Rua das Pedras is the main pedestrian street in Armação which runs along the edge of the Atlantic Ocean, great for strolling, dining, shopping, and entertainment. Parking can be difficult to find, but bargaining is encouraged.
Day or night, Rua das Pedras is bustling with diners, families, and people-watchers of all ages, especially during high season. Both small boutiques and designer labels have their shops here for those keen on shopping. Ladies should leave their high heels behind if they want to avoid getting stuck in the cobblestone street. Rua das Pedras is the place to be at night with its variety of restaurants, bars and nightlife which starts late and closes even later.
A walk along Orla Bardot, just east of Rua das Pedras, provides beautiful panoramic views of the water, less for swimming than for views and boat rides. Many docked fishing boats as well as bronze status of fishermen casting their nets to sea can be seen along this walking path. Don't miss the bronze statue of Brigitte Bardot seated on a bench, who made Buzios famous when she visited in the 60s.
At the end of the Orla Bardot is Praça dos Ossos, which features Christina Motta's bronze sculptures of children at play, entitled "Child Scene." Motta's work displays a girl walking the ledge of a bench and another girl lying down, reading book, and their black and white puppy approaching.
Of the 23 beaches, Praia Azeda and Praia Azedina are two small beaches on the northwest side with clear and calm waters, perfect for fishing, boating or swimming and accessible via boat-taxi or a walk from Armação.
On the other side is Praia de Ferradura, also known as Horseshoe Beach, named for its shape. It is likewise protected from the strong Atlantic waves and is ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and watersports, like jet-skiing. Families and vacationers of all ages can enjoy the sand, waters, and shade of the straw huts.
On the southside is Praia Ferradurinha, a smaller and more secluded beach accessible only via taxi or car and then a short walk to the beach, as roads become too narrow for vehicles. Ferradurinha has a short stretch of sand with calm waters because of the cove which protects it from waves. The beach is a starting point for paddleboarders and kayakers, and also houses a restaurant and bar close to the shore. The jutting and flat rocks offer a picturesque photo opp with clear blue waters and views looking inland and out into the ocean.
Just northwest of Praia Ferradura is of Praia de Geriba, a long stretch of beach with soft sands and various surfing conditions. This beach is popular with families and surfers and in the center, features Fishbone, a popular beach club and restaurant, famous for its moqueca.
Toward the north side of the peninsula is Porto da Barra, originally a fish market that is now in an area populated with many restaurants and shops and boasts a relaxed and romantic ambiance to watch the sunset.
Just west of Porta da Barra is Praia de Manguinhos, a much quieter beach popular for sailing, jet skiing and other water sports. Other attractions include the mangroves that line the beach, the pier for beautiful photos and the numerous fishing boats.
Balancing the rest and relaxation during the day, Buzios is known for its electric nightlife scene. Rua Das Pedras comes alive after dark for those who want to dance, drink, and crawl from pubs to bars to discos. Privilege offers an upscale swanky and glamorous party, complete with live music, acrobat dancers, and a VIP upstairs area open to the well-dressed or willing to pay 5 Real. Nearby Pacha is a beachfront franchise nightclub which originated in Ibiza and caters to electronica music lovers. The party doesn't get started until after midnight and doesn't end until early morning. Patio Havana is a bar and restaurant, offering well-priced food and drink and features live music. For those who want a lower-profile night out on the town, Anexo Bar and Lounge is a perfect place to sit back, sip and watch the action outside. After a late night, Chez Michou is the place to be for both dessert or an after-party snack, offering both sweet and savory crepes open until 6 a.m. in high season.
Local tours that last a few hours can be a great way to explore Buzios. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:
- Tour of Bugre in Arraial (Buggy) for $21 details
- Tour in Rio de Janeiro with Lunch and Transportation for $106 details
- Búzios Full day: Boat and Trolley Tour with Lunch from Cabo Frio for $116 details