The 2024 Summer Olympics will be hosted in Paris, France. A city known for its exquisite art, romantic charm and high fashion, Paris is often at the top of a traveller’s city breaks list. This summer, it’ll be at the top of many sports enthusiasts lists too, especially those who have tickets to the Olympic games.
This will be the third time Paris has hosted the Olympics, but which other wonderful cities have played host to the games over the years? Even more so, which cities have hosted the Olympics and are perfect for your next trip? Let’s take a look…
Do you find yourself tuning into the Olympics when the parallel bars, pommel horse and still rings are out?
Gymnastics has been a sport often dominated by the Russians/USSR at the Olympics, most notably Larisa Latynina who has won 18 medals, 9 of those gold at three Olympic games. Romania has also been at the top of the sport over the years. But USA’s Simone Biles has become a household name as of late and is the most decorated gymnast in World Championships history with 30 medals.
Gymnastics is a sport of elegance, beauty and grace paired with strength, power and stability. So, based off of that description what better Olympic city does gymnastics pair up well with than this year’s host, Paris?
France’s capital oozes elegance through its architecture; whether it’s the Eiffel Tower or the Gothic Notre-Dame cathedral, the landmarks and buildings of Paris are a sight to see. Plus, with its designer boutiques, fashionable locals and the River Seine, there’s good reason why Paris has so many fans.
Australia has hosted the Olympics a few times, both in Sydney in 2000 and Melbourne in 1956 and Brisbane will be hosting in 2032.
The Australians have made a name for themselves in the swimming lanes with Ian Thorpe and Emma McKeon to name a couple. When surfing was introduced as a new event Australia’s Owen Wright took Bronze in the men’s event.
And when you think of surfing… you think of Australia, right? Athletic surfers with beach blonde hair riding the waves on a hot summer’s day in Bondi beach. And that’s because Australia has often been recognised as one of the best surfing destinations in the world. With a number of fantastic beaches around Sydney, you can even enjoy a spot of swimming too!
Speaking of Bondi Beach, it’s Australia’s most famous beach and there’s a range of cafes, restaurants, shops and hotels lining it, making it perfect for a day out when in Sydney. Balmoral Beach and Manly Beach are fantastic family-friendly options. Hop on a ferry from Circular Quay and head over to Manly where you’ll be greeted by clear waters and white sands – great for snorkelling.
Just a short walk away from Manly Beach, you’ll find the secluded Shelly Beach, often popular with snorkellers and divers as it has a protected marine environment in shallow waters.
The very first Olympic games took place in Athens in 1896, the city then hosted the games again in 2004.
The history of the Olympics takes us back to 3,000 years ago, to the Peloponnese in Ancient Greece. When you think about the origin of the Olympics, you might remember the Discobulus by Myron – an ancient Greek sculpture of an ancient Greek athlete throwing a discus. The statue was completed around 460-450 BC and depicts just how far back the origins of the Olympics goes. It’s not exactly known when the Olympics started, although some sources cite 776 BC.
As Athens is the home of the Olympics, it’s difficult to not travel back in time with a trip to the Greek capital. You can visit all the popular landmarks, including the Acropolis – an impressive hilltop citadel which includes a complex of ancient temples, the most well-known being the Parthenon dedicated to Goddess Athena.
Aside from the Acropolis, there’s plenty more ancient wonders to explore in Athens. The Olympian Zeus Temple can be spotted by its tall columns that are still standing to this day. The Arch of Hadrian, situated next to the Zeus Temple was built by the Roman Emperor Hadrian, and the Roman Agora ruins located in the Monastiraki area was the largest open market in Athens.
Tokyo has hosted two Olympic games, one in 1964 and the most recent in 2020 (which was actually postponed and took place in 2021 due to the Covid pandemic).
Karate was first introduced at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics which is fitting considering karate was developed in the Ryukyu Kingdom which is now Okinawa Prefecture. The first style of karate was started in Okinawa. Throughout the years what started off as a rough fighting style changed and became a bit more polished as it got popular throughout Japan.
As much as karate is about self-defence and discipline, many people practice karate as a means of exercise and to support a healthy lifestyle. Speaking of a healthy lifestyle, Japanese cuisine has often been seen as one of the healthiest cuisines in the world. So, it’s worth exploring the variety of food in store during a Tokyo trip.
Sushi is perhaps the most well-known. There are different types of sushi, like nigiri, which is raw fish on rice, seasoned with vinegar, and makizushi or maki where raw fish or vegetables and rice are rolled in seaweed. Ramen is another popular option – egg noodles in a salty broth served with meat and an egg. And if you fancy going for something a little less healthy, try tempura. Batter-coated seafood and veggies which are fried in oil and served up with dipping sauce.
If you’re somebody who’s only interested in watching the Olympic opening ceremony rather than the sports, then good ole’ Rio is the place to go.
Many people have considered Rio’s opening ceremony a top 10 favourite and we all know the Brazilian city has a party reputation, namely due to the city’s yearly carnival.
Rio de Janeiro is renowned for its nightlife, from samba dancing to lively street parties. Lapa is perhaps the most famous nightlife area in central Rio hosting a huge street party every weekend. There are also loads of bars and nightclubs in Lapa too. Other exciting areas include Botafogo filled with affordable bars and restaurants, as well as the beach areas of Ipanema and Copacabana.
Any of these Olympic host cities tickle your fancy? Travel with confidence by booking with a local ABTA member and enjoy your next trip with added peace of mind.
