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Capital city of Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil
Photo: Otávio Nogueira, CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Natal, the capital of Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil, is a city on the Atlantic coast. Natal has some great beaches, historical sites, and nature areas, and it is a frequently used base for exploring the paradisiac beaches and nature of the Rio Grande do Norte state.
From the travel guide. Select a place for details, a map and what is nearby.
Fortaleza dos Reis Magos
The star-shaped fortress is the oldest and most important historical construction of Natal. It was built in 1598 to protect the coast against French pirates, and during the colonial period it was perhaps the most important of Brazil's defence barriers. It is located in the water, accessible using a pedestrian path from Praia do Forte. For about 300 years, it worked as military quarters, administration office and prision, and it was also for some time under Dutch control. The name of the fortress is due to the statues of the Biblical Magi in the entrance.
Ponte de Todos
The imponent bridge over the Potengi river, with 1.8 km length and up to 100 metres high, links the North and East parts of the city and is a sight to not be missed. It can be observed from Forte or Redinha beaches.
An 11.7 million-m² nature reserve located next to the coast, dividing the East and South parts of the city, and famous for its sandy dunes. In the entrance of the park is Bosque dos Namorados, with various recreational facilities and orientation on exploring the rest of the park.
Parque da Cidade Dom Nivaldo Monte
A 640,000-m² nature reserve located between the South and West parts of the city. The main sight is the "eye-shaped" tower designed by the premium architect Oscar Niemeyer.
The memorial, built in 1875 in neoclassic styles, is about the life and work of Luis da Câmara Cascudo, Rio Grande do Norte's most famous anthropologist and folklorist who lived between 1898-1986.
Igreja do Galo
Church in baroque style built in 1766. The metallic bird on its tower gives the church the nickname "Igreja do Galo". Contains a museum with religious artwork.
The biggest and oldest theatre of the city, built in 1898 in French style.
Palace built in 1907 as a residence, which would later become one of the most luxurious hotels in the city. Now it is a cultural centre.
City hall of Natal, built in 1922 in eclectic style.
Historical street with houses from the 19th century. Contains one of the former palaces of the state government. Nowadays contains restaurants, museums, clubs and cultural centres.
The favorite beach of tourists and wealthier locals. Excellent water quality and infrastructure, with many restaurants and utility shops in the beach front. Contains Morro do Careca, the tallest sand dune of Natal and one of the city's most famous landmarks. Near Morro do Careca the ocean is very calm, which makes it one of the favorite spots to bring kids to the water.
Consists of 10 km of beaches on the east side of Parque das Dunas, linking the South and East parts of the city. It is contiguous with Ponta Negra beach, so you can walk from one beach to another. Contains no infrastructure other than a university and some luxurious hotels. For that the reason, the beach is always almost empty.
Beach in the East region with darker sands. The buildings in the beach front cast shadows on part of it during the afternoon.
Beach in the East region. Former glamorous beach that is nowadays more popular among locals. Contains, however, decent tourist infrastructure, including hotels, bars and restaurants. May be preferable for lodging if you want to stay closer to the Historical Center.
Contiguous with Praia dos Artistas, and sharing similar characteristics with it. Cheap food and warm water.
Contiguous with Praia do Meio, and where Forte dos Reis Magos is located. Also has a view of Ponte de Todos. The beach does not have almost any infrastructure, however, and will usually be almost empty.
The only beach in the North region. Mostly frequented by locals, and known for cheap food. The beach has also a platform that goes to the sea, and by walking to the tip of the platform, you can have a wonderful view of Ponte de Todos and the rest of the city.
A weekly party especially geared towards tourists. There, you can learn to dance forró, one of the most popular musical styles from the Northeast of Brazil.
A commercial center with about 164 shops, most selling local handcraft. It is next to Praia Shopping.
Burger stall with tasty fries, hot dog, burgers and sauces. Hamburgers start from R$6. It's open in the evening from 17:30PM. Whatsapp number: +55 986185389
Food stall with tasty local main dishes from R$13 and hamburgers from R$6. It's open in the evening from 17:30.
Two locations, one at Ponta Negra, the original one In Lagoa Nova, near the stadium. Excellent regional food. Highly rated and a must if you wish to get to genuine local cuisine.
Excellent restaurant specialized in shrimp dishes. The only drawback is the long line of people waiting for a table from around 6:30PM to 9PM. Has 3 other branches in Natal.
Gelatos, frappés and more, all made without artificial flavors. Great gelato!
Live music most nights.
Really nice atmosphere. Dorms with air conditioning. 7min walking to the beach.
Very friendly owner and mother in this homestay hostel. A supermarket is nearby. walking to the beach is 6min.
On the roof top you have a nice city view and can see the sunset. 7min walking to the beach. Breakfast included. 5% fee for paying with credit card even for reservations on booking.com.
Each room has its own bathroom. Lockers. Also has nice styled double rooms. Prices vary from day to day.
If you stay more days than you booked on booking.com, the receptionists charge you the higher priced standard rate without the discounts you got before. Extend on booking.com or agree on a price before your extension.
One small block from the beach. Balcony breakfast with a view.
Built in the 19th century, it was first an orphanage and later a public prison. Now it contains about 40 shops specialized in local handcrafts, plus an art gallery, a club and a restaurant.
Alecrim, in the east side, is the main center of popular street in Natal, where 40% of the shops in the city are located. It hosts the city's most traditional farmer's market, that happens every Saturday, from 06:00 to 15:00, in the crossing of Coronel Estevam and Presidente Quaresma, gathering more than 400 sellers.
By far the largest shopping mall of the city, containing 270 shops, 7 cinema rooms, 4 gourmet restaurants and one theater.
Shopping mall with about 100 shops, with the obvious advantage of being located at Ponta Negra, where most visitors stay. It is about 750 m from the beach, but since it is in the extreme north of Ponta Negra, it may not be so close to where you are staying.
By bus
Natal's bus station is about 3 km southwest of the city center, and some 5 km northwest of the Ponta Negra beach. Bus No 66 does the same run in about 45 minutes.
By ride-sharing
From João Pessoa, Fortaleza, Recife and Pipa you can find rides on Blablacar.
By e-hailing
By car
Renting a car may be convenient if you, as many visitors, plan to use Natal as a base for day trips outside the city.
By buggy
You may explore the coast on the beach rather than a road, by hiring the service of a dune Buggy driver. You can book a vehicle or join a group.
By urban trains
They are cheap, but do not reach any major tourist sights.
Choose an airport to see hotels, stations, taxi ranks and car rental desks around it.
Natal · International · NAT
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