Olympic Travel Tips: Avoid These Cities, Head to These

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Olympics Travel: Ranking the Best and Worst Host Cities

As the world gathers to witness the 2024 Paris Olympics, the celebration of athletic excellence brings with it a unique travel opportunity. Whether it’s watching Simone Biles defy gravity in gymnastics or cheering for your country’s star athletes, attending the Olympic Games is a dream for sports fans and travelers alike. But if you can’t make it to the event itself, visiting an Olympic host city offers the next best thing—though some cities are more worth visiting than others.

Recently, KÜHL, a mountain apparel company based in Salt Lake City, Utah, conducted an in-depth study ranking the best and worst Olympic host cities. The study evaluated factors such as available activities, safety indexes, travel costs, and time spent in traffic, helping potential visitors decide where to explore or avoid.

Top 10 Olympic Host Cities Worth Visiting

1. Rome, Italy
Leading the list is Rome, the historic host of the 1960 Olympic Games. With a score of 7.12, Rome offers visitors a wealth of activities (6,680 to be exact), moderate safety, and a manageable 26 minutes of traffic time. Although the average holiday cost is around $1,350, the city’s rich history and culture make it a top destination.

2. Tokyo, Japan
Tokyo, which hosted the Olympics in 1964 and 2021, comes in second with a score of 6.37. Known for its affordability, safety, and plethora of activities, Tokyo’s efficient public transportation system ensures that traffic doesn’t dampen the experience.

3. Athens, Greece
As the birthplace of the Olympics, Athens holds a special place in history. Ranking third with a score of 5.89, Athens offers 3,475 activities, a relatively low holiday cost of $1,142.91, and a short average traffic time of 23 minutes. The city’s rich cultural heritage is an additional draw.

4. Beijing, China
Host of the 2008 Summer Olympics and the 2022 Winter Olympics, Beijing is another city worth visiting, offering a mix of modern and ancient attractions.

5. Sydney, Australia
Sydney, the host of the 2000 Olympics, is renowned for its stunning harbor, beautiful beaches, and vibrant city life, making it a favorite among travelers.

6. Amsterdam, Netherlands
The 1928 Olympics brought the world to Amsterdam, a city known for its picturesque canals, cultural landmarks, and laid-back atmosphere.

7. Munich, Germany
Munich, the host of the 1972 Games, offers a mix of historic architecture, beer gardens, and access to the Bavarian Alps.

8. Barcelona, Spain
Barcelona, which hosted the 1992 Olympics, is famous for its unique architecture, Mediterranean beaches, and lively street culture.

9. Helsinki, Finland
Helsinki, the host of the 1952 Olympics, is celebrated for its design, outdoor activities, and proximity to nature.

10. Paris, France
Rounding out the top ten is Paris, the host of the 1900, 1924, and 2024 Olympics. The City of Light continues to captivate visitors with its timeless charm, world-class art, and cuisine.

Bottom 10 Olympic Host Cities to Avoid

On the other end of the spectrum, some Olympic host cities didn’t fare as well in the rankings. Cities like Vancouver, Canada; St. Louis, USA; and Atlanta, USA, landed at the bottom of the list due to factors like high costs, traffic issues, or fewer activities. Here’s a look at the least desirable Olympic host cities for travelers:

1. Vancouver, Canada
2. St. Louis, USA
3. Atlanta, USA
4. London, United Kingdom
5. Milan, Italy
6. Los Angeles, USA
7. Turin, Italy
8. Seoul, South Korea
9. Montreal, Canada
10. Mexico City, Mexico

These cities, while historically significant, may pose challenges such as higher travel expenses, safety concerns, or limited activities for tourists.

Conclusion

Whether you’re inspired by the Olympic spirit or just looking for your next travel adventure, this ranking offers valuable insights into the best and worst Olympic host cities to visit. From the historic streets of Rome to the bustling avenues of Tokyo, some destinations stand out as must-see locations for any traveler. On the flip side, other cities might be worth skipping, depending on your travel preferences and expectations.