With this year’s sporting calendar hotting up and international travel looking soon to be finally back on the cards, there’s no time like the present to start planning a summer getaway to one of the most exciting cities in the world for sports fans. And, as many event venues begin permitting spectators to enter their arenas – albeit in reduced numbers – if you play your cards right then you might just manage to swing yourself some front row seats.
If you’re eager to enjoy some of the highlights of the global sporting line-up this summer then be sure to keep updated with the latest sports news to ensure that you plan your travels just right. In the meantime, let’s take a look at some of the most vibrant cities for sports fans to add to their agendas – for this summer, and beyond.
Barcelona
Barcelona is one of the most exciting cities in the world, and is famous for its beautiful architecture, buzzing nightlife and rich culture and history. It also happens to be home to one of Spain’s very best football clubs – Barcelona FC – with iconic players such as Ronaldinho, Messi, Xavi and Puyol each featuring in its star-studded squad lineup over the years.
Once also a host city of the Olympic Games – although some while back, in 1992 – you’ll find plenty of memorabilia of this iconic event here, and with great food, gorgeous weather and plenty to see and do, there’s a lot to love about Barcelona. So, if you’re looking to combine a cultural escape with some serious sporting action, then this might just be the place for you.
London
London has long been a city on many backpackers’ and wanderlust seekers’ lists, because it is so rich in history and is home to some of the world’s most famous football clubs and sports venues. With famous stadiums including the Emirates, Wembley and so on, the main football teams that play locally here include big hitters such as Arsenal, Chelsea, Tottenham and West Ham – so if you’re looking for a sports-themed getaway a little closer to home, then this home soil option is a top pick.
This summer, London is hosting several of the Euro 2020 championship games and so despite ongoing social distancing restrictions, you can expect a vibrant atmosphere if visiting this summer. The atmosphere at the stadiums, even at the current reduced capacity, is incomparable, and something you will likely remember for the rest of your life.
If you consider yourself to be a bit of a foodie then London certainly won’t disappoint, and is home to many Michelin-starred fine dining restaurants you won’t want to miss. If you prefer something a little more low key, then take your pick from the famous Edgware road, to Borough Market – or head to Brick Lane for one of the best curries in the city – whatever your vibe, you’ll never run out of options. Don’t forget to stop along the Thames in the evening to enjoy some nice street-lit walks. The view of the silhouetted Tower Bridge at night is a special sight indeed.
Tokyo
There is nowhere quite like Tokyo – a busy and buzzing city that offers a mish-mash of Japan’s unique culture and bright lights, with great food and karaoke all part of this exciting and enticing package.
Tokyo has long been famous amongst travellers – you only need to log onto YouTube to find a multitude of vlogs and videos that detail just what it is that you are missing. And, as it happens to be playing host to the Summer Olympics this year, it has recently found itself more under the spotlight than ever.
Something you might not know, however, is that Tokyo also has rather a penchant for baseball. With five prominent clubs based within the city, locals thrive on attending live games and cheering on their favourite teams at weekends. If you are looking to catch a couple of games, then make sure to go during the season, which starts in June and lasts until November – if you’re lucky then you might even catch the renowned Tokyo Yomiuri Giants taking on the Yokohama DeNA Baystars – an epic clash where the atmosphere is certain to be electric.
Melbourne
Calling all cricket fans to Melbourne! This sporting hotspot is known for playing host to the ICC World Cup, and with its perpetual sunny weather and a laid-back way of life, it’s the perfect place to take a relaxed break once borders finally reopen.
As a country, Australia has long been recognised for its impressive cricketing capabilities, but that’s certainly not the only sport it is known for. Thanks to its spectacular beaches, it is also a major surfing hotspot, so if you’re keen to watch some of the world’s very finest taking on some epic waves, then this is the place to come.
Not into cricket or surfing? Then the famous Australian Open tennis tournament will surely tickle your fancy. With stars such as Roger Federer, Rafa Nadal and Novak Djokovic taking to the courts to battle it out for the prestigious title in recent years, it’s a must for tennis fans visiting the city.
Australians have a reputation for being super laid back, as they prioritise having fun and enjoying the weather, so you can expect to receive a warm welcome and make plenty of connections while in Melbourne. So, if you are looking to fuse together an experience and an adventure – with possible visits to the outback too, then add this place to your travel list.
Berlin
Berlin might not enjoy the same amount of sunshine that some nations do, but it’s still an iconic sporting destination that ticks plenty of boxes. Rich in German culture (of course), it’s also home to the Bundesliga 2 Team, with FC Union Berlin responsible for winning Berlin a glowing reputation for great football.
Hockey and baseball are also popular here – Alba Berlin is another team to watch out for on your visits to this German hot spot of a city. Once you’ve immersed yourself in the thrilling sporting scene Berlin has to offer, you will come to see how the city thrives off of sports culture and has produced some amazing teams as a result.
Besides sports, Berlin has plenty more to offer – not least, some pretty exceptional nights out. Home to multiple big-name festivals such as the Berliner Film Festival, which is a favourite amongst fanatics of the silver screen, as well as various musical events throughout the summer months, sadly Germany’s borders still largely remain closed – but should they reopen again before the summer is out, then this is one city that certainly won’t disappoint.
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