The Best Olympic Cities to Visit
2024 is all set to witness incredible sporting achievements by the world's greatest athletes at this summer's Olympics and Paralympics in Paris - it's no wonder Olympic fever is reaching frenzied heights at Riviera HQ.
Unfortunately, we still have a month to go before the competition begins, so we thought we'd channel that excitement into something productive. So, while we wait with bated breath to see which country takes home the most medals this year, we thought we'd take a whistle-stop tour around the world to some of the cities that have hosted these historic games. Everyone is a winner - on your marks, get set, let's go...
14 of our favourite Olympic cities
Ancient Olympia
Let's start, as the Olympics did, in Greece. We can't talk about the Olympics without mentioning its history. While there are many legends about the origins of the Olympics, we do know that the first recorded Olympic Games were held in Olympia, located in the western Peloponnese, in the so-called "valley of the gods". They took place every 4 years for over 1100 years when all Greeks from across the known world would unite - the athletic contest was just a small part of a wider festival honouring Zeus.
Thanks to the abolition of the Games in AD393, the destruction of the complex in AD 420, earthquakes and the ravages of time, today, little remains of the magnificent temples and facilities. Yet, there's still a whisper of its former glory in the extensive ruins, which include temples to Hera, Apollo and Zeus, altars, a gymnasium, and a stadium.
Athens - 1986 and 2004
Of course, the modern Olympics are more closely associated with the Greek capital, Athens, the ultimate city where ancient history and modern vibrancy converge. It was here, the first modern Olympic Games were held in 1896. The inaugural games were attended by 280 athletes - all male - from 12 countries. (A far cry from the 10,500 and 206 countries that will be attending the Paris Olympics in 2024.) Those with a particular interest in the Olympics can explore iconic sites like the Panathenaic Stadium which played host to the first modern Olympics in 1896 and the impressive facilities from the 2004 Games as well as the jaw-dropping site of the Acropolis and millennia of history.
Beijing - 2008 and 2022
China's capital, Beijing is the first city to host both the Summer and Winter Olympics. In 2008, we watched Chris Hoy's flawless performance in the velodrome, winning 18 consecutive races and claiming three gold medals (he was the first British athlete to win three in one Games edition in 100 years). Beyond, the British wins, the Games left a sporting legacy here with ultra-modern venues like the Bird’s Nest Stadium, showcasing Beijing’s emergence as a global power. And of course, there are plenty of ancient wonders to explore here too, like the Great Wall and the Forbidden City.
Sydney - 2000
Sydney hosted the 2000 Olympics. It was here Britain's Steve Redgrave won his fifth gold medal - becoming the first rower to win gold medals at five consecutive Olympic Games. This was also the year the flame went underwater for the first time, visiting one of Australia's most renowned landmarks, the Great Barrier Reef.
Known for its stunning harbour, beaches and Opera House, Sydney is cosmopolitan and welcoming. Today, you can experience a laid-back atmosphere that's synonymous with Australia. when you arrive down under in this sport-loving city, with its spectacular coastal backdrop and bustling arts scene.
Tokyo - 1964 & 2020 (held in 2021)
The 1964 Games were symbolic of Japan’s post-war resurgence, and - while the contentious 2020 Olympics were rescheduled and limited by COVID protocols - they also provided a welcome distraction from the challenges of a global pandemic. During the 2020 Olympics, British diver Tom Daley finally won his first gold medal - alongside his partner Matty Lee - in the men's 10-metre synchronized platform event.
This capital city is 2,194km squared; you could spend weeks exploring Tokyo and never get bored. You're sure to find a city full of futuristic landscapes, rich culture, and technological prowess - make sure you see the Shinto Meiji shrine, shop at Tokyo's answer to Rodeo Drive - Omotesando Street and wander down the neon-lit streets of the Akihabara electronic town.
Calgary - 1988 Winter Olympics
Calgary, with its stunning backdrop of the Canadian Rockies, hosted the Winter Olympics in 1988 and are remembered for several iconic moments, including the debut of the Jamaican bobsleigh team, which inspired the movie ‘Cool Runnings’. British athlete, Michael Edwards, also inspired another movie. Better known as 'Eddie the Eagle', he was the first British ski jumper since 1928 to make the Games and, though he didn't win, his good nature and commitment garnered him a lot of media attention.
Calgary earned the name “Cowtown” thanks to the abundance of Western culture that pervades a large proportion of the city, with Western-themed bars and the annual rodeo event – the Calgary Stampede – which has evolved from its background as a humble farming expo. While you're here, you can revisit these heart-warming and historic Olympic moments at the Olympic Hall of Fame and Museum and even try your hand at bobsledding or ski jumping at the Olympic Park!
Antwerp - 1920
Chosen to honour the suffering that had been inflicted on the Belgian people, Antwerp hosted the Olympics in 1920, the first games held after World War I. During this historic Games, the Olympic flag was raised for the first time with the five rings signifying the union of the five nations. It also saw the introduction of the Olympic Oath. The city itself has a rich history, and a vibrant culture, synonymous with Rubens and fine architecture, including a stunning cathedral and medieval buildings, provided a picturesque backdrop.
Helsinki - 1952
Helsinki hosted the 1952 Olympics - the year Israel and the Soviet Union entered the Games for the first time. It's the smallest city to have ever hosted the Olympics. The buildings that were constructed for it have been well-preserved and are famed for their minimalist design, sea-facing landscape, and reviving saunas. The Finnish capital is an eclectic mix of Nordic tradition, timeless beauty and understated chic. The city’s Olympic Stadium, set against a backdrop of lush greenery was designed to reflect Finland’s deep connection with both the sporting and natural worlds. Other highlights include its striking Railway Station and the sculptural Sibelius Monument, resembling organ pipes as well as Suomenlinna Fortress on the surrounding archipelago.
Rome - 1960
Rome, the Eternal City and birthplace of modern civilisation was a fitting host for the Games of 1960. It was during these games that we first saw Cassius Marcellus Clay win the light-heavyweight gold medal, he'd later be known as Muhammad Ali. Those alive to watch will also remember Ethiopian runner, Abebe Bikila, winning gold in the marathon, after famously running barefoot - he became the first Black African Olympic Champion.
With treasures around every corner and some of the world’s most incredible ancient ruins including the Colosseum, Forum and Pantheon, wherever you wander you’ll feel the weight of history all around you on a visit to Rome. (Plus, the food here is indescribably good!)
Heidelberg - 1972
Refined Heidelberg, with its elegant architectural backdrop and artistic heritage, played host to the Paralympic Games in 1972, held shortly after the 1972 Munich Summer Olympics. This event was a significant milestone in the history of the Paralympic movement, showcasing athletic talent and promoting inclusivity in sports on a global stage.
Amsterdam - 1928
The 1928 Olympics, held in Amsterdam, saw women compete on the track for the first time in history. It also introduced the world U.S. swimmer and five-time Olympic gold-medalist, Johnny Weismuller, who later made the switch to the silver screen, playing Tarzan in a whopping 12 films. Amsterdam is chock full of history with famous former residents such as Rembrandt, the greatest Dutch Golden Age artist, and Anne Frank, whose diaries tell a poignant tale of life under the Nazis. Set amongst the city’s historic network of canals, colourful flower markets and rich artistic heritage contained in the Rijksmuseum, the city’s Olympic Stadium is a piece of sports history you can still explore.
Stockholm - 1912
In 1912 Stockholm, the Swedish capital, welcomed athletes to the Games. The 1912 games saw Japan's début at the competition (the first Asian nation to participate) and the introduction of several new events, including the modern pentathlon - fencing, swimming, horse riding, pistol shooting, and running. Stockholm is a city of islands, renowned for its stunning waterfronts, historic Gamla Stan – old town, and innovative design and its Olympic Stadium (which is still in use today).
Los Angeles - 1932 and 1984 (coming soon: 2028)
LA, a city where Hollywood glamour reigns supreme has also played host to the Olympics, not once, but twice - in 1932 and 1984. It was here in 1932, that British fencer Judy Guinness pointed out to officials that they had not seen two touches scored against her by her opponent, losing her the gold medal (what good sportsmanship!). And, in 1984, they added the women's marathon, 56 years after doctors declared women who ran 800m would "become old too soon".
Today a melting pot of culture and creativity, you can enjoy exploring its diverse neighbourhoods, sun-soaked beaches and landmarks like the Sunset Strip, the real Rodeo Drive and the Walk of Fame - where 2,700 plaques (and counting) line the sidewalks of Hollywood Boulevard and Vine Street. It's synonymous with glitz and glamour.
The city is busy preparing for 2028 when it’s once again set to play host - which will put LA on par with London - and soon Paris - as the city to host the most Summer Olympic Games (three).
Paris - 1900, 1924 and 2024
This year's host, Paris, has a legacy of truly historic Olympic Games. In the 1900 Olympic Games, women were allowed to compete for the first time - although, they could only compete in five sports: tennis, sailing, croquet, equestrianism and golf. In 1924, Paris became the first city to build an Olympic village for contestants, the number of participating National Olympic Committees jumped from 29 to 44 and 1,000 journalists attended the events signalling its growing popularity. The journey of two Great British athletes - Eric Liddell and Harold Abrahams - on their way to the Paris Olympics, was immortalised in the Oscar-winning movie Chariots of Fire. (Surprisingly, despite all this, the 1924 Games were a huge economic loss for Paris.)
Today you can visit the Stade de France, the country's largest stadium and host of the Games this year. Or wander through the city, famed for its romantic boulevards, instantly recognisable landmarks, world-class art galleries and culinary excellence, no matter how many times you’ve visited, there’s always something new to discover in the French capital.
These are just some of our favourite Olympic cities (and their highlights) but with 29 Summer Olympic Games held in 21 cities, there are plenty more to discover. View our full range of destinations to see if we visit your favourite Olympic city.
