Badminton World Championships, Glasgow

The sport of badminton may not garner the same international attention as tennis, but it is among the most widely played sports in the world. Aug. 21–27, the top badminton players in the world battle it out in the Scottish city of Glasgow to see who will be crowned the next world champion. Asian nations dominated the 2015 event, with Chinese athletes holding the men’s singles, women’s doubles and mixed doubles titles. The Indonesian pair Mohammad Ahsan and Hendra Satiawan are the reigning men’s doubles champions, while Carolina Marin of Spain holds the women’s singles title.

The championships are held every year apart from Olympic years. Glasgow is set to host some titanic battles as competitors from around the world attempt to take home a medal. The city is renowned for its youth culture, with a large population of students and graduates. As a result there is plenty to do for visitors after the badminton has finished.

Glasgow is well connected to London and other major European hubs. You can also use the city as a jumping off point to explore the beautiful Scottish Highlands, or even visit Edinburgh.

The end of summer is a good time to visit, before the colder, wetter weather of autumn starts. Tickets to the badminton start from $13 per person.