Watching sports may not be everyone’s idea of a good time but there are millions of us that regularly check the latest scores and dream of attending the big events. The recent Women’s World Cup has grown interest in the game all over the world – including in the States – and soccer will now undoubtedly enjoy another surge in popularity.
Mixing sports with traveling can be a very good idea.
Sports betting online sites have also experienced more interest in recent years with the easing of gambling regulations. But we are more excited about the possibility of travelling the world and watching some of the best athletes competing at the highest level. Sports-themed vacations have really taken off in recent years and we have picked out seven dream destinations for anyone thinking of taking a holiday and catching some top level sports at the same time.
Melbourne, Australia
Australians are well known for their love of all sports. But Melbourne is probably the sports capital of this sports-mad country. There are 27 teams in the city playing at a professional level and you will find it difficult to escape sports if you make the trip down under to this beautiful place.
The Melbourne Cricket Ground – more commonly known as the MCG – is the place to go to watch top-class cricket. But you may also catch an Aussie Rules game there as well. Soccer, rugby union and rugby league are also very popular and well represented. All that’s before even taking to the water!
London, England
The best sports-themed destinations tend to be some of the most popular vacation spots for non-sports fans as well. So everyone in your family will enjoy the trip (and possibly be won over by the sports on offer). London definitely fits that category and boasts some of the most iconic sports venues in the world.
England is the home of soccer and London has more than its fair share of top-level teams to watch. But other sports can be the centerpiece of a UK jaunt as well. Wimbledon is perfect for tennis, while there are two elite cricket stadiums if you want to really immerse yourself in the culture. Just pray that the British rain doesn’t stop play.
Boston, USA
There are obviously hundreds of American sports cities to choose from (and we’ve included two here) but Boston is our first port of call. This is a city with more than its fair share of history to discover – but that includes a rich sporting heritage too. All the big four US sports are represented, as well as soccer.
Fenway Park is one of the most iconic ballparks in America.
The Celtics are one of the most successful NBA teams in the world and play games on parquet flooring at the TD Garden. That place is shared with the Boston Bruins hockey team – another franchise with a long list of honors. The New England Patriots play a little out of the city in nearby Foxboro, but the must-visit venue is Fenway Park. Home of the Red Sox, this ballpark is an incredible combination of tradition and modern amenities.
Cape Town, South Africa
For somewhere a little further afield, Cape Town in South Africa is unlike just about anywhere else on the planet. Watersports are a big draw in this stunning coastal city – with surfing, paragliding and kiteboarding all popular pastimes. Hiking up the world-famous Table Mountain will also provide you with incredible views of the city below.
If you would rather watch sports than play any yourself, Cape Town also has you covered. Two soccer clubs represent the city and can be cheered on at the Cape Town Stadium, while the local rugby union team also enjoys a passionate support. But enjoying the cricket at the picturesque Newlands Cricket Ground is probably our number one recommendation here.
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Twelve million people call Rio de Janeiro home and almost all of them take part in, or watch, some kind of sport. The beaches that border the city provide locals and visitors alike, with every kind of watersport imaginable, while outdoor activities are popular in every neighborhood.
But if you are travelling to Rio, there is a very good chance that you are hoping to catch the latest young soccer sensation in action. Most of the top stars move to Europe early on in their career but you can still watch the beautiful game in possibly its most iconic stadium – the Maracanã, with two city clubs calling it home.
Miami, USA
Unless you are completely oblivious to soccer news, you will know that a certain Lionel Messi has recently gotten everyone in Miami very excited. The best player in the world joined the local MLS team a few months ago and has revitalized its chances of glory. Unfortunately, Inter Miami actually play in Fort Lauderdale at the moment – but there are plenty of other sports options in Miami itself.
This Florida destination is home to teams in all four major sports, with the NFL’s Dolphins, the Heat of the NBA, hockey’s Florida Panthers and the Miami Marlins of MLB. Add to that the glamorous nightlife and endless beaches and Miami is a perfect vacation destination for just about everyone.
Madrid, Spain
We hop back across the Atlantic for the final sports city on our list. Europe has so many places to visit that it is actually quite difficult to narrow it down to the best. But Madrid just about tops the list, ahead of Barcelona. The capital city has centuries of history to discover – and that includes the famous soccer clubs that call it home.
Real Madrid is the most successful club in the country’s history – as well as in the Europe-wide Champions League. But Atletico and Rayo Vallecano also both play in the top league. Basketball, tennis and cycling are all also very popular in Spain and we can’t think of a better reason to visit this stunning city (although the food and drink are well worth the trip too!).