What to Do in Montevideo, Uruguay

Montevideo is the capital of Uruguay and a wonderful place to explore. This lively port city is filled with exciting historic sites and plenty of activities to fill your trip with memories. Here are some of the best things to experience while visiting this vibrant city.

Enjoy the City’s Beautiful Spanish Colonial Architecture

The city of Montevideo’s most impressive monuments are its many Spanish Colonial buildings. A stroll among the streets will reveal magnificently preserved architectural gems, like the Iglesia Matriz church and Montevideo City Hall. Both have stood in their present state for more than a century, and provide visitors with a glimpse into the city’s history and unique charm.

Explore Punta Carretas’ Antique Market

The historic and vibrant neighborhood of Punta Carretas is filled with narrow and winding cobblestone streets that are perfect for exploring. The area is home to an array of antique stores, filled with a range of interesting items from all over the world. A stroll through its many shops will easily transport you back in time.

Discover Rambla Boulevard

The Rambla de Montevideo is one of the city’s most prominent outdoo land marks, running along the coast for 19 miles. It’s a beautiful expanse of green with plenty to observe, like the Burgueno Palace, Montevideo Lighthouse, and numerous stone sculptures and monuments. It’s here where the locals come to relax under the warm sun, enjoy a delicious breakfast, or just take in the city’s natural beauty.

Tour Palacio Salvo

In 1925, Palacio Salvo was completed as one of the tallest buildings in South America, with a height of 168m. This neoclassical masterpiece is one of Montevideo’s most iconic monuments, and tourists can take an elevator to the observatory atop its tower for breathtaking views of the city. The building itself is also a sight to behold, with its intricate Moorish style accents and architecture that make it a wonderful place to explore.

Relax at Montevideo’s Beaches

Montevideo boasts some of South America’s finest beaches. Spend your day relaxing on Playa Brava and soak up the sun during your vacation. There are also plenty of activities to enjoy like kite boarding, surfing, sailing, and swimming.

Discover Little Africa

Little Africa, otherwise known as Barrio Sur, was once home to the city’s African immigrant population in the 18th century. Today, it stands as a memorial to their culture and heritage. Visitors can explore its various monuments, including the African Reflection wall, which pays homage to the area’s rich past.

Visit The Interactive Museum Of Modern Art

The Museo Blanes was founded in 1927 by renowned Uruguayan artist José Cuneo Perinetti. Today it stands as one of the best museums in South America. It contain thousands of paintings, sculptures, photographs and installations from some of Uruguay’s greatest artists. Visitors can explore its interactive exhibits that are sure to leave you feeling inspired.

Try On Some Traditional Uruguayan Clothing

When in Montevideo be sure to try on some traditional Uruguayan clothing like the paisano hat, gualicho vest, and bombacha pants. These iconic garments represent Uruguay’s unique culture and will provide you with an authentic look while visiting its many attractions.

Go on a Montevideo Pub Crawl

No trip to Montevideo is complete without experiencing its buzzing nightlife. Join a local pub crawl and experience some of Montevideo’s best bars and nightclubs! The 3-hour tour starts at 8 PM and will take you through some of the city’s most iconic places for drinks, appetizers, music and dancing. To book your night out in Montevideo, try Montevideo Mvd Pub Crawl.

Montevideo is a vibrant and exciting destination that offers visitors a wealth of experiences that they’ll never forget. Whether it’s admiring its breathtaking architecture or dancing away at one of its many nightclubs, there’s something here for everyone to enjoy. So get out there and start exploring Montevideo!

Insider’s Guide: Discover Montevideo Beyond the Tourist Spots

Montevideo, the picturesque and vibrant capital of Uruguay, is full of hidden treasures that only locals know about. From the enchanting architecture of the old city to the delicious food and drink, there are many authentic and stunning experiences waiting for you.

Local Attractions: Discover the Hidden Gems

While the popular attractions such as the Teatro Solis and Mercado del Puerto are undoubtedly worth visiting, don’t forget to explore the lesser-known spots. Wander through the historic Barrio Sur neighborhood, where the Afro-Uruguayan community holds an annual carnival that’s full of life, rhythm, and soul. You could also visit the imposing Palacio Salvo building and its impressive views of Montevideo Bay at sunset. And don’t miss the beautiful Japanese Garden or the panoramic viewpoint of La Carreta, where you can admire the city’s vastness and colors.

Dining Spots: Savor the Flavors of Uruguay

Uruguay is famous for its beef, and Montevideo has some of the best steakhouses in the world. However, there’s more to Uruguayan cuisine than just meat. Try some of the local dishes such as chivito, a hearty sandwich made of beef, cheese, bacon, and egg. For those with a sweet tooth, indulge in some alfajores, delicate cookies filled with dulce de leche, and coated in powdered sugar. And for a unique culinary experience, head to the bustling Mercado Agricola, where you can find fresh produce, artisanal cheeses, olive oils, and wine.

Cultural Experiences: Embrace the Local Traditions

From tango to candombe, Montevideo is a city rich in artistic and cultural tradition. You can’t miss the Sunday drumming show at Parque Rodó, where locals play percussions and dance to the beat of candombe. If you’re interested in classical music, check out a performance by the Philharmonic Orchestra at the Sodre National Auditorium. And for an immersion in tango culture, attend a milonga, where you can dance and enjoy the romantic and bittersweet sounds of tango.

Local History: Uncover the Fascinating Stories

Montevideo has a rich history, from the colonization period to the political turmoil of the 20th century. Visit the Museum of the Historical House, which used to be the residence of the Spanish governor during the colonial times. Then, head to the Museo del Carnaval, where you can learn about the carnival’s history and influence on Uruguayan culture. Finally, explore Memorial de la Resistencia, a museum dedicated to the struggle against the dictatorship in the 1970s and 80s, where you can witness the testimonies of the survivors and the pain they went through.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Suggestions: Go Beyond the Conventional

To experience something truly unique, visit the Santa Teresa National Park, located a few hours away from Montevideo. The park is home to a colonial fortress, a botanical garden, and the Bodega Bouza, a vineyard that produces some of Uruguay’s best wines. Alternatively, take a boat trip to Isla de Lobos, an island inhabited by sea lions and home to a lighthouse. And if you’re feeling adventurous, go skydiving over the city and enjoy an unparalleled bird’s eye view of Montevideo.

Montevideo is a city that rewards exploration, and there’s always something new and exciting to discover. Whether you’re interested in food, culture, history, or adventure, Montevideo has it all. So pack your bags, grab your guidebook, and delve into the wonders of one of South America’s most enchanting capitals.