Things to do in Montevideo
Culturally rich and home to nearly half of Uruguay's population, Montevideo is easily as captivating as South America's more famous capitals. Travellers often begin their stays with a visit to the city's gorgeous beachfront, whether they wish to windsurf, jog round the breezy ramblas (esplanades) or simply relax with their families. Ciudad Vieja (Old Town) is a must for its historic architecture and museums, and Plaza Independencia is full of photographable landmarks. Tango bars, theatres, the frenetic football stadium, Estadio Centenario, and a choice selection of excursions should also be high on travellers' lists of priorities. Foodies, however hard to please, will enjoy the destination's world-class beef, as well as its close proximity the most important wine region in Uruguay.
Punta del Este
Often called the 'Hamptons of South America', Punta del Este holiday resort is a favourite destination among wealthy Argentines and Uruguayans. Located on Uruguay's southern tip, i…
Punta del Este
Often called the 'Hamptons of South America', Punta del Este holiday resort is a favourite destination among wealthy Argentines and Uruguayans. Located on Uruguay's southern tip, its pristine, sandy beaches, yacht marinas, luxury hotels and holiday condominiums scream money. Thousands of moneyed visitors arrive during the summer holiday season, when sophisticated shops, clubs and restaurants do most of their business. The off-season sees many of Punta del Este's establishments close, transforming the area into something like a sleepy coastal town.
Mercado del Puerto (Port Market)
Set under a vast, cast-iron structure reminiscent of old European railway stations, Montevideo's Mercado del Puerto (Port Market) is a lively affair. A hive of trading activity sin…
Mercado del Puerto (Port Market)
Set under a vast, cast-iron structure reminiscent of old European railway stations, Montevideo's Mercado del Puerto (Port Market) is a lively affair. A hive of trading activity since 1868, the area no longer operates as a market, instead housing some of the finest seafood eateries in the city and perhaps the best steakhouses in South America. Visitors should try the traditional drink called medio y medio (champagne mixed with white wine) with their meals, and linger to watch the city's talented buskers and entertainers.
National History Museum
The Museo Historico Nacional is a treat for visiting history buffs. Located in the Old City, it's made up of old houses where prominent historical figures once lived, and its colle…
National History Museum
The Museo Historico Nacional is a treat for visiting history buffs. Located in the Old City, it's made up of old houses where prominent historical figures once lived, and its collection traces the history of Uruguay from before European colonisation to the mid-20th century. Exhibits include books, documents, furniture, photographs and works of art. The houses that make up the museum are Casa de Antonio Montero, Casa de Juan Antonio Lavalleja, House of Manuel Ximénez and Gomez, House of Joseph Garibaldi, Casa de Juan Francisco Giró, House fifth of Luis Alberto de Herrera and the fifth house of José Batlle y Ordóñez.
Website www.museohistorico.gub.uy/
Plaza Independencia
Montevideo's showpiece plaza contains some of the city's most impressive architecture, including its best-known landmark, the Palacio Salvo. Designed by Italian architect, Mario Pa…
Plaza Independencia
Montevideo's showpiece plaza contains some of the city's most impressive architecture, including its best-known landmark, the Palacio Salvo. Designed by Italian architect, Mario Palanti, and completed between 1927 and 1928, it was originally intended as a hotel but instead came to house an elaborate collection of offices and residential apartments. It was once the tallest building in South America and was built on the site where Gerardo Matos Rodriguez wrote La Cumparsita: one of the most famous and recognisable tangos of all time. The Plaza also contains a statue of Uruguay's national hero, General Artigas.
Colonia del Sacramento
The historic town of Colonia del Sacramento is a must-see for anyone visiting Uruguay. Situated on the River Plate, this celebrated UNESCO World Heritage Site is the oldest settlem…
Colonia del Sacramento
The historic town of Colonia del Sacramento is a must-see for anyone visiting Uruguay. Situated on the River Plate, this celebrated UNESCO World Heritage Site is the oldest settlement in the country and welcomes many ferry visitors from Buenos Aires on the other side of the river. The quaint town was founded in 1680 and is home to cobbled streets and brightly coloured houses, vibrant bars, excellent restaurants, and a wonderful array of art and craft shops. Colonia is about a two-hour drive from Montevideo.
Ciudad Vieja
Montevideo's old city is a vibrant, fascinating district of grand historic buildings and cobbled streets. Weekends see dancers and musicians gather for impromptu performances, and …
Ciudad Vieja
Montevideo's old city is a vibrant, fascinating district of grand historic buildings and cobbled streets. Weekends see dancers and musicians gather for impromptu performances, and artists have turned many of the decaying, ground-floor apartments into studios and galleries, where visitors can purchase works from some of Uruguay's finest. The area's iron gates and street lamps are very photogenic. Travellers are sure to find a wonderful juxtaposition of old and new, making Ciudad Vieja the purest embodiment of Montevideo's evolution.
Estancias
Estancias (ranch houses) and the gaucho (cowboy) lifestyle they preserve are integral to Uruguay's identity. Guests can enjoy fishing, tannery visits, stargazing, bonfires and hors…
Estancias
Estancias (ranch houses) and the gaucho (cowboy) lifestyle they preserve are integral to Uruguay's identity. Guests can enjoy fishing, tannery visits, stargazing, bonfires and horse-riding excursions across the country's pampas (grasslands), and will come away with an intimate connection to Uruguay's culture. Options range from basic ranch houses, where visitors breakfast on galleta de campana (a type of biscuit that lasts for a week), to establishments with pools, saunas and libraries. Guests will also of have many opportunities to try Uruguay's famous asado (barbeque).
Estadio Centenario
Built between 1929 and 1930, the Estadio Centenario commemorates the centenary of Uruguay's first constitution, and hosted the first-ever FIFA World Cup final, in which Uruguay bea…
Estadio Centenario
Built between 1929 and 1930, the Estadio Centenario commemorates the centenary of Uruguay's first constitution, and hosted the first-ever FIFA World Cup final, in which Uruguay beat Argentina by four goals to two. Listed by FIFA as one of the world's Classic Stadiums, the Estadio Centenario has become a bucket-list item for many football fans. Thousands of tourists visit every year, either to attend a match or to enjoy the fascinating Museo del Fútbol (Football Museum) housed within the stadium itself.
Website www.stadiumguide.com/centenario/