The epicentre of Brazilian football, the Maracană Stadium, also formally known as the Mario Filho Stadium, became the world's biggest stadium - capable of holding around 200,000 people - when it was built for the purpose of hosting the 1950 World Cup Final. Football is a national obsession and even local matches are oversubscribed. Matches take place here three times a week during November and December with evening kick-offs. Football is not merely a game here and the atmosphere in the stadium is unique to Rio. Football aside, your ticket entitles you to experience a full-on theatrical extravaganza as the Brazilian spectators muster up support for their favourite team. The almost Colosseum-like surroundings serve as a fitting venue for a multitude of smokey fireworks, colourful flags and banners and the sounds of samba drums and whistles. The arena has also been used by Pope John Paul II. Frank Sinatra performed here in 1980 and when Paul McCartney sang at the stadium in 1991 he gained an entry in the Guinness Book of Records for achieving the largest live audience ever for a solo singer.

A trip to Rio de Janeiro will prove to be one of the best decisions that you could make, and if you're a sports fanatic, then a trip to Rio de Janeiro's Maracană Stadium will be an even better decision. While you're making all these good decisions, take it one step further and book your accommodation in one of the superb Rio de Janeiro hotels.