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Games wide open! That's the Paris 2024 Summer Olympics slogan, and you can expect to hear it more as the Games approach. With a 300,000 spectator capacity, the Olympic Committee's goal is to show spectators the iconic offerings of France, while ensuring the Games themselves are “more responsible, more inclusive, and more spectacular than ever before.” And the anticipation is palpable, as Paris has proved their cutting-edge approach to being an Olympic host in the past: Women athletes were involved for the first time ever at the 1900 Paris Olympic Games, and this year, 50 percent of the athletes are women, making Paris the first host to achieve gender equality in Games history.
The Opening Ceremony will be the first ever held in a city center, with gigantic Olympic rings to be displayed on the Eiffel Tower overlooking the Seine, on which a swarm of boats will carry athletes toward the Tower. Once the Games begin, sport climbing, skateboarding, and surfing, which all debuted at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics, will be among the 32 sports in the Games—as well as one new addition: breaking (aka breakdancing).
Below, we outline everything you need to know ahead of this major event—from when the Games kick off, to how to buy tickets (or watch from home), and, of course, everything you should be doing if you'll be in Paris. Consider this your all-in-one Paris 2024 Summer Olympics guide.
When are the Olympics?
The 2024 Olympic Games will begin on July 24 with non-medal competitions. Then, from July 26 to August 11, more than 10,000 athletes will compete in 329 medal events. Due to the addition of an extra day of swimming (a change from previous years) there will now be competitions in 3 highly anticipated sports around the globe, taking place in a very short window: Artistic gymnastics, swimming, and track and field will all be held on the same days of August 3 and 4.
For the complete and most up-to-date Olympic schedule, visit the Olympics website.
Where are the Olympics?
Ouì, ouì— Parìs! Lots of buzz has circulated around the city's plans for the Olympics infrastructure since the city won the rights to host the game seven years ago. There will be 45 sporting events across 35 competition venues in Paris and its neighboring cities— including Versailles, Le Bourget, Nanterre. Vaires-sur-Marne, and Saint-Denis. Two new permanent sport venues, Port de La Chapelle Area in the 18th arrondissement and the Aquatics Centre in Saint-Denis, were built for these Summer Games specifically. A total of 20 out of the 35 venues being used as Olympic Games locations are in and around central Paris. Though there's one sport you won't be catching if you're headed to Europe: For surfing's second appearance in the Games, the competition will be held at Tahiti's Teahupo'o. The event will be the farthest medal competition outside of the host city in history.
The 15,000 athletes in Paris will be based in the newly constructed 2024 Paris Olympic Village, or “Athlete’s Village,” a 300,000 square meter project built sustainability between Saint-Denis, Saint-Ouen-sur-Seine, and the Île Saint-Denis. After the Games, the village will be converted to future residential living for locals.
Getting tickets to the Paris Olympics
Paris Olympics 2024 tickets are available to purchase on a first come, first served basis on the Olympics website.
If you prefer an all-inclusive type of experience, the Olympic Committee is offering various Travel Packages, which include both competition tickets and travel arrangements. They run the gamut in terms of inclusions and comfort level, starting at close to $1000 USD for a 1-night stay at a 3-star hotel and 1 sporting event; they go up to nearly $30,000 USD for 6 nights at a 5-star hotel with access to 6 events.
Hospitality Packages for VIP access are also available on the Olympics site. Starting at around $100 USD for lounge access at individual competitions, they run up to $10,000 USD if you want to get into the lounge at the Opening Ceremony, as well as a meet and greet with athletes before the Games begin.
Keep in mind that ticket registration is strict at the Olympics, and all tickets must be purchased on the official ticketing website. While some sessions are already sold out, a resale platform will officially open on the May 15.
Where is the Olympic Stadium?
The Stade de France is the country’s largest stadium and has hosted its biggest sporting events for three decades, including the Rugby World Cups and the World Athletics Championships. It’s located in the northern suburb of Saint-Denis, and will rightfully transform into the Olympic Stadium this simmer.
Planning your trip to the Paris 2024 Summer Olympics
Where to stay in Paris
The country’s largest stadium is in Saint-Denis—a twenty minute train ride from the city’s center and just outside of the 18th and 19th arrondissements. No matter where you stay, you’ll be able to find your way around the City of Lights, but if you’re looking for a certain scene we have a few recommendations. If you’re looking for a more residential pace, this is the place for you. The 10th arrondissement is home to Canal Saint-Martin, where you’ll be able to take boat rides and find trendy restaurants and bars. If you're looking forward to sightseeing, the 1st and 2nd arrondissements are the city’s center and the most convenient spot to base yourself (though do be prepared for crowds!).
The Best Hotels in Paris
Whether you’re looking for a lavish respite or a low-key boutique, there’s a hotel to suit your style.
The Best Luxury Hotels in Paris
Luxe suites, top-notch dining, and five-star service abound.
The Cheapest Nicest Hotels in Paris
The chicest Parisian stays from $94 USD a night. Believe it.
The Best Airbnbs in Paris
Family-friendly spaces, Eiffel Tower views, and Olympic Stadium–adjacent stays in the City of Love.
Family-Friendly Paris Hotels
Traveling with children in tow? These are the Parisian hotels ready to cater to all types of families.
What to do in Paris
Paris is expecting 15 million visitors during the Olympics. If you’ve been looking to check some items off your bucket list, popular attractions such as the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, and Musée d’Orsay will be open during this time—but saying there will be crowds is an understatement. For those looking for a sense of solitude amid the frenzy, take a stroll through the large, spacious Jardin des Tuileries, or visit the quieter Parc des Buttes-Chaumont.
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The 10 Best Things to Do in Paris (And What Not to Do)
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5 Best Day Trips from Paris
A guide to charming getaways near the City of Lights.
19 Best Paris Walking Tours
Hit the pavement on these notable walks.
The Best Places for Shopping in Paris
Get ready to check a bag on your way home.
The 15 Best Museums in Paris
Everywhere you turn there's another exhibition or collection to spend hours with.
The 15 Best Things to Do in Paris With Kids
Dinner boats, dragon slides, amusement parks: you'd think this city was built for little ones.
42 Best Things to Do in Paris
Paris's streets are lined with so much, it's hard to plan an itinerary. Here's our list of what you can't miss.
Where to eat and drink in Paris
Reservations are going to be difficult to land with the amount of people who will be attending the Games. The earlier you map out where you’d like to eat, the better. And you'll probably want to grab a bite before heading to the stadium, whose surrounding restaurants will surely be packed during the Games. If you decide to eat inside the Olympic Stadium, there will be over 60 concession stands available and mobile vendors to (hopefully) expedite orders.
A Local’s Guide to Paris, France
Chef Mory Sacko on the most exciting places to eat in the city.
The 24 Best Bars in Paris
The City of Light has no shortage of spots for a proper pour.
The 21 Best Cafés in Paris
No surprise, this city is a specialty coffee (and pastry) capital.
The 27 Best Restaurants in Paris
How to decide where (and what) to eat in one of the world's culinary hot spots.
The 18 Bakeries in Paris
A few of our favorites to kick-start your sweet adventures.
20 Best Food Tours in Paris
How to enjoy the city’s movable feast.
How to watch the Olympics from home
If you won't be watching the games in person, most streaming platforms will have the Olympics readily available to active subscribers. Hulu has a Live TV Sports add-on feature where you can access channels that are often only found on cable—this add-on is an additional $10 to the $7.99 month subscription service. Youtube TV, Fubo, Direct TV Stream, Peacock, and Sling TV offer premium subscriptions that have access to channels such as CNBC, NBC, NBCSN, Olympics Channel, and USA (all of which will be showing the Games). Broadcasting for the Games will start each day at 3 a.m. EST and conclude at 6 p.m. EST.
When and where are the next Olympics?
The next Olympics will be the Winter Games hosted in Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy in February 2026, and then in Brisbane, Australia, in July 2032. The next Summer Olympics will be held in Los Angeles in 2028 at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum—right where the Superbowl was held this year.
When were the last Olympics?
The last Summer Olympic Games were held in Tokyo in 2021 after being postponed the year prior due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Tokyo was the first host city to host the Summer Olympics twice; and 2021 was the first time the Olympic Games were held on an odd-numbered year.
