What to do in Montevideo?

Montevideo, Uruguay is a charming and laid-back city located on the Atlantic coast of South America and is the capital, providing a great base for exploring both the city and the surrounding holiday spots. From stunning beaches, great museums and impressive architecture, to lively markets, vibrant nightlife and delicious restaurants, it’s easy to see why Montevideo is such an attractive destination. So, what are some of the best things to do in Montevideo? In this guide, we’ll provide you with an overview of the top activities, attractions and sights so you’ll have no trouble finding something to do on your visit.

Explore Centro – Old Town

Full of charming colonial-style buildings, vibrant public squares, cobblestone alleys and narrow side streets, Centro is one of the oldest parts of Montevideo and is full of history around every corner. The Plaza Independencia is the entry point for Centro and the architectural jewel of Old Town. This public park is the perfect place for a stroll, surrounded by a blossoming grapevine trellis, the statue of General Furregur, the grand Palacio Salvo and other grand buildings. Free tours are available from Plaza Independencia every day which provide visitors with an opportunity to learn more about the interesting history and culture of both Uruguay and Montevideo.

Visit Ciudad Vieja – Montevideo’s Colonial Colonial District

Ciudad Vieja, or Old Town, is home to some of Montevideo’s most impressive historical buildings and is one of the city’s must-see spots. The district receives its name from its colonial-era architecture that dates back to the late 18th century when Spain ruled most of South America. The grand Teatro Solis is one of the city’s most impressive structures and stands proudly in the heart of Ciudad Vieja – its pink façade makes it hard to miss. Other interesting sites are the Matriz Church, the St. Francis Convent, and the two public squares known as Plaza Constitucion and Plaza de la Matriz.

Visit Museums

Montevideo is home to several interesting museums that are great places to visit during a free day or rainy afternoon. One of the highlights is the National History Museum, which tells the fascinating story of Uruguay’s past through various artifacts. The National Museum of Fine Arts is also worth a visit, full of beautiful colonial-era art from Uruguay, Europe and Latin America. Other interesting attractions are Cabildo Museum in Ciudad Vieja, Juan Manuel Blanes Museum located near Parque Rodo, and the Artigas Mausoleum located at Plaza Independencia which enshrines Uruguay’s favorite national hero José Artigas.

Discover Local Markets

One of the best ways to get to know Montevideo is by strolling through local markets. Mercado del Puerto is one of the must-visit spots – located in a beautifully restored building in Ciudad Vieja, this market is full of souvenirs and artifacts like jewelry, handmade crafts and leather goods. Another popular spot is Peatonal Sarandi – a pedestrian market street with plenty of local eateries and shops selling anything from food to clothes and furniture. Fería de Tristán Narvaja street market is another interesting spot; full of stalls selling all sorts of things like antiques, collectibles, clothes, pet baskets, electronics and much more.

Enjoy Delicious Food

Uruguay is famous worldwide for its famous tasty beef which has been enjoyed by generations for hundreds of years. The country has a diverse culinary scene, with a mix of different cuisines from across South America as well as some European influences like Italian cuisine. Go to Mercado del Puerto where you’ll find over 20 restaurants serving traditional Uruguayan dishes like chivito (a steak sandwich), beef jerky (asado), dulce de leche (milk caramel sauce) and pasteles. There are also bars which serve traditional Uruguayan drinks like caña (beer) and grappamiel (mead). Or if you’re looking for something on a smaller scale, there are plenty of delicious cheap street food options like empanadas (pastries) and sandwiches de chorizo (sausage sandwiches).

Visit Beaches

Montevideo makes a great destination both during summer and winter– winters offer mild temperatures while summers provide plenty of sunshine and warm temperatures up to 30°C. So if you’re looking for some rest or fun in the sun, there are several beach options close by which cater to all types of visitors; from family beach resorts with watersports and amenities, to quieter spots with less waves perfect for sunbathing and swimming. One popular strip for beachgoers is Punta Carretas which has over 3 kms of stretch lined with palm trees for shade and plenty of restaurants offering snacks, drinks and traditional Uruguayan dishes. Another beach near Montevideo worth visiting is Pocitos which features white sand and calm waters and attracts a crowd of locals, tourists and kitesurfers.

Visiting Montevideo offers plenty of activities for travelers of all interests and it’s easy to find something that suits your personal style. Between historical spots like Old Town, Centro and Ciudad Vieja and seaside activities such as beach resorts and kitesurfing, there’s something for everyone here. In addition to that, delicious food options including street food vendors, local eateries and renowned markets make visiting Montevideo an enjoyable experience that you won’t forget anytime soon!

For more information on things to do in Montevideo you can visit Tripsavvy’s guide to Montevieo.