Once a sleepy fishing village, Búzios shot to fame in the 1960s when Brigitte Bardot wandered its cobbled streets and fell in love with its charm. Decades later, the town still radiates the same mix of laid-back seaside vibes and chic elegance. With more than 20 beaches - each with its own personality - Búzios invites you to hop from calm coves perfect for paddleboarding to wild Atlantic stretches that surfers worship. Add in boutique hotels, world-class dining, and sunsets that seem to last forever, and you’ve got yourself one of Brazil’s most irresistible beach escapes.

Sights

• Rua das Pedras - The town’s main street is all about cobblestones, cafés, galleries, and people-watching. At night, it becomes Búzios’s catwalk, lined with lively bars and stylish shops.
• Praia de Geribá - Long and wide, Geribá is the surfers’ paradise of Búzios. Even if you don’t surf, it’s perfect for joining a beachside game of footvolley or sipping a cold beer at Fishbone, the famous beach club that keeps the music pumping until late.
• Praia da Ferradura - A horseshoe-shaped bay with calm waters, great for stand-up paddleboarding or renting a kayak. Grab a spot at Barraca do Baiano, a local favorite for fresh caipirinhas and grilled fish.
• Praia João Fernandes - Known for its crystal-clear water, this beach is prime snorkeling territory. Rent gear from Bar do Nego and swim alongside colorful fish before enjoying a moqueca (fish stew) right on the sand.
• Praia Azeda & Azedinha - Tiny, picturesque coves accessible via a charming trail from Ossos Beach. They’re small, so arrive early, but the turquoise water and photogenic setting are pure magic.
• Praia Brava - Facing the open Atlantic, Praia Brava is dramatic and wild. Surfers love the waves, and Rocka Beach Lounge & Restaurant offers a perfect mix of gourmet food and stunning sea views.
• Praia da Tartaruga - Famous for its warm, calm waters and beautiful sunsets. Despite the name, you might not spot turtles, but you will find excellent snorkeling and beachside restaurants like Restaurante Tartaruga serving seafood platters.
• Praia dos Ossos & Igreja de Sant’Ana - One of the oldest parts of town, with colorful boats bobbing in the water and a charming little 18th-century church perched by the shore. It’s a slice of history wrapped in postcard views.
• Orla Bardot - This seaside promenade pays tribute to the actress who put Búzios on the map. Walk along the bronze statues of Bardot, the fisherman, and the president of Brazil’s democracy, Juscelino Kubitschek, while enjoying the bay views.
• Mirante do Forno - For sweeping panoramas of the coastline, hike up to this viewpoint. The contrast between the rugged red rocks and the green-blue sea is breathtaking, especially at sunset.

Good to Know

• Currency 💵 – Brazilian real (R$). Cards are widely accepted, but beach vendors usually prefer cash.
• Language 🗣️ – Portuguese rules. A few English or Spanish words might get you by, but a smile and obrigado (thank you) always help.
• Beach Chairs & Umbrellas 🏖️ – Don’t lug your own. Vendors set everything up if you buy a drink or snack.
• Traffic 🚦 – The town gets crowded on summer weekends. Walking, renting a buggy, or hopping in water taxis between beaches is often easier than driving.
• Sun Protection ☀️ – The sun is fierce. Sunscreen, hats, and rehydrating with coconut water are non-negotiable.

Getting There

• From Rio de Janeiro 🚌🚗 – Búzios is about 3 hours by car. Shuttle vans and buses (e.g., Viação 1001) also make the trip regularly from Rio’s airports and bus terminals.
• By Air ✈️ – Cabo Frio Airport, about 30 km away, receives domestic flights. From there, taxis or transfers can bring you to Búzios.
• Getting Around 🚤 – Water taxis are a fun way to jump between beaches, and buggies are the unofficial vehicle of Búzios.

Best Time to Travel

• Summer (Dec–Feb) ☀️ – Peak season, hot weather, buzzing nightlife, and packed beaches.
• Autumn (Mar–May) 🍂 – Still warm, with fewer crowds and better hotel deals.
• Winter (Jun–Aug) ❄️ – Mild temperatures (around 20°C), quieter vibe, great for a romantic or relaxed getaway.
• Spring (Sep–Nov) 🌸 – Dry, sunny, and lively without being too crowded. A sweet spot for visiting.

For Foodies

• Rocka Beach Lounge & Restaurant (Praia Brava) 🦐 – Trendy and upscale, with Mediterranean-inspired dishes and ocean views that make you forget time.
• Restaurante Tartaruga (Praia da Tartaruga) 🐟 – Known for seafood platters, grilled fish, and a prime beachside location.
• Bar do Zé (Orla Bardot) 🍷 – Elegant but relaxed, perfect for sipping wine while the sun sets over the bay.
• Cigalon (Rua das Pedras) 🥂 – French-Brazilian fusion with candlelit ambiance. Great for a romantic dinner.
• Buzin Gastronomia (Rua das Pedras) 🥘 – A buffet-style restaurant with endless options, from sushi to moqueca. Perfect if your group can’t decide.
• Chez Michou (Rua das Pedras) 🥞 – Legendary late-night crêpe house that turns into a party spot. Expect DJs, dancing, and Nutella-filled crêpes at 2 a.m.
• Primitivo (Rua das Pedras) 🍕 – A stylish pizzeria with thin-crust wood-fired creations, often accompanied by live music.
• Porto da Barra (Manguinhos) 🍤 – A cluster of seaside restaurants. Go at sunset for fresh seafood at Anexo Praia or Salloon Steakhouse with bay views.

Búzios has mastered the art of being effortlessly glamorous while staying grounded in its fishing-village roots. Between barefoot days on secluded coves and glittery nights along Rua das Pedras, the town knows how to spoil travelers with variety. It’s a place where every sunset feels like an event and every beach has a personality - waiting for you to find your match. 🌅🍹