For the Love of Sports – Booking.com shares some of the best stadiums around the world
With various major global sporting events taking place across the world, from Russia to the Gold Coast of Australia, 2018 is shaping up to be a big year for sports. And since one in five travelers is considering to travel for a major sports event in 2018*, Booking.com, the global leader in connecting travellers with the widest choice of incredible places to stay, has delved into its more than 1.6 million properties in over 126,000 destinations around the world to present seven of the best stadiums around the globe to experience the adrenaline and excitement of watching world-class athletes doing their best work. And since a quarter of global travellers indicate that they consider a strong ‘foodie’ scene a prerequisite for picking a holiday destination**, we also wanted to share some of the best foods to enjoy near each of the iconic stadium.
Fenway Park - Boston, USAFew things define Bostonians more than their love of their home baseball team, the Boston Red Sox. If you’re in town during baseball season, make sure you catch a game at historic Fenway Park and cheer for the home team with the locals. On your way into or out of the game, grab a famous sausage and pepper sandwich, spicy Italian sausage grill and topped with sautéed bell peppers served on delicious bread, from one of the iconic street vendors outside the stadium.
Where to stay: Located just a short walk from Fenway Park, the Hotel Commonwealth has modern rooms with some of them even overlooking one of Boston’s greatest landmarks, Fenway Park. And if the sausage and pepper sandwich didn’t fill you up enough, you can enjoy a selection of fresh seafood dishes at the onsite restaurant, Island Creek Oyster Bar.
Wembley Stadium - London, UKRenowned for its fashion, art and theatre scene, the majestic city of London is also a great destination to visit and watch sporting events. The football stadium of Wembley is one of the city’s favorite stadiums, and the largest in the UK. You can have a quick bit at one of the kiosks at the stadium’s first and fifth levels. From fish and chips to burgers and pizza, there is something for every taste.
Where to stay: Overlooking the iconic Wembley Stadium and set next to the historic Wembley Arena, the contemporary Hilton London Wembley features a roof terrace as well as a bar inspired by the star athletes who have played at the Wembley Stadium.
Luzhniki Stadium - Moscow, RussiaDuring the summer of 2018, Russia is going to be home to the biggest international football tournament in the world and the striking Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow will hosting the exciting final match. Featuring a long history, Russia’s national stadium (and largest stadium in Russia) has been renovated and is certainly a landmark on its own. When it comes to dining in the area around the stadium, Olymp Junior is a great choice due to its close proximity to the stadium and its delicious Russian and Azerbaijani cuisine.
Where to stay: Offering panoramic city views, a stylish indoor pool and an award-winning bar, rest your head at the Swissotel Krasnye Holmy. After cheering on your favorite sports team, you can relax with a refreshing cocktail at the onsite City Space Bar & Restaurant on the 33rd floor, while enjoying the spectacular city view.
Carrara Stadium – Gold Coast, AustraliaAlso known as Metricon Stadium, the Carrara Stadium will play a central role in an international, multi-sport event for The Commonwealth of Nations this April. The Metricon is one of the greenest and contemporary stadiums in Australia, as well as home of the Gold Coast SUNS. Inside the stadium you will find a wide variety of take away food options including pizza, fish and chips and sushi, however as the hot beef pie is a beloved snack in Australia, sure that you taste one before the events. The Broadbeach area has plenty of restaurants and after your dinner you can get the free shuttle bus to the stadium.
Where to stay: Walking distance from the Carrara Stadium, the RACV Royal Pines Resort Gold Coast is set on a 27-hole championship golf course. Travellers can also enjoy light meals and drinks by the pool or a full meal in one of the resorts five restaurants.
Camp Nou - Barcelona, Spain
There’s an undeniable ease to life in Barcelona. Its glorious climate and lively beach culture dares you to live your life in the sun. For adventure, head to the Gothic Quarter, but to watch a football game at the largest stadium in Europe (adventure in and of itself!), head to Camp Nou. This stunning stadium opened in 1957 and is best known as the home to Barcelona’s hometown football team. A sandwich made with botifarra sausage is one of the city’s most beloved snacks, which can be enjoyed inside the stadium and a popular alternative to the classic hot dog.
Where to stay: The Flateli Roger 6 is a stylish apartment only a short walk from the Camp Nou stadium. It’s an ideal place to stay if travelling with a group of friends or family to watch a sports event, since it has two separate bedrooms and a fully equipped kitchen. In case you’re not in the mood to cook, head to La Barraca, an iconic restaurant founded in 1970 with authentic Spanish cuisine and football décor that celebrates the home team.
Allianz Parque - Sao Paulo, BrazilFrom a 90,000-seater stadium to the streets of Brazil, nothing brings the world together like football. Home of the Palmeiras, one of the most traditional professional football clubs in Brazil, the Allianz Parque (also known as the Palestra Italia Arena) is surrounded by authentic Italian restaurants, such as Cantina Palestra, the first official restaurant of the Palmeiras. You will also find some of the best traditional Brazilian bakeries in this area, where you can enjoy tasty ‘salgados’ (savoury snacks) and sweets.
Where to stay: The Bê Hotel is a modern property located in the same neighbourhood as the Allianz Parque. Guests can unwind on the rooftop seating area before watching a football game or attending a concert at the nearby stadium.