9 ways to avoid the London Olympics

If you’re thinking of heading away from the dizzy carnival of the London Olympics, why not visit one of the games’ previous host cities instead

Lauren Williams

27 July 2011

1. Sydney

Host to the memorable fireworks across the Harbour Bridge at the 2000 Olympics, Sydney has the best of both worlds. From the glistening harbour filled with yachts and cabin cruisers to it’s lively restaurant and bar scene. The beaches spread all along the eastern shore of the city where surfers, volleyball players and BBQers frequent the white sands while the Blue Mountains on the west side of the city offer endless hiking, abseiling and bush walking.

No trip to Sydney is complete without a climb to the top of the 134 metre high Sydney Harbour Bridge, countless photos of the iconic Opera House from every angle or a stroll along the colonial streets of Paddington during market day.

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2. Montreal

Montreal, Olympic host city in 1976, is a city blended by Parisian vibes and cosmopolitan energy. This fusion of interests has caused an explosion of talent in the arts – from a thriving rock scene to contemporary, fine and nouveau art galleries popping up on every corner. In the summer months, the city comes alive with festivals and the skies light up every Saturday night with entries to the International Fireworks Competition.

The Quartier Latin has a reputation of grungy entertainment with an odd flare of French panache, Little Italy pleases the senses with aromas of fresh coffee and bagels toasting while Chinatown boasts cheap but tantalising eats.

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3. St Louis

Home to Chuck Berry, T.S Eliot and the third Olympic Games in 1904, St Louis (pronounced, no matter what the song says, ‘St Lewis’) is better known for its ‘Gateway to the West’, a 192-metre arch above the city, and the film Meet me in St Louis than it’s Olympic host status.

Take a stroll down the wharf by the Mississippi River for vintage stores and live music – Big Muddy Blues Festival, a highlight in the St Louis calender is also hosted here in late August where the atmosphere screams nothing but ‘party’. Central downtown is a historian’s delight: photographs of the city’s development line the walls of the Old Courthouse Museum and two restored courtrooms tell the story of a black slave fighting for freedom.