Brazil is gearing up for one of the biggest events in its history in 2014, and over recent years it has seen large amounts of investment to improve the transport network and stadiums in the country in order to welcome the World Cup. The last time Brazil hosted the event in 1950 the stadiums were mainly located in the south of the country, but in 2014 visitors coming to enjoy the World Cup will have the opportunity to see games throughout the country.

Each of the cities hosting the event has its own charm and attractions, and will offer visitors and soccer fans alike an interesting snapshot of Brazilian life and culture.

Rio de Janeiro – The most famous city in Brazil lies on the south east coast and is famous for its laid back atmosphere, the annual Carnaval celebrations and the wonderful Copacabana beach. The World Cup Final and several group games will be hosted at the Maracana Stadium, which is usually home to two of the city's main teams, Fluminense and Flamengo.

Fortaleza – As well as hosting the World Cup, this city on the north coast is also famous for its water sports, with the prevailing winds making surfing, windsurfing and kite surfing popular, while it also has a strong native culture that visitors can experience and enjoy.

Brasilia – Located in the heart of the country, Brasilia is a city that didn't even exist until the 1960s, when the vision of architects Oscar Niemeyer and Lucio Costa developed the country's capital, which is now a wonderful modern city with some spectacular buildings and attractions.

Natal – This attractive city on the north west coast is built facing the bay with its beautiful beaches, and is considered to be one of the safest cities in Brazil, while visitors can enjoy some lovely views and a few thrills by taking a beach buggy tour of the surrounding coastline.

Belo Horizonte – This is one of the more modern cities in Brazil, having been founded at the end of the nineteenth century to be the new capital of Minas Gerais. The city has a wonderful arts complex in the Palacio das Artes, and the historic old town of Ouro Preto is just ninety minutes away.

Salvador – The city that has been dubbed 'Brazil's Capital of Happiness' because of its frequent outdoor parties is a great place to visit, and has a beautiful historical center with lovely colonial Portuguese architecture and several popular beaches.

Sao Paulo -  The largest city in Brazil is its economic capital and the wealthiest city in the country. Visitors will enjoy the city's thriving cultural scene, with excellent night life, a range of museums and landmarks, while over twelve thousand restaurants and vendors offer everything from street food through to high end fine dining.

Curitiba – Curitiba is famous as one of the most attractive cities in south east Brazil and has a range of pleasant parks, several dedicated to the immigration populations from Europe and Asia who helped found the city. It also has a stunning Botanical Garden, and visitors will also get to see some wonderful musicians performing local music on the streets of the city.

Manaus – Often referred to as 'The City of the Forest', Manaus is located at the heart of the Amazon and offers visitors some spectacular trips into the Amazon, but due to its location has a climate that will tend to bring plenty of rain as well as warm humid conditions.

Porto Alegre – This pleasant city in the south of the country has a history as the center of trade for much of the agricultural industry of the state, and visitors can enjoy some beautiful sights both in the landmarks of the city and in the surrounding natural area.

Cuiaba – Located in Western Brazil, this city is fairly small and more easily navigated than many Brazilian cities, and has a fascinating culture and history combining Portuguese, native Amerindian and African influences, and has several natural sites in the surrounding areas of the countryside.

Recife – On the north east coast, the bustling metropolis of Recife faces out on to the Atlantic, and is a pleasant green city with some beautiful buildings such as the Golden Chapel and the Santa Isabel Theater, and a range of beaches and beach resorts in and around the city.