EXPERIENCE THE FIFA World Cup

As the birthplace of the American Revolution, Boston is one of the most historic cities in America. Go back in time with the country’s oldest public park (Boston Common) and university (Harvard), or enjoy the city’s distinct, ever-evolving neighborhoods. You can spend the morning walking the Freedom Trail and the evening enjoying panoramic views of the skyline at View Boston. As an extremely passionate sports city, Boston is sure to celebrate the FIFA World Cup in style. There are countless sports bars around the city, like Cask ‘n Flagon, Stats Bar & Grille, Banners Kitchen and Tap, or The Sporting Club. 

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• Stadium: Gillette Stadium – Foxborough, MA
• Capacity: 64,600 for soccer 
• Normal use: Home of New England Revolution (MLS) and New England Patriots (NFL)
• FIFA World Cup schedule: June 13, June 16, June 19, June 23, June 26, June 29, July 9
• Don't have tickets? Located in a historic police station in Back Bay, Dillon’s is a soccer-centric sports pub that’s all about community. Two bars and elevated pub grub make it easy to join the crowd.

Daily costs

Note: These are typical prices. Some, especially accommodations, will fluctuate during the Men’s World Cup.

Budget: Less than $100

• Dorm bed: $50
• Pizza or dumplings: $5–10
• Certain museum nights and walking tours: free
• Ride on the T: $2.40

Midrange: $100–300

• Double room in a midrange hotel: $150–250
• Meal at a midrange restaurant: $25–35
• Museum admission: $15–25
• Short taxi ride: $15–20

Top end: More than $300

• Double room in a top-end hotel: from $250
• Meal at a top-end restaurant: $80- $125
• Concerts, events and other activities: from $50

Getting around

• T (Subway): The quickest and easiest way to get to most destinations. Runs from 5:30am or 6am until 1:30am.
• Blue Bikes: Boston's bike-share program, with 1800 bikes available to borrow at 200 stations.
• MBTA bus: Supplements the subway system.
• Located between Boston and Providence, Gillette Stadium has a designated commuter rail stop (Foxborough Station) which is serviced by the MBTA (the “T”).

One must-try food

Seafood sampler: There’s more to the seafood scene than clam chowder and lobster rolls. Boston cuisine has always featured plenty of seafood, especially the “sacred cod,” halibut and various shellfish. Many restaurants have “raw bars” where they serve local oysters and clams. 

Best for local cuisine

While you may go to Mexico City for the history-making opening match, you’re sure to stay for its buzzing urban energy, top-notch museums and legendary nightlife. Soccer is a part of the culture in Mexico, so the city will be full of locals and visitors bar hopping and celebrating.

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Eat your way through the city’s unbeatable street food scene, glide through the canals in Xochimilco and learn about Mexico’s Indigenous history at the Museo Nacional de Antropologia. After enjoying the ultra-modern Mexico City, go back in time to the Mesoamerican civilization at the ancient Teotihuacan pyramids.

Best for global spirit

Toronto is one of the world’s most multicultural cities, with nearly half of its residents born outside Canada. This diversity creates an extraordinary opportunity to experience the World Cup alongside fans from across the globe – united to cheer, dance and celebrate together. Even if you don’t have a ticket, you can join the excitement at the FIFA Fan Festival or lively local spots like Real Sports. Toronto’s global mix also makes it perfect for a city getaway. Between matches, explore its world-class dining scene, friendly neighborhoods and vibrant cultural institutions. Take a foodie tour, visit interactive museums or unwind in one of the city’s many green spaces.

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• Stadium: BMO Field – Toronto, Ontario
• Capacity: 45,700 after expansion for the FIFA World Cup 
• Normal use: Home of Toronto FC (MLS) and Toronto Argonauts (CFL); open-air, on the lakefront
• FIFA World Cup schedule: June 12, June 17, June 20, June 23, June 26, July 2; Hosts Canada’s first group game on June 12
• Don't have tickets? Beyond its gigantic HD screens (the largest is 39-ft-wide), Real Sports is a labyrinthine affair near the CN Tower that serves up quality pub grub at any number of tables, cozy couches and even a 100-ft-long bar.

Daily costs

Note: These are typical prices. Some, especially accommodations, will fluctuate during the Men’s World Cup.

Budget: Less than $100

• Dorm bed: $30–50
• Double room in a hostel or budget hotel: $100–140
• Self-catered meals from markets and supermarkets: $8–14
• Subway/streetcar/bus fare: $3.25

Midrange: $100–250

• Room in a B&B or midrange hotel: $150–250
• Meal at a good local restaurant: from $30 plus drinks
• Museum/sight admission: $5–20
• Short taxi trip: $10–12

Top end: More than $250

• Four-star-hotel room: from $250
• Three-course meal at a top restaurant: from $60
• Theater tickets: $40–175

Getting around

• Subway: Fastest way to get across town; service from 6am (8am Sunday) until 1:30am daily.
• Streetcar: Extensive service throughout the city, though maddeningly slow during rush hour; runs 24 hours.
• Bus: Best for accessing areas outside Toronto's core; service from 6am (8am Sunday) until 1am daily.
• Boat: Ferries and water taxis are the only way to get to the Toronto Islands.
• Bike: Best for exploring the Waterfront and the Toronto Islands.
• Taxi: Easily hailed downtown; they also line up outside big hotels.

One must-try food

Poutine. You might think we’re cheating a little because poutine is usually associated more with Québec, not Ontario. But to be fair, it has become a classic Canadian comfort food all over the country, including Toronto. The basic recipe couldn’t be simpler – start with crispy french fries, sprinkle with cheese curds and smother with hot, rich brown gravy. Dress it up for a hearty side at a luxurious restaurant or get it quick and easy in a pub or as a late night snack. After starting with the basics, where will you go from there? Perhaps Montréal.

Best for hiking

The San Francisco Peninsula might just be the best destination you've yet to discover. Effortlessly blending coastal beauty, cultural richness and a spirit of adventure, it offers a distinctly Northern California experience all its own. When you come for the World Cup, you'll want to stay a while to see the natural wonders, historic sites and charming towns right off the 101 freeway. Use the Peninsula as your base and venture out to coastal gems like Half Moon Bay and Pacifica, wine country in the Santa Cruz Mountains or hiking trails through towering redwoods in Woodside. The San Francisco Peninsula delivers a California experience that's as memorable as it is unexpected.

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• Stadium: Levi’s Stadium – Santa Clara, CA
• Capacity: 68,500 (expandable to 75k) 
• Normal use: Home of the San Francisco 49ers (NFL)
• FIFA World Cup schedule: June 13, June 16, June 19, June 22, June 25, July 1
• Don't have tickets? During the Men’s World Cup, expect TVs tuned to the games in a bustling indoor-outdoor setting. One of our favorites is 168 year-old 7 Mile House in Brisbane.

Daily costs

Note: These are typical prices. Some, especially accommodations, will fluctuate during the Men’s World Cup.

Budget: Less than $150

• Dorm bed: $33–60
• Burrito: $6–9
• Food trucks in San Mateo or Redwood City: $5–15
• Beers at local breweries in South San Francisco: $7-10 per pint 
• Public art walks in Redwood City: free 
• Hiking in Purisima Creek Redwoods Preserve: free 
• San Andreas Lake: free 
• Surf lesson in Half Moon Bay: $65-100

Midrange: Less than $150

• Boutique hotel: $130–195
• Tickets to Filoli Historic House and Garden in Woodside: $35-50
• Downtown dining in San Mateo or Burlingame $20–45 
• Caltrain day pass: $8-$21
• Silicon Valley tech small-group tour (Meta, Apple, Google): $150-200 per person

Top end: More than $350

• Upscale boutique hotel: $195–390
• Chef's tasting menu at The Village Pub: $130
• E-bike tour of Half Moon Bay: $110

Getting around

Getting around the San Francisco Peninsula is part of the experience, with scenic routes and easy connections at every turn. 

• To get to World Cup matches, take Caltrain to Mountain View, then transfer to VTA.
• Walk or Ride: Explore the Peninsula’s walkable downtowns on foot or by bike, where shops, patios and local favorites line every block.
• Caltrain runs the length of the Peninsula, linking walkable downtowns from San Bruno to Palo Alto and beyond. BART also serves the northern Peninsula, offering quick connections to San Francisco, the East Bay and San Francisco International Airport (SFO).
• For coastal drives along Highway 1 and exploring redwood forests or hillside overlooks – having your own car offers the freedom to discover hidden gems along the way.

Must-try food

Do not miss the Peninsula's freshly-caught local seafood. Half Moon Bay has tons of fantastic restaurants that serve catches of the day, but the best spot is Sam's Chowder House. It's a stunning setting, right on the water. In the summer months, you'll be able to choose among the season's in-season fish: California halibut, rockfish and delicious Dungeness crabs – and more. Note: Sam's is not a secret spot, and you'll likely encounter a wait. Try a week night, and go early.

Best for local immersion

As the birthplace of mariachi and tequila, Guadalajara is a quintessential Mexican city. The city has many soccer superfans, so it’s sure to be packed with energy and passion during the FIFA World Cup. Be prepared for music, tequila cocktails and busy sports bars. One of the best ways to explore Guadalajara is through its unique neighborhoods that represent both its colonial history and contemporary culture. Centro Histórico is full of classic cathedrals, Colonia Americana has the best restaurants and Tonalá has a fantastic artists market.

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• ​​Stadium: Estadio Akron – Guadalajara (Zapopan)
• Capacity: 48,000 
• Normal use: Home of C.D. Guadalajara (Chivas)
• FIFA World Cup schedule: June 11, June 18, June 23, June 26; multiple group-stage matches featuring Mexico
• Don't have tickets? Smack-dab in Guadalajara’s hopping bar scene, the aviation-themed Sky Wings Chapultepec gets packed on big game days, especially for soccer. Expect walls lined in TVs, a variety of craft beers and baskets of wings, from sweet to spicy.

Daily costs

Note: These are typical prices. Some, especially accommodations, will fluctuate during the Men’s World Cup.

• Hostel (dorm bed): M$200–500
• Basic room for two: from M$800–1200
• Self-catering apartment (including Airbnb): from M$1000
• Public transport ticket: M$9.50–15
• Cup of coffee: M$30
• Torta ahogada (chili-soaked pork sandwich): M$40
• Street taco: M$15
• Glass of mezcal or tequila: M$70–150
• Dinner for two (upscale restaurant): from M$600
• Bottle of (domestic) beer: M$35

Getting around

Guadalajara has a comprehensive city bus system. On major routes, buses run every 5 minutes or so from 6am to 10pm daily and cost M$9.50. The large-scale bike-sharing scheme MiBici was introduced in 2014 and now counts some 71,600 users. At present the Siteur subway and light-rail system counts three lines that cross the city. But the metro as it exists now isn’t particularly tourist friendly as most stops are far from the sights. 

One must-try food

Torta ahogada: The most famous dish in Guadalajara is the torta ahogada – literally translated, it means “drowned sandwich” – which is a birote (bread roll) stuffed with pork and refried beans flavored with lime and fresh onions, and then soaked in a sauce made of tomatoes and chilies. 

Best for road trips

Atlanta is perfect for international travelers – charismatic and lush, the city is a feverish, easy-on-the-eyes cavalcade of culture, cuisine and Southern hospitality. If you enjoy art, nature, or history, this city has you covered. Explore by visiting the High Museum of Art, tubing down the Chattahoochee River and indulging in southern comfort food at Paschal’s. While in Atlanta, be sure to dive deep into Black history by going through the National Center for Civil and Human Rights and the King Center, which houses Dr Martin Luther King, Jr’s papers as well as his burial site. 

• Stadium: Mercedes-Benz Stadium – Atlanta, GA
• Capacity: 71,000 for soccer 
• Normal use: Home of Atlanta United (MLS) and Atlanta Falcons (NFL); famous “camera aperture” retractable roof
• FIFA World Cup schedule: June 15, June 18, June 21, June 24, June 27, July 1, July 7, July 15
• Don’t have tickets? A downtown sports bar with an industrial warehouse vibe, Stats Brew Pub has over 70 HD screens, 5 bars and even a ticker with current scores. If beer is your thing, ask for a table with its own tap.

Daily costs

Note: These are typical prices. Some, especially accommodations, will fluctuate during the World Cup.

Budget: Less than $120

• Cheapest accommodations: around $70–100
• Self-catering: $10–20
• MARTA and bus tickets: $5–10

Midrange: $120–250

• Double room: around $100–150
• Self-catering and dining out: $40–60
• Cheap night out: around $20–40

Top end: More than $250

• Double room in high-end accommodations: from $200
• High-end restaurant meal: from $100
• Pop bottles at the club! Night out can equal triple digits

Getting around

Despite its sprawling layout, Atlanta is fairly easy to navigate both with your own set of wheels or on public transportation. The city is well served by the MARTA bus and rail system and a Downtown tram. And the groundbreaking Atlanta BeltLine multiuse trail system is one of the most progressive in North America, if not the world.

One must-try food

Hot wings: Though not exclusive to Atlanta, anyone who grew up here can testify to hot wings being the ideal grab-and-go meal in the city. Specifically, lemon pepper wings – the favorite flavor of ATLiens — which can be served wet (in sauce) or dry, with the lemon pepper sprinkled on top. If you want to go full local, mix your lemon pepper with a hot or mild sauce.

Best for variety

With endless museums, restaurants, shows and bars – there are countless reasons to visit New York City. See iconic sites like Central Park, the Empire State Building and the Statue of Liberty. You can also catch a Broadway show or grab a classic bagel from Zabar’s or Tompkins Square Bagels. New York/New Jersey will host the championship match of the FIFA World Cup 2026, making it one of the most popular events of the tournament!

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• Stadium: MetLife Stadium – East Rutherford, NJ
• Capacity: 82,500 for soccer 
• Normal use: Home of the New York Giants and New York Jets (NFL)
• FIFA World Cup schedule: June 13, June 16, June 22, June 25, June 27, June 30, July 5, July 19; hosts Men’s World Cup Final on July 19
• Don't have tickets? All the official fan events across New York and New Jersey will be free to attend. Expect giant screens and celebrations at five different locations across New Jersey, Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island, Mahattan and the Bronx. Or you could head to Smithfield Hall, a Chelsea sports bar where footie fans regularly cheer on their favorite teams. Expect many TVs, elevated pub grub and a community vibe.

Daily costs 

Note: These are typical prices. Some, especially accommodations, will fluctuate during the Men’s World Cup.

Budget: Less than $300

• Dorm bed: $60–80
• Slice of pizza: around $4
• Food-truck tacos: from $6
• Happy-hour glass of wine: $12
• Bus or subway ride: $3

Midrange: $300–500

• Double room in a midrange hotel: from $200
• Empire State Building ticket: $45
• Midrange restaurant dinner for two: $160
• Craft cocktail: $20
• Discount Broadway tickets: around $80

Top end: More than $500

• One night at opulent Bowery Hotel: from $650
• Upscale tasting menu: $200–365
• Metropolitan Opera orchestra seats: $85–445

Getting around

Check the Metropolitan Transportation Authority website for bus and subway information. Delays have increased as the number of users has grown.

• Subway: Inexpensive, somewhat efficient and operates around the clock, though navigating lines can be confusing. Starting in January, a single ride is $3 with a MetroCard (or the expanding OMNY contactless system).
• Buses: Convenient during off hours – especially between the city’s eastern and western sides (most subway lines run north to south). Uses MetroCard (and, eventually, OMNY); same price as the subway.
• Taxi: Meters start at $2.50, increasing $0.50 per 0.2 miles (with an additional $0.50 night surcharge). Congestion surcharge adds $2.50.
• Bicycle: Bike-share program Citi Bike (24-hour pass $12) is very popular. BYO helmet.
• Inter-borough ferries: The ferry is handy between waterside stops in Manhattan, Brooklyn and Queens.
• On game days, NJ Transit provides rail service to the stadium’s Meadowlands station. Or take a bus! Coach USA offers direct service (351 Express) to/from NYC’s Port Authority.

One (OK, two) must-try foods

There’s just no way around it. We can’t be forced to choose between the quintessential Big Apple icons of pizza and bagels, so you’ll just have to try both. Start your day with a hand-rolled, kettle-boiled and oven-baked bagel with a generous schmear of cream cheese – born from the city’s Jewish immigrant traditions. There are no limits to the number of added ingredients and combinations available. Later, whether it’s lunch on-the-go or late-night munchies, grab a large, thin, foldable New York slice from one of hundreds of classic pizzerias – every New Yorker will tell you a different favorite. 

Best for cowboy core

Dallas is flashy but gritty, urban yet rural. Go back in time at the Fort Worth Stockyards, where you can design a custom cowboy hat and go to the world’s largest honky-tonk at Billy Bob’s. Kayak the Trinity River to enjoy views of the woods as well as the downtown skyline. Before the game, be sure to sample the world-famous Texas barbecue at classic restaurants like Terry Black’s, Hard Eight and Hutchins.

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• Stadium: AT&T Stadium – Arlington, TX
• Capacity: 80,000+, expandable toward 90k+ with temporary seating
• Normal use: Home of the Dallas Cowboys (NFL); massive retractable-roof dome
• FIFA World Cup schedule: June 14, June 17, June 22, June 25, June 27, June 30, July 3, July 6, July 14; the most matches of any venue; hosts one semifinal (July 14)
• Don't have tickets? Well-loved Christie’s is a welcoming two-story bar with loads of TVs. The menu features classic finger-food faves with treats like fried pickles and charcuterie boards.

Daily costs

Note: These are typical prices. Some, especially accommodations, will fluctuate during the Men’s World Cup.

Budget: less than $150

• Dorm bed: $35–75
• Takeout meal: $7–15
• Free concerts and events
• Metro daily fare cap: $5

Midrange: $150–300

• Hotel double room: $200
• Two-course dinner and glass of wine: $40
• Live music concert: $50

Top end: more than $300

• Downtown hotel: from $300
• Dinner at a destination restaurant: from $80, excluding drinks

Getting around

DART operates buses and an extensive light-rail system that connects downtown with outlying areas. Buy tickets on board buses or from vending machines at rail stops. DART also runs the Trinity Railway Express, which links Dallas Union Station with Fort Worth (1  hour), and the Dallas Streetcar between Union Station and the Bishop Arts District. 

Travel from downtown to uptown on the historic, free M-Line Trolley, which runs from the St Paul DART station via the Arts District and up McKinney Ave to City Place/Uptown Station.

One must-try food

Barbecue: Make no bones about it – Texas barbecue is an obsession. However you like it – sliced thick onto butcher paper, slapped on picnic plates, doused with a tangy sauce or eaten naturally flavorful right out of the smokehouse barbecue pit – be sure to savor it...and then argue to the death that your way is the best way. Like a true barbecue-loving Texan.

Best for beaches

In Vancouver, stunning natural beauty meets metropolitan culture and sophistication. Enjoy the outdoors with a beach day, trek through treetops at the Capilano Suspension Bridge or take a nature walk with a First Nations Guide. You’ll also be able to enjoy being in a big city with a thriving art scene on Granville Island and incredible shopping on Robson St. Start off your evening gorging yourself with wontons and dim sum on the Dumping Trail in Richmond. Then, use Vancouver’s public transportation to get to the game or a local sports bar

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• Stadium: BC Place – Vancouver, British Columbia
• Capacity: 54,000 
• Normal use: Home of Vancouver Whitecaps (MLS); covered by an air-supported retractable roof
• FIFA World Cup schedule: June 13, June 18, June 21, June 24, June 26, July 2, July 7; several matches involving Canada

Daily costs

Note: These are typical prices. Some, especially accommodations, will fluctuate during the Men’s World Cup.

Budget: Less than $100

• Dorm bed: $50
• Food-court meal: $10; pizza slice: $3
• Happy-hour beer special: $6
• All-day transit pass: $10.25

Midrange: $100–300

• Double room in a standard hotel: $200
• Dinner in a neighborhood restaurant: $40
• Craft beer for two: $15
• Museum entry: $15–25

Top end: More than $300

• Four-star hotel room: from $350
• Fine-dining meal for two: $100
• Cocktail: $25
• Taxi trips around the city: $5 and up

Getting around

Transit in Vancouver is cheap, extensive and generally efficient.

• Bus: Extensive network in central areas with frequent services on many routes.
• Train: SkyTrain system is fast but limited to only a few routes. Especially good for trips from the city center.
• SeaBus: A popular transit ferry linking downtown Vancouver and North Vancouver.

One must-try food

Dim sum: Vancouver’s culinary scene has a huge Asian influence, and as a result, there’s no shortage of delicious dim sum spots. Deep-fried dumplings, pork-stuffed pouches and steaming hot wontons are just some of the tasty treats you’ll discover in the traditional dim sum restaurants, street food shacks, and hidden mom-and-pop shops serving up the best dishes on this side of the Pacific.

Best for foodies

As Texas’s largest city, Houston has outstanding public art and museums, an eclectic food scene and lovely green spaces. While it can get hot in the summer, there’s plenty to do indoors, from the Space Center Houston to the Museum of Fine Arts. You can also spend your evenings at the open-air Miller Outdoor Theater, which hosts plays, musical events and dance spectaculars.

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• Stadium: NRG Stadium – Houston, TX
• Capacity: 72,200 
• Normal use: Home of the Houston Texans (NFL); retractable roof and air-conditioned
• FIFA World Cup schedule: June 14, June 17, June 20, June 23, June 26, June 29, July 4
• Don't have tickets? For Houston’s soccer fans, it’s tough to beat Pitch 25, a 25,000-sq-ft beer garden with an indoor futsal field. Founded by soccer pro Brian Ching, there are 70+ screens, 100 beers on tap and a countdown to the first Men’s World Cup game.

Daily costs

Note: These are typical prices. Some, especially accommodations, will fluctuate during the Men’s World Cup.

• Hostel room: $35–50 (dorm bed)
• Basic hotel room for two: $100–180
• Self-catering apartment (including Airbnb): from $120
• Cup of coffee: $4–4.50
• A cafe sandwich: $8–10
• A lunch taco: $2.50–5
• Restaurant dinner for two: $60–80
• Beer/pint at the bar: $6–8
• Average daily cost: $200–300

Getting around

Houston's public transportation is run by Metro. Fast and frequent trams (“Metrorail”) run on three routes, including the very useful Red Line that serves Reliant Park, the Rice University area, Hermann Park and the Museum District, Midtown and Downtown. Free Greenlink shuttle buses run on two routes serving major sights around Downtown. Buses arrive every 7 to 10 minutes.

Houston B-Cycle is good for a quick jaunt about town. Find a B-Cycle station, swipe your credit card and head off on a bicycle, which you can return at other stations. The first hour is included in the membership charge.

One must-try food

Viet-Cajun Crawfish: Houston has one of the largest Vietnamese populations in the US, and that is reflected in its unique blend of cuisines. Viet-Cajun Crawfish are a product of Vietnamese foodways, such as a love of melted garlic butter, combined with a classic Cajun boil. The result is something beautiful, mouthwatering and inspiring all at once – not to mention incredibly messy and fairly spicy. 

Best for adventurers

Monterrey, Mexico’s third-largest city, will host four matches at Estadio BBVA (aka Estadio Monterrey), a modern arena surrounded by majestic mountains. You can also spend your trip perusing the galleries at the Museo de Arte Contemporaneo (the Museum of Modern Art) or checking out the city from above at the Horno3 viewing deck.

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• Stadium: Estadio BBVA – Monterrey (Guadalupe)
• Capacity: 53,500 
• Normal use: Home of C.F. Monterrey; modern two-tiered bowl nicknamed “El Gigante de Acero”
• FIFA World Cup schedule: June 14, June 20, June 24, June 29
• Don't have tickets? While the green neon lights and lack of windows lend it a spaceship vibe, the plethora of giant TVs and big fan spirit make SkyGamers Sports Bar one of Monterrey’s top spots to catch a game.

Daily costs

Note: These are typical budget prices for Mexico in general. Some, especially accommodations, will fluctuate during the Men’s World Cup.

• Hostel room: M$200–1000
• Basic room for two: M$360–3000
• Self-catering apartment (including Airbnb): M$700
• Public transport ticket: M$5 (including charge card)
• Coffee: M$30
• Sandwich: M$40
• Dinner for two: M$500
• Beer/pint at the bar: M$30 (national beer)
• Tequila serving: M$70
• Taco: M$15

Getting around

Monterrey has a modern metro system, but it mainly serves the downtown areas. Metrorrey consists of three lines: Linea 1 goes from the northwest to the eastern suburbs; Linea 2 goes from Macroplaza to the northern suburbs; Linea 3 connects Zaragoza station with the northeastern areas. Frequent buses head to places you can’t reach by metro – carry coins with you. Otherwise, taxis and car shares are ubiquitous and reasonably priced. In a megapolis the size of Monterrey, you can expect traffic – lots of it.

One must-try food

Cabrito: You can’t think of Monterrey without thinking of Cabrito, more precisely Cabrito Guisado. It’s a slow-cooked stew featuring the tender meat of a young goat – traditionally only fed with its mother’s milk. The stew is spicy, with lots of supporting flavors including chilies, tomatoes and onions. Hearty, inexpensive, and utterly quintessential. 

Best for BBQ (and Swifties)

Kansas City is fondly named the “Soccer Capital of America” thanks to its passionate soccer culture and professional teams. While in town, visitors can go to the American Jazz Museum, which also has an after-hours jazz club called Blue Room, or head to the Museum of BBQ. Be sure to check out some of the city's best restaurants for steak, barbecue, or cross the state line and follow KCK’s Taco Trail.

• Stadium: Kansas City Stadium (GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium) – Kansas City, MO
• Capacity: 76,400 
• Normal use: Home of the Kansas City Chiefs (NFL); famous for crowd noise
• FIFA World Cup schedule: June 16, June 20, June 25, June 27, July 3, July 11
• Don't have tickets? Kansas City always has fans gathering in the Power and Light District to watch FIFA matches, but for the Men’s World Cup, the city will roll out a multistage fan festival at the National WWI Museum and Memorial. You can easily hop between locations on the street car. 

Daily costs

Note: These are typical prices. Some, especially accommodations, will fluctuate during the Men’s World Cup.

Budget: Less than $120

• Cheapest accommodations: around $70–100
• Self-catering: around $10–20
• Free streetcar, bus tickets: $5–10
• Visit to Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art: free
• Visit to Hallmark Visitors Center: free
• Macbeth at Heart of America Shakespeare Festival: free to bring blankets to sit on the hill

Midrange: $120–250

• Double room: around $100–150
• Self-catering and dining out: $40–60
• Cover charge at Green Lady Lounge (jazz club): $10
• Visit to National WWI Museum and Memorial: $19.50 for admission to museum

Top end: More than $250

• Double room in high-end accommodations: from $200
• High-end restaurant: from $70+
• Meal at 1587 Prime: easily from $100 per person
• BBQ tour: $135

Getting around

The city is planning a massive expansion of bus service for the World Cup. Details of pricing are expected to be announced in early 2026. Meanwhile, the KC Streetcar is very handy and free. It travels mainly along Main St, from the University of Missouri Kansas City campus to the River Market, stopping at popular spots like the Plaza, Art Museum, Union Station and Crown Center. It runs every 10 to 15 minutes.

One must-try food

Burnt ends: Unsurprisingly, the most commonly asked Kansas City food question is: what’s the best place for barbecue? Burnt ends – the fatty charred ends of brisket, like smoked beef crackling – are a Kansas City invention, and a must-order here.

Best for celeb sighting

While Los Angeles may seem overwhelming for first-timers, this city is iconic for good reason. There is truly something for everyone – whether you want to eat the best Korean food in the country, bike around relaxed beach towns or see the sites from your favorite films. Music lovers should grab tickets to the stunning Hollywood Bowl or peruse the exhibits at the Grammy Museum. For the beach, drive up the Pacific Coast Highway for rugged cliffs and legendary waves. The FIFA World Cup games will be hosted at the impressive SoFi Stadium, with watch parties at sports bars around the city.

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• Stadium: SoFi Stadium – Inglewood, CA
• Capacity: 70,000, expandable to 100k for major events 
• Normal use: Home of the Los Angeles Rams and Chargers (NFL); enclosed with a translucent roof
• FIFA World Cup schedule: June 12, June 15, June 18, June 21, June 25, June 28, July 2, July 10; hosts the USA’s first group match
• Don't have tickets? A casual spot with 360-degrees of TVs, 33 Taps Silver Lake is welcoming to locals and tourists alike. Come during happy hour for sweet deals on meals and pitchers.

Daily costs

Note: These are typical prices. Some, especially accommodations, will fluctuate during the Men’s World Cup.

Budget: less than $150

• Dorm bed: $35–75
• Takeout meal: $7–15
• Free concerts and events
• Metro daily fare cap: $5

Midrange: $150–300

• Hotel double room: $200
• Two-course dinner and glass of wine: $40
• Live music concert: $50

Top end: more than $300

• Beach or Downtown hotel: from $300
• Dinner at a destination restaurant: from $80, excluding drinks

Getting around

Angelenos live and die by their freeways and sooner or later you too will end up part of this metal cavalcade. Ride-share services are likely your best bet. Most public transportation is handled by Metro, which offers maps, schedules and trip-planning help through its website. The Metro Rail network consists of two subway lines, four light-rail lines and two express bus lines. Six lines converge in Downtown. Metro also operates about 200 bus lines across the city. To ride Metro trains and buses, buy a reusable TAP card. 

One must-try food

Smash burgers: The LA love affair with burgers espoused by landmark burger bars such as In-N-Out continues to evolve. The burger to eat nowadays is the smash burger, a thin patty pressed against a hot griddle for a crispy exterior and juicy interior.

Best for design aficionados

Miami has long been considered a soccer town, and this spirit has been rejuvenated thanks to Messi who plays for Inter Miami. Miami’s distinct neighborhoods promise gorgeous beaches, nonstop nightlife and a rich blend of Latin American cultures. Start off your day with a cup of Cuban coffee before dipping your toes in the warm Atlantic waters. You can also walk around trendy Wynwood for art galleries, murals and other cultural institutions.

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• Stadium: Hard Rock Stadium – Miami Gardens, FL
• Capacity: 67,000 
• Normal use: Home of the Miami Dolphins (NFL) and major events (F1, tennis, college football)
• FIFA World Cup schedule: June 15, June 21, June 24, June 27, July 3, July 11, July 18; hosts the third-place playoff on July 18
• Don't have tickets? In urban hipster Wynwood, Grails Miami is a beloved sneaker-themed spot. Countless TVs line the indoor/outdoor bar while collectible sneakers double as decor. Even signature cocktails are served in ceramic sneakers!

Daily costs

Note: These are typical prices. Some, especially accommodations, will fluctuate during the Men’s World Cup.

Budget: Less than $150

• Hostel dorm: $30–50
• Double in a budget hotel: $120
• Meal from a food truck: $10–15
• Citi Bike hire for an hour: $6.50
• Happy hour drink special: from $5

Midrange: $150–300

• Standard hotel room booked online: $150–250
• Midrange dinner: around $30–50
• Architectural walking tour: from $25
• Craft cocktail in a lounge: $12–18

Top end: More than $300

• Cover at bigger nightclubs: from $20
• Dinner at an upscale restaurant: from $60
• Day at a top spa: from $150
• Kayak hire off Key Biscayne: $25 per hour

Getting around

• Rental car: Convenient for zipping around town, but parking can be expensive.
• Taxi and ride-sharing services: Best for getting between destinations if you don't want to drive, but can be pricey for long distances. Difficult to hail on the street; call or use an app (Lyft or Uber are the most popular) for a pick-up.
• Bus: Extensive system, though slow for long journeys.
• Trolley: Free service with various routes in Miami Beach, Downtown, Wynwood, Coconut Grove, Coral Gables, Little Havana and other neighborhoods.
• Citi Bike: Bike-sharing network in both Miami and Miami Beach. With heavy traffic, however, take care riding long distances – it can be hazardous.

One must-try food

The Cubano: When Cuban immigrants came to Miami in the 1950s and ‘60s, they forever changed the city’s food landscape with a single sandwich – the Cubano. The formula is deceptively simple – take one part roast pork, one part ham, lovingly layer them with some mustard, pickles and Swiss cheese between two buttered slices of Cuban bread and throw the whole thing into a hot press. The result? A culinary legend.

Best for history buffs

Philadelphia blends rich history with small-town charm, with plenty of things to do and places to explore. You can get lost in history at Independence Hall, shop through the Fashion District or unleash your creativity at Cheery Street Pier. Walk down South St, a 14-block stretch full of boutiques, restaurants, music venues, art galleries and other shops. Here, you can taste a little bit of everything from classic Philly cheesesteaks to Caribbean, Indian or Mexican cuisine. Then, watch the games at Xfinity Live!, an arena-like spot with five bars and three restaurants.

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• Stadium: Lincoln Financial Field – Philadelphia, PA
• Capacity: 67,600 
• Normal use: Home of the Philadelphia Eagles (NFL)
• FIFA World Cup schedule: June 14, June 19, June 22, June 25, June 27, July 4; hosts a Round of 16 match on July 4 (US Independence Day)
• Don't have tickets? Founding Fathers, a South St sports bar, is a neighborhood spot that hums on game days. A robust draft beer list plus a menu that features everything from Philly cheesesteaks to tacos makes it a sure thing for Men’s World Cup viewing.

Daily costs

Note: These are typical prices. Some, especially accommodations, will fluctuate during the Men’s World Cup.

Budget: Less than $150

• Dorm bed: $20–30
• Sightseeing/admission fees: $40
• Cheesesteak: $9
• Slice of pizza: $4–5 
• PHLASH bus day ticket: $5

Midrange: $150–250

• Double room in a hotel: $120
• Lunch at a chic cafe: $20
• Dinner without alcohol: $40–50

Top end: More than $250

• Stylish hotel room: $200–400
• Dinner with alcohol: $60–100
• Cocktail: $15

Getting around

For timetables and further information check with SEPTA, which operates Philadelphia's transit system.

• Walking: Downtown, it's barely 2 miles between the Delaware and Schuylkill Rivers, so you can walk most places.
• Subway and trolley: Philly has two subways and a trolley line (fare $2.50, exact change). Purchase the stored-value key card for discounted fares.
• Buses: Convenient for quick hops across Center City and further afield.
• Taxis: Easy to hail Downtown. Flag fall is $2.70, then $2.70 per mile or portion thereof. All licensed taxis have GPS and most accept credit cards. Rideshares are also commonly used.
• Bicycle: Walk-up rates for Philly's bike-share system Indego is $12 for an all-day unlimited-ride pass.
• Ferries: The RiverLink ferry connects Penn's Landing and Camden's waterfront.
• Game day: Take the subway to the NRG Station or a bus (4, 13, and 37) with stops nearby.

One must-try food

Philly cheesesteak: The endless obsession with who does it best obscures what actually makes the Philly cheesesteak special: its ubiquity and variety. Philly’s best cheesesteak is the one you can get, and you can get one almost anywhere. A gooey, unpretentious mess on an Italian roll, this is one helluva hoagie. Whether you like your steak chopped or flat, American cheese or “Cheez Whiz,” or “wit” or “widdout” onions is a matter of taste. They’re all an authentic classic.

Best for sustainability

Seattle is one of the prettiest and greenest cities in the country. Spend a nice summer day in Discovery Park, a 534-acre green space full of meadows, sandy beaches and stunning views of Puget Sound. Enjoy the city’s lovely coffee spots, marvel at the glass artwork at Chihuly Garden & Gassor or take a ride up the famous Space Needle. Seattle’s robust public transportation system makes it easy to get to the games at Lumen Field (aka Seattle Stadium).

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• Stadium: Lumen Field – Seattle, WA
• Capacity: 69,000 
• Normal use: Home of Seattle Sounders (MLS) and Seattle Seahawks (NFL); known for its extremely loud atmosphere
• FIFA World Cup schedule: June 15, June 19, June 24, June 26, July 1, July 6; hosts at least one USMNT game
• Don't have tickets? The George and Dragon is a convivial English-style pub that caters to soccer fans, regardless of the hour. Grab a seat, order a Guinness and a plate of bangers and mash and you’ll fit right in. Located in the quirky Fremont ‘hood.

Daily costs

Note: These are typical prices. Some, especially accommodations, will fluctuate during the Men’s World Cup.

Budget: Less than $150

• Dorm bed in a hostel: $35
• Pike Place Market take-out snacks: $3–6
• Certain days at museums: free
• Public transportation average fare: $2.75

Midrange: $150–300

• Online deal at a no-frills hotel: $130–180
• Pub, bakery or sandwich-bar meal: around $10
• Cheap tickets for sports games: from $12
• Short taxi trip: $12–15

Top end: More than $300

• Downtown hotel room: more than $250
• Meal at trendy Capitol Hill restaurant: from $50
• Tickets to the theater or a concert: from $40

Getting around

There is a large and growing network of public transportation in Seattle, and the city was made for walking as well.

• Bus: A wide number of routes. Pay as you enter the bus; there's a flat fee of $2.75/1.50 per adult/child; you'll receive a slip that entitles you to a transfer until the time noted.
• Light-rail: There’s regular all-day service on one line between Sea-Tac Airport and the University of Washington via downtown.
• Streetcar: Two lines; the South Lake Union line runs from Westlake Center to South Lake Union every 15 minutes, and the First Hill line runs from Pioneer Square to Capitol Hill. Fares are $2.25/1.50 per adult/child.
• Water taxi: Runs between Pier 50 on the waterfront to West Seattle; daily in summer, weekdays only in winter.
• Taxi: Initial charge $2.60, then $2.50 per mile.

One must-try food

Seattle-style teriyaki: Seattle has leaned into its international atmosphere with a sweeter and thicker teriyaki sauce that is less subtle than its Japanese counterpart. It became iconic in its own right in the 1970s when Toshihiro Kasahara poured a garlic-heavy version over grilled chicken and rice. It’s filling, inexpensive and delicious.