Global Sports Cities to Inspire Your Study Abroad Journey
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Across sports cities around the world, athletics shape more than just game days – they influence how people move, connect, and spend their time. From cities built around legendary teams to places where staying active is part of everyday life, the best sports cities in the world bring a level of energy that makes studying abroad feel more immersive, social, and engaging.
What Are Sports Cities?
Sports cities are locations known for their deep-rooted athletic culture, passionate fanbases, and everyday connection to movement and competition. These are places where sports shape daily life – whether that’s locals biking to work, pickup games filling public parks, or entire cities rallying around teams and tournaments. Across sports cities around the world, athletics aren’t just events – they’re part of the culture. For students, that means energy, community, and endless ways to stay active abroad.
Read More: How to Study Abroad If You’re a College Athlete
Sports Cities to Inspire Your Study Abroad Destination Pick
When choosing between the best cities for sports, timing matters. Different seasons unlock different experiences, climates, and athletic opportunities. Spring might be perfect for outdoor training or soccer matches, while winter opens doors to skiing, snowboarding, or ice skating. Picking the right season lets you dive into the local sports culture, try new activities, and fully experience what each city has to offer for active students.
Read More: 6 Best Places to Study Abroad for Sports Fanatics & Student Athletes
Best Spring Sports Cities
- Barcelona,Spain: With soccer culture at its core and ideal spring weather, Barcelona is one of the best sports cities for running, tennis, beach workouts, and pickup games across the city
- London, England: Premier League season is still in full swing, and green spaces across London make it one of the best cities for sports in the spring
- Rome, Italy: Mild temperatures make spring ideal for walking, cycling, tennis, and soccer – plus staying active among iconic landmarks
- Buenos Aires, Argentina: A city fueled by soccer, Buenos Aires comes alive in spring with matches, outdoor workouts, and nonstop fan energy
Best Summer Sports Cities
- Sydney, Australia: Surfing, swimming, coastal runs, and beach workouts make Sydney one of the best sports cities in the world for summer movement
- Cape Town, South Africa: From hiking and cycling to swimming and outdoor training, Cape Town consistently ranks among the best cities for sports in the summer
- Barcelona,Spain: Beach volleyball, swimming, cycling, and evening workouts make staying active feel effortless
Best Fall Sports Cities
- Dublin, Ireland: Rugby, soccer, and traditional Gaelic games dominate fall, giving Dublin a strong claim as one of the best cities for sports during the season
- Berlin, Germany: Known for soccer culture and endurance sports, Berlin shines in fall with ideal conditions for running, cycling, and team sports
- Prague, Czech Republic: A great fall destination for rowing, running, and soccer as the city settles into a steady rhythm
Best Cities for Winter Sports
- Seoul, South Korea: A winter-ready city with easy access to ski resorts, indoor training facilities, and a strong sports culture that stays active year-round
- Prague, Czech Republic: Ideal for ice skating, ice hockey culture, winter running, and indoor training during colder months
- Copenhagen, Denmark: Cold weather doesn’t slow things down, with winter cycling culture, open-water (cold) swimming, and indoor athletics
Explore CIEE Golf is Global
If golf is your sport – or you just love competition – CIEE Golf is Global is your chance to see how athletics and global education intersect. Taking place February 1-4, 2026, at Osprey Point Golf Course in Boca Raton, Florida, and hosted by Florida Atlantic University Women’s Golf during the 2026 Florida Atlantic Paradise Invitational, this interactive event lets students show off their drives, dial in their putts, and take on fun on-course challenges. Each challenge you complete earns you an entry to win one of 10 FREE CIEE Study Abroad programs. It’s a hands-on way to explore how sports and global experiences connect!
Study Abroad in The World's Best Sport Cities with CIEE
Choosing from the best sports cities in the world means stepping into places where movement, competition, and community are part of everyday life. With CIEE, students can study abroad in destinations that support active lifestyles, global sports culture, and meaningful academic experiences – all at the same time!