Connect with us

Tourism

Planning to Book an Airbnb for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in New Jersey? Expect Soaring Prices Near MetLife Stadium

Published

on

As the countdown to the 2026 FIFA World Cup intensifies—with the tournament co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico—short-term rental prices in New Jersey towns near MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford are skyrocketing, driven by massive demand for the July 19 final.

Data from AirDNA, a leading short-term rental analytics firm, shows a 500% surge in bookings for mid-July weekends in areas like Jersey City, Hoboken, West New York, Clifton, and North Bergen, reflecting the global excitement around the event that will feature 48 teams and 104 matches.

For fans hoping to stay close to the venue, costs are eye-watering. Recent listings spotted by CBS News New York included an Essex County mansion priced at more than $38,000 for the July 17–20 final weekend and a two-bedroom apartment in Carlstadt exceeding $12,000 for the same dates. While these represent the high-end outliers, AirDNA chief economist Jamie Lane noted that proximity to MetLife Stadium is pushing prices upward as supply tightens.

Airbnb, an Official FIFA World Cup 2026™ Supporter, pushed back on the narrative of widespread unaffordability, stating that such extreme rates are exceptions rather than the norm.

“About 75% of available listings in the New Jersey area are priced under $500 per night, and nearly 95% of bookings to date are also under that price point,” an Airbnb spokesperson said.

The company highlighted the platform’s diversity: nearly half of remaining listings for the final weekend offer two or more bedrooms, providing better value for families and groups. Airbnb also noted that hosts set their own prices, pointing out comparable high-end listings on competing platforms like Vrbo exceeding $34,000 for the same period.

Experts predict some relief as the tournament approaches. Lane explained that once prime locations in Bergen and Hudson counties fill up, demand will spread to suburbs with good train access to the stadium.

“Homeowners may put their places up for rent at the last minute with a ‘make me move’ price,” he said, adding that many could lower rates if they decide to vacation during the World Cup—perhaps even taking a trip to Europe—if the right offer comes in. “A lot of those high rates may come down as more listings go up.”

New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy has hailed the tournament as an “epic opportunity to show the world that New Jersey is the destination.”

In his State of the State address, he projected a $4 billion economic boost for the region from visitor spending, tourism, and related activity. The first match kicks off on June 11, 2026, with the final at MetLife Stadium on July 19.

For Ghanaian fans, diaspora communities, and global travelers planning to attend—especially those following the Black Stars—early booking and flexibility on location remain key.

While Airbnb and similar platforms offer options, hotel availability still exists in surrounding areas, though prices are also rising. As the tournament nears, both supply and pricing dynamics will continue to evolve, offering potential bargains for late planners.

Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Sights and Sounds

From Fantasy Coffins to Sunset by the Sea: Exploring Accra’s Living Art Scene

Published

on

By

The best way to understand Accra isn’t from behind the window of a tour bus. It is on foot, where every street, gallery and workshop reveals another layer of Ghana’s artistic identity.

An afternoon culture walk through the capital offers precisely that opportunity, bringing visitors face to face with traditions that continue to shape the country’s creative landscape.

The journey begins in the city’s thriving arts community, where contemporary galleries showcase paintings, sculptures and mixed-media works by Ghanaian and African artists. These spaces are more than exhibition venues.

They are meeting points for ideas, where established names and emerging talents challenge perceptions of African art while celebrating stories rooted in local experience.

One of the tour’s most memorable stops introduces visitors to one of Ghana’s most distinctive artistic traditions: fantasy coffins.

At first glance, the brightly coloured creations may seem surprising. Fashioned into forms ranging from fish and cocoa pods to cameras, aeroplanes and animals, they reflect the life, profession, achievements or aspirations of the deceased.

Originating among the Ga people of southern Ghana, fantasy coffins have become internationally recognised as remarkable examples of functional art.

They represent a cultural belief that death is not an ending but a continuation of life’s journey, where individuality deserves to be honoured with imagination and craftsmanship.

Today, these extraordinary works are admired in museums and exhibitions around the world while remaining deeply connected to the communities that created them.

As the walk continues, visitors gain an appreciation for Accra’s ability to blend tradition with modern creativity.

Murals brighten neighbourhood walls, independent studios nurture young designers and artists, and conversations with local guides provide context that cannot be found in travel brochures.

Every stop becomes an invitation to understand not only the artwork itself but also the people and cultural values behind it.

The experience concludes in a quieter setting beside the Atlantic Ocean. As the afternoon fades into evening, guests gather at a beach club to enjoy a locally inspired drink while watching the sun sink below the horizon.

The relaxed atmosphere offers time to reflect on the day’s discoveries, with the rhythm of the waves replacing the bustle of the city.

For international travellers, the culture walk presents an accessible introduction to Ghana beyond its famous landmarks.

Rather than focusing solely on monuments or museums, it celebrates creativity as a living, evolving part of everyday life.

In a city where art appears in galleries, workshops, public spaces and even funeral traditions, walking becomes more than a way to get around. It becomes a journey through the imagination, resilience and cultural richness that continue to define Accra.

Continue Reading

Sights and Sounds

Above the Capital: Discovering Accra Through a Hot Air Balloon Adventure

Published

on

By

Cities reveal their true character from the ground, but they tell an entirely different story from the sky.

Imagine watching the first rays of sunlight wash over Accra’s coastline, the city’s skyline gradually coming to life, while a colourful hot air balloon drifts quietly above it all.

It is a perspective few people have experienced—one that could redefine how visitors discover Ghana’s bustling capital.

Known for its energetic markets, lively beaches, historic landmarks and thriving arts scene, Accra has long attracted travellers seeking authentic West African experiences. Yet most adventures unfold at street level.

A hot air balloon tour introduces a fresh dimension, replacing traffic noise with silence and transforming familiar neighbourhoods into a sweeping landscape of colour, architecture and coastline.

Unlike helicopters or sightseeing planes, hot air balloons move gently with the wind, creating a calm and immersive journey. There is no rush from one attraction to another.

Instead, passengers are encouraged to slow down and appreciate the city’s geography, from the Atlantic shoreline stretching into the distance to the mosaic of homes, business districts, and green spaces that define modern Accra.

The experience also highlights how tourism continues to evolve in Ghana. Travellers increasingly seek memorable activities rather than simply checking landmarks off an itinerary.

Experiences that combine adventure, photography, and storytelling have become particularly attractive to younger visitors and international tourists looking for something distinctive.

Viewed from above, Accra reveals striking contrasts. Contemporary developments stand alongside historic communities, while busy roads weave towards the coast where fishing traditions continue much as they have for generations.

This aerial perspective offers more than beautiful scenery; it tells the story of a city balancing rapid growth with enduring cultural identity.

For photographers and content creators, a balloon flight provides an unrivalled canvas. The changing light, expansive horizons, and uninterrupted views create opportunities to capture images rarely seen in travel brochures. Every journey becomes unique, shaped by weather conditions, the direction of the wind, and the time of day.

As Ghana works to strengthen its position as one of Africa’s leading tourism destinations, experiences like hot air balloon tours reflect a growing emphasis on experiential travel.

Visitors are no longer satisfied with simply seeing a destination—they want to feel connected to it in unexpected ways.

Floating above Accra offers precisely that connection. It invites travellers to pause, look beyond the city’s busy rhythm and appreciate its beauty from an entirely new perspective.

Sometimes the best way to understand a place is not by walking its streets, but by quietly rising above them.

Continue Reading

Taste GH

A Food Lover’s Guide to Ghana’s Best Street Eats

Published

on

By

The quickest way to understand Ghana isn’t by visiting a museum—it’s by following the irresistible aroma drifting from a busy roadside food stall.

Across the country, street food is more than a convenient meal; it is a celebration of community, tradition and unforgettable flavours.

A perfect place to begin is waakye, Ghana’s famous combination of rice and beans cooked with sorghum leaves.

Served with spicy black pepper sauce, fried plantain, boiled eggs, spaghetti, gari and tender meat or fish, every plate offers a satisfying mix of textures and flavours that keeps people coming back for more.

Another favourite is kelewele, cubes of ripe plantain seasoned with ginger, garlic and chilli before being fried until caramelised.

Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, its sweet-and-spicy aroma fills the evening streets, making it one of Ghana’s most-loved snacks. Plantains also provide fibre, potassium and vitamins that support overall health.

Meat lovers should not leave without tasting chichinga, Ghana’s version of grilled kebabs. Coated in a fragrant blend of spices and cooked over glowing charcoal, the smoky flavour is impossible to resist. It is a familiar sight at roadside grills, especially after sunset.

For breakfast, many Ghanaians turn to koko and koose.

The warm millet porridge, lightly spiced with ginger and cloves, pairs beautifully with crispy bean fritters, creating a nourishing meal rich in fibre and plant-based protein.

No street food adventure is complete without bofrot. These fluffy fried dough balls, lightly sweetened and golden brown, are enjoyed as a snack with tea or fresh fruit juice and are a favourite at family gatherings and neighbourhood bakeries.

From bustling city corners to small-town markets, Ghana’s street food tells stories of hospitality, heritage and everyday life.

Every bite offers visitors a delicious introduction to the country’s rich culinary identity.

Continue Reading

Trending