Every year, major sporting events take place around the world. From the Summer Olympics to the FIFA World Cup, each host city aims to impress visitors with more to do than just attend games. That’s why they highlight major attractions to keep people busy between sports events.
Also, if you’re to travel halfway around the world for a tournament, you want to make the most out of it and tick a few attracts off your bucket list. Below, we explore the top cities that have inspired travelers to enjoy discovering a new country, while cheering on their favorite sports teams.
Barcelona: Where Football Meets Art
Spain is known internationally as a football powerhouse. But, when you visit the city of Barcelona, you’re in for a treat from various angles. Football fans have the chance to enjoy experiencing an exhilarating game while exploring the beautiful architecture and art galleries.
Camp Nou Stadium
The famous Camp Nou Stadium is home to European and La Liga giants, FC Barcelona. But it’s more than just a pitch. When you visit Camp Nou, remember to get tickets for the FC Barcelona Museum. Enjoy an immersive tour that brings to life the story of the football club and its many legendary players.
The Fantastical SagradaFamília
Antoni Gaudí’s unfinished masterpiece attracts thousands of visitors to Barcelona. The SagradaFamília is an awe-inspiring architectural wonder with intricate facades and towering spires. The blend of Gothic and Art Nouveau styles is a true representation as a symbol of Barcelona’s creative spirit.
Park Güell: Gaudí’s Playful Landscape
This colorful, whimsical park is another of Gaudí’s creations. The Park Güell feels like stepping into a fairytale filled with mosaic-covered sculptures, serpentine benches, and the famous lizard fountain. A truly fantastic blend of architecture and nature.
New York: From Iconic Stadiums to Broadway Lights
There’s no denying that New York City is a mecca for tourists looking for a stimulating experience. From the iconic Yankee Stadium to the much-loved Madison Square Garden, there’s no shortage of sporting events to keep you entertained. That, coupled with a vibrant arts and culture scene, you’re in for a treat when you visit the Big Apple
Yankee Stadium: A Baseball Landmark
Attending a baseball game in America is something everyone should experience at least once in their lifetime. And watching a game at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx is as authentic as it gets. Home to the New York Yankees, it’s not just a stadium but a bastion of baseball history.
So, whether you’re a die-hard baseball fan or simply curious, you can’t help but get caught up in all the fun during a Yankees game.
Madison Square Garden: The World’s Most Famous Arena
As a multi-purpose arena, many people have, at least, heard of Madison Square Garden. It’s primarily used for NBA and ice hockey games. Additionally, the venue sometimes hosts boxing matches and music concerts. At the end of the day, it’s a place where history is continually written.
When you go to New York City, make sure to also experience the all-inclusive tour of the arena. It’s an opportunity to see how the venue operates and transforms itself between basketball and ice hockey games, for example.
Broadway: The Home of American Theater
Just a few miles from Yankee Stadium is Broadway. This global pinnacle of theater is where you can experience the magic of world-class performances. Timeless classics alongside contemporary masterpieces provide magical experiences at the highest levels.
New York’s artistic spirit shines bright through the mesmerizing billboards advertising spellbinding performances. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience you don’t want to miss.
Timeless Attractions: Times Square and the Statue of Liberty
Of course, it’s almost impossible to visit The Big Apple without touching foot on Times Square. It’ll look familiar because of the many movies or adverts that have been shot here. The dazzling array of digital advertising shows you how far creativity can be pushed.
Then, on the ground, you’ll get swept up in the energy of the diverse residents of the city. Each individual, somehow, makes up a perfect piece of the New York City puzzle.
And of course, head to the Statue of Liberty. This iconic status stands tall as an iconic symbol of freedom and hope for the American people. Take the time to climb to the top and enjoy mesmerizing views of the whole of New York City.
Tokyo: A Fusion of Sumo Tradition and Modern Wonders
Japan ranks as a top destination for many people. It’s an almost perfect blend of traditional culture and modern marvels. The heart of Japan, Tokyo, isn’t like other capital cities. It represents this blend of experiences that delight both cultural enthusiasts and lovers of modern conveniences.
Japan’s Traditional Sport: Sumo Wrestling
The ancient sport of Sumo wrestling is both fascinating and entertaining. It forms an integral part of the city’s cultural scene. Dating back thousands of years, Sumo is more than just a fight between two men.
When you have the privilege to attend a Sumo match, you’re taken through a ceremonial spectacle deeply entwined with Japan’s history and Shinto beliefs. From beautiful salt-throwing rituals to intense bouts, it’s a unique window into what makes this country so special.
Shibuya: The Pulse of Contemporary Tokyo
The city of Tokyo transports you to the future, today. Between the sky-high skyscrapers to the vibrant city lights, it’s a feast for the eyes. Technological advancements have given rise to marvels such as Shibuya, known for its famous scramble crossing.
It’s a bustling hub of activity made up of traditional food, high fashion, and Pulsating nightlife. The area instantly energizes you because of the fast-paced, tech-savvy nature of contemporary Tokyo.
Tokyo Skytree: Touching the Sky
A marvel of engineering and design, the Tokyo Skytree dominates Tokyo’s skyline. Climb to the top and enjoy breathtaking views of the whole city from the tallest structure in Japan. Tokyo Skytree is a symbol of forward-thinking and the endless possibilities of technology and architecture.
Planning Your Sport-Themed Holiday
While you might visit a new city to support your favorite sports teams, or to experience a tournament, it’s also a chance to explore. Sightseeing the cultural and historical attractions means you need to extend your trip a little longer after the game.
So, you need to plan accordingly. You can make use of a service like go sport travel to help you plan your itinerary, accommodation, transportation, and so on. Below, we give practical tips on how to effectively juggle between the thrill of sports and the allure of city highlights.
1) Plan Ahead
You can’t just “go with the vibes” when you visit a new country or city. It’s always a good idea to do your research and schedule bookings. If your primary goal is to watch sports games, find the sporting schedule of upcoming games and buy your tickets.
From there, you can plan your other excursions around the sports games. Remember, some attractions may require advance bookings, so factor this into your plans. Send inquiries and use a diary to keep track of your plans.
2) Choose Accommodation Wisely
By this, we mean that location is key. In some cities, it’s easier to get around with a car, while it’s better to use public transport in others. You want to make sure you can get around the city in a timely manner.
Also, if would want to go sightseeing in comfortable clothes, you can then go back to your accommodation to freshen up. Soon after, you’d be able to dress up for the sports game in the evening.
Try to select a hotel or lodging that is centrally located. Or at least one that’s close to the metro station for convenient transportation into the city center. This ensures that you can easily get to both the sports venue and major tourist sites.
Proximity to public transportation can also save time and make traveling within the city more efficient.
3) Combine Activities
To maximize your time, multi-task sightseeing by planning your activities accordingly. This is especially important if you’re short on time, and want to get the most out of your trip.
For example, consider going to attractions close to the sports stadium of the game you want to go watch. That way, you leave your hotel once and enjoy a full day of sightseeing before the game kicks off.
4) Stay Flexible
As with any other type of holiday, you should be willing to adapt to changes. The sports event might get rescheduled, or the venue changed. Such changes might heavily affect a perfectly planned itinerary. But, remember to take it in stride and enjoy your time in the new city.
It might be a chance to discover a hidden gem in the city or to connect with locals as you try to navigate your way around the city. Being flexible with your plans allows you to make the most of these unexpected opportunities.
5) Use Technology
Our smartphones give us endless opportunities and unlimited resourcing. Download the right apps and make use of online resources such as travel blogs. Use apps for bookings, buying tickets, transportation, finding hidden attractions, and so on.
Make sure your phone battery is fully charged before you leave your hotel, or that you have a portable charger. Double-check venue addresses and make use of the maps app to make navigation easier.
Wrapping Up
As a sports-loving traveler, there are plenty of opportunities to not only cheer on your sports teams but also to experience a new culture. Take the time to discover what local attractions make your destination unique. At the same time, ensure that you plan your trip and make books where needed.
We hope that this article has inspired you to go on a trip to sporting events. If you have any questions or advice to share with our readers, please leave these in the comments below.
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