12 Fabulous Summer Olympic Cities for an Amazing Honeymoon
Even if you can’t make the summer Olympic games, you can gain inspiration by planning a honeymoon in one of the current or former summer Olympic cities. From European towns to Asian staples, consider heading to a town that once (or will) hosted the famous games.
Ancient Olympic games took place as far back as 776 BC in Olympia, Greece. However, the first modern Olympics weren’t held until 1896 in Athens, Greece. This international multi-sport event is an excellent opportunity to explore other countries and cultures.
Summer Olympic cities are also a great way to get inspiration for a post-wedding trip. Many current and former Olympic cities have fabulous things for tourists to do, making these locations perfect to consider for your honeymoon.
Honeymoon in These Summer Olympic Cities
Summer Olympic Cities – Past
1. London, England
Years Hosted: 1908, 1948, 2012
Things to Do in London, England
- Get a view of the entire city from the Tower of London. You can see Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, and many more historic landmarks from this lookout point.
- Stop by Buckingham Palace and see the changing of the guard.
2. Athens, Greece
Years Hosted: 1896, 2004
Things to Do in Athens, Greece
- See the Parthenon on top of the hill and overlook the city.
- Discover the ancient Agora Ruins.
3. Sydney, Australia
Year Hosted: 2000
Things to Do in Sydney, Australia
- Enjoy the Sydney Opera House.
- Swim in an infinity pool right next to the ocean at Bondi Beach. What a perfect honeymoon activity!
4. Amsterdam, Netherlands
Year Hosted: 1928
Things to Do in Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Visit the Anne Frank House and take a tour.
- Ride the Ferris Wheel in Dam Square and get a view of the city.
5. Tokyo, Japan
Years Hosted: 1940 Cancelled (WWII – Tokyo had been awarded), 1964, 2020 (postponed to 2021 due to the coronavirus pandemic)
Things to Do in Tokyo, Japan
- Dine at the epic Robot Restaurant in Tokyo.
- Ride the Shinkansen Bullet Train if you want to travel more on your honeymoon.
6. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Year Hosted: 2016
Things to Do in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Relax at Copacabana Beach on your honeymoon.
- See the statue of Christ the Redeemer.
7. Mexico City, Mexico
Year Hosted: 1968
Things to Do in Mexico City, Mexico
- Have a romantic honeymoon picnic in Bosque de Chapultepec.
- Watch dancers at Plaza de la Ciudadela.
- Visit Frida Kahlo’s House.
8. Montreal, Canada
Year Hosted: 1976
Things to Do in Montreal, Canada
- Take a newlywed stroll in the Gardens of Light.
- Board a sunset cruise on the Saint-Lawrence River for a special honeymoon evening.
9. St. Louis, Missouri
Year Hosted: 1904
Things to Do in St. Louis, Missouri
- Stop by the St. Louis Zoo.
- Go to the Shakespeare Festival if you honeymoon in August.
Summer Olympic Cities – Future
If you’re looking for a way to time your honeymoon with the next Olympic games, there are exciting locations. These upcoming summer Olympic cities are awesome spots for a honeymoon.
You could even see the Olympic games if you schedule well in advance! If you plan on visiting during the Olympics, make sure to plan ahead as accommodations will sell out fast.
10. Paris, France
Year Hosting: 2024
Things to Do in Paris, France
- Watch the sunset (or the sunrise) at the Eiffel Tower. This is probably one of the most exciting things to do on your honeymoon!
- Enjoy a captivating cabaret.
11. Los Angeles, California
Year Hosting: 2028
Things to Do in Los Angeles, California
- Visit The Magic Castle for magic, alcohol, and a great time.
- Take a self-guided walking tour of the art galleries along Gallery Row.
- Enjoy the Farm Sanctuary.
12. Brisbane, Australia
Year Hosting: 2032
Things to Do in Brisbane, Australia
- Visit the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary.
- Head to Eat Street Northshore for a great honeymoon meal.
Honeymoon in an Olympic Destination
Whether you’re looking for adventure or a relaxing honeymoon, consider one of these summer Olympic cities. There is something here for any type of honeymoon experience you could think of.
Whether you’re looking to plan a future honeymoon near the Olympics, or you’re just trying to visit one of the cities made famous from the Olympic games, there are exciting cities around the globe just waiting to be explored!
Photos: Zhang Kaiyv, Jamie Street, Patrick, Dan Freeman, Giovanna De Martino, Ryoji Iwata, Agustin Diaz Gargiulo, Francisco De Nova, Seb Hamel, Brittney Butler, Anthony Delanoix, Cameron Venti, Alice Duffield
How did I not know St Louis hosted the olympics? I’ve been to many of these locations, but now I want to go back!
Wow, such a beautiful list of cities where Olympics was or will be hosted. I hope to be in Brisbane to see the craze of Olympics in 2032. I have visited only a few of the cities and would love to see all of them. Thanks for sharing this list.
Thanks for putting this together. It’s a great reference for when my time comes to plan for such an occasion. I’m particularly interested in the Bosque de Chapultepec in Mexico!
How great to plan a honeymoon trip that would take you to cities where past Olympics were held. We always love to find the Olympic sites since we have never been lucky enough to visit when the Olympics were on. We just left Montreal and were surprised at how long ago the Olympics were held there. The buildings are starting to show their wear. Good thing there is lots else to do in Montreal.
Wow! I had no idea that Montreal has hosted the Olympics before. I think it’s a great honeymoon getaway. Love the idea of the sunset cruise at Saint Lawrence River.
Great idea to put your honeymoon under a Olympic theme. I think in most of the cities you can do a guided or self-guided tour to the Olympic stadion. Most of them are architectural gems and sightseeing spots in its own. I also try to go swimming in the Olympic pools, if they are open to the public. The pool in London by Zaha Hadid is fantastic, as well as the Olympic pool in Tokyo.
I have only been to Paris and Netherlands of all the olympic cities mentioned in your list. Thank you for reminding that there are so many other beautiful places to see. Honeymoon in Olympic cities sounds like a great plan. I had plans to visit London and Australia but yes now, pandemic has changed the choices.
For long Athens and Rio De Janeiro have been on my wish list. Now, your post has made me think about more places to see. Won’t be for a honeymoon, but simply to enjoy the beauty of this planet.
It was interesting to see all of these past Olympic host cities. It’s a great way to shine a light on that destination. I hadn’t realized that Paris will be hosting in 2024!