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Things to Do in Natal

Things to Do in Natal

Rio Grande Do Norte Brazil Travel Guide

Outdoor Adventures

Natal's diverse environment offers a range of outdoor experiences, from serene water sports to thrilling dune adventures.

Unique Adventures

Dune Buggy Tours

Explore the towering dunes and lagoons of Genipabu. Drivers offer "com emoção" (thrilling) or "sem emoção" (gentler) rides. This encounter is a must for numerous tourists. Book using GetYourGuide.

Skybunda/Aerobunda

These activities involve ziplining or sliding down dunes directly into freshwater lagoons (e.g., Lagoa de Jacumã). They give a fun plus revitalizing adrenaline rush.

Dromedary Rides

At the Genipabu dunes, you may ride dromedaries for an unique desert-like experience amidst the sandscapes.

Water Sports & Activities

  • Swimming: Safe and popular at most beaches, especially Ponta Negra.
  • Stand-up Paddleboarding (SUP): Can be rented in Ponta Negra, offering a relaxed way to explore.
  • Kayaking: Available in lagoons and calmer beach areas, for a peaceful paddle experience.
  • Snorkeling & Diving: Popular at Maracajaú and Parrachos de Pirangi, known for their natural coral pools. Book tours via GetYourGuide.

Dolphin Watching

  • Common near Pipa Beach.
  • Often observed from boat tours or cliffs.
  • A memorable wildlife encounter.

Sea Turtle Viewing

  • Nesting and hatching seasons present opportunities.
  • Projeto Tamar in Tibau do Sul actively works regarding conservation.
  • Educational activities are available.

Birdwatching & Hiking

  • In Parque das Dunas and other preserved areas.
  • Spot various bird species in their natural habitats.
  • Parque das Dunas offers simple to medium hiking trails.

Safety Advisory

Always book adventure activities with trustworthy companies. Check equipment and guide certifications for safety. Verify insurance coverage.

Cultural Immersion

Engage with Natal's rich its culture through a range of deep-dive experiences.

Workshops & Classes

  • Crafts: Opportunities to learn local crafts, like lacework or sand art in bottles, at artisan centers.
  • Forró Dance: Dance classes for Forró, Brazil's popular Northeastern dance style, may be found in community cultural centers.
  • Capoeira: Demonstrations or lessons of this Afro-Brazilian martial art and dance may be found.
  • Language Learning: Certain private tutors or small language schools may feature Portuguese lessons.

Cultural Festivals & Events

Carnatal

Natal's off-season carnival, typically held in December, features blocos and electrifying street parties.

Festa Junina June Festivals

Celebrated throughout June including customary music, dance, food, and attire. This festival is deeply rooted in Northeastern culture.

Natal em Natal

A series of cultural events and celebrations around Christmas, reflecting the city's namesake.

Live Music Venues

Ponta Negra has many bars and restaurants which have live music, often Forró, Samba, or MPB.

Theater & Performance Spaces

The Teatro Alberto Maranhão, a historic theater, hosts various cultural performances.

Nightclubs & Dancing

Ponta Negra is the hub for the nightlife scene, with clubs playing a mix of Brazilian and international music.

Relaxation & Wellness

Discover opportunities to relax and rejuvenate amidst your Natal adventures.

Wellness Choices

  • Spa and Wellness: Many upscale hotels and resorts offer spa facilities, massages, and treatments.
  • Yoga and Meditation: Options may be found in tranquil coastal towns like Pipa or The Green island do Gostoso.
  • Beach clubs And Pools: Numerous "barracas de praia" along beaches offer chairs, umbrellas, food, and drinks.
  • Natural Therapy: Natal does not feature natural hot springs directly within the city.

Shopping & Markets

Artisan Crafts & Markets

Centro de Artesanato Potiguar is a large handicraft market. Feirinha de Artesanato de Ponta Negra is a smaller, evening market.

Souvenir Recommendations

Consider purchasing sand art bottles, delicate lacework, cashew-related products, local sweets, handmade jewelry, and beachwear.

Luxury & Boutique Shopping

Shopping malls like Midway Mall and Natal Shopping offer national and international brands. Some boutique stores may also be found in Ponta Negra.

Ethical Shopping & Logistics

Ethical Shopping Guidelines

Support local artisans directly at markets to make sure of fair prices. Be mindful of purchasing items made from protected species (e.g., certain shells or woods).

Shipping Information

If you purchase large items, inquire about shipping options directly from the vendor.

Customs Information

Be aware of your home country's customs regulations for imported goods and duty-free allowances to avoid issues upon your return.

Entertainment & Nightlife

Natal comes alive after dark, with various entertainment options to enjoy.

Evening Hotspots

  • Live Music: Many bars and eateries in Ponta Negra feature live Forró, Samba, or MPB.
  • Nightclubs & Dancing: Ponta Negra is the hub for the nightlife scene, with clubs playing Brazilian and international music.
  • Bar Districts: Ponta Negra offers a concentration of establishments suitable for a pub crawl.
  • Late-Night Entertainment: Bars and clubs don't close until the early hours, especially on weekends.

Cultural Evenings

Theater

The Teatro Alberto Maranhão, a historic theater, hosts various cultural performances, offering a more formal cultural experience.

Authentic Forró

Specific Forró houses are well-liked for dancing plus undergoing authentic regional music.

Seasonal Celebrations

Check local listings for cultural events and festivals during your visit.

Traditional Markets

Centro de Artesanato Potiguar for authentic crafts, Feirinha de Artesanato de Ponta Negra for beachfront browsing.

Souvenirs & Gifts

Sand art bottles, lacework, cashew products, local sweets, artisan jewelry.

Ethical Shopping

Support local artisans directly. Avoid items from protected species. Know customs regulations.

Travel Smart

Be familiar with your home country's''s import guidelines for imported goods and tax-free allowances to avoid issues.

Shopping & Markets

Explore Natal's shopping scene, ranging from old-fashioned markets to modern malls, and find unique souvenirs.

Local Finds

  • Centro de Artesanato Potiguar: Large handicraft market with numerous stalls.
  • Feirinha de Artesanato de Ponta Negra: Smaller, evening handicraft market by the seafront.
  • Mercado Modelo de Ponta Negra: Offers regional products and food items.
  • Handmade Jewelry: Unique designs from local artisans.

Diverse Shopping

Artisan Goods

Local crafts feature lacework (renda), intricate sand art in bottles, ceramics, wooden sculptures, and items made from local fibers.

Modern Shopping

Shopping malls like Midway Mall and Natal Shopping present a range of national and global brands.

Boutique Stores

Some boutique stores is also able to be found in Ponta Negra, offering more unique fashion and goods.

Souvenir Ideas

  • Sand art bottles.
  • Delicate lacework.
  • Cashew products (nuts, cachaça de caju).
  • Local sweets (cocada).

Ethical Buying

  • Support local artisans directly at markets.
  • Secure equitable prices for their work.
  • Be mindful of protected species.
  • Generally regulated or illegal items.

Shipping & Customs

  • Inquire about shipping options from vendors.
  • Be aware of home country's customs regulations.
  • Know duty-free allowances.
  • Avoid issues upon your return.

Activity Planning Checklist

Before You Go
  • Book dune buggy tours in advance, especially during high season.
  • Research spa options for relaxation and wellness treatments.
  • Plan hiking trails at Parque das Dunas according to challenge ratings.
During Your Stay
  • Experience Ponta Negrovernightlife, including live music groups and dancing.
  • Visit craft markets like Centro de Artesanato Potiguar for special souvenirs.
  • Schedule a snorkeling trip to Maracajaú or Parrachos de Pirangi.

Activity Tip

Book your dune buggy tour in advance, especially during high season. This popular activity fills up quickly.

Activity Planning Summary

Adventure Planning

  • Dune buggy tours are iconic; consider booking in advance.
  • Water sports like snorkeling and paddleboarding are popular.
  • Hiking trails in Parque das Dunas present natural beauty.
  • Relax at beach and pool clubs for leisure.

Cultural & Leisure Planning

  • Experience live music and nightlife in Ponta Negra.
  • Check the Teatro Alberto Maranhão for cultural performances.
  • Explore local markets for artisan crafts and souvenirs.
  • Engage with local culture through dance classes or festivals.