The 2014 World Cup : Brazil and Soccer : Travel Channel

Brazil

Rodrigo Suriani, flickr

Salvador

Arena Fonte Nova

The coastal city of Salvador pulses with African influences, from its religious and musical traditions to its food. For the hottest nightlife, get your groove on in the Rio Vermelho neighborhood, where you'll often find young locals sipping beers and chilling out to live music in the many open plazas. Spend time in the Pelourinho district, home to Salvador's old town and one of Brazil's most thriving arts scenes -- be sure to visit some of the neighborhood's galleries and design shops. Some of Brazil's most famous musicians, including João Gilberto, came from Salvador. Today that passion for music is particularly evident during Salvador's incredible Carnaval celebration, which is filled with extraordinary live musical performances and parades.

See the Match: During the World Cup, 6 matches will be held at the Arena Fonte Nova, a new 56,000-seat stadium. The stadium complex will also contain a museum of soccer, as well as restaurants, concerts, a hotel and shopping outlets.

São Paulo

Arena De São Paolo

With a population of more than 11 million in the city (and 20 million in its metropolitan area), São Paulo ranks as Brazil's -- and the Southern Hemisphere's! -- biggest city. The roster of tourist attractions seems endless: the São Paulo Museum of Art, Latin America Memorial, the Museum of the Portuguese Language, Ibirapuera Park and the Paulista Museum are just a few must-see places. Foodies will be sated in this thriving city; more than 62 different types of cuisine, including Argentinian, Japanese and Italian, can be found at over 12,000 area restaurants. Take a nap during the day -- São Paulo's nightlife is a force to be reckoned with, and the party lasts 'til dawn.

See the Match: World Cup visitors will make their way to newly constructed Arena de São Paulo, located in the Itaquera neighborhood, a working class region that has seen a big clean-up and resurgence in jobs thanks to the new stadium's presence.