Arapiraca is the vibrant heart of the Agreste region in Alagoas, situated approximately 135 km from the state capital, Maceió. Founded in 1924, the city sits at about 264 m elevation and had around 234,700 residents as of 2020, with recent estimates reaching 243,000 in 2025. Once known as the “Brazilian Tobacco Capital,” the city thrived on tobacco farming in the 1970s and has since diversified its economy into agriculture, textiles, services, and small industries 

Top Things to See & Do

Based on travel and local resources, here are Arapiraca’s highlights:

• Museu Zezito Guedes / Museu de História de Arapiraca – A cultural gem in a colonial-style building showcasing regional agriculture, folklore, traditional crafts, and local history.

• Mercado do Artesanato (Feira do Artesanato) – A bustling artisan market full of ceramics, textiles, jewelry, local foods (like tapioca pancakes), and folk art. Ideal for shopping cultural souvenirs and trying local snacks like sugarcane juice or coconut tapioca.

• Lagoa da Perucaba – Scenic lagoon with walking trails, paddle boating, gardens, plus an evening vibe with food trucks and live music at sunset.

• Parque Ceci Cunha & Parque Ambiental Dandá – Local green spaces with trails, picnic areas, playgrounds, ideal for relaxation and family outings.

• Teatro Hermeto Pascoal – A popular cultural venue offering live music, theater, dance, and occasional film screenings—named after the famed local musician.

• Praça Marques da Silva – Central square with fountains and seating where locals gather, often hosting small events and weekend life.

• Estádio Municipal Coaracy da Mata Fonseca (“Fumeirão”) – Historic football stadium with a 17,000‑seat capacity, home of ASA Arapiraca football club.

• Annual events & festivals – You’ll find the Exposição Agropecuária and Festa da Padroeira bringing local flavor, livestock showcases, regional arts, and traditional music.

Eat & Drink

• Traditional northeastern dishes such as grilled carne de sol, paçoca de pilão, and tapioca fillings—perfect snacks at street food stalls or at the artisan market.

• Sample local cachaça, often available via tasting tours at nearby distilleries exploring its production process

• Seek out local restaurants or market stalls serving comfort foods with regional ingredients—simply cooked but full of flavor.

Travel Tips

• Best time to visit: Dry season from May to September, when weather is milder and the artisan market is lively.

• Getting around: Uber, taxis, moto‑taxis, and local buses work well. Most attractions are in or near the city center.

• Safety: Generally friendly and community-oriented. As always, stay aware of surroundings, especially at night in quieter areas.

• Packing essentials: Light clothing for daytime, a layer for cooler evenings, sun protection, and comfortable walking shoes.

• Language: Portuguese is predominant—knowing basic phrases greatly helps.

Where to Stay & Recommended Options

Arapiraca is not a major tourist hub, so hotel variety is modest. Visitors typically stay in cozy, local mid-range hotels or guesthouses near downtown or Lagoa Perucaba.

• Look for small inns or family-run pousadas near central landmarks like Praça Marques da Silva or Lagoa da Perucaba—they offer comfort and easy access.

• Many stays offer breakfast, friendly service, and easy walkable access to museums and markets.

• For bigger options, check platforms like Booking.com or local travel agencies—expect modest but affordable accommodations (~USD 30–60/night).

Recommended stay: A guesthouse close to Lagoa da Perucaba or Mercado do Artesanato is ideal for ease of access and peaceful surroundings.