2014 World cup host cities - Natal, Brazil

About:

Founded in 1599, Natal is the capital city of the Brazilian state Rio Grande do Norte. With its population of more than 800,000 people, the city is one of the major tourist destinations in Brazil. Natal with its amazing beaches, is becoming more and more popular among Brazilian and international tourists. It is a fact that Natal is one of the Brazilian cities nearest Europe and North America.

Natal, Brazil

Before start to travel to Brazil check my post - 6 things to know, before you travel to Brazil 

Location

Natal is situated, where Potengi River disgorges its waters into the Atlantic Ocean. The city is divided into four areas – South (tourist area), North (industrial area), East (Natal’s historical center and major sights) and West and occupies an area of 179 sq km (65 sq mi).

Climate
Natal is known as the Sun City, because of tropical climate and annual average temperatures of 28º C / 82 °F. People who live here, enjoy 300 sunny days a year.

How to get there

• by air

The easiest way to get to Natal is via Augusto Severo International Airport (Aeroporto Internacional Augusto Severo) . Located 20 km / 12 mi from downtown, it will take you about 15 minutes to travel from airport to the city.

How to Get Around

The major transport mode option is taxi. There are buses however, but usually very crowded.  Another very exiting transport option you may use to discover, mainly city beaches is to hire a buggy. Its price is about USD 140 – 150, but it’s worth.

World cup 2014 Stadium location 

The new Dunas Arena (Arena das Dunas) replaced the old Machadão stadium. With its capacity of 42 000, the stadium will host the following 2014 World cup football matches:

Group stage
Match 2
13.06.14 – Mexico - Cameroon
Match 14
16.06.14 – Ghana - USA
Match 22
19.06.14 – Japan - Greece
Match 39
24.06.14 – Italy - Uruguay

Dunas Arena is located about 5 km/ 3 mi south from Natal old town and is connected by public transport buses 24, 33, 33a, 35, 42, 43 and 66.

Where to Stay

Dunas stadium is located in a residential area, so the most accommodation options are available along the seashore.  There are, however some good hotels around:

Closest Hotels to Dunas Arena

• Monza Palace Hotel
• Hotel Maine
• Casa do Holandes
• Villa Park Hotel
• Arituba Park Hotel

Where to Eat

Natal cuisine makes use of several local ingredients, which create some different (local) tastes and flavors. You will find variety of sea food restaurants. Here are some typical dishes you could try:

• Feijoada - stew of black beans, beef, and pork
• Acaraje - deep-fried ball of black-eyed peas
• Carne del Sol: sun-dried beef meat
• Churrasco – typical Brazilian barbeque

What to drink:

Cachaca - the national spirit of Brazil;
Caipirinha – traditional exotic cocktail

Some good restaurants:

• Abade – one of the best restaurants in the city;
• Camarões  - seafood;
• Casa de Taipa – Brazilian food;
• Tranquilo for buffet lovers

What to do and what to see

Don’t forget that Natal is well known for its natural beautiful white sand beaches. The most famous are : Ponta Negra; Praia do Forte ; Via Costeira.
Other popular places, you may wish visit:

• Natal's Historic Center - declared a national heritage site in 2010;
• Forte dos Reis Magos – a fortress built in 1,598;
• The largest aquarium in Northeast part of Brazil;
• Dunas Park - Second biggest urban park in Brazil;