5 of the World’s Best Cities for Basketball Fans to Visit

Basketball holds a central place in the identity of many cities, shaping local culture, community life, and fan traditions in ways that go far beyond the court.

From packed arenas to gritty street courts, certain destinations around the world have earned a reputation for their deep connection to the sport. Whether it’s the historic franchises, the passionate fan bases, or the legendary players who got their start there, these cities live and breathe basketball.

For fans, choosing which basketball city tops the list depends on what matters most. Is it the number of championships? The intensity of the local rivalry? The atmosphere at games or the culture that surrounds the sport in daily life?

That’s why we’ve created this series: a guide for basketball lovers who travel, or travellers who love basketball.

Meet the Cities 

We’ve selected five standout destinations, each offering a different side of basketball culture. Some are known for intense rivalries, others for producing legends, iconic venues, or vibrant street scenes. Here's a quick overview of what makes each city a must-visit for fans:

Why These Cities?

With basketball being truly global, there are dozens of destinations that could lay claim to being a must-visit for fans. So, how did we narrow it down to just five?

We looked beyond league tables and trophy counts. The cities featured in this series were chosen because they offer something deeper, a full cultural experience rooted in the game, where basketball isn’t just played, but lived. Each destination was selected based on four key criteria:

🏀 1. Historical Significance

We looked for cities that have helped shape the game, whether through dynasties, rivalries, or unforgettable moments. These are places where you’ll find championship banners, legendary alumni, and venues steeped in basketball history. From the parquet floor of TD Garden to the site of the 1992 Dream Team's Olympic debut, these cities have left a lasting mark on the sport.

🌆 2. Basketball in Everyday Life

A great basketball city doesn’t switch off after the final buzzer. In these places, you’ll find courts in every neighbourhood, graffiti tributes to local heroes, heated hoops talk in bars and barbershops, and fans wearing team gear year-round. The sport is visible, audible, and embedded in the fabric of the city.

🔥 3. Fan Atmosphere & Game-Day Energy

We wanted cities where attending a game is an experience: loud, emotional, and unforgettable. Whether it’s the smoke and chants of a Belgrade derby or the celebrity-studded sidelines of Crypto.com Arena, each city in our list delivers its unique kind of electricity when the teams take the floor.

✈️ 4. Accessibility & Immersive Experiences

Finally, we asked: can you not just watch, but participate in the basketball culture? Can you shoot hoops at a famous court? Find authentic local merch? Walk in the footsteps of legends? All five cities offer a hands-on, immersive basketball experience, with public courts to play on, official team stores to visit, and off-the-beaten-path spots that only real fans would know.

Plan Your Basketball Journey

Each guide in this series highlights the best ways to experience basketball in the city, from iconic arenas to local courts and everything in between.

Inside each one, you’ll find:

🎟️ Where to watch NBA, EuroLeague, college, or streetball games

🛍️ The best places to shop for official merch and collectors' gear

🏀 Must-visit public courts and streetball hotspots

📍 Murals, museums, and basketball landmarks worth exploring

✈️ Travel tips, flight routes, and hotel recommendations for fans

Explore the Guides

Part 1 - World’s Best Cities for Basketball Fans: Belgrade, Serbia 

Part 2 - World's Best Cities For Basketball Fans: New York, USA

Part 3 - World's Best Cities for Basketball Fans: Los Angeles, USA

Part 4 - World's Best Cities for Basketball Fans: Barcelona, Spain

Part 5 - World's Best Cities for Basketball Fans: Boston, USA

Whichever city you start with, you’ll get a deeper look at how basketball shapes culture, community, and travel in some of the world’s most exciting places.