Historical City Tour of Natal: Reis Magos Fortress and WWII sites

Natal's foundation stone: a fortress on the rocks where the city began.

A historical city tour of Natal covers the Reis Magos Fortress, the Natal Metropolitan Cathedral, neighborhoods where urban growth began, and the Trampolim da Vitória Cultural Center at the former Augusto Severo Airport—a site that served as a strategic Allied base during World War II. Hotel pickup and an air-conditioned coach are included; the guide speaks English, Spanish or Portuguese depending on your option. Optional add-ons include a boat ride on the Potengi River and access to the Dunas Arena's athlete-restricted areas.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Natal's historic and cultural sites

• Hotel pick up
• Panoramic tour of historic center
• Visit Natal Metropolitan Cathedral
• Visit Trampolim da Vitória Cultural Center
• Optional visit to Dunas Arena athlete areas
• Visit craft centers and Ponta Negra Market
• Optional visit to Reis Magos Fortress
• Optional boat ride on Potengi River

The Experience

The tour starts with pickup at your hotel and moves into the historic center through the neighborhoods of Santos Reis, Rocas and Ribeira, the districts where Natal's urban expansion first took hold. You'll see the Natal Metropolitan Cathedral, then move to the Trampolim da Vitória Cultural Center, housed in what was once the Augusto Severo Airport. This is where the Allies established a decisive military base during World War II—a moment that placed Natal on the global stage and shaped the city's modern identity.

The route includes stops at craft centers where local artisans work with colored sand, embroidery and regional pieces, and the Ponta Negra Market, where you can sample cashew nuts prepared in different ways. The Reis Magos Fortress is an optional addition: perched on rocks above the ocean, it marks the city's foundation and offers views across the water. An optional boat ride on the Potengi River gives another angle on the historic center from the water.

The tour runs seven hours total with hotel drop-off included. You can also add optional access to the Dunas Arena's athlete-restricted areas—changing rooms, warm-up facilities and the field itself—for a separate fee paid locally. Bring sunscreen, sunglasses and comfortable shoes; the coach is air-conditioned throughout.

What’s included

• Transport by air-conditioned coach.
• professional guide in your chosen language.
• hotel pickup and drop-off at most Natal hotels.
• visits to the Natal Metropolitan Cathedral, the historic neighborhoods of Santos Reis Rocas and Ribeira, craft centers and the Ponta Negra Market.

Good to know

Easy physical levelPublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Gray Line Brazil

Is this one for you?Choose the English option if you need a guide in English and are booking with at least one other person; the Portuguese or Spanish options work for groups of any size. The optional Reis Magos Fortress and Potengi River boat ride let you add depth to the historical narrative without committing to a longer day.

Traveler reviews

3.45★★★★★★★★★★

11 verified traveler reviews

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

What is the Reis Magos Fortress and why does it matter to Natal's history?

The Reis Magos Fortress is the first milestone of Natal's foundation, perched on rocks overlooking the ocean. It marks the city's earliest settlement and is included as an optional stop on this tour.

Why did World War II make Natal important, and where do I see that on the tour?

Natal served as a strategic base for the Allies during World War II, a role that put the city on the map as a global power. You visit the Trampolim da Vitória Cultural Center, located in the historic Augusto Severo Airport, where that military history is preserved and explained.

Can I choose which language my guide speaks?

Yes. This tour is offered in English, Spanish or Portuguese—you select your language option at checkout. A minimum of two people per booking is required for the English option.

What neighborhoods does the tour pass through, and what will I see there?

The tour moves through Santos Reis, Rocas and Ribeira, the historic neighborhoods where Natal's urban growth began. You'll see the Natal Metropolitan Cathedral in the city center and pass through the areas that shaped the city's early development.

Are there things I can add to the tour, and what do they cost?

Two optional add-ons are available: a boat ride on the Potengi River (approximately BRL 60) and access to the Dunas Arena's athlete-restricted areas, including the field and changing rooms (approximately BRL 30). Both are paid locally on the day of the tour.

What should I bring or wear for a seven-hour tour?

Sunscreen, sunglasses, comfortable sandals or hiking shoes, a towel and a swim suit are recommended. The coach is air-conditioned, but you'll spend time outdoors at the fortress, markets and cultural center.