population: 0.9 million

extension: 167.3 square kilometers

Museums

Great! If you're in Natal and interested in visiting museums, you might want to check out the Museum of Popular Culture. It's located in the city center and features exhibits that showcase the unique cultural traditions of Brazil's Northeast region.

If you're looking for other museums in the area, you might also want to visit the Contemporary Art Museum in nearby Ceará Mirim or the Camara Cascudo Museum in downtown Natal, which focuses on the history and culture of Rio Grande do Norte state.

Food

Sure! Here are some of the most recommended, popular and typical dishes to eat according to locals in Natal:

1. Camarão na Moranga - This delicious dish consists of shrimp cooked with coconut milk, spices, and other ingredients, served inside a pumpkin.

2. Feijoada - A stew made with black beans, various cuts of pork, and served with rice, farofa (toasted cassava flour), and collard greens.

3. Carne de Sol - A popular dish of sun-dried beef that's typically served fried or grilled alongside sides like beans, rice, and cassava chips.

4. Tapioca - A traditional Brazilian snack made from tapioca starch, filled with sweet or savory fillings like cheese, coconut, chocolate, or meat.

5. Acarajé - Originally from Bahia but also popular in Natal, Acarajé is a deep-fried bean cake stuffed with spicy shrimp, veggies, and sauces.

6. Cuscuz - A breakfast staple made from couscous that's steamed and served with butter, cheese, eggs, milk, and other toppings.

7. Peixe Assado na Telha - A baked fish dish that's cooked on a clay tile and often served with vegetables, rice, and beans.

I hope this gives you some ideas of what to try while in Natal!

Activities

Sure, here are some fun activities that locals enjoy in Natal:

1. Visit the Ponta Negra beach and watch a beautiful sunset while enjoying a cold drink.
2. Take a buggy tour through the dunes of Genipabu and Jacumã beaches.
3. Try some local seafood dishes at one of the many restaurants in the Ponta Negra neighborhood.
4. Attend a forró dance party – a traditional Brazilian dance style with live music.
5. Explore the historic city center of Natal, where you can find colorful colonial buildings, churches, and markets.
6. Take a boat tour to visit the natural pools of Maracajaú beach and snorkel in crystal clear waters.
7. Watch a soccer match at Arena das Dunas stadium – home to the local team ABC.
8. Go hiking or birdwatching in the nearby Parque das Dunas – a preserved area of coastal sand dunes and Atlantic Forest.