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Top things to do in Natal

Attractions, tours and activities in Natal

Natal: the city's best neighbourhoods

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About Natal

Including tips for the best time to visit Natal

With its strategic location along the Atlantic coast of Brazil and proximity to the equator, Natal enjoys pleasant weather all year round. Its picturesque beaches flanked by sand dunes and natural lagoons make it a tourism hotspot.

The capital city of Brazil’s Rio Grande do Norte state is home to numerous historical and natural attractions. Forte dos Reis Magos – a 16th-century star-shaped fortress located along the banks of Potengi River – offers views of the water and the city. Football enthusiasts will find Arena das Dunas an interesting place to visit in Natal since it hosted several matches during the 2014 FIFA World Cup. A short drive outside of Natal will take you to Genipabu where shifting sand dunes, azure waters and stunning scenery await you. Take a buggy or camel ride through the towering dunes or swim in the Genipabu Lagoon for an adventurous day at this beautiful spot.

Nicknamed ‘Cidade de Sol’ or ‘City of the Sun’, Natal is renowned for its sun-kissed beaches. Head to the urban beach of Ponta Negra, where you can sunbathe on the soft sands or unwind at local bars, restaurants and small tents serving delicious food and drinks. For a less-crowded experience, make your way to Pipa Beach near the city. It is one of the most famous beaches in Brazil, especially known for its scenic landscapes, natural pools suitable for swimming and boat rides that offer a chance to see dolphins in the wild.

Tonight

From £16 per night

This weekend

From £35 per night

Next weekend

From £37 per night

Most popular time to visit October–December
Cheapest time to visit January–March
Local currency R$ 10 = £1.53
Language
Average weekend price £56 per night
Average weekday price £46 per night
Typical stay 3 nights

Points of interest in Natal

Stay near the top sightseeing spots in Natal

Natal reviews

What other travellers say about Natal

8.0

This city is great for those who love the beach and...

1 March 2023

This city is great for those who love the beach and associated activities. Also nice seafood options at a variety of price points. Overall, compared with other cities in Brazil, it feels quite safe (obviously sensible precautions should be taken with showing off cell phones, jewelry, etc), and people are generally really friendly. Affordable to get around with Ubers and lots of lovely views and outdoor activities. In the vicinity of many beautiful beachside communities and other things. Recommend the restaurant called Camarões, going to a lagoon nearby (Alcaçuz or Pitangui), and Ponta Negra Beach.

Jacob
Jacob Austria
10

Close to nice beach and ocean.

26 October 2022

Close to nice beach and ocean. Crime can be an issue just as it is everywhere in the world now. Take extra care especially at night and always be alert even in the daytime. Natal is a big, interesting, diverse city with many nice places to visit. It was our relatives that stayed at the Holiday Inn, not us this time, but they told us the hotel and their stay was great. This favor of ours to them for their kindness and help would probably be similar for you if you ever were to pay for the stay of your relatives or friends. Their stay was actually better than ours a few weeks before, and the staff knowingly did their extra very best this time. It is great to see a major hotel chain or any business care ad this one has shown. Improved experience is so terrific to happen. We highly recommend this hotel and staff!

Bruce
Bruce United States
10

The City of Natal, Brazil, its a beautiful city as well as...

12 October 2022

The City of Natal, Brazil, its a beautiful city as well as its people. I love the City and it sounding areas, as well as Ponta Negra Beach. Natal has lots of god places to enjoyed good Brazilian food, I will definitely highly recommend it. My son and I had a fabulous time surfing in Ponta Negra, Natal. I have made new reservations to return to Ponta Negra Natal, Brazil, by the end of the year.

Renato
Renato United States
10

We have stayed in Natal many times, including at the...

22 April 2022

We have stayed in Natal many times, including at the Majestic several times before. We were lucky to be invited to sit at the table of Majestic owners Elias, and his wonderful wife, for several minutes, they are very fascinating people that do a lot of world traveling -- sat with them in the formal dining room/breakfast room, breakfast was way beyond excellent; we recognized from the owners that are often there, remembering them from our previous stays, included in price of our stay.

Bruce
Bruce United States
10

The city itself is nice, but it works better as a basis to...

29 November 2021

The city itself is nice, but it works better as a basis to explore places around it, like Pipa (amazing for a night stay), Galinhos, Maaracaju (for amateur but experienced divers), Peróbas (for newbies at diving) etc. Natal itself offers everything a relatively big city offers. As there are great attractions both to the north and to the south, Natal is the place to stay in Rio Grande do Norte, but maybe you should check if you want to book a few nights in Pipa and/or Galinhos.

dBetega
dBetega Brazil
10

1) Always bargain for a better price either with the locals...

9 March 2020

1) Always bargain for a better price either with the locals at the beach or even at the souvenir shops. 2) Best restaurants, Camaroes Potiguar and Taboa da Carne. 3) if you want fresh juices right at the Ponta Negra beach Dixxie&Dallas is the cutest little juice bar, also serving yummy, healthy snacks and the owners come all the way from Denmark (fluent in English and very helpful with suggestions). 4)don't forget the buggy rides to explore lakes and other beaches, ask the driver in Portuguese ''com emocao''. It means to drive with motion at the sand dunes!!!!

Eleni
Eleni United Kingdom

Popular places to stay in Natal

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