Armação dos Búzios, commonly known as Búzios, is a picturesque seaside town on Brazil’s Costa do Sol, about 30 km from Cabo Frio. Once a quiet fishing village, it gained international fame after Brigitte Bardot visited in the 1960s, transforming it into a sought-after beach destination. The town is known for its 23 stunning beaches, each with a unique character, from the calm waters of Ferradura to the surfer-friendly Geribá. The charming Rua das Pedras, lined with boutiques, restaurants, and nightlife spots, is the cultural heart of Búzios. With a mix of rustic charm and sophisticated ambiance, Búzios is perfect for travelers looking to experience both relaxation and vibrant coastal energy.
During our month-long stay in Arraial do Cabo—one of the top holiday destinations in Rio’s Lake Region, also known as the Brazilian Caribbean—we took a day trip to Búzios. In this post, I share our itinerary, along with photos, a video, and tips to help you plan your own visit, whether for a day or a longer stay.
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Where to Stay in Armação dos Búzios
Check out these lodging recommendations if you plan to spend some days in Búzios.
- Low-budget: Riviera de Búzios – A cozy and affordable stay with a great location, offering comfortable rooms and a relaxing atmosphere.
- Comfort: Occa Búzios – A stylish boutique hotel featuring modern décor, a great pool area, and easy access to Búzios’ beautiful beaches.
- Luxury: Casa Misol – Praia de Búzios – A high-end beachfront stay with elegant accommodations, stunning ocean views, and top-tier amenities.
Explore more options in Búzios and beyond on the map below.
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How to Get to Armação dos Búzios
Visiting from Arraial do Cabo, we took one of the frequent local buses that run between the two towns via Cabo Frio. The ticket cost 7.something reais, and the journey took about an hour.
If you’re coming from Rio, you’ll need to take a long-distance bus from the city’s main terminal, operated by 1001. You can book tickets here without needing a CPF.
For a day trip, joining a guided tour—like this best-seller with hotel pick-up—is often the easiest and most convenient option.
What to See in Búzios
Arriving in the early morning and leaving at dusk, we spent the better part of the day walking around this quaint town. Following are some of the most memorable spots we came across.
Praça Santos Dumont – The Perfect Starting Point
Stepping off the bus at Búzios’s central station, our first stop was Praça Santos Dumont, a lively square in the heart of town. Named after Alberto Santos Dumont, the Brazilian aviation pioneer, this plaza is a meeting point for locals and visitors alike. Street vendors, boutique shops, and small cafés line the area, making it a great spot to grab a quick breakfast or browse for souvenirs before heading toward the coast. (location)
Rua das Pedras & Praia da Canto – Búzios’ Stylish Side
A short walk from the square brought us to Rua das Pedras (Street of Stones), the town’s most famous street. This cobblestone avenue is lined with high-end restaurants, chic bars, and designer boutiques, making it the beating heart of Búzios’s nightlife and shopping scene. During the day, it was quieter, with only a few early risers enjoying coffee at sidewalk cafés. (location)
The street runs along Praia da Canto, a tranquil beach that serves as a launching point for boat tours. The water was calm, and the beach was nearly empty—a stark contrast to how lively it would become later in the day.
Orla Bardot Promenade & Praia da Armação – A Scenic Coastal Walk
Continuing our seaside stroll along the Orla Bardot Promenade, we were treated to one of the most scenic walks in Búzios. This waterfront path is lined with luxurious villas, seafood restaurants, and boutique hotels. One restaurant even had a saxophonist playing live jazz, adding to the elegant atmosphere. (location)
Out at sea, we spotted a massive cruise ship, while smaller fishing boats bobbed closer to the shore. The promenade is also home to one of Búzios’s most interesting sculptures: a bronze statue of three fishermen pulling in their nets. The figures were so lifelike that I mistook them for real people at first!
Further along, we arrived at Praia da Armação, a beach once central to Búzios’ whaling industry but now known for its colorful boats and postcard-worthy views.
Santa Anna Church – A Hilltop Viewpoint
Climbing up from the beach, we visited Santa Anna Church, the oldest church in Búzios, dating back to 1740. This colonial-era chapel is a reminder of Búzios’ Portuguese heritage, and from its hilltop location, it offers stunning panoramic views of the bay. (location)
Praça Eugênio Honold – A Relaxing Pause
Descending back into town, we took a break at Praça Eugênio Honold, a shady square with benches, cafés, and restaurants—perfect for unwinding before heading to the beaches. (location)
Praia dos Ossos – A Sunday Rush
By midday, we arrived at Praia dos Ossos, one of Búzios’ most historic beaches. In the past, whalers would process their catches here, leaving behind whale bones (ossos in Portuguese)—hence the name. (location)
On the Sunday we visited, the beach was completely packed. Every inch of sand was covered with parasols and sunbathers, leaving no free space—even in the sun.
Praia Azeda & Azedinha – Beautiful but Crowded
Hoping to escape the crowds, we continued to Praia Azeda and Azedinha, two small beaches further along the coast. Accessible via a short scenic trail, these beaches are some of the most beautiful in Búzios, with clear turquoise waters and rocky cliffs. (location)
But if we thought Praia dos Ossos was crowded, these were even more so! Space was extremely limited, and finding a place to stand without obstructing pedestrian traffic—let alone sit—was a challenge.
Ponta da Lagoinha – A Hidden Viewpoint
For a change of scenery, we set off on a long walk toward the sparsely built, eastern side of town, eventually reaching Ponta da Lagoinha. This rocky headland offers dramatic ocean views, with waves crashing against the volcanic rock formations. (location)
Just before reaching it, we caught a glimpse of Praia do Forno, a secluded beach tucked between red cliffs.
Praia da Ferradura – A Perfect End to the Day
For our final stop, we made our way to Ferradura Beach, a long, horseshoe-shaped beach tucked into a sheltered cove. Despite the day’s crowds, we managed to find a spot on the sand for a much-needed afternoon dip. The calm waters and golden-hour glow made it the perfect place to relax before heading back. (location)
As the sun began to dip, we knew it was time to say goodbye to Búzios. With its mix of lively streets, scenic coastlines, and hidden spots, this little beach town had certainly left its mark on us.
Photos
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