Maximum city: Salvador

Image: Clive Mason / Getty Images

One of the great things about large football tournaments is that they give countries a chance to exhibit lesser known cities. If you’re going to be in Brazil for the early stages of the World Cup, it may be worth parking yourself in the coastal city of Salvador in the north-east of the country.

You will get a chance to watch Spain vs the Netherlands, Germany vs Portugal and Switzerland vs France in the group stages, as well as a Round of 16 and quarterfinal match in the Itaipava Arena Fonte Nova.

Salvador is the third largest city of Brazil by population and is famous for being the colonial capital when the country was under Portuguese rule. A city known for its carnivals and parties, it showcases, perhaps better than any other city, Brazil’s African heritage through its art and music.