The Best Olympic Host Cities to Visit

Some of the greatest travel moments come from fully immersing yourself in your destination, to experience what it and its people are all about. And where else does a destination showcase its culture and talent more distinctly than in the world-famous Olympic Games?

While pandemic restrictions means we can’t visit Beijing for the 2022 games launching this week, it doesn’t mean we can’t get a taste of the Olympic spirit by visiting earlier host cities. Visiting former Olympic cities gives us a glimpse at how the country represented itself to a global audience, shows where the athletes competed and the legacy structures and venues that were built for the event. It reminds us how each country came together on a worldwide stage for a spectacle of dedication, skill, and cultural pride.

ToursByLocals guides know plenty of stories and attractions to share in these iconic sites, so visiting with a local always adds value and insight to your experience. On the eve of the Beijing Winter Olympics, let’s take a look at these former Olympic host cities and what you can expect from your visit.

Vancouver and Whistler, Canada

Vancouver is set amongst a mountainous landscape that made for a breathtaking setting for the 2010 Winter Olympics. With the Pacific Ocean, North Shore Mountains, and awe-inspiring drive up the Sea to Sky highway, Vancouver (and Whistler!) is the epitome of West Coast beauty and the world was able to experience this through the Olympic coverage. Explore the city with ToursByLocals excursions such as the Vancouver Highlights Private Tour to visit attractions such as scenic Stanley Park, historic Gastown, quaint Granville Island, and take in Olympic sights such as the Olympic Cauldron, which was illuminated to kick off the games, and the Olympic Village, which housed 2,800 athletes.

Barcelona, Spain

Barcelona played host to the Summer Olympic Games in 1992, and it is well worth visiting today to see the Olympic sites, experience the vibrant atmosphere of the streets, and savour the delicious flavours of its cuisine. Join a ToursByLocals tour like the Ultimate Barcelona Half Day Shore Excursion to experience architectural masterpieces such as Gaudi’s Casa Batlló and Casa Milà, the wonder of construction Sagrada Família, the vibrant street of La Rambla, and the city’s atmospheric Gothic Quarters. You will also visit Montjuic, a hill with an amazing view of the city and the site of Barcelona Olympic Park.

Lake Placid, USA

Located in upstate New York, Lake Placid is a two-time Winter Olympic host city, first in 1932 and again in 1980. It’s a classic American winter getaway destination with plenty of things to do. Lovers of adventure, the outdoors, and of course, the Olympics, can explore the area with a ToursByLocals Off the Beaten Path Olympic and Historical Lake Placid Tour. The tour visits the USA Luge Indoor Start Facility, the US Olympic Training Center, and embark on a two-hour hike on the Mt. Van Hoevenberg trail with a visit to the 1932 Olympic bobsled track and current-day luge/bobsled/skeleton track.

Sochi, Russia

Host of the 2014 Winter Olympics, the seaside city of Sochi (presenting one of Russia’s more mild winter climates), features coastal and mountain clusters in its Olympic territory. Learn all about this interesting place and culture on a ToursByLocals Olympic Sochi Full-day Tour, where you can take a lift 2,320 metres to Rosa Peak for an incredible 360-degree panoramic view, as well as visit the Grand Prix F1 Sochi Museum and racing track, the Olympic Park and Medal Plaza, and witness the Water and Light Show.

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

The sizzling city of Rio de Janeiro hosted the 2016 Summer Olympics, and anyone who visits will be in awe of its lush coastal and mountainous landscapes. Visit attractions such as Christ the Redeemer, Selaron Steps, and Sugar Loaf Mountain, and immerse yourself in this unique and vibrant culture. Your ToursByLocals guide is always happy to customize tours and can point out sporting venues used for the Olympics, such as the iconic Copacabana Beach, where beach volleyball was held, and will share their experiences from the games on tours such as on this Full Day Top Attractions Private Tour.

Olympia, Greece

A list of Olympic host cities wouldn’t be complete without the birthplace of the Olympic Games, first held in 776 BC in Greece. Olympia offers a step back in time to explore the beautiful Olympic Games site, unique archaeological museum, and the ancient ruins of Olympia which are teeming with fascinating history. ToursByLocals offers guided experiences such as the full day tour from Athens or, for those arriving on cruise ships,half day tour from Katakolon, to experience Olympia.

Beijing, China

Host of both the 2008 Summer Olympics and the current 2022 Winter Olympics, once it re-opens to international tourism, Beijing has a lot to offer for Olympic enthusiasts. While China’s capital primarily attracts tourists for its Great Wall of China, stretching across 5,500 miles, the ToursByLocals tour of One Day Beijing Must-Sees - China Great Wall and Beijing Olympic Park will also take you to the national stadiums, Bird’s Nest and Water Cube, for a look at where the athletes competed and an understanding of Chinese culture.

Paris plays home to the next Olympics, in the summer of 2024; here’s to a joyous in-person extravaganza of sport and togetherness in the future!