue extra special is that seating is only located on three sides of the ground with the southern end open to sweeping views of Brisbane Water through an iconic row of palm trees. The waterfront city of Gosford is located along the chilled-out New South Wales Central Coast that runs between Sydney and Newcastle with world-class beaches, swaths of national park and a series of saltwater lagoons. Travelers can hire a car to explore its many scenic turns, hike to the cascading waterfalls in the Brisbane Water National Park or mosey around the colorful farmer markets in town. Conveniently located an hour’s drive north of Sydney, Gosford is within stretching distance of some of Australia’s most iconic attractions. Book a Sydney Harbour Sightseeing Cruise for unparalleled views of Sydney Harbour Bridge, the Sydney Opera House and Watsons Bay and learn about the history and beaches along the shore. 

Where to stay: Travelers are guaranteed to want extra time at the Gosford Palms Motor Inn, a charming motel just a short walk from the stadium. Its well-appointed facilities include an outdoor saltwater pool, barbecue area and coin-operated laundry. Nestled in a quiet bushland area between Waterview Park and the beautiful Brisbane Waters, this Booking.com Travel Sustainable property scores bonus points for its verdant green spaces and using 100% renewable electricity throughout. 

Lofoten Archipelago, Norway 
 

This incredible football pitch in northern Norway’s Lofoten Islands will be all the inspiration football fans need to check out this stunning destination. Nestled amongst majestic mountain peaks and the enchanting Norwegian Sea, the windswept wonder has earned global attention for its spectacular setting and become a tourist attraction in its own right. Without a single stand or seat, due to the fact only 500 people inhabit the area, the Henningsvær Stadium acts as a training facility for amateur club Henningsvær IL and locals can play on it around the clock in the summer midnight sun. The Lofoten archipelago is known for its rugged unspoiled nature including snow-capped mountains, dramatic fjords and crystal-clear beaches. Travelers can rent a car to explore the picturesque villages lining its waterways, and chase the northern lights between August and April. 

Where to stay: The stunning waterside location and stylish cabins of Hattvika Lodge in the fishing village of Ballstad feature wood-burning stoves, hot tubs and open-air showers. With views of the Norwegian Sea, this cozy lodge provides a great base for travelers to explore the islands, and is ideal for those who love getting in on the action, with kayaks, bikes and paddle boards available to rent. Catching some of the freshest seafood in Norway, the onsite restaurant heroes local produce in a spectacular setting overlooking the sea. 

Marina Bay, Singapore
 

Located on the water in Singapore is the world’s largest floating football pitch, The Float at Marina Bay. Surrounded by the scenic Singapore skyline, this extraordinary platform is built entirely from steel and fixed to the seabed by pylons, with a 27,000-seat grandstand along the shore for spectators. Opened in 2007 for matches and concerts, the stadium is located on Marina Reservoir and a stone's throw from Singapore’s most popular attractions. Fans of world-class performances can head to the national arts center and architectural icon, Esplanade, or book a Gardens by the Bay Tour, a fantasy land of misty biodomes and sculptures. For those seeking to soak up sweeping panoramas of the bustling city and get an aerial view of the pitch, the Singapore Flyer Experience is a must. Travelers will ride on the 540ft (165m) observation wheel, one of the largest in Asia, with the option to immerse in a multisensory experience on a journey through Singapore’s past, present and future.

Where to stay: A stone’s throw away from the stadium, PARKROYAL COLLECTION Marina Bay, Singapore is an elegant high-rise player offering modern and spacious rooms with dramatic views of the Singapore skyline. This impressive Booking.com Travel Sustainable ‘hotel-in-a-garden’ is home to southeast Asia’s largest indoor sky-lit atrium, containing over 2,400 plants, trees and shrubs, with four floors boasting balconies covered in greenery. Dining options include a sleek sushi bar, dim sum and Cantonese cuisine, and there’s a dedicated wellness floor with a 985ft (300m) walking track, a luxury spa and an infinity pool. 

Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
 

A perfectly positioned pitch on the edge of the colorful houses of Las Colorados, a suburb in Las Palmas, will encourage football fans to take a closer look at this Spanish city. Las Palmas is Gran Canaria’s cosmopolitan capital and sits amongst the melting pot of diverse landscapes on an island of beaches, mountains and ravines with hidden natural treasures. Both scenery and culture collide here, where baroque Spanish plazas meet lively African markets. The old town of Vegueta is a great place to explore, and houses ancient buildings of historic significance such as the Santa Ana Cathedral and Casa de Colon Museum where travelers can walk in the footsteps of Columbus. Head out to sea on a Dolphin and Whale Safari boating excursion to spot marine life including turtles in their natural habitat. Or on land, an Arehucas Rum Distillery Guided Tour offers the chance to visit one of the oldest rum cellars in Europe with a tasting held by an expert local guide.

Where to stay: For travelers looking for a peaceful stay amongst Vegueta’s famous landmarks, the adults-only VEINTIUNO Emblematic Hotels is the perfect set-up. Set along a cobblestone street, this chic hotel features rooms with wood floors and whitewashed stone walls, plus a plunge pool and roof terrace where guests can enjoy breakfast overlooking the old town square. Better yet, this Booking.com Travel Sustainable hotel is taking steps towards sustainability from serving locally sourced and vegan food to saving food waste. 

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil  
 

Rio’s internationally renowned football pitch Estádio Jornalista Mário Filho, more commonly known as the Maracanã Stadium, is hallowed ground among football lovers. Rich in history, the stadium opened in 1950 to host the fourth edition of the Men’s FIFA World Cup and has since hosted two World Cup finals and is the site of legendary victories and crushing defeats. Drawing football fans from across the world, no matter who takes to the field, the 78-800-seat arena comes to life in spectacular fashion on game days whether championship matches or when local rivals go head to head. Nicknamed the Marvelous City, Rio is famed for its incredible football, golden beaches, lush mountains and samba-fueled nightlife. For fans wanting to explore the city, a Five-hour Guided City Tour is a must to take in local highlights from caipirinha to samba, and making stops at the stadium as well as the Sambadrome Marquês de Sapucaí to learn about the famous Rio Carnival parade.

Where to stay: Located a short drive from the Maracanã Stadium in the heights of Rio and surrounded by the jungle is Pousada Rio144, a peaceful bed and breakfast that scores a hat-trick with its rooftop infinity pool, sun terrace and bar. This Booking.com Travel Sustainable property offers locally sourced food and rooftop gardens that boast incredible views of Sugarloaf Mountain. All rooms benefit from large bay windows and are each uniquely decorated with eclectic paintings and furniture crafted by Brazilian designers.

Lake Como, Italy  
 

Even football pitches look beautiful against the breathtaking Lake Como, and Stadio Giueseppe Sinigaglia is the jewel in Italy’s crown. Sitting on the shores of the famous lake with views of the verdant surrounding mountains from the stands, the stadium is without doubt the most picturesque in Italy and the home ground of Como’s local football team. Located at the foot of the Alps in northern Italy’s Lombardy region, Lake Como boasts some of the most spectacular scenery in the world. In the midst of its two southern branches, sits the legendary Bellagio estate, renowned for its neoclassical villas overlooking the water. For travelers wanting to soak up the stunning views and marvel at the opulent residences on the shore, a Lake Como Shared Boat Tour is an absolute must, with the option to visit the scenic Nesso waterfall. Those who prefer to keep their feet on land can rent a car to explore the great walking trails and the alluring beauty of the lakeside villages in the area. 

Where to stay: The Al Molo 5 - LakeFront inn situated in Oliveto Lario offers a pitch perfect setting in one of the most evocative corners of the lake, an hour’s drive to the stadium. With stylish decor and historic features, each room features a balcony where guests can enjoy a hearty breakfast with unparalleled views. What’s more, this Travel Sustainable stay is scoring a home goal by making investments to protect the lake including offsetting a portion of their carbon footprint and investing a percentage of revenue into community projects. In turn, guests can rent kayaks, paddleboards and motorboats to enjoy all the lake has to offer. 

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