Búzios is the perfect getaway from the hectic city life of Rio de Janeiro.
Just a 3-hour drive from the city, this coastal gem features over 20 stunning beaches, vibrant nightlife, and fantastic dining options.
Armação dos Búzios gained its fame in the 1960s when Brigitte Bardot and her Brazilian boyfriend visited, a trip that left such a mark that today, a statue of her stands proudly on the Orla Bardot (Bardot Shore).
Once a simple fishing village, Búzios transformed into a luxury vacation spot, attracting wealthy Brazilians and Argentinians.
In fact, you’ll hear a lot of Spanish spoken here, as many Argentinians own businesses or summer homes, contributing to the town’s vibrant tourism scene. So, if you only speak Spanish, you’ll have no trouble getting by.
But this beautiful town is not only for the rich and famous and actually has something to offer for everyone and is a favorite destination for many backpackers as well.
The town’s nightlife is rich and lively, and its restaurants cater to all tastes and price ranges.
What to Do in Búzios
Beaches of Buzios
Búzios is known for its beautiful, unspoiled beaches. Unlike Rio’s crowded shores, Búzios offers serene spots with calm waters or thrilling waves, depending on your preference.
The best way to explore these beaches is by renting a buggy or a car, allowing you to visit multiple spots in one day!
Here are a few of the beaches I recommend visiting:
- Praia de Ferradura:
The closest beach to the town center, Ferradura offers calm, warm waters and a variety of water activities. It’s perfect if you don’t want to venture too far. - João Fernandes:
Famous for its crystal-clear waters, João Fernandes is a popular spot with plenty of bars and restaurants. It’s one of the busiest beaches in Búzios but worth the visit.
João Fernandinho:
João Fernandinho offers similar views to João Fernandes but has fewer crowds because it’s harder to access.
Praia de Forno:
This beach has rough sand and is surrounded by dark rock formations. It’s known for its beauty, but when we visited, the water was quite turbid.
Praia Brava:
If you’ve always wanted to visit a pink beach, Praia Brava is the closest you’ll find in Brazil. When the sun is high, the reddish sand takes on a pinkish hue. The name “Brava” means wild, and it’s fitting as the waters here are quite rough but still okay for a quick dip.
The beach is small and accessed by descending a tiny cliff with black rocks.
The only place to get a drink or bite to eat is the pricey beach club nearby.
- Azeda and Azedinha:
These two connected beaches are known for their turquoise-green waters, which match the “Azeda” (sour) in their names.
They form a small beach strip, so it’s best to arrive early as they fill up quickly. You can walk from Praia dos Ossos to Azeda and Azedinha in about 15 minutes. - Praia da Tartaruga:
Named for its occasional turtle sightings, this beach is a great snorkeling spot.
It’s also a perfect place to watch the sunset while enjoying a refreshing drink from one of the kiosks. - Praia Olho de Boi:
Praia Olho de Boi, also known as the Ox-Eye Beach, is the only nude beach in Búzios. To get there, you’ll need to pass through Praia Brava and walk for about 20 minutes.
Stroll Down Rua das Pedras
The main street in Búzios is Rua das Pedras (Street of Rocks), a charming cobblestone avenue lined with cute shops, restaurants, acai bars, and galleries. The street extends into Praça Santos Dumont, the main square, where the area comes alive at night.
Take a Boat Trip
To explore the hidden gems of Búzios, hop on a boat tour. Most day trips stop at several beaches and snorkeling spots that are only accessible by sea. You’ll also stop at a restaurant for lunch, which usually includes typical Brazilian dishes like rice, beans, and a choice of meat or vegetarian options.
Day Trip to Arraial do Cabo
A must-do day trip from Búzios is to Arraial do Cabo, located about an hour away. This town is home to some of Brazil’s most pristine beaches and offers exceptional boat trips.
Tours usually start early in the morning (between 8-10 am), and you can often negotiate the price if you book directly at the shore. Alternatively, you can book through your hostel or local agencies in Búzios for a set price and easy transport.
The boat tours take you to stunning, unspolied beaches where boats can’t dock because they’re part of a natural reserve. You
You can get there by bus, with an easy connection through Cabo Frio, or book a tour in Búzios that includes transportation and a boat trip.
Nightlife in Buzios:
Búzios’ nightlife is vibrant, with bars and nightclubs like Privilege Búzios. Expect cover charges ranging from 20-100 R$. Dress up for the occasion, as many venues have a dress code.
Búzios is known for its vibrant nightlife, which ranges from lively bars to upscale nightclubs.
The most famous club is Privilege Búzios, located on the waterfront, where music plays into the early morning hours. Be prepared for cover charges that range from 20 to 100 R$, depending on the season. Keep in mind that many places have a dress code, so make sure to dress up appropiately.
Porta da Barra
For a more laid-back evening, head to Porta da Barra, a harbor area lined with restaurants and bars offering beautiful sunset views.
How to Get to Búzios
You can take a bus from the Novo Rio bus station for around 50-80 R$ (click here for times), or if you’re traveling in a group, splitting an Uber is a great option.
Alternatively, you can book a transfer, which typically costs around 100 R$. Here are some companies that provide transfer services: Trasferilha Grande, Green Toad Bus, InBuzios, and LineBuzios.
Getting Around in Búzios:
The town is small, but you might need to rent a buggy or taking a taxi/Uber to reach some of its best beaches.
Where to Stay in Búzios
Apartments:
As a vacation town, Búzios has plenty of summer houses available for rent, many of which sit empty until rented out. If you’re traveling with a group, I highly recommend splurging on a luxurious apartment (some even come with a maid service!)
High-End for Lower Price:
If you have a car and want to save some money, staying outside of Búzios at a resort could be a great option.
For a more luxurious yet affordable experience, check out Búzios Espiritualidade Resort Caravelas. It’s perfect for couples, offering a private beach with stunning views.
We spent one unforgettable night there after staying in a downtown hostel for two nights. While the resort is a bit dated, the pool overlooking the ocean and the semi-private beach make it feel magical. They even have swings and a slackline if you’re feeling adventurous!
Hostels and Pousadas: For solo travelers, there are tons of hostels and pousadas (inns) to choose from. Check HostelWorld for options.
Búzios truly offers something for everyone, from tranquil beach days to exciting nights out. Whether you’re a luxury traveler or on a budget, you’ll find your perfect escape here.
For any questions or more tips about your trip to Búzios, feel free to reach out to me on Instagram or Facebook!
