Olympics Travel Tips: Avoid These Cities, Head to These

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Olympic Travel: Ranking the Best and Worst Host Cities

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

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

Top 10 Olympic Host Cities You Must Visit

1. Rome, Italy
Rome, the historic city that hosted the 1960 Olympics, tops the list. With a score of 7.12, Rome offers visitors a wealth of activities (6,680 to be exact), moderate safety, and a manageable 26-minute traffic time. While the average vacation 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 abundance of activities, Tokyo’s efficient public transportation system ensures that traffic doesn’t spoil the experience.

3. Athens, Greece
As the birthplace of the Olympic Games, Athens holds a special place in history. Ranked third with a score of 5.89, Athens offers 3,475 activities, a relatively low vacation cost of $1,142.91, and a short average commute time of 23 minutes. The city's rich cultural heritage is an added 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, host of the 2000 Olympic Games, is renowned for its beautiful harbor, beautiful beaches and vibrant city life, making it a favorite destination for travelers.

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

7. Munich, Germany
Munich, host city 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 vibrant street culture.

9. Helsinki, Finland
Helsinki, host city of the 1952 Olympic Games, is famous for its design, outdoor activities and closeness to nature.

10. Paris, France
Paris, which hosted the 1900, 1924 and 2024 Olympic Games, rounds out the top 10. The City of Lights continues to captivate visitors with its timeless charm, world-class art and cuisine.

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, found themselves at the bottom of the list due to factors like high costs, traffic issues or fewer activities. Here’s a look at the Olympic host cities that were least popular with travelers:

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

These cities, while historically important, may pose challenges such as higher travel costs, security issues, or limited activities for tourists.

Conclusion

Whether you’re inspired by the Olympic spirit or simply looking for your next travel adventure, this ranking offers valuable insight 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-sees for any traveler. Conversely, others might be worth avoiding, depending on your travel preferences and expectations.

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