For sports fans, travel isn’t just about sightseeing, museums, or beaches — it’s about experiencing the energy of a stadium, the thrill of a finish line, or the atmosphere of a city that lives and breathes its teams. Across the globe, certain cities stand out as meccas for sports enthusiasts. Whether it’s football, baseball, Formula 1, tennis, or even cricket, these destinations offer not only world-class sporting events but also an immersive cultural experience. For travelers who also enjoy placing a wager, resources like bookmakers without GamStop can provide insights into betting options that complement the excitement of live events.
Here are 10 cities to visit if you love sports events.
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1. London, United Kingdom
London is arguably one of the most diverse sports cities in the world. Football fans can watch Premier League matches featuring clubs like Chelsea, Arsenal, and Tottenham. Tennis lovers flock to Wimbledon in July for one of the sport’s most iconic tournaments. Add to that the Six Nations rugby matches at Twickenham, cricket at Lord’s, and even NFL games at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, and London becomes a year-round sports hub.
Bonus tip: The city’s museums, like the Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Museum, add a historical dimension to the trip.
2. Barcelona, Spain
Few cities embody sporting passion quite like Barcelona. The Camp Nou, home to FC Barcelona, is a pilgrimage site for football lovers. But beyond football, Barcelona also hosts major athletics, swimming, and cycling events. In 1992, it famously hosted the Summer Olympics, leaving behind world-class facilities that are still in use.
Bonus tip: The city’s Mediterranean setting makes it easy to combine sports with relaxation on the beach.
3. Melbourne, Australia
Known as Australia’s sporting capital, Melbourne boasts an impressive calendar: the Australian Open in January, the Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix in March, and the Melbourne Cup horse race in November. Aussie Rules Football is also a huge draw, with the MCG (Melbourne Cricket Ground) hosting the finals in a truly electric atmosphere.
Bonus tip: The city’s sports bars and local fan culture make it a great place to watch matches you can’t attend in person.
4. New York City, USA
New York is a dream for sports travelers thanks to its variety. Baseball fans can catch the Yankees or Mets; basketball lovers have the Knicks or Brooklyn Nets; ice hockey fans have the Rangers or Islanders; and American football enthusiasts can watch the Giants or Jets. In late summer, the US Open tennis tournament adds a global event to the mix.
Bonus tip: Madison Square Garden is an iconic arena that’s worth visiting, even for non-sports events.
5. Tokyo, Japan
Tokyo offers a fascinating mix of traditional and modern sports. Sumo wrestling tournaments are held multiple times a year and are a must-see for visitors. Baseball is also wildly popular, with the Tokyo Dome home to the Yomiuri Giants. The 2020 Olympics (held in 2021) brought new facilities and global events to the city, including athletics, basketball, and swimming.
Bonus tip: Don’t miss the experience of watching a sumo morning practice at a local stable.
6. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Rio is synonymous with passion for football. The Maracanã Stadium is legendary, having hosted two FIFA World Cup finals. But Rio’s sports scene isn’t limited to football. The city also hosts beach volleyball, surfing, and athletics events, especially after the 2016 Summer Olympics.
Bonus tip: Time your visit during Carnival or the Copa Libertadores final for an unforgettable atmosphere.
7. Paris, France
Paris is home to Roland Garros, the French Open, one of tennis’s four Grand Slam tournaments. Football fans can enjoy PSG matches at Parc des Princes, while rugby is popular in the greater Île-de-France area. The city will also host events for the Paris 2024 Olympics, adding even more reason to visit.
Bonus tip: Combine sports with culture by visiting the Stade de France and the Musée National du Sport.
8. Los Angeles, USA
Los Angeles offers almost every major sport: the Lakers and Clippers (NBA), Dodgers (MLB), Rams and Chargers (NFL), and Kings (NHL). Add in the LA Marathon, major boxing and UFC events, and the occasional Olympic Games (1932, 1984, and coming again in 2028), and LA is a sports fan’s paradise.
Bonus tip: The SoFi Stadium tour gives a behind-the-scenes look at one of the most modern sports venues in the world.
9. Munich, Germany
Munich is a must-visit for football fans, especially those who want to watch Bayern Munich at the Allianz Arena. The city also hosts annual events like the BMW Open (tennis) and is a frequent stop for international athletics and winter sports due to its proximity to the Alps.
Bonus tip: Visiting during Oktoberfest adds another layer of festivity to your trip.
10. Las Vegas, USA
Once known mainly for entertainment and casinos, Las Vegas has transformed into a major sports city. It now hosts the Las Vegas Raiders (NFL), Vegas Golden Knights (NHL), and Formula 1 Las Vegas Grand Prix. The city also welcomes major boxing matches, UFC fights, and even plans for MLB expansion.
Bonus tip: Combine a sports trip with one of Vegas’s world-class shows for the ultimate entertainment package.
For sports lovers, travel offers a chance to experience the games they love in unforgettable settings. From the history of Lord’s in London to the high-tech stadiums of Tokyo and the electric atmosphere of Rio, these cities aren’t just destinations — they’re experiences.
Whether you’re planning a trip around a single event or hoping to catch multiple games across different sports, these cities deliver excitement, culture, and the chance to be part of something bigger than the game itself.