Boat or yacht day
Private trip past João Fernandes, Azeda, Azedinha and Tartaruga. A sunset cruise with drinks and music is the group favourite.
Around Town
What to Do
You've come a long way, so make the most of it. Below is our short list for Búzios itself and for Rio de Janeiro if you fly in early or stay after. Not exhaustive; just the things we think you shouldn't miss.
Save the whole weekend
We've planned casual get-togethers from Thursday, May 20 through Sunday, May 23, 2027. The whole weekend is on the What's the Plan page. Details for each day are coming soon.
Búzios
Búzios
Small peninsula, more than 20 beaches, one pedestrian street of restaurants and bars. Very hard to have a bad day here.
The beaches
Geribá (lively, surf), Ferradura (calm, SUP + kayak), Ferradurinha (small cove), João Fernandes (clear water, restaurants), Azeda & Azedinha (best in the morning), Tartaruga (snorkel), Brava (dramatic waves), Forno (reddish sand).
Orla Bardot & the old town
Late-afternoon waterfront walk past fishing boats and the Brigitte Bardot statue, ending at Praia dos Ossos and the little Sant'Anna church on the hill.
Rua das Pedras
Pedestrian heart of town — boutiques, cafés, restaurants, bars, galleries. Best after sundown for dinner and a night out.
Sunset at Porto da Barra
Manguinhos waterfront — drinks and dinner facing the water. Reserve around sunset, especially on weekends.
Viewpoints & water sports
Drive the loop: João Fernandes, Forno, Brava, Ponta da Lagoinha viewpoints. Water: SUP, kayak, snorkel, surf, diving — Geribá is livelier, Ferradura calmer.
Beach club day
Reserve a lounge and stay put — food, cocktails, music, beach service. The easiest option for a big group.
Eat, drink, dance
Fresh fish, moqueca, grilled octopus, Brazilian barbecue, tropical caipirinhas. After dinner: cocktail bar, live Brazilian music, or a nightclub around Rua das Pedras or Orla Bardot.
Rio
Rio de Janeiro
If you're arriving early or staying on after the wedding, Rio deserves at least two full days. Save Cristo, Sugarloaf and beaches for clear weather; museums and neighbourhoods for cloudy days.
Beaches & sunset
Start in Ipanema — chairs, coconut water, Brazilian snacks. Walk to Leblon for lunch. Sunset from Arpoador Rock, dinner in Ipanema, Leblon or Botafogo. Copacabana's Portuguese-tile promenade is worth the walk.
Christ the Redeemer
Book an early time slot. The traditional Corcovado Train ride up through Tijuca National Park is part of the experience.
Sugarloaf Mountain
Cable-car from Praia Vermelha via Morro da Urca to the summit. Go late afternoon — you'll catch daylight, sunset and city lights in one visit. Cold beer and caipirinhas at Urca after.
Santa Teresa · Selarón · Lapa
Historic hillside neighbourhood, the tiled Selarón Steps, the Lapa Arches, the Metropolitan Cathedral. Live samba in Lapa at night is the most authentic Rio evening you can have.
Parks, lagoon & downtown
Parque Lage (mansion + Christ view) next to the Jardim Botânico. Walk or cycle Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas. Downtown: Theatro Municipal, Real Gabinete Português de Leitura, Confeitaria Colombo, and the Museum of Tomorrow (closed Wednesdays).
Bay boat + adventure
A private or sunset sail on Guanabara Bay with drinks and music — a great pre-wedding activity. For the brave: Pedra Bonita hike or hang-gliding.
Eat & drink
Feijoada, picanha, moqueca, pão de queijo, açaí, brigadeiro, caipirinha, fresh tropical juices. Try at least three.
A few practical notes
- Book Cristo Redentor and Sugarloaf ahead — weekends and holidays fill up.
- Use registered taxis or ride-hailing at night, especially returning from Lapa or Santa Teresa.
- Avoid the beaches after dark. Stay aware in Copacabana, Ipanema, Lapa and Santa Teresa — don't display watches, phones or jewellery unnecessarily.