Introduction
Olympic host cities are the places selected to organise the world’s largest international sporting event. Since the first modern Olympic Games took place in Athens in 1896, the Games have travelled across Europe, Asia, North America, South America and Australia.
Some destinations have hosted the Olympics more than once. London and Paris have each staged the Summer Games three times, while Los Angeles will join them when it hosts the event again in 2028.
Today, the International Olympic Committee can select a city, a group of cities or an entire region. This wider approach allows organisers to use existing stadiums and spread events across different locations. The IOC’s official archive covers Olympic host elections from 1896 through 2034. (Olympics)
What Is an Olympic Host City?
An Olympic host city is the main destination responsible for organising an edition of the Olympic Games.
The host works with its national Olympic committee, government bodies, sports organisations and the IOC. Together, they prepare competition venues, transport, accommodation, security, technology and services for athletes and visitors.
The word “city” is still commonly used, but many modern Games are regional events. Milano Cortina 2026, French Alps 2030 and Salt Lake City-Utah 2034 are examples of Olympic editions spread across several communities.
Upcoming Olympic Host Cities
As of August 2026, the next confirmed Olympic hosts are:
| Year | Host | Country | Games |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2028 | Los Angeles | United States | Summer Olympics |
| 2030 | French Alps | France | Winter Olympics |
| 2032 | Brisbane | Australia | Summer Olympics |
| 2034 | Salt Lake City-Utah | United States | Winter Olympics |
Los Angeles took over as the next Summer Olympic host after Paris 2024. Brisbane was elected to stage the 2032 Games, while the IOC selected the French Alps for the 2030 Winter Games and Salt Lake City-Utah for 2034. (IOC Newsroom)
Complete List of Summer Olympic Host Cities
The table below lists the Summer Olympic Games that have been held, along with the confirmed hosts for 2028 and 2032.
| Year | Host City | Country |
|---|---|---|
| 1896 | Athens | Greece |
| 1900 | Paris | France |
| 1904 | St. Louis | United States |
| 1908 | London | United Kingdom |
| 1912 | Stockholm | Sweden |
| 1920 | Antwerp | Belgium |
| 1924 | Paris | France |
| 1928 | Amsterdam | Netherlands |
| 1932 | Los Angeles | United States |
| 1936 | Berlin | Germany |
| 1948 | London | United Kingdom |
| 1952 | Helsinki | Finland |
| 1956 | Melbourne | Australia |
| 1960 | Rome | Italy |
| 1964 | Tokyo | Japan |
| 1968 | Mexico City | Mexico |
| 1972 | Munich | West Germany |
| 1976 | Montreal | Canada |
| 1980 | Moscow | Soviet Union |
| 1984 | Los Angeles | United States |
| 1988 | Seoul | South Korea |
| 1992 | Barcelona | Spain |
| 1996 | Atlanta | United States |
| 2000 | Sydney | Australia |
| 2004 | Athens | Greece |
| 2008 | Beijing | China |
| 2012 | London | United Kingdom |
| 2016 | Rio de Janeiro | Brazil |
| 2020 | Tokyo | Japan |
| 2024 | Paris | France |
| 2028 | Los Angeles | United States |
| 2032 | Brisbane | Australia |
The Tokyo 2020 Games were postponed until 2021 because of the COVID-19 pandemic, but the event kept its original Tokyo 2020 name. (Olympic Library)
The equestrian competitions at the 1956 Olympics were held in Stockholm, Sweden, because of animal quarantine requirements, while the main Games took place in Melbourne.
The Summer Games scheduled for 1916, 1940 and 1944 were not held because of the First and Second World Wars. The official IOC host archive records both completed and cancelled Olympic editions. (Olympics)
Complete List of Winter Olympic Host Cities
The first Olympic Winter Games were held in Chamonix, France, in 1924. The event brought together 258 athletes from 16 national teams and later became recognised as the first Winter Olympic Games. (IOC Newsroom)
| Year | Host City or Region | Country |
|---|---|---|
| 1924 | Chamonix | France |
| 1928 | St. Moritz | Switzerland |
| 1932 | Lake Placid | United States |
| 1936 | Garmisch-Partenkirchen | Germany |
| 1948 | St. Moritz | Switzerland |
| 1952 | Oslo | Norway |
| 1956 | Cortina d’Ampezzo | Italy |
| 1960 | Squaw Valley | United States |
| 1964 | Innsbruck | Austria |
| 1968 | Grenoble | France |
| 1972 | Sapporo | Japan |
| 1976 | Innsbruck | Austria |
| 1980 | Lake Placid | United States |
| 1984 | Sarajevo | Yugoslavia |
| 1988 | Calgary | Canada |
| 1992 | Albertville | France |
| 1994 | Lillehammer | Norway |
| 1998 | Nagano | Japan |
| 2002 | Salt Lake City | United States |
| 2006 | Turin | Italy |
| 2010 | Vancouver | Canada |
| 2014 | Sochi | Russia |
| 2018 | PyeongChang | South Korea |
| 2022 | Beijing | China |
| 2026 | Milano Cortina | Italy |
| 2030 | French Alps | France |
| 2034 | Salt Lake City-Utah | United States |
Milano Cortina 2026 took place in Italy from 6 to 22 February 2026 and used competition venues across several locations. The next Winter Olympics will be hosted by the French Alps in 2030. (Olympics)
The Winter Games planned for 1940 and 1944 were cancelled during the Second World War.
Which City Has Hosted the Olympics the Most Times?
London and Paris are currently the only cities to have completed three Summer Olympic Games.
London hosted in:
- 1908
- 1948
- 2012
Paris hosted in:
- 1900
- 1924
- 2024
Los Angeles hosted the Games in 1932 and 1984. It will become a three-time Summer Olympic host when the Olympics return in 2028. (Olympic Library)
Other Cities That Have Hosted More Than Once
Several destinations have welcomed the Olympic Games more than one time.
Athens hosted the Summer Olympics in 1896 and 2004. Tokyo hosted in 1964 and 2020, while Beijing staged the Summer Games in 2008 and the Winter Games in 2022.
Among Winter Olympic destinations, St. Moritz hosted in 1928 and 1948. Lake Placid hosted in 1932 and 1980, while Innsbruck welcomed the Games in 1964 and 1976.
Salt Lake City hosted the Winter Olympics in 2002 and will return as part of Salt Lake City-Utah 2034.
Which City Has Hosted Both Summer and Winter Olympics?
Beijing is the first city to have hosted both editions of the Olympic Games.
It organised the Summer Olympics in 2008 and the Winter Olympics in 2022. Some venues built or used for Beijing 2008 were later adapted for the Winter Games. (IOC Newsroom)
How Are Olympic Host Cities Selected?
The Olympic host-selection system has changed over time. It is now designed to allow earlier cooperation between the IOC and interested cities, regions or countries.
Following updates approved in June 2026, the IOC describes four main stages:
1. Continuous Dialogue
Cities, regions, countries and national Olympic committees can discuss their ideas with the IOC without immediately entering a formal competition.
2. Strategic Dialogue
The IOC can study the most suitable projects in greater detail and create a shortlist based on long-term Olympic needs.
3. Targeted Dialogue
One or more preferred projects receive detailed examination. Important areas can include venues, public support, costs, transport, accommodation and long-term plans.
4. Host Election
After reports and recommendations are completed, IOC members vote on the proposed host during an IOC Session. (Olympics)
The process no longer depends on a fixed election date exactly seven years before the Games. This gives the IOC and interested destinations more flexibility. (IOC Newsroom)
What Does a City Need to Host the Olympics?
A successful Olympic project normally needs suitable sports venues, reliable public transport, athlete accommodation, security services and strong organisational support.
The plan must also consider:
- Existing and temporary venues
- Environmental impact
- Public and government support
- Accessibility
- Accommodation for athletes and visitors
- Financial planning
- Long-term use of facilities
- Transport between competition locations
Modern hosts are encouraged to use existing buildings whenever practical instead of constructing unnecessary permanent stadiums.
An IOC study published in 2022 reported that 85 percent of permanent Olympic venues used since 1896 were still operating. The figure was 92 percent for permanent venues used during 21st-century editions covered by the study. (IOC Newsroom)
Why Do Cities Want to Host the Olympics?
Hosting the Olympics gives a destination worldwide attention. It can support transport projects, improve sports facilities and create opportunities for local businesses and workers.
The Games may also encourage young people to become involved in sport. However, hosting is a major responsibility. Poor planning can leave a destination with expensive facilities that are difficult to maintain.
For this reason, long-term use is now an important part of Olympic planning. A strong project should meet the needs of local residents before, during and after the Games.
Are All Olympic Events Held in the Host City?
No. Many editions use venues outside the official host city.
Football competitions often take place in several cities. Sailing needs a suitable coastal location, while mountain sports may be held far from the main urban centre.
Paris 2024 even held its Olympic surfing competition in Tahiti, French Polynesia, thousands of kilometres from Paris.
Regional names such as Milano Cortina, French Alps and Salt Lake City-Utah show how the Olympic model is moving beyond the idea of using only one city.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the next Olympic host city?
Los Angeles will host the next Summer Olympic Games in 2028. The French Alps will host the next Winter Olympic Games in 2030. (IOC Newsroom)
Where will the 2032 Olympics be held?
The 2032 Summer Olympics will be held in Brisbane and other parts of South-East Queensland, Australia. Brisbane was elected by IOC members in July 2021. (IOC Newsroom)
Where will the 2034 Winter Olympics be held?
The 2034 Winter Olympic Games will be hosted by Salt Lake City-Utah in the United States. Events are expected to be centred around Salt Lake City, with competitions in other Utah locations. (Olympics)
What was the first modern Olympic host city?
Athens, Greece, hosted the first modern Olympic Games in 1896.
Has Africa ever hosted the Olympics?
No African city has yet hosted the Summer or Winter Olympic Games. However, Dakar in Senegal is set to host the Youth Olympic Games, a separate international multi-sport event for young athletes.
Has South America hosted the Olympics?
Yes. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, hosted the Summer Olympic Games in 2016. It was the first Olympic Games held in South America.
Can the same city host the Olympics again?
Yes. London, Paris, Los Angeles, Athens, Tokyo, Lake Placid, Innsbruck and St. Moritz are among the destinations selected more than once.
Conclusion
Olympic host cities form an important part of global sports history. From Athens 1896 to Paris 2024, each destination has added its own culture, venues and memorable moments to the Olympic story.
The future Games also show an important change. Instead of relying on one central city, organisers are increasingly using wider regions and existing facilities. Los Angeles 2028, French Alps 2030, Brisbane 2032 and Salt Lake City-Utah 2034 will continue this changing Olympic journey.
