nce open a time, Búzios was a quiet fishing village. Everything changed in 1964, when French actress/model Brigitte Bardot's boyfriend introduced her to this quaint city as an escape haven from the paparazzi. The city became a sensation overnight.

Brigitte Bardot and her Brazilian boyfriend

Today, Búzios is an international sensation. This gorgeous beach town boasts over 20 beautiful beaches to explore, countless incredible restaurants and boutiques, and lively nightlife. The city is safe to walk around at night, and many business stay open until the late hours of the morning.

It's one of our favorite cities in the world, and we're so excited to share it with you. Keep reading for tips on what to do while you're here.

Restaurants and nightlife

There are countless restaurants spread out through town and beaches of Búzios. That being said, there are two main hubs where you'll find the most options of things to do.

Rua das Pedras

Rua das Pedras got its name from the cobblestone paving of the streets downtown. This is the number one place to go at night. There are a ton of restaurants, ice cream shops, boutiques and clothing stores, and fun nightlife options.

Walk along Orla Bardot boardwalk, named after Brigitte Bardot herself, and discover fun restaurants and stunning views along the way. If you're willing to walk for another 20 minutes, you can also make it to the gorgeous Azeda and Azedinha beach.

Here are some recommendations for places to eat: 

  1. Restô Canto is our most recent favorite. Sophisticated place right by the water with great meat and seafood.
  2. Don Juan. Great for meat and latin food.
  3. Restaurante do David. Awesome for meat and seafood alike.
  4. O Barco. Beautiful views of Ossos beach and yummy seafood.
  5. Chez Michou. A crepe place that's popular with young people and has a club like atmosphere.
  6. Privilége. The most popular night club in Búzios, located right in front of Ossos beach.

Porto da Barra

Porto da Barra is a restaurant and boutique shop hub located in Manguinhos beach. This is our personal favorite place in Búzios to watch the sunset, either sitting by the dock or sitting in one of the fabulous restaurants right next to the water.

Here are some great places to eat here: 

  1. Bar dos Pescadores. This was originally a shop where you could buy freshly caught fish from local fisherman. They started frying some fish as a favor to tourists that came by. The demand was so big that they turned into a proper restaurant, and have been super successful since. A huge plus is it's right next to the water.
  2. Zuza. Another great place for seafood with meat and pasta options.
  3. Dona Jô. Brazilian Italian fusion right next to the water.

Beaches

Ferradura beach

Walk to the end of the beach to see this view

Ferradura beach was named after its shape: a horseshoe. Its beautiful, calm ocean makes it ideal for swimming and laid back water sports, like stand up paddling and kayaking. This is where our venue is located! 

If you're extra cool you ride the rainbow swans

Try the amazing food from the Tawa Beach Club or Bar da Praia Ferradura. You can also go to the hotel bar at Jubarte Conceito Hotel, even if you're not staying there – I highly recommend the pastel de camarão (fried shrimp pastry).

View from Jubarte

Geribá beach

Tom and Bea's Dad, José Guilherme

Geribá is a huge, popular beach that's always lively and has a ton of activities.

If you're into water sports, this is a great pick, whether you're a pro or a beginner just looking to have a good time. You'll find many surf schools, boogie board and stand up paddle rentals as you stroll on the sand.

As with most beaches in Búzios, there are also umbrella and chair rentals to make it extra comfy to hang out at the beach without having to bring a lot of stuff with you. You can order drinks and food, hang out and relax.

While you're here, stop by the popular Fishbone restaurant and grab an açaí.Fishbone also hosts a lot of parties, so keep an eye on their schedule.

Your teeth will turn purple, but just for a little bit

Fun fact, this is where Tom proposed.

Right there!

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Manguinhos beach

Mari and José, Bea's parents, learning how to sail a catamaran

Manguinhos is a quiet beach that's great for windsurfing and other wind-related water sports. There are also plenty of school options if you're looking to try a sport for the first time, or rent equipment if you already have experience.

This is also one of the best sunset spots in town, and you can see the Sun disappear into the ocean. Watch from anywhere on the beach, or from a restaurant in the popular Porto da Barra.

Azeda beach

Azeda beach is a small but beautiful beach surrounded by tropical forest. You can get there by boat taxi (yes, that's a real thing) or walking from downtown Rua das Pedras. You can also do a short hike on the rocks or swim to the tiny Azedinha beach, it's neighboring sister beach.

There's an epic staircase on your way down to the beach

There aren't as many options to eat directly on the beach, but you're close to downtown where there are countless dining options.

Other beaches worth checking out

Mari and Bea in Tartaruga beach many years ago

There's more beaches in Búzios than we could write about. Some last beaches to keep in mind as you're exploring are: 

  1. Tartaruga Beach. Warm calm ocean, a ton of restaurants, nice hikes on the rocks, and a big stretch of sand for relaxing.
  2. João Fernandes. Many people's favorite beach due to the stunning transparency of the water and the surrounding cliffs.
  3. Praia Brava. Literally translates to "angry beach" since there can be bigger waves there, which surfers love. You'll also find the Silk beach club there, a nightclub with a view of the ocean.

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