Exploring Europe’s Olympic Legacy

Every four years, sporting fever takes hold as the Olympic Games returns and inspires a global audience. Europe, with its especially rich Olympic history, offers countless ways to connect with the spirit of the Games beyond the stadiums. For those who can’t wait until the next competition, try a cultural relay around one of these storied European cities instead, each with its own unique ties to Olympic heritage.

A victory lap of Rome

All roads lead to Rome, and the Eternal City finally won its chance to host the Games in 1960. Ethiopian runner Abebe Bikila ran a barefoot marathon, first to cross the finish line under the Arch of Constantine, while a young Cassius Clay marked the beginning of his boxing career. An intimate union of sport and culture held wrestling in the Basilica of Maxentius and gymnastics at the ancient Baths of Caracalla. Visitors to the city today can imagine the crowd’s roar while embracing a more la vita lenta lifestyle on Rome’s most glamorous rooftop bar at Hotel de la Ville.

Carry a torch for London

London’s third time hosting the Games lived up to its motto, ‘Inspire a Generation’, in 2012. The East End was transformed with thousands of new trees and plants, a vastly increased bird population and endangered invertebrate species returning to inhabit the green space. This iconic year saw Super Saturday, when within just 45 minutes of each other Britain’s Sir Mo Farah’s 10,000m, Jessica Ennis-Hill’s Heptathlon, and Greg Rutherford’s Long Jump all secured gold medals. It was also the year that Brown’s Hotel, London’s oldest hotel, mistakenly celebrated its 175th birthday, not yet discovering it was some five years older than first thought - discover more in our history book.

Make a play for Munich

More than 50 years since it hosted the Games, Munich’s Olympiapark still buzzes with life, in fact, its Olympiastade is the stage for the EURO 2024 opening match. Inspired by the landscape of the Alpine foothills, Olympiapark now hosts open-air concerts and also lays claim to the city’s highest beer garden, with magnificent views of the city. For the adventurous, take a two-hour walking tour over the roof of the stadium, or climb to the top of the Olympic Tower for vistas all the way to the Alps. If you’re feeling sporty, lace up your running shoes and take a jog around the park, imagining the thrill of the crowd cheering you on. Victorious, return to The Charles Hotel for a well-earned deep tissue massage in the relaxing spa. 

Chasing medals in Milan

In February 2026, the Winter Olympic Games will, for the first time in history, be shared across two cities: Milan and the Alpine resort of Cortina d’Ampezzo, with events also taking place in some of Italy’s most renowned ski destinations. Milan will set the stage for the ice sports – from figure skating and ice hockey to speed skating – while the legendary San Siro Stadium will host an unforgettable opening ceremony. Stay at The Carlton, in the heart of the Quadrilatero della Moda, where the city’s most coveted boutiques and ateliers are just steps away. In between events, discover the distinctly Milanese ritual of aperitivo hour at The Carlton Bar, or spend the afternoon exploring Via della Spiga and Via Montenapoleone, lined with Italy’s leading fashion houses. For families or groups of friends travelling together, Rocco Forte House, located nearby, offers an equally stylish base with its 11 beautifully-appointed apartments.