Nestled along Brazil's stunning Costa do Sol, and just a few hours from Rio de Janeiro, Búzios is a peninsular gem that beckons travelers with its beautiful blend of rustic charm and cosmopolitan flair. Once a sleepy fishing village, this picturesque retreat was catapulted into the spotlight when French actress Brigitte Bardot visited in the 1960s, forever changing its trajectory. Today, Búzios stands as a sophisticated yet laid-back haven, boasting over 20 breathtaking beaches, each with its own unique character. From the cobblestone streets of Rua das Pedras to the buzzing waterfront bars along the boardwalk, the town seamlessly marries Brazilian warmth with European elegance. Here is a sample itinerary to experience an unforgettable escape filled with sun-soaked days and enchanting evenings, within a Long weekend.
Day One
Meal with a view
Departing from Rio in the morning means, you might arrive in Buzios by lunchtime. Considering most hotels allow check-in only past 3 PM, it is a perfect excuse to stop over at a local hotspot for a meal with a view! Porto da Barra, a walkway of restaurants, bars, and shops that enjoys a privileged view of the sea and sunset, brings together Italian, Portuguese, Arabic, Brazilian, Japanese, and even “Latin-Asian” food. With so many options to choose from, it was hard to pick one. And we were glad we chose the lovely Belli Belli Gastrobar. Lovely atmosphere, cold craft beers, and authentic local cuisine accompanied by seductive views of the bay. What more could you ask for as a pre-arrival experience?
Arrival and settling in
Arriving in Buzios is like stepping into a postcard. The vibrant colors of the buildings and lush greenery surround you, instantly lifting your spirits. While there were quite a few flashy places - popular with the ritzy crowd that descends from Rio during the weekends - we chose a charming boutique called Pousada Casa Buzios. While it might not be as swanky as its neighbors like Casas Brancas or Abracadabra, this charming Pousada excels in something that none of the others in the area have - extremely personalized service and super warm hospitality! A luxury of a different kind! Housed in a heritage villa that used to be a former French residence from the 40s - this small boutique hotel provides a good balance of comfort and local flavor. The pousada's strength lies in its warm atmosphere and convenient location, making it a solid choice for those wanting to explore Buzios without breaking the bank. The best part is its character. Every nook and corner of the property is tastefully decorated with vintage decor oozing an antique charm from a bohemian bygone era!
Sundowners: Mistico
This restaurant is part of the swanky Pousada Abracadabra, but also open to the public. While the stylishly decorated place is more known for its Mediterranean-inspired food, we dropped by for some sundowners. This chic eatery, with its whitewashed walls and azure accents, evokes the laid-back charm of a Greek taverna. And also radiates a romantic Caribbean vibe thanks to its hilltop location overlooking a spectacular bay packed with floating boats and yachts! The perfect place to sip on your favorite drink as the sun sets, and watch the stylish crowd saunter by.
Waterfront Stroll
Once you're refreshed and recharged, it's time to explore the waterfront. Since we had saved the popular Rua Pedras for the second night, we decided to explore the boardwalk area and the adjoining waterfront packed with all kinds of cool establishments - from characterful pubs to swanky lounges. As you stroll along the waterfront, caressed by the sea breeze constantly, you will find enough viewpoints to click some great pics of the waterfront - including the popular Escultura Os Três Pescadores (the 3 fishermen statue), which we were lucky enough to click upon arrival into town with no tourists mauling them!
Barefoot Dinner
Mix Drinks bar is a beachfront oasis might probably not be renowned for its delectable cuisine, but its vibrant atmosphere is surely a crowd-puller. It pulled us for sure! Perched directly on the sand, this rustic establishment offers breathtaking views of the ocean and a lively ambiance. You can try a(or a few!) refreshing caipirinha or a creative cocktail while enjoying the laid-back vibe. The food wasn't too bad either. In a strip like this, you cannot afford to go wrong with your dishes!
Day Two
Morning Activities
Since we had planned for a full-on local meal for lunch, we skipped breakfast and headed out to check out one of the most popular Praia (beach) of Buzios. Praia João Fernandes is a picturesque crescent of golden sand embraced by crystalline waters. This intimate cove, flanked by lush hills, is blessed with all the elements to be a tranquil escape. João Fernandes epitomizes the laid-back luxury that has made Búzios a favorite among discerning travelers seeking a slice of Brazilian paradise. But that in itself seems to have bitten the beach! It seemed to be crumbling under the weight of over-tourism and every small slice of the sun-kissed sandy shore was taken by sun-worshippers who just wanted to lounge all day long under the blazing sun!
On the way, we stopped at the charming cathedra Igreja de SantaÁnna for a stunning view of the pretty Praia dos Ossos. Pristine beaches framed by luscious palm trees and turquoise waters – the most primal ingredients for a tropical weekend getaway
Sneaking a Pre-Lunch drink
On our way back into town from Praia João Fernandes, we stumbled upon a fabulous seaside patio bar called Bar e Restaurante Porto dos Pescadores that offered mindblowing views, that were too hard to resist. So we stopped for a quick pre-lunch beer and soaked in the spectacular vistas and haunting bosa nova melodies streaming from the owner's Spotify playlist!
Lunch like the Locals
Though there were way too many dining options along the waterfront where you could sample authentic local food, we chose the quaint taverna called O Barco since it came highly recommended by our staff at the Pousada. A mantra we have always had in our travels across the globe - tap into your hotel staff's knowledge base as they could be the best local guides! Getting to savor fresh seafood while enjoying ocean views and people-watching on the bustling street - a meal at the open-air terrace of this charming and grounded eatery on the waterfront was more than a dining experience. The flavor of the Moqueca, a traditional Brazilian fish stew, we had was enhanced by the fresh caipirinha that came along with it!
Waterfront Sundowners
After a post-lunch rest-and-recharge session, we were ready for one more episode of our favorite travel ritual - experiencing a surreal sunset with a glorious view and a cold ale! As the day wound down, we made our way to the waterfront promenade. Instead of parking ourselves in a bar or cafe, we decided to go mobile. So we picked up a cold IPA to go from the Porto Brew Hamburgueria and found a sweet spot in one of the over-water wooden patios on the promenade, close to the famed statue of former president !
As the golden hour started to cast a warm glow on everything around us, and the sky transformed into a canvas of oranges and pinks, we piped our own beach lounge playlist from a mini tooth speaker we had carried along. The music seemed to bounce along perfectly with the gentle waves that were caressing the shore right under us! Creating distinctively memorable experiences in travel - check!
Checking out the Nightlife
We had saved one of the top attractions of the town to be the climax of the day - the famed Rua Pedras(Stone Street). The vibrant heart of Búzios pulses with an irresistible blend of sophistication and laid-back charm. And boy oh boy, it did deliver more than what he had expected! This cobblestone street, lined with chic boutiques, art galleries, and buzzing restaurants, embodies the town's transformation from a sleepy fishing village to a glamorous getaway. By day, visitors browse high-end shops and savor fresh seafood at waterfront eateries. As night falls, the street comes alive with a palpable energy, its bars and clubs drawing a stylish crowd. We picked a Noi Bar & Restaurant as it offered the most extensive selection of artisanal brews, including their own label, in the town. The menu is varied, featuring standout pizzas and Brazilian favorites like picanha steak. We went for the pizzas, made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients, which were quite delicious. Craft beers combined with street-watching window shoppers - a perfect way to end a long day of sightseeing!
Day Three
Bougainvillea Breakfast
Waking up on time to sample the breakfast at our pousada turned out to be a good idea. Savoring the rich aroma of freshly brewed coffee and local delicacies while enjoying panoramic views of the ocean from the outdoor dining area under a fully blossomed bougainvillea tree was as mesmerizing as the surreal sundowners we had enjoyed the previous evening. An absolutely delightful way to begin the day in this charming coastal town. The spread was simple - a variety of freshly prepared items including tropical juices, eggs, fresh bread, and homemade cakes. But what made it wholesome was the intimate and serene ambiance.
Hilltop Views
Of course, we cannot leave a beach town in Brazil without checking out one of its popular Mirante - a scenic viewpoint or lookout spot, typically located on elevated terrain such as hills or cliffs. We drove up to Mirante Boi to capture a few panoramic snapshots of the serene turquoise waters and rolling hills of a secluded bay.
Goodbye Buzios
Just because the departure is approaching doesn't mean the day is lost! We decided to do one last pitstop on our way out of town. Since this was the grand climax, it had to be royally epic. So we chose the celebrated beach club Rocka Lounge. Perched atop a cliff overlooking the stunning Praia Brava, this rustic-chic beach club offers a truly unforgettable drinking and dining experience.
The lively hotspot, pulsating with infectious energy and a soundtrack of soulful beats, could easily give any of the acclaimed beach clubs across the globe a run for their money! Since we were not in the mood for a meal, we stuck to a liquid diet. And the Capirinhia the bohemian bar tender served along with the crafty Hocus Pocus Hazy ale up was wicked enough to transport us to a different plane - almost making us reconsider our decision to drive back to Rio!
But then, it was time to say Adios to Buizos. See you soon lovely lady!
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