2012 Summer Olympics: Ranking Top 5 Olympic Locations from the Past Century

London has a lot to live up to. 

The Olympic Games are a storied tradition dating back over one hundred years, but there's more to it than just the games. 

It's also about the location. Being the host nation for the Olympics is a timeless honor that brings pride and joy to a country.

With that being said, some cities just do it better. Let's take a look at the five best from the past 100 years. 

5. Barcelona, Spain: 1992

Barcelona is easily one of the most beautiful cities in the world, and it proved that in 1992 when it hosted the Summer Olympics. 

People from all over the world marveled at the sights and attractions of Spain's second largest city. 

1992, of course, was the year of the Dream Team, the United States men's basketball team that dominated all of the competition. In the recent documentary that came out, it became quite obvious that team enjoyed Barcelona just about as much as possible.

It wouldn't be surprising if they weren't the only ones. 

4. Los Angeles, California, United States: 1984

The fact that Los Angeles has been fortunate enough to host two separate Olympic Games (1932, 1984) proves that it can bring it as a host.

The City of Stars certainly has the firepower. It's one of the most popular cities in the world, it has the Coliseum, one of the most famous modern stadiums ever, and it just has a certain aura about it.

It wouldn't be surprising if the Games came back to Los Angeles at some point again in the future. 

3. Beijing, China: 2008

Not only is Beijing a magnificent city, it gave us one of the most beautiful, thrilling and jaw-dropping Opening Ceremonies of all time. 

Obviously, they had the added bonus of technology that earlier cities never had access to, but Beijing put on a show that will be remembered forever, something that may never again be replicated. 

It's hard to compete with that. 

2. Rome, Italy: 1960

It's hard to find a better city to host the Olympics than the one that is home to Olympic Stadium. 

Not only the Olympic Stadium, Rome has the Coliseum and plenty of other famous architecture to provide a truly perfect setting. 

1. Athens, Greece: 2004

When it comes to the Olympics, there is no better host city than Athens.

It has the history, as the Olympic Games were started in Greece, and the first ever official Olympics were held in Athens.

It has the beauty as one of the most historical, gorgeous cities in the world.

Athens has everything, and it's the first city you think of when you think of the Olympics. There's no other choice for No. 1.