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10 Mobile Apps Used by Paris Olympics 2024 Attendees

When John John Florence landed in Tokyo for the 2020 Summer Olympics, like everyone else, he was eager to experience the world’s greatest sporting event. However, navigating through the swarming city, understanding the event schedules, dealing with the language barriers, and having uncertainty about the weather made the whole experience quite overwhelming for him. Fortunately, with the help of some essential apps, John was able to navigate his way around the city, making the whole experience somewhat seamless. Just like John, every Olympic goer can in fact enhance their experience with the right apps.

The 2020 Tokyo Olympics included nearly 11,000 athletes from 206 nations, with millions of viewers watching worldwide and thousands attending in person. According to a poll taken at the 2016 Rio Olympics, 75% of guests used smartphone apps for navigation, event updates, and communication. Furthermore, the same poll found that consumers who used a suite of travel and event applications were 40% more satisfied with their entire Olympic experience.

10 Essential Mobile Apps Used by Olympic 2024 Attendees

In this digital age, having reliable applications might make all the difference. Here are some must-have applications to make your Paris Olympic 2024 experience unforgettable.

Olympic Games Official App

The official Paris Olympic 2024 app is very helpful if you want to stay updated with the Olympic schedule. It not only offers an up-to-date schedule of its events but also gives the exact timing and details of athletes and teams that are participating. It displays the real-time results and live updates of every sport without any delay. You can set alerts for your favorite fixtures and sports, which makes the whole experience seamless for the audience. The app is free for both Android and Apple users.

Hotel Booking Apps

Hotel and accommodation apps not only enhance the  experience of tourists, but also for athletes who are managing the accommodation on their own. These apps not only offer convenient accommodation options but also valuable travel insights. Here’s how some of the platforms can help.

  • Airbnb

Airbnb has a wide variety of options when it comes to accommodation, from entire homes and apartments to private rooms and exclusive villas. Tourists can find lodgings that best suit their preferences and budgets. Users can choose accommodations close to the Paris Olympic 2024 venue facilities, making the experience more convenient and time-saving. Tourists traveling with families can book places with amenities like kitchens, living spaces, and laundry rooms, offering a more comfortable and homelike experience compared to traditional hotels. Users who are there to enjoy and explore the authentic and immersive cultural experience can stay in local neighborhoods. The personal recommendation on the app can keep users from getting trapped in tourist traps and overpaying in the local areas. The main issue here for them is the lack of certainty about the duration of their stay. Airbnb offers flexible and easy check-in and check-out times, accommodating the varied stays of users. Cancellation policies are also available in case a user is looking for a more flexible option. 

  • TripAdvisor

This app offers reviews and ratings of over a million hotels, B&Bs, vacation rentals, and other accommodations. This helps users make better-informed decisions based on the reviews and experiences of previous guests. TripAdvisor works to make sure the whole stay is worthwhile for guests. The platform offers reviews and ratings for restaurants, cafes, and eateries, allowing everyone to find dining spots according to their dietary preferences and tastes. Detailed information is provided on local attractions, tours, and activities, helping users plan their itineraries and make the most of their time. Real users post their experience and pictures, which can offer a more accurate and relatable perspective on accommodations and attractions. Users are also provided with the option to ask questions and advice from the trip advisor community, which can provide valuable insights and tips.

Olympic athletes and tourists may use Airbnb and TripAdvisor to discover suitable hotels, organize their itineraries effectively, and have a more enriched and informed travel experience during the games.

Event Ticketing Apps

Attending any Olympic event requires careful planning, especially when it comes to securing tickets for your favorite games. Here are a few applications that can help you book tickets for your Paris Olympics 2024 games:

  • Ticketmaster

It is one of the official ticket providers for most of the major events. This reduces the chance of getting overcharged and getting counterfeit tickets. The app provides real-time notifications about event updates, ticket availability and includes exclusive promotions that enhance the overall user experience. This is by far one of the most secure platforms for acquiring tickets, with the option of managing your tickets digitally. The secure procedure and user-friendly interface save the user a lot of time and hassle.

  • StubHub

This is a secondary marketplace for the sale and purchase of tickets, which can help in getting a better price and getting exclusive tickets that are sold out on the official websites. The app provides transparent pricing, ensuring that the user is aware of the original price and the surcharge fee. The global reach of StubHub provides users with the option of acquiring tickets for worldwide events.

By leveraging the features of Ticketmaster and StubHub, Olympic attendees can enjoy their favorite events without fretting about being overcharged.

City Guide Apps

One of the major issues faced by athletes and tourists when they are in a foreign land is the unknown routes and the lack of familiarity with the transportation system. There are certain apps that can enhance the overall experience of athletes and tourists.

  • RATP

This is the official app for Paris public transportation. This app provides detailed information on all transportation modes, whether they be buses, metros, trams, or cabs. The app gives you the liberty to plan your routes, giving you a chance to explore the city while you are in transit to your destination. Being the official app, RATP allows ticket purchasing for any transportation medium, which is not available on other competing apps.

  • Google Maps

Offline maps can come in handy when travelling in an unknown city, especially if you are in a remote area. Offline maps can save you a lot of internet costs. Athletes and tourists can roam around a new city without the worry of getting lost in a completely unknown area.

  • City Mapper

City Mapper integrates various modes of transportation, including walking, cycling, and public transit. This helps athletes choose the most efficient route to their training facilities. The general public also benefits from smart route planning, as they are provided with the shortest and most traffic-free route. Real-time updates on transit, delays, and disruptions enhance the overall experience of people who are new in the area. The major game changer in this app is the availability of various languages, which makes it user-friendly.

Weather Apps

Providing the essential weather to tourists and athletes can significantly enhance their overall Olympic experience. Here are a few apps that can enhance the overall experience:

  • AccuWeather

AccuWeather is known for providing precise and up-to-date weather forecasts, including hourly, daily, and weekly predictions, helping athletes and tourists plan their activities accordingly. MinuteCast is a feature in the app that provides minute-by-minute precipitation forecasts for the next two hours. This feature is very helpful, especially for athletes who have outdoor activities and plans. From the perspective of a tourist, they can prepare, plan, and be equipped with the essentials to travel and explore in such conditions. Details and forecasts, including the air quality, are provided for a specific area so that the athletes are fully aware of their surroundings.

  • The Weather Channel

This app specializes in providing long-term detailed weather forecasts, which basically help athletes and tourists plan their outings in advance. The main thing about this app is that it provides precautionary measures for severe weather conditions relative to the user’s immediate vicinity.

 

Language Translation Apps

Language translation apps can be invaluable tools for athletes and tourists during the Paris Olympics 2024, enhancing communication and making it easier to navigate through a foreign environment. 

Here are a few apps that can make the whole Olympics experience worthwhile:

  • Google Translate

Google Translate offers real-time translation for over 100 languages. Athletes and tourists can translate menus, signs, instructions, and any other text in the blink of an eye. The app allows offline downloads of various languages, which is useful in situations where internet connectivity is poor. The conversion mode can allow people to communicate hassle-free in any preferred language, with the app working as an intermediary.

  • ITranslate

ITranslate also supports over 100 languages, offering text, voice, and camera translations to help users understand and communicate in a desired language. This app also includes spoken or text translation, with the availability of offline text translation for premium versions only. One unique feature of ITranslate is the availability of a phrasebook that has all the commonly used phrases that help users in typical situations like asking for directions, ordering food, or seeking assistance.

By using these apps, Olympic athletes and tourists can navigate through the city hassle-free, making communication with the locals much easier, and ensuring that they don’t get lost in translation.

Currency Exchange Applications

Many travellers have to exchange their money for local currency, which sometimes results in unfavourable rates for them. Exchange rates at airports and local hubs are much more expensive than at local banks, currency exchange offices, and ATMs. There are multiple applications available that aid tourists and offer reasonable exchange rates. Here are a few:

  • XE Currency

It provides up-to-date exchange rates for over 180 currencies, allowing users to accurately convert their currencies into local currencies hassle-free. The app helps with budgeting and making informed financial decisions. Users can also set rate alerts ahead of time to ensure they get a better rate on their currencies. Tourists and athletes can effectively plan their finances with the help of this feature. Offline availability of exchange rates is also provided by the app, helping users understand currency conversion rates easily. 

  • Currency Converter Plus

The Currency Converter app provides an intuitive and simple yet effective interface for users to quickly convert their currencies into the required currency. Notifications can be set at their preferred rates; this later notifies the user when the currency is at their preferred rate so they can convert and enjoy better deals. Like XE Currency, this app also provides the feature of offline rates, saving users from overpaying at airports and local hubs.

With the help of these apps, Olympic athletes and tourists can manage their finances more effectively, making their stay worthwhile and enjoyable.

Delivery Apps

The availability of efficient food delivery apps can be the key to making the whole experience better for athletes and tourists. Good food means good mood, and what’s better than having your favorite food at your doorstep in a foreign place? 

There are a plethora of food-hailing applications that can help you plan your meals, from breakfast to lunch to Paris’ world-famous pâtisserie.

Following are some apps that can be helpful in this regard:

  • Uber Eats

UberEats offers a wide selection of restaurants, including local favorites and international chains, providing athletes and tourists with a wide variety of cuisines without leaving their accommodations. The option of dietary preferences like gluten-free, vegetarian, or vegan ensures that users can enjoy their preferred meals without compromising their preferences. The fast delivery services of UberEats allow athletes to sneak in meals during their tight and busy training schedules. Orders can be scheduled in advance at a specific time, such as before or after training sessions, saving the athlete’s time. Simplifying the payment methods with the availability of digital wallets and cards also enhances the overall efficiency of the process.

  • DoorDash

This app also provides ample options for different tastes and dietary needs with many local and international food chains. Customized meals are also available, and users can give exact details on how they want their meals prepared. DoorDash provides subscription benefits like reduced delivery fees and promotional discounts, which can improve the overall experience.

By utilizing these food hailing apps, athletes and tourists can enjoy convenient, reliable, and diverse food options, ultimately enhancing their overall trip. This provides them with the time to focus on what matters most to them, which is getting the most out of their Olympic experience.

E-Sim Apps

Another major issue that the Olympic goers have to face is dealing with the sim cards. To avoid the hassle of getting a physical sim, you can use an e-sim as a convenient alternative. There are plenty of apps that offer hassle-free e-sims that have easy activation procedures saving the time of athletes and attendants. Acquiring an e-sim right after landing in a foreign country is one step towards enjoying a seamless experience.

 

Restaurant Apps

The restaurant apps can be extremely useful for both athletes and tourists during the Paris Olympics 2024 by providing reliable restaurant recommendations and easy reservation options. 

Here are a few:

  • The Fork App

Restaurants in Paris are frequently busy, particularly during peak hours and important events such as the Olympics. To prevent waiting lines, download the popular app TheFork. The app allows you to book a table at your favourite restaurant. The app supports more than 55,000 establishments. Browse restaurants in Paris and quickly reserve a table. It also provides reviews, allowing you to pick a restaurant based on previous customers’ experiences.

  • Yelp

An athlete or tourist wants to have the best possible experience. Yelp is an app that provides ratings and reviews on everything, including restaurants, entertainment centres and much more. With the help of this app, users can make sure that they are going to the hotspots of the city. This app reduces the chance of an unpleasant experience for the users.

 

Key Takeaways

Given the size and range of activities, attending the Olympics can be both exciting and daunting. With the appropriate tools, you can improve your experience, streamline logistics, and avoid missing any activity. These five types of must-have applications include real-time event updates, travel aids, language translation, and social networking. By utilizing these digital tools, you can concentrate more on the excitement of the games and less on the headaches of planning your trip, making your Olympic vacation easy, entertaining, and unforgettable.

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