The Best Sports Cities in the World
By
Will Brown
Contributor Updated: 29 July 2024
Will Brown Contributor
William Brown is a Content Writer with strong expertise in US and global gambling industry trends. Having covered the local sports betting market since the repeal of PASPA in 2018, William approaches his gambling guides with passion and diligence. He is a keen player of online slots, blackjack, and a regular sports bettor.
The Best Sports Cities
While you will find sporting events held in almost every city across the globe, the best sports cities in the world provide countless opportunities to enjoy a myriad of events, whether it be soccer, formula 1, tennis, or basketball. In this comprehensive guide, we’ve looked at the top sporting destinations to see prestigious and professional sports. You can book your holidays at any of these locations and expect to be thrilled all year round.
Intro to Destination Sports Experiences
If you’re a sports lover, booking a holiday to a well-known sports destination can ensure that you can experience the excitement of standing in a local crowd at a major stadium, cheering on top-tier talent. In some cases, you’ll find sports that are unique to that location, while others have global appeal.
We’ve organized this guide based on the major regions of the globe, including Europe, North America, South America, and Oceania. This way, you can book a city-hopping holiday loaded with sports experiences with minimal time spent traveling.
- Destinations by Region
- Top European Sports Cities
- North American Sports Cities
- South American Sports Cities
- Best Sports Cities in Oceania
The Top Sports Destination by Region
Whether you wish to explore the medieval cities of Europe or the tropical sunshine of South America, you’ll never have to sacrifice sporting experiences to see new corners of the world. The following regions are renowned for hosting plenty of modern stadiums and venues with regular major sporting events.
Europe
As the birthplace of major international sports such as soccer, tennis, cricket, and formula 1, Europe has one of the most passionate fanbases of sports in the world. Before you head over, check out online sportsbooks with F1 markets and other international sports to place pre-match wagers on prestigious events.
London, England
London is considered to be a premier city for destination sport experiences for many reasons. The city is home to some of the most iconic stadiums in the world, including Wembley Stadium and Wimbledon. Wembley regularly hosts major Premier League soccer games, while Wimbledon hosts the oldest tennis tournament in the world.
With so many high-quality venues that are easily accessible by public transport, it’s no wonder that the Summer Olympics has been held in the city three times, including the games in 2012. Other major sporting events include the annual London Marathon, rugby, and regular cricket games at the Lord’s Cricket Ground.
Paris, France
With the 2024 Summer Olympics set to kick off in Paris for the third time, there is no doubt that this is one of the best sports cities in the world. Home to the headquarters of the Formula 1 official authority, Paris is also renowned for hosting professional league soccer and rugby matches.
It also hosts the French Open tennis tournament. Iconic stadiums include the Stade de France, the Roland Garros Stadium, and Parc des Prince Stadium. If you head down to the world-famous Champs-Élysées in July, you can also catch the final stage of the Tour de France cycling race.
Barcelona, Spain
After being transformed into a major sporting destination following the 1992 Summer Olympics, Barcelona has continued to thrive as a home to thrilling international events. You can catch soccer games featuring FC Barcelona at the Camp Nou Stadium and basketball at the Palau Blaugrana among other sports.
The city is also beloved by skateboarders for its wide paved streets and flat terrain, and its proximity to the beach makes it the ideal spot for watersports such as sailing. The Barcelona Marathon is held every year, with the course running through its beautiful Gaudi-designed streets and beachfront.
North America
If you’re reading this guide, there’s a strong chance that you’re based in the USA already. As you know, the nation is home to countless passionate sports fans, with local sports dominating interest from audiences. If you’re looking for a city break, consider both New York and Los Angeles for your next sport holidays.
Los Angeles, USA
As the home to the Summer Olympics three times and the host of the 2028 games, Los Angeles is known the world over for its iconic sporting events. For basketball, head to the Staples Center to watch the Lakers and Clippers dominate, or enjoy baseball at Dodger Stadium.
For football fans, head to the modern SoFi Stadium to check out NFL games or visit the Rose Bowl for the annual college football game. The beaches of LA are popular for cycling, surfing, and beach volleyball, while other sports such as skateboarding and MMA are also known to hold major events here.
New York, USA
Not only is New York considered one of the best cities on Earth, but it is also among the best sports cities in the world. Among the most famous sports arenas in the world is Madison Square Garden, which has become synonymous with major boxing matches, NBA games, and NHL games.
Both Yankee Stadium and Citi Field host games for baseball fans, while the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center hosts the US Open tournament. Another staple event is the New York Marathon, which hosts elite runners annually. With teams in all of the Big Four US Leagues, there are countless games to watch in New York.
South America
While South America has long been home to some of the most passionate sports fans in the world, it is only in the past 20 years that the continent has developed modern sporting facilities to rival those in Europe. Head south to enjoy the warm climate, friendly locals, and vibrant culture while viewing your favorite sports.
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
The 2010s have seen Rio de Janeiro become a highlight of sporting destinations. This was kicked off after Brazil hosted the 2014 FIFA World Cup and culminated in 2016 when Rio de Janeiro hosted the Summer Olympics for the first time. These events saw a significant investment in creating world-class sporting venues.
Without a doubt, soccer is the most popular sport in the Maracanã Stadium hosting passionate fans to see local clubs. The iconic Copacabana and Ipanema beaches attract surfers and beach volleyball players all year round, while local sports such as capoeira and futsal can always be stumbled across after a stroll around the city.
Buenos Aires, Argentina
Often considered to be the Paris of the South, Buenos Aires is home to Argentina’s premier soccer clubs. Head to the La Bombonera and El Monumental stadiums to watch one of the most storied football rivalries in the world, or enjoy a game of rugby from the sidelines at Velez Sarsfield.
Oceania
Despite the long flight times involved, you will find premium destination sport experiences in Oceania. Whether you head to Asia or Australia, you’ll be able to find major international sports events in these major cities regularly.
Melbourne, Australia
Melbourne is among the best sports cities in the world because of its strong local sports culture and many venues. You can watch cricket or Australian Rules Football (AFL) at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, or test your tennis online betting skills before heading to the Australian Open at Melbourne Park. The Melbourne Cup horse racing event sees the city awarded a day off from work, while the Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix is also a major date on the sporting calendar.
Beijing, China
After Beijing hosted the Summer Olympics in 2008, the world was introduced to the city as a major sports destination. With its iconic National Stadium and the National Aquatics Center, the city is home to the most beautiful and state-of-the-art facilities on the planet. The local sports scene is loaded with professional basketball events, soccer, and martial arts. Its huge population also sees it regularly attract international events such as tennis and motorsports.
Tokyo, Japan
The final city on our list of the best sports cities in the world is Tokyo, which was the most recent host of the Summer Olympics. If you’re looking for something distinctly local, head to the Ryogoku Kokugikan arena, which is the country’s main sumo wrestling venue. The Tokyo Dome hosts everything from baseball to basketball, while its local soccer teams battle it out at Ajinomoto Stadium. Other popular events include the Tokyo Marathon and Japan Open tennis tournament.
