The Top 10 Things To See And Do In Montevideo Uruguay

Uruguay‘s capital is a very manageable city, and it is easy to find the different sides of the city. We list the best things to do and see in Montevideo, from a walk along the Rambla and a day at the beach to a classic tourist city tour.

Walk along the Rambla

La Rambla is about 10 miles long, and it separates the city from the sea. It is possible to walk from the suburban parts of the city into the old town without any interruption. This walk is a perfect way to take a break from everyday life, to enjoy the sunrise or sunset. It is also a great place to spark up conversations with locals, and learn more about their culture, as it is a very important meeting point for Uruguayos.

Rambla, Montevideo, Uruguay

Teatro Solís is the most important theatre in Uruguay, and the second-biggest theatre in South America. The main hall of the theatre offers space for 1,500 people and is used for performances of operas, but also theatre events and concerts.

Buenos Aires 678, Montevideo, Uruguay, +5982 1950 3323

1. Mercado del Puerto

Market, Food Court

Mercado del Puerto, food market, Montevideo, Uruguay, parrilla Uruguay

This building, constructed from steel, was originally a market for fruit, vegetables and meat. Today, it is still called the ‘Harbor Market’, but there are not quite as many market stalls and stands. Instead, the Mercado del Puerto, hosts a good range of restaurants. The majority of them offer the speciality ‘parrilla‘, a grill for sausages, meat and seafood.

Montevideo’s Beaches

Montevideo has a lot of beaches, which are a great place to head on a hot day. There are a few on the outskirts of the city, and along the Rambla, and more near the Old Town.

Beaches, Montevideo, Uruguay

2. Plaza Independencia

Park

Plaza Independencia is Montevideos main square

No visit to the Uruguayan capital is complete without a trip into the heart of the city. The Old Town is a place full of history and attractions, and the ideal starting point is the Plaza Independencia. From there you can reach the Teatro Solís, Palacio Salvo, and will see the remains of the city walls and town gate, which is the beginning of the original Old Town.

3. Museum of Fine Arts - Juan Manuel Blanes

Building, Museum

Museum of Fine Arts – Juan Manuel Blanes

This museum opened in 1930 and is named after the famous Uruguayan artist Juan Manuel Blanes. The building itself is reminiscent of the classic Italian villas built in the Renaissance style. The Museum of Fine Arts keeps paintings by Blanes, but has displays of other national and international artists. Don’t miss the surrounding Japanese garden.

Av Millán 4015, Montevideo, Uruguay, +598 2336 2248

Yerba Maté

Uruguay’s traditional drink is yerba maté tea. It is made from herbs from the mate bush, over which you pour boiling water. The original way to drink it is to use a maté container, filled up with the herbs and hot water, and drink it through the so called ‘bombilla‘, which works like a straw.

4. Fortaleza Del Cerro

Building

Fortaleza Del Cerro is a fort which is located on the highest mountain in the city. It was built in the 19th century to protect the population and the port. Today, it is a popular destination to enjoy the beautiful view over the city and learn more about Montevideo’s history.

5. Feria de Tristán Narvaja

Market

Feria de Tristán Narvaja

Every Sunday, in the district of Cordón, you will find one of the most typical flea markets in Montevideo. More exactly, you will find the biggest and most popular market in the street of Avenida Tristán Narvaja, after which the market is named. Go for a stroll at the Feria de Tristán Narvaja where you will find antiques, books, used technical equipment, music and rare objects.

Avenida Tristán Narvaja, Montevideo, Uruguay

Feria de Tristán Narvaja © Pablo Flores/Flickr

Candombe

Originally, the Candombe, music and dance performance, was brought to South America by African slaves, and is still practised today. Today, the Candombe is declared as intangible part of the world’s cultural heritage by UNESCO and is still presented on Sundays at 7pm in the district of Palermo in Montevideo.

Palermo, Montevideo, Uruguay

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.