The Best Markets In Montevideo Uruguay

It’s said that Uruguay is the South American country that is most similar to Europe, and there indeed are a lot of Spanish, Italian and German influences. But, by and by, Uruguay‘s population has created their own habits and customs, foods and way of life. And one very typical Uruguayan thing is the importance of the country’s numerous markets. Here are some of the best to visit in Montevideo.

Feria de Tristán Narvaja

Market

Every Sunday, in the district of Cordón the Tristán Narvaja Street Market takes place. It is the most popular and biggest market in the whole country, and is regularly visited by locals and tourists. You will find things like clothes, artisan products, antiques, fruits and vegetables, but also handmade foods and drinks which are offered as street food.

Mercado del Puerto

Building, Market

Mercado del Puerto is, as the name indicates, a market located at the harbor of Montevideo. It was built between 1865 and 1868, and its steel construction creates a very special ambiance. Originally, it was a market offering fruits, vegetables and meat. But today, it is a market with a lot of restaurants and a few shops. All of these restaurants specialize in grilled meats and offer the traditional parilla,accompanied with wine, if so wished.

Villa Biarritz Market

Market

This market is located in the district of Punta Carretas, and regularly takes place on Tuesdays and Saturdays. You will find everything clothes related, starting with very cheap and used ones and moving on to the high quality and locally made goods. Designer accessories are offered at the Market of Villa Biarritz. Everybody who wants to add that certain something will find custom jewelery here too.

Mercado de los Artesanos

Market

There are a lot of possibilities to find some handicrafts in Montevideo. On the streets you will find some gauchos and artists selling their art, as well as in special shops. But there is also the Mercado de los Artesanos, a cooperative of several artists. This market consists of three separate buildings, spread across the city, where artists have a fixed place and the chance to display sell their art. A couple of these are located very near or in the city’s larger, more famous markets. It is truly worth seeing, and perfect to by a souvenir or a gift.

Rodó Park

Amusement Park

Crowd enjoying a sunny sunday spring day at parque rodo park in Montevideo city, Uruguay

Rodó Park, with its little castle and lake, set very close to the sea, is the perfect place for a Sunday market.It also specializes in clothes, but offers some artisan crafts too. Besides this weekly market, there are sometimes special market-type events, and one of them is the Feria Ideas Más. It offers everything from soaps, glass and ceramics, to wood and paper. But also, music fans might find there their new favorite band or musician, while eating some delicious handmade food and drinks.

Antiques Market at the Plaza de la Constitución

Market

Open-air fair with seller of antique pieces in the Plaza de la Constitution Montevideo Uruguay

The lengthily titled Feria de Antigüedades en Plaza de la Constitución is open every Saturday and is situated in the Old Town. The Plaza Constitución was the first public area in Montevideo. At this market you can find everything from old license plates to used and unique crockery. It is a beautiful place, with its trees and fountain, so stay for a while and enjoy performers and the music of Candombe.

About the author

Ricarda Reininger

Ricarda was born and raised in Vienna and developed her passion for travelling while traveling regularly with her family as a child. After school she went to the Caribbean and South America to experience another way of life and broaden her horizons. Her keen interest in art and culture has taken her around the world, and she thinks that 'travelling enriches our life the most’. Her interests in art and culture are also a big part in her daily life, as she is a literature and music enthusiast and an avid photographer. Ricarda is currently studying Comparative Literature in Vienna.