I Spent the First Week of the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Here Are 11 Ways to Soak Up the Spirit Beyond the Games

"2026 is the year of sports, and it's kicking off with the Milano Cortina Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games, taking place in venues across northern Italy, with Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo as the host cities. I spent the first week of the Olympics on the ground in Milan with Expedia, joining thousands of other fans cheering on top athletes from around the world."

"While the Games are the main event, there's so much happening beyond the stadiums, creating an electric atmosphere and community feel that makes the entire experience worth traveling for. "Traveling for experiences like the Games can be the reason you go, but it doesn't have to be the only experience of the trip. Make the most of your trip and check out different activities like a train tour across the Swiss Alps, a tour of the Duomo, or a show at the theater,""

"The Olympics are a celebration of international cultures and community, and some teams invite the public to their hospitality houses to enjoy food, drinks, entertainment, and art from their home country. Some are free to visit with no registration required, others require a free ticket, and some cost a fee to enter. Korea House, located at the stunning Villa Necchi Campiglio, was a highlight, with changing daily events like K-beauty and K-pop experiences."

The Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games take place across northern Italy, with Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo as host cities. Milan's streets and venues host fans, events, and community activations that extend the Olympic experience beyond competition. Travelers can combine competitive events with cultural activities such as train tours across the Swiss Alps, visits to the Duomo, and theater performances. Team hospitality houses open to the public offer food, drinks, entertainment, and art from participating countries; access varies from free entry to ticketed admission. Examples include Korea House at Villa Necchi Campiglio, House of Switzerland, Casa Brasil, and Casa Italia at the Triennale di Milano.

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