Wondering where to stay in Búzios first time?
During our trip to Rio, we decided to spend four full days in this popular beach resort – and boy are we glad we did!
Many travelers worry about safety in Brazil, but in Búzios you really don’t have to worry about anything.
It feels relaxed, safe and just wonderful.
What makes Búzios such a fantastic place?
Everything is conveniently close: within a few kilometres you will find countless beautiful beaches.
The centre is completely geared towards tourists, with cosy boutiques, nice places to eat and plenty to do if you want something other than sun and sea.
And do you want to take a trip?
Then take the boat to Cabo Frio – definitely worth it.
When we look back on our trip, we have to honestly admit that the beach days in Búzios were even better than in Rio de Janeiro itself.
In this blog we share our experiences and give you practical tips, so that you can enjoy this sun-drenched destination just as much.
Búzios feels like a mix of Greece and Spain, but with a Brazilian touch – and maybe even better.
Let’s get started quickly!
The best areas to stay in Búzios are the center (Rua das Pedras), Praia de João Fernandes (northeast point) and Playa Geribá (southern part).
The most vibrant part of Búzios is of course the center (Rua das Pedras). From here you can discover all kinds of (side) streets full of restaurants, while the main street is full of shops and bars.
Búzios is not necessarily a party destination and mainly families and couples visit this place. But you can still make it quite late.
Praia de João Fernandes, located in the northeastern point, is a nice quiet area with excellent access to famous beaches. You can also admire the sunset from here.
It is less vibrant and it is located on a hill. Because of this you still have to climb quite a bit. You can walk to the center in about 20 minutes.
Finally, the area around Praia de Geribá (southern part) is an excellent base. The beach itself is considered the most beautiful and therefore there are plenty of hotels around this extensive beach.
However, it is still quite a distance from the bustling center, so you will soon have to take a taxi.
In the following paragraphs we will delve deeper into each recommended neighborhood. You can easily navigate to each area by tapping on the link.
When it comes to convenience, no other area or neighborhood can match the center of Búzios, specifically around Rua das Pedras.
This is a fantastically fun area, especially in the evening.
You will find numerous restaurants, bars and especially shops here.
Things really get going around eight in the evening, but the bustling center remains lively until the early hours.
Here you will also find ATMs, a drugstore and many other facilities that make your stay in Búzios simply carefree.
For those who don’t know this yet: Búzios is a popular seaside resort among Argentinians and Chileans.
The quality of this destination is much higher than, for example, that of the popular beaches in Rio de Janeiro.
This is reflected in the following: it is an extremely safe area where the tourist is completely central.
You don’t have to worry about pickpockets – there simply aren’t any.
The streets are clean, the shops offer quality products and the restaurants and bars are family-friendly.
Of course, you will find several Argentine steakhouses, but there are also many top restaurants with various cuisines.
In addition, there are a number of trendy lounges where you can have a drink until the early hours, although Búzios is certainly not a party destination for young people.
This almost perfect area is ideal to use as a base to explore the rest of the resort.
That brings us to the only disadvantage: the better beaches of Búzios are not within walking distance of the center.
Praia dos Ossos is your best option and is located north of this area.
It is a local beach where you can rent two beach chairs and a parasol for only 30 real.
We recommend visiting this beach if you like peace and quiet.
Do you prefer better access to nice beaches and are you willing to accept that you have to walk about 20 minutes to reach the center?
Then consider staying in the following recommended area.
If you prefer convenience and a vibrant center, choose a hotel in the most popular area of all of Búzios.
There are plenty to choose from!
Búzios is a fantastic seaside destination that guarantees beautiful beaches, a vibrant nightlife, good food and, above all, relaxation.
Búzios is a fantastic seaside destination that guarantees beautiful beaches, a vibrant nightlife, good food and, above all, relaxation.
Most ATMs are located in the center of Búzios. Although it is useful to have some cash on you, you can pay with your debit card or phone almost everywhere. Even on the beach, local vendors have a debit card machine with them.
Praia de João Fernandes is located on the northern tip of Búzios and is one of the most beautiful and best beaches in the city.
All kinds of hotels can be found around this beach.
Since the area is located on a hill, many of these hotels offer beautiful views of the surrounding area.
If you stay in this part of Búzios, you can easily reach the beaches on foot.
The sunset here is particularly impressive and definitely worth experiencing.
However, staying in this area comes with a few minor drawbacks.
First, it’s much less lively than the city center.
While there are a few restaurants, their quality and selection don’t compare to those in the city center.
Second, the hotels are located on a hill, and although you can walk along the flat beach, you often have to climb some stairs for the last part.
You can, of course, take a taxi or Uber, but the drivers’ punctuality here sometimes leaves something to be desired.
Furthermore, you have easy access to Praia de João Fernandes itself from here; other beaches are a bit further away.
However, this doesn’t change the fact that the atmosphere here is wonderfully relaxed.
Praia de João Fernandes is one of the most famous beaches in Búzios.
Here you’ll find beach clubs and luxurious beach bars, as well as local vendors offering beach chairs and umbrellas, often including simple but delicious local food.
If you’re looking to enjoy a few days of sun, sea, and sand, Praia de João Fernandes is an excellent choice.
And compared to the next recommended area, you’re still relatively close to the bustling city center.
Búzios is also a popular destination for sailors and cruise ships. However, with so many beautiful beaches, you won't feel overcrowded. Ships are everywhere on the horizon, making for beautiful photos!
Búzios is also a popular destination for sailors and cruise ships. However, with so many beautiful beaches, you won't feel overcrowded. Ships are everywhere on the horizon, making for beautiful photos!
Nowhere in Brazil did we feel as safe as in Búzios. There are no pickpockets, and you can even leave your valuables on the beach while you cool off in the water. Since you don’t have to be as careful as in Rio de Janeiro, you’ll relax much more quickly and more in Búzios.
Praia de Geribá is the most famous beach in Búzios.
Because the beach is so long, it never feels crowded, even though it attracts many visitors.
It’s one of the busiest beaches in Búzios, and the facilities are also reflected in this.
There are numerous restaurants and hotels, and the beach itself also has a lot to offer during the day.
In the evening, however, things are different.
Once the sun sets, you’ll notice that there’s not much going on in the immediate area around the beach.
And this brings us to the biggest drawback of Praia de Geribá: those who enjoy going out at night will have to take a taxi to the center.
Compared to the previously discussed area, the center is just a bit further away.
Around Praia do Manguinhos—on the other side of Geribá—you’ll find a few places to eat and drink, but the area around Rua das Pedras is still the place to go.
Why choose Praia de Geribá?
Quite simply: the beach life here is truly amazing.
If you’re not too interested in nightlife and want to enjoy the sun, sea, and fun during the day, this is an excellent area for a multi-day stay.