Now that the Winter Olympics in Russia is behind us, the world's attention is moving to Brazil, host of the 2014 World Cup.
While I haven't been to Brazil (yet), I did have the experience of landing in Paris the same day France beat Brazil in the 1998 World Cup Final.
Marching through the streets amongst so many ecstatic, singing, firecracker-throwing French people was an experience I'll never forget.
For that moment, Paris was the center of the universe, and I was right there in the middle of it.
Will Brazilians have the same opportunity to celebrate a World Cup victory on their home turf in Rio on July 13?
For those heading to Brazil's #1 city to partake in the world's biggest sporting event this June and July, I have some advice to share, and it applies whether or not you plan to attend matches in person.
Arrive Early
Soccer fanatics from around the world started planning their trips to Rio years ago, so if you're starting to think about it now, you're playing catch-up.
I recommend arriving in Rio as early as possible for numerous reasons.
First, you'll be in a better position to pin down decent accommodation at a reasonable rate.
If you're going months ahead of time, you can try to negotiate a good deal on an apartment and avoid the double, triple, and even quadruple mark-ups on hotels, hostels, and short-term apartment rentals.
My friend Gareth arrived in early January, giving him six months to experience the city and learn his way around before the rest of the world arrives.
Second, you'll have time to connect with a Rio tour guide who can help acquaint you with the city.
There's more to Rio than the famous beaches of Copacabana and Ipanema.
A good guide can tailor a tour to suit your interests and curiosities, and many are also multilingual (French readers may want to check out this Guide à Rio).
Third, it gives you a chance to make local friends, which will make watching the Brazilian matches a heck of a lot more fun than if you're in a bar full of gringos.
Be Patient, Be Flexible
Despite improvements, Rio's infrastructure will be under a lot of stress as people move around the city during the World Cup.
It may lighten up a little as the tournament continues and teams fail to advance, but with the Final happening there, it's likely to be crowded until the very end.
In Paris 16 years ago, there were a lot of drivers honking their horns during the day, and some stranger on the street threw a lit firecracker next to me.
When it exploded, my ears immediately began to ring, and I wanted to slug the guy.
After a long afternoon of searching for accommodation because we didn't reserve a room ahead of time, we finally settled for a relatively cheap, mouse-ridden hotel near a northern train station.
It was not our first or even fifth choice, but we were lucky to find anything with the hostels all booked.
Have Fun
Attending a World Cup event requires a lot of planning and money unless you take the opposite approach and arrive last-minute, relying on friends or simply good luck like I did.
However, you arrive in Rio for the 2014 World Cup, make the most of your time there because it'll indeed be a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
And if we have any French soccer fans heading over to Rio to cheer on their country's team, be sure and check out Guide Rio for support.
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This post was brought to you by My Rio Travel Guide.
Meggie Kay says
I've been looking into going to the World Cup this year! It's a dream of mine to attend a World Cup match (preferably with my team, Germany, playing).
It's really a matter of trying to get time off work to go. If I make it, it will be super last minute. Thankfully, I have lots of friends throughout Brazil that could help me out. :)
Dave says
Friends are the last-minute traveler's best bet for Brazil in June :) Good luck!
Marta Chan says
I thought about going to brazil to work for the world cuo but soon I understood is gonna be a completly disaster because everything is gonna be over priced, there are many people becoming homeless that used to live in the favelas and now they are building nice condos with the best view. I dont wanna be part of the problem. But these are pretty good tips for those who follow soccer and cant miss this world cup.
Dave says
I wasn't aware of the people becoming homeless as a result of the push for development up the hillsides, but it doesn't surprise me.
Camila says
I'm a Brazilian who have already traveled to another country and I'm conscious about our structural problems regard it is a country in development. I'm glad to your text, which showed some beauties of my country.Btw I'm from Sao paulo but I've already been in Rio and it is a pretty cool city full of friendly people. ???? If someone need some tips I'm welcome.
Jen says
Although I'm not a big football fan attending the World Cup at some point in my life is on my bucket list. Rio won't be my year but one day. Football fans are among some of the most passionate sports fans in the world. It's going to be completely crazy in Rio but a lot if fun.
Peter Taylor says
I always wanted to go to Brazil, but more to experience the wildlife. I don't like overcrowded places, so i will have to avoid the country during the World Cup. Although it would be a once in a lifetime experience, I think I could enjoy the games more from a quiet pub. I fear that if I visited Brazil during the World Cup, I would be so overwhelmed with the locale that I would miss games, or not pay attention to them.
Michelle says
I'd love to get there but honestly doubt I'll manage it this year unfortunately.
I do think the western news media is making the Brazilians preparation for the World Cup to sound waaaaay more terrible than it likely is. I'm betting Brazil pulls it off and it's an absolutely amazing event.
Gareth Leonard says
You need to make a trip south to Brazil for the World Cup here in Rio de Janeiro in June! Pass through Manaus and head south to Rio!