17 Must-Visit Olympic Venues Around the World

The Olympics have left an indelible mark on cities across the globe, transforming them into hubs of history, culture, and athletic excellence. From ancient arenas to modern architectural marvels, these venues offer a glimpse into the spirit of the Games and the legacy they leave behind. 

Though you may not be able to attend the 2024 Paris Olympics, that doesn’t mean you can’t still experience some of the magic of the games. With a little knowledge and the right eSIM app, you’ll be able to see where world-class athletes did their best to take home gold and share your experiences with others. 

Below are 17 must-visit Olympic venues from around the world.

Europe

The leading continent in hosting the Summer Olympics (15 times in the modern run of the games), Europe offers visitors many opportunities to experience the magic of the games. When traveling to Europe, make sure to install a virtual SIM card before you go. This will ensure you have Internet access during your travels, no matter which of the following locations you visit. Buy eSIM unlimited data plans for Europe through the GigSky app!

1. Panathenaic Stadium - Athens, Greece

Historical Significance: The Panathenaic Stadium, built entirely of marble, is the only stadium of its kind in the world. It hosted the first modern Olympic Games in 1896.

Visitor Information: Open daily, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Tickets: €5 for adults, free for children.
It’s best to visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the midday heat.

2. Olympic Stadium - Berlin, Germany

Historical Significance: This venue was the centerpiece of the 1936 Olympics. It was used as a platform for Nazi propaganda and witnessed Jesse Owens' historic victories.

Visitor Information: Opening hours vary by season and events.
Tickets start at €8 for guided tours.
It’s best to visit on weekdays when there are no events for a quieter experience.

3. Olympic Park - London, United Kingdom

Historical Significance: The site of the 2012 Summer Olympics, the park offers various attractions, including the ArcelorMittal Orbit and the London Stadium.

Visitor Information: Most attractions are open daily, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Tickets range from €10 to €25.
It’s best to visit on weekdays to avoid crowds or during special events.

4. Olympic Park - Barcelona, Spain

Historical Significance: Home to the 1992 Summer Olympics, this park is a beautiful blend of modern and historic architecture, marking the city's resurgence.

Visitor Information: Open daily, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Entrance fees vary by attraction, starting at €7.
The best to visit in the early evening to enjoy the sunset over the city. 

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5. Stade de France - Paris, France

Historical Significance: A versatile stadium that hosted the 1998 FIFA World Cup and various Olympic events. It will come into use again for the 2024 Olympics and be the grounds for various athletic events as well as rugby sevens. 

Visitor Information: Opening hours and ticket prices vary by event. Check the official website for details.
The best time to visit will likely be after the 2024 Olympics have concluded. 

6. Lysgårdsbakken - Lillehammer, Norway

Historical Significance: Nestled amongst a ski town outside of Oslo, visitors can see the ski jumping hill used during the 1994 Winter Olympics.

Visitor Information: Open daily, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Prices start at €15 for tours.
The best time to visit is during the summer for hiking or during the winter for skiing.

7. PalaLottomatica - Rome, Italy

Historical Significance: A multi-purpose sports and entertainment arena that hosted various events during the 1960 Summer Olympics.

Visitor Information: Opening hours and ticket prices vary. Check the official website for details.
The best time to visit is during special events.

8. Olympic Stadium - Helsinki, Finland

Historical Significance: Used for the 1952 Summer Olympics, it is a historic landmark in Finnish sport and represents a symbol of national pride.

Visitor Information: Open daily, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Tickets start at €10 for adults.
It’s best to visit during the summer months for guided tours.

Asia

Tied with North America, the second leading continent for hosting the Summer Olympics is Asia (six times). It comes in third for hosting the Winter Olympics (five times). Spanning the main continent to outlying areas – like Australia – there’s much to see and do in addition to the games’ stadiums. Before going, ensure you have the best eSIM app to keep you connected as you explore everything a location has to offer. A travel eSIM will allow you to use apps for navigation, video calling and checking social media. 

9. Sydney Olympic Park - Sydney, Australia

Historical Significance: Sydney hosted the 2000 Summer Olympics and played a significant role in reshaping and revitalizing the surrounding area.

Visitor Information: Opening hours vary by attraction.
Prices range from free to €25, depending on the activity.
The best time to visit is during major events or weekends for a lively atmosphere.

10. National Stadium - Beijing, China

Historical Significance: Known as the "Bird's Nest," it was the main stadium for the 2008 Summer Olympics and symbolizes China's emergence as a global powerhouse.

Visitor Information: Opening hours vary by season.
Tickets start at €10 for adults.
The best time to visit is during the spring or autumn for milder weather and fewer tourists.

11. Olympic Green - Beijing, China

Historical Significance: This location features iconic structures like the National Aquatics Center and the Beijing National Stadium.

Visitor Information: Open daily, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Entrance fees vary by attraction.
The best time to visit is in the early morning or late afternoon.

12. Sapporo Dome - Sapporo, Japan

Historical Significance: Used for the 2002 FIFA World Cup and the 1972 Winter Olympics, it still draws visitors and hosts events today. 

Visitor Information: Opening hours depend on events.
Admission fees are event-specific.
The best time to visit is during the Sapporo winter festival for a vibrant atmosphere.

13. Olympic Ski Jump Arena - Pyeongchang, South Korea

Historical Significance: This venus is part of the Alpensia Resort, used for ski jumping and Big Air events during the 2018 Winter Olympics.

Visitor Information: Open daily, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Prices vary by activity.
The best time to visit is in winter for skiing or during special events.

14. Olympic Sliding Centre - Pyeongchang, South Korea

Historical Significance: The venue for bobsleigh, skeleton, and luge events during the 2018 Winter Olympics.

Visitor Information: Open daily, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Prices vary by activity.
It’s best to visit in winter for an authentic experience.

North America

Tied with Asia, the second leading continent for hosting the Summer Olympics is North America (six times). It’s also the second leading continent for hosting the Winter Olympics, likely thanks to its natural abundance of snow (six times). 

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From Canada to the U.S. to Mexico, the games have been spread out across this isolated continent. The best eSIM for traveling through all three countries with seamless connectivity is the GigSky North America plan. Cross borders without worrying about losing your Internet connection. 

15. Whistler Olympic Park - Whistler, Canada

Historical Significance: This venue hosted the Nordic events during the 2010 Winter Olympics.

Visitor Information: Open daily, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Prices vary based on activities, starting at €25.
The best time to visit is in winter for skiing and snowboarding.

16. The Utah Olympic Park - Park City, USA

Historical Significance: It hosted events for the 2002 Winter Olympics, transforming a former mining area into a world-class winter sports venue.

Visitor Information: Open daily, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Prices range from €20 for activities to €60 for combined packages.
The best time to visit is in winter for snow sports or summer for adventure activities.

South America

Rounding out the list is Latin America, which has hosted only one Olympic Games (Brazil, 2016). As of this writing, no Southern Hemisphere city has applied or hosted the cold-weather-dependent games – held in February. Finding the right eSIM cards for your trip to South America doesn’t have to be difficult! When looking for an eSIM online, start with GigSky. 

17. Maracanã Stadium - Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Historical Significance: This historic football stadium hosted the 2016 Summer Olympics opening and closing ceremonies.

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Visitor Information: Guided tours available daily, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Tickets are €10 for adults, €5 for children.
The best time to visit is early morning for a more private tour experience.

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These Olympic venues stand as testaments to the enduring spirit of the Games and the cities that have hosted them. Whether you're a history enthusiast, a sports fan, or simply looking for unique travel experiences, these sites offer something special for everyone. Plan your visit, soak in the rich history, and witness where Olympic dreams were realized.