Get Ready: Soccer’s Biggest Event Hits North America
Soccer’s Biggest Event Host City Travel Tips
The FIFA World Cup is coming to North America and games will be played all across Mexico, Canada and the U.S. Whether or not you’re a soccer (or football) fan, check out my recommendations for where to stay, what to do and where to eat across host cities in Mexico and Canada.
Plus, if you’re looking to catch a game, email me back, and I’ll work with you on ticketing. Keep in mind, some ticket packages are already available. Individual tickets go live in October, but FIFA will not announce which teams will play in which cities until December.
No one living in North America has to fly more than two hours to reach a match, so if the World Cup has been on your bucket list, let’s make it happen.
Mexico City
Curtesy of La Valise
The iconic Estadio Azteca will host the tournament's opening match and several other games. From Mexico City, take light rail from Tasqueña station to Estadio Azteca. It’s about 15 mins and free. Very efficient on match days (and safe!)
Where to Stay
La Valise
Mondrian
Casa Polanco
The Alexander
St. Regis
Where to shop
Onora (artisanal)
Nin studio (clothes)
Originario (furniture)
Perla Valtierra (ceramics)
Where to Eat
Michelin: Quintonil (alternative to Pujol), Em, Martinez
High End: Botanico, Ultramarinos (same chef as Em), Maximo Bistrot, Contramar (or Entremar which is the easier reservation)
Street Food: Los Alexi, Orinoco, Carinitos Taco
Coffee: Panadería Rosetta, Hule, Café Nin
Monterrey
Estadio BBVA has a capacity of about 53,500 and will host group-stage matches and at least one Round of 32 match. From downtown, either take a 7 minutes taxi or take Metro L1 to Estación Lerdo de Tejada and walk ~9 min from there. Bus lines 214, 223, TME, 093 take you to Pablo Livas which is a ~4 min walk.
Where to Stay
Live Aqua
JW Marriott
Intercontinental Presidente
Where to Drink
Maverick
Vini the bar
Bar nouvelle
Where to Eat
High End: La nacional, Cuerno Calzada, Señora Tanaka, Ryoshi, Lo Spuntino (if you’re craving Italian), Campomar, Bardot, El Gaucho, Cometa
Casual: Tacos Villa de Santiago, Tacos Atarantados, Tacos Orinoco, Fidencio Botanero, Bodegón de Rosas, Yamato
Coffee: Kali Coffee Roasters, MAUT Coffee, Comando Café (don’t miss the donuts!), Café Unamuno, Madcoffee, Madriguera Pan & Café, ADNI Coffee & Candles, Café Limón
Guadalajara
Estadio Akron, home of Chivas, will be known as Estadio Guadalajara during the tournament. It will host four group-stage matches, including one featuring Mexico. From downtown Guadalajara, taxi/uber about 12 minutes.
Where to Stay
Hyatt Regency Andares
Casa Habita
Museums & Culture
Cetedral de Guadalajara
Hospicio Cabanas (Cabañas Museum)
Plataforma de Arte Contemporaneo
MUSA (Museo de las Artes de la Universidad de Guadalajara)
Teatro Degollado
Ceramica Suro
Where to Eat
Breakfast: Pal Real
Lunch or Dinner: Almaena, Alcalde, La Docen, Xocol , La I Latina, Cena en Honne, El Abajeño, Il Duomo
Coffee: Cafe Correcto, Roto Cafe & bar
Wine: Turbio, Mantequeria
Toronto
BMO Field, referred to as Toronto Stadium during the tournament, is Canada's first soccer-specific stadium. BMO Field has a GO station (Exhibition) located just outside the grounds and one stop west of Union Station on the Lakeshore East-West lines. You can also take the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC).
Where to Stay
Four Seasons Toronto
Park Hyatt Toronto
Fairmont Royal York
Ace Hotel Toronto
1 Hotel Toronto
Nobu Hotel Toronto
What to Do
Museums: Royal Ontario Museum, Bata Shoe Museum
Art Gallery of Ontario
St. Lawrence Market (Montreal bagels at St. Viateur)
Distillery District
Graffiti Alley
Live music at Grossman’s Tavern
Picnic at Trinity Bellwoods Park and shop Queen Street
Ferry to Toronto Island and rent bicycles
Where to Eat
Upscale: Edulis, Alo, Scaramouche Restaurant (this is a classic but not the most trendy) Lucie, Quetzal, Bar Prima, Bernhardt’s, Giulietta, Bar Isabel, Grey Gardens, Daphne
Casual: Wynona, Enoteca Sociale, PAI, Alma, Seoul Shakers, Puerto Bravo, Sunnys, Imanishi Japanese Kitchen, Trattoria Nervosa
Coffee & Quick Bites: Milky’s, Schmaltz Appetizing, Woolshed Coffee, Wildhearts Cafe, Tsuchi Cafe, Found Coffee
Drink: Bar Raval, Grape Witches, Bellwoods Brewery, Get Well, BarChef (cocktail bar)
Vancouver
BC Place Vancouver will host seven matches including five group stage games, a Round of 32 match, and a Round of 16 match. The stadium will also feature two matches involving the Canadian national team. It's situated in the heart of the city’s business and entertainment district and walking distance from many transit stations.
Where to Stay
Fairmont Pacific Rim
Rosewood Hotel Georgia
AZUR Legacy Collection Hotel
Fairmont Hotel Vancouver
What to Do
Museum of Anthropology
Bill Reid Gallery
Cycle Stanley Park seawall
Granville Island
The Grouse Grind hike (difficult) or gondola
Sea-taxi to Lonsdale Quay Market
Steam Clock in Yaletown (touristy but must!)
Kitsilano Beach for sunset
Where to Eat
Upscale: Nightingale, Giardino Restaurant, Savio Volpe, Miku, AnnaLena, Kissa Tanto
Casual: Jam Cafe, Pizza Coming Soon, Autostrada Osteria Vancouver House, Lunch Lady, Magari by Oca, The Greek Yaletown, Minami
Coffee & Quick Bites: Revolver, Bahar Bakery & Cafe, Nemesis Coffee, Rain or Shine Ice Cream, Cowdog
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