Best Cities for a Rugby Holiday

Some cities simply do international rugby better than others. Not just because of the stadiums they host, but because of how a holiday can unfolds around them. The best rugby weekends are shaped not only by the action, but by the destination itself — the fans, the bars, the cuisine, the atmosphere — long before kick-off and well after the final whistle.

From historic Six Nations capitals to long-haul tournament destinations and showpiece rugby league events, these are the cities where rugby feels like a complete experience rather than a single fixture.

Each offers its own take on matchday, whether that’s all-day immersion, a slower cultural build-up, or a festival-style atmosphere that turns a game into an unforgettable weekend away.

Edinburgh, Scotland

When Murrayfield Stadium is rocking, it’s hard to find a stadium with the same atmospheric intensity in international rugby. One of the most unique experiences when watching Scotland here is seeing the bagpiper emerge atop the stadium roof to play the national anthem of ‘Flower of Scotland’.

The atmosphere is particularly ramped up when England come to compete for the Calcutta Cup in the Six Nations, officially the oldest rivalry in rugby, and there’s no finer way to enjoy the occasion than with full matchday hospitality.

Best things to do on a Rugby Weekend in Edinburgh

Edinburgh’s historic city lends itself perfectly to a romantic weekend away combined with some rugby action, and what luck that England’s Six Nations fixture against Scotland falls on Valentine’s weekend in 2026.

The Balmoral Hotel is our favourite place to stay in Edinburgh, and in additional to its regal setting and luxurious rooms and suites, it offers some of the best Whisky tasting experiences in the city with views up to Edinburgh Castle.

After soaking up the history of Edinburgh Castle, the Royal Mile is another must-experience place in Edinburgh. Spotted with exceptional bars, pubs, restaurants and whisky spots, it’s an ideal central hub for exceptional post or pre-match entertainment.

Dublin, Ireland

Rugby weekends in Dublin have a character all of their own, shaped by a city that lives and breathes big occasions. From the moment supporters spill into the streets, there’s a sense that match day here carries a little extra weight — especially when England are in town.

Inside, the Aviva Stadium feels almost cauldron-like. The steep stands trap the noise and amplify every big moment, creating an atmosphere that builds quickly and doesn’t relent. It’s exactly what you’d hope for from a fixture with this much history behind it.

Best things to do on a Rugby Weekend in Dublin

The rugby experience always starts long before kick-off in Dublin. The area surrounding the iconic Temple Bar is the place to be on match day, with live music venues playing Irish music building the gameday atmosphere.

There’s a great rivalry between Ireland and England, but it’s all in good humour and you can expect to comfortably mix with home fans over a pint of Guinness in Dublin’s many traditional Irish pubs.

A quintessential Dublin experience is the Guinness Storehouse, where you can take a fully guided journey through seven floors of stout and learn to pour the perfect pint of Ireland’s greatest export.

London, England

Twickenham is the largest dedicated rugby stadium in the world, so the matchdays atmosphere is naturally one of the most intense you'll experience on the way to the ground.

Walking from Twickenham station towards the stadium, you'll pass food stalls, pop-up bars and crowds already in full voice for country. Inside, the sheer size of the stadium is to be marvelled at — chants echo around the terraces accompanied by Mexican waves and sweeping views of the action in a real party atmosphere.

Best things to do on a Rugby Weekend in London

London offers enormous flexibility for a rugby weekend. We recommend staying in one of the capital's many central luxury hotels co you can use the city’s Michelin-starred restaurants, bars and cultural landmarks to shape your plans before heading out to Twickenham on matchday.

Post-match, the city opens back up again. Whether that means lingering around Twickenham and Richmond or heading back into central London for a choice of world cuisine and sunset cocktails, the rugby becomes part of a much wider weekend that can be tailored to suit couples or groups. London’s strength lies in its variety, making it one of the most versatile places to experience international rugby.

Cardiff, Wales

With the Principality Stadium set in the heart of the city, Cardiff delivers one of the most immediate matchday experiences in international rugby. The walk to the ground is part of the occasion, as crowds move through the centre and the atmosphere builds naturally around you.

Inside the stadium, the experience can change dramatically depending on the roof. When it’s closed, noise is contained and intensified, giving big fixtures a sense of scale that’s hard to replicate elsewhere.

Best things to do on a Rugby Weekend in Cardiff

Cardiff’s compact centre makes it easy to build a rugby weekend around good food and drink, with independent spots spread throughout the city and a lively energy that carries from day into night.

A long Sunday lunch at The Heathcock, tapas and gin at Bar 44, or cocktails at the hidden Dead Canary all suit the rhythm of a match weekend, while a stop at Ty Melin works well for a slower start to the day. It’s this ease of movement between places that defines Cardiff, turning a fixture into a social, city-wide occasion rather than just a few hours at the stadium.

Rome, Italy

A rugby weekend in Rome feels very different to those in the UK and Ireland. The match is part of a wider cultural escape, shaped by a city that encourages a slower pace and rewards time spent exploring between fixtures.

Matchdays build gently. Many supporters spend the morning sightseeing or enjoying lunch before heading towards the stadium closer to kick-off. The walk through the Foro Italico creates a sense of occasion that’s uniquely Roman, while the crowd inside is notably international, with a welcoming, easy-going atmosphere.

Best things to do on a Rugby Weekend in Rome

Early starts are rewarded in Rome. Visiting the Trevi Fountain or the Pantheon first thing allows you to appreciate them before the surrounding streets fill with visitors. From there, the city reveals itself through historic piazzas and quieter backstreets that invite unhurried wandering.

Aventine Hill offers one of the city’s most memorable viewpoints, with a perfectly framed view across Rome through its famous keyhole. After the match, many supporters return to the centre for dinner, with rugby naturally folding back into the rhythm of the city rather than dominating it.

Rome pairs international rugby with heritage and atmosphere rather than intensity. It’s a destination that turns a fixture into a richly layered city break, leaving space for discovery as well as the sport.

Paris, France

A rugby weekend in Paris usually starts far from the stadium. You’ll spend the day in the city itself, joining supporters in neighbourhood cafés and brasseries, where tables fill early and conversations drift naturally towards the match. The build-up is social rather than frantic, shaped by long lunches, wine, and the steady sense that something big is coming later.

You typically make your way to the Stade de France closer to kick-off, rather than arriving hours in advance. Inside, the atmosphere is loud and expressive, with chants, music and rhythm running through the stands. French supporters bring a distinct energy to international fixtures, and when the stadium fills, the occasion quickly takes on real intensity, particularly under the lights.

Best things to do on a Rugby Weekend in Paris

Before the match, you can take advantage of being in one of Europe’s great cities. A walk along the Seine, time spent exploring neighbourhoods, or a slow lunch in a bistro all fit easily into the day without feeling rushed.

After the final whistle, most supporters head straight back into central Paris. Dinner plans stretch late, wine bars stay busy, and the rugby becomes part of a broader evening rather than the end of it. It’s a weekend where the match sits naturally alongside the city’s food, culture and pace, making Paris one of the most rewarding places to combine international rugby with a proper city break.

Las Vegas, USA

Las Vegas is relatively new on the scene when it comes to hosting world-class rugby league events, but it certainly delivers.

Since 2023, the world’s best rugby league teams have been invited to Las Vegas to play an annual two-day tournament under the lights at the Allegiant Stadium.

With Super League teams such as Warrington Wolves, Leeds Rhinos, Hull KR, Wigan Warriors and various Australian NRL teams heading stateside in recent years, it’s one of the most unique rugby spectacles in the world.

Best things to do on a Rugby Weekend in Las Vegas

The contrast between gritty rugby league action and the dazzling lights of Las Vegas is an experience to behold. The Vegas Strip is the perfect place to enjoy the weekend, with exceptional entertainment, nightlife and Michelin-starred restaurants at your fingertips.

Beyond match-day, there are plenty of bucket-list experiences to be had in Las Vegas, from trying your luck in the casino to venturing out on excursions to the Grand Canyon for scenic hikes and helicopter flyovers. And, with the Deep South and West Coast in close proximity, you have a world of ranch, surf and self-drive options to extend your USA rugby holiday.

Brisbane, Australia

With Rugby World Cup 2027 on the horizon, Australia is already shaping up to be an exceptional stage for international rugby. Supporters don’t come here for one rivalry — they come for the scale of the tournament, the festival atmosphere, and the chance to explore a country that lives and breathes sport.

Brisbane is at the heart of that experience. Suncorp Stadium is legendary for its intensity, and watching the Wallabies here really is a bucket-list experience for almost every rugby fan. The stadium is one of the best in the world. Noise carries, the energy builds quickly, and the whole place feels charged from the moment you arrive in the precinct.

Best things to do on a Rugby Holiday in Brisbane

A trip to Brisbane also opens the door to some remarkable experiences. The South Bank region is packed with trendy cafés for a pre-game breakfast, and is a short, scenic walk from Suncorp Stadium. Beyond matchday, there are many boutique neighbourhoods to explore, art galleries to peruse and fine dining restaurants to experience. 

If you’re keen to make the most of Queensland’s coastline, Byron Bay is within easy reach of Brisbane — perfect for a private surf lesson or a relaxed couple of days by the water. The surrounding rainforest here is full of hidden waterfalls, glow-worm caves and wildlife, giving you the chance to see a different side of Australia during your stay.

If you have more flexibility, you can travel down to Sydney or the Barossa Valley region to layer in some private vineyard tours, foodie tours and see the iconic Syndey Opera House, you can even pair Australia with a trip to New Zealand!

With so much to explore in Australia, you can tailor your holiday around multiple cities, layering in vineyard wine tasting experiences, food tours or guided sightseeing, or take the opportunity to combine Australia with New Zealand.

For more inspiration for things to do in Australia during the 2027 Rugby World Cup, read our 10 Best Things to Do in Australia Blog.

Book your rugby holiday with Spectate

With hospitality and grandstand tickets to rugby's most coveted events, there's no better way to experience rugby than with a tailor-made holiday by Spectate.

We go the extra mile to tailor your break exclusively to you, including flights, the best hotels, experiences and extensions to help you make the most of your rugby experience. 

What's more, our experts will take care of everything while you travel with a 24-hour concierge service to assist with excursion bookings, restaurant reservations and more — meaning you won't have to lift a finger while you're away.

Call us today on 01244 729 897 and start planning your ultimate rugby holiday!