Must-Visit Olympic Host Cities

The Olympics are passionate and inspiring world-wide sporting events, offering friendly competitions that have captured hearts of millions around the globe. The Olympics are where memories are made, miracles take place, and countries come together to host a spectacle of talent, staggered every four years for summer and winter proceedings. With a new location each quadrennial, some of the most wondrous locations on earth have played host to the best of the best amateur athletes in the world. Featured will be a selection of the top eight Olympic venues for travelers to add to their list of captivating cities to see, both for historical moments and scenic beauty.

Athens

Athens could not be left off this list, as this Greek city is the birthplace of competition and where the Olympics began, modeled after Ancient Olympic Games. In 1896, the first modern Olympics took place in Greece and were organized and recognized by an International Olympic Committee. Held again in 2004, Athens harbors excellent sites for tourists including Bay of Zea for swimming, Acropolis, Temple of Hephaestus and a National Garden in the heart of this region. There are also scenic locations to experience food and drink unique to this ancient city; the most popular being Plaka District, where visitors have their choice of a long list of restaurants and cafes for specialty coffees.

Now that you know about the awesome Olympic history of Athens, the next spot is another fantastic destination that hosted the 92' summer games.

Barcelona

Barcelona was a long overshadowed location in Spain that had not received much attention internationally until the 1992 Olympics which remain today as a tremendous success. Since the grand appearance of this now-treasured-city on an Olympic stage, emphasis on sports sustainability has never been more important to the survival of a community. Bringing themselves out of the shadows and into a global spotlight, Barcelona has emerged a budding magnet for sports enthusiasts and travelers worldwide. Located directly beside the sea, there is plenty of opportunity for beautiful walks, architectural masterpieces, and restaurant outings; there is a reason that Barcelona is known for its elite dining.

Barcelona was a great year with a lot of memories, however, the following location made history with their winter hockey event.

Lake Placid

With possibly the most dynamic competition back in 1980, during the cold war, Lake Placid served as a platform for peaceful competition but transformed into a symbol of conflict between world superpowers, the USA and the Soviet Union, in the hockey semi-finals. Lake Placid is a beautiful location for all kinds of tourists who are interested in reminiscing this controversial history and much more. With a picturesque landscape and mountainous horizon, visitors enjoy hiking, skiing, climbing and leisurely strolls as staples to outdoor life in New York’s treasured village. Activities are endless, and accommodations are friendly, making Lake Placid practically a second home.

Lake Placid was a moment in history that will never be forgotten. The next stop had moments of its own for the great white north.

Vancouver

2010 Olympics heralded a moment of pride for all Canadians as the City of Vancouver hosted their first games. Memorable moments began with opening ceremonies filled with rich culture and history of the young but mighty neighbors to the north. With that being said, Vancouver has a lot of other activities for wanderers to check out while in town. The Vancouver Art Gallery and Museum of Anthropology are ideal starts for those looking to absorb the culture and arts of this Western hotspot. For those looking to partake in more recreational interests, there are excellent activities at Stanley Park and Queen Elizabeth Park, not to mention Vancouver's bike tours filled with magnificent scenery.

Following Vancouver is a tough task to take on, however, the next stop on the docket just may have what it takes.

Los Angeles

Los Angeles (L.A.) is just one more successful USA city host the Summer Olympics back in 1984. L.A. maintained incredibly fiscal responsibility and innovative strategies for facility preparations and as a result, earned respect as a valuable link in Olympic history. Los Angeles is a favored hub in the United States for its fame and glamour of Hollywood cinema, otherwise known as La-La-Land. The 1984 multisport events made for a rich sports history which now supports popular NFL, NHL, and NBA franchises. There are plenty of activities for those traveling to this famous Olympic spot including a Hollywood Walk of Fame to see famous stars and the family-favorite, Universal Studios.

Los Angeles has been known for many things, and the Summer Olympics is definitely one of them. Next up is a town in Norway that is known for its beauty and community.

Lillehammer

Lillehammer Norway was another successful winter Olympic location back in 1994 which has reigned as one of the smallest and Northernmost hosts to date. Although it may have deviated from typical glitz and glamour that spectators are accustomed to for an Olympic stage, this quaint, twenty-seven hundred population town is a winter wonderland for snow bunnies looking to take advantage of an ideal winter terrain. Enjoyable local activities include dog sledding, skiing, snowboarding and snowshoeing across the tundra. For those eager to find an adventurous getaway that offers brisk outdoors and comfy lodges, Lillehammer is the spot for you.

Following Lillehammer is another awe-strikingly stunning destination that has hosted the Olympics multiple times.

Sydney

Sydney Australia is a popular destination for tourists and was solidified as a great host after the summer Olympics in 2000 - the second time that Australia hosted Olympic games. Sydney, Australia is great for wanderers who are looking for a friendly and energetic city. With its unparalleled architecture, the Sydney Opera House is a must-see building which hosts over forty performances weekly and birthed a truly symbolic landmark for both Olympic history in Sydney and the city itself. Manly beach is another great spot to visit for those looking to take advantage of warm weather, beach walks and breaking waves. Altogether, a must-see Olympic-host destination.

Following Sydney is a location that has had some of the most iconic opening ceremonies and more.

London

London most definitely holds the most celebrated cinematic opening ceremonies in Olympic history. With James Bond (Daniel Craig) parachuting into the stadium, Paul McCartney’s rendition of ‘Hey Jude,’ and a visit from Queen Elizabeth II herself amalgamating a visual show full of shock and awe. London has so much to offer tourists looking to explore this great capital. Iconic architecture such as Big Ben, the London Eye, Buckingham Palace and River Thames are all lovely spots for sightseeing and postcard views. Not to mention that there are plenty of homey pubs and cafes to visit to enjoy daily tea time or a tall pint.