6 Former Olympic Host Cities Still Worth Visiting
Sydney, Australia
The Harbour City took more of an eclectic approach to transforming its 2000 Summer Olympic space. The Sydney Olympic Park has become a mixed-use entertainment district with plenty to do for both locals and visitors. In addition to self-guided tours, the Park serves up a plethora of family-friendly offerings such as a smartphone-directed orienteering course, laser tag, a plethora of sports and giant art installations.
Then there’s Sydney itself with all its charms. Stroll down Sydney Harbour Bridge before popping in to the Sydney Observatory. Head south to see Chinatown and enjoy awesome grub. Then stop by Darling Harbor to enjoy any number of museums, including the Australian National Maritime Museum and Sydney Wildlife World. Make sure to enjoy a coastline cruise, too!
Squaw Valley, California
Most cities on this list started out as significantly sized areas in their own right prior to their Olympic bids. But when Squaw Valley started bidding to host the 1960 Winter Olympics, it hadn’t even completed its initial construction. Today, though, it has transformed into one of the most impressive ski resorts in the United States.
Make no bones about it: Squaw Valley is definitely a winter-weather getaway. Slopes appropriate for every age and experience level are its primary draw. It also boasts several highly developed terrain parks sure to thrill snowboarders. Snow tubing, mini-snowmobiling, dog sledding and skyjumping (rope-assisted aerial gymnastics) are just a few of the additional activities.
Then there’s The Village at Squaw Valley, a continental-style enclave with excellent dining, drinking and shopping.
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Stockholm, Sweden
The Venice of Scandinavia first hosted the Games over a century ago in 1912 — and the stadium in which it held them still sees action. Yes, the Stockholm Stadium (which happens to be the oldest Olympic arena still in use) not only continues to host events, it also makes for great self-directed touring. The original, un-remodeled architecture is still in great shape.
From there, a simple stroll should open up to you this metropolis that sprawls over 14 islands. Stroll over any of the city’s many bridges to Södermalm where you can see the gorgeous Katarina Kyrka (a cathedral dedicated to Princess Catherine, mother of King Charles X of Sweden) and enjoy great eating and shopping.
Historic Gamla Stan contains the Royal Palace and the Nobel Museum, as well as a number of great scenic biking opportunities.
