With the FIFA World Cup 2014 in full swing in Brazil, we decided to take you on a vibrant journey through the tournament’s host cities. There are 12 cities taking part including Sao Paulo, Fortaleza, Brasilia, Recife, Salvador da Bahia, Cuiaba, Porto Alegre, Belo Horizonte, Curitiba, Rio De Janeiro, Natal and Manaus,where we continue our journey…
Manaus
Capital of the state of Amazonas, this busy city has a laidback feel of dilapidated grandeur.
USP: Located in the middle of the Amazon rainforest, access to the city is by boat or airplane. Manaus has managed, more than any other urban area of Brazil, to preserve the habits of native Brazilian tribes.
Shop: If you’re a seasoned shopper then Manaus is probably not the place for you, but you can find some fascinating indigenous artefacts at the Mercardo Municipal and the Galeria Amazonica. If you don’t feel like buying anything then check out the ethnographic collection at the Museu do Indio.
Eat and Drink: Quench your thirst at one of the bars in the vibrant Adrianopolis and Cachoeirinha areas where you will find plenty of live music and entertainment. Make an effort to try the local food which is a mix of exotic fruits, seeds and fresh fish.
Sleep: We like the Boutique Hotel Casa Teatro on Rua 10 de Julho 632. It’s minutes away from the famed opera house, Teatro Amazonas and, although it’s small, it’s stylishly presented and has all the creature comforts you need.
Images: flickr.com/GabrielSmith and flickr.com/Zemlinki
