Montevideo

Travel Guide
Salvo Palace showing a city, a sunset and street scenes

Montevideo Travel Guide Video

The capital and largest city of Uruguay combines history and architecture with theaters and live music, beaches and waterfront walks.

Montevideo, the capital city of Uruguay, blends a distinct European flavor with a welcoming small-town feel. Enjoy the many aspects of this coastal city: 18th- and 19th-century edifices in its historic center, a vibrant arts scene and upmarket beachside suburbs.

Start your visit in the Ciudad Vieja (Old Town), the historical area that sits on a western peninsula of the city. Here you’ll find major attractions, such as the Mercado del Puerto, a market area with parrillas (steakhouses), craft shops and street performers. Spot European art and furniture at the Museum of Decorative Arts, set inside the French-style Palacio Taranco.

Stroll along pedestrianized Sarandi street and browse galleries, antique stores and stands selling artisanal items. Stop at Plaza Constitución to admire the 18th-century Montevideo Metropolitan Cathedral and the 19th-century neoclassical old city hall, the MontevideoCabildo.

Take time to explore Plaza Independencia, which connects the Ciudad Vieja with central Montevideo. Look for the Puerta de la Ciudadela (Gateway of the Citadel), the last-surviving landmark of fortified Montevideo. See work by Uruguayan artist Joaquin Torres Garcia at the Museo Torres Garcia. Watch an opera or take a backstage tour at Teatro Solís.

Make your way over to Parque Batlle and experience the passion of a South American soccer match at the Centenary Stadium. Soccer fans will appreciate the displays of memorabilia at the Museum of Football.

Be sure to walk along picturesque La Rambla, a riverside promenade that stretches from the city port through exclusive beach suburbs such as Pocitos and Carrasco. The promenade is lined with public parks, beaches, bars and restaurants. It’s also home to the open-air Teatro de Verano, a main venue during the city’s carnival celebrations. Come here to watch traditional murga and candombé song and dance performances.

Reach Montevideo by plane, bus or ferry. Once in the city, use the efficient and low-cost public buses to get around. Consider using long-haul bus services or renting a car to see more of this small country known for its wine-growing regions, beautiful beaches and friendly locals.

Where to stay in Montevideo

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Punta Carretas

4.5/5(6 area reviews)

Punta Carretas is known for its ample dining options, and you can make a stop by Punta Carretas Shopping Mall and Castillo Pittamiglio while in the area.

Punta Carretas
Montevideo

Montevideo Centro

4/5(8 area reviews)

Montevideo Centro is noteworthy for its shopping, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Cagancha Square and Salvo Palace.

Montevideo Centro
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Pocitos

5/5(4 area reviews)

Unique features of Pocitos include the beaches and restaurants. Make a stop by Pocitos Beach or Rambla of Montevideo while you're exploring the area.

Pocitos
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Carrasco

Beaches, casinos and shopping are some highlights of Carrasco. Make a stop by Sofitel Montevideo Casino or Carrasco Beach while you're exploring.

Carrasco
Montevideo

Ciudad Vieja

5/5(5 area reviews)

Ciudad Vieja is noteworthy for its historical sites, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Montevideo Cathedral and Solis Theater.

Ciudad Vieja
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Buceo

Unique features of Buceo include the shopping and restaurants. Make a stop by Montevideo Shopping Mall or World Trade Center while you're exploring the area.

Buceo
Dazzler by Wyndham Montevideo
Dazzler by Wyndham Montevideo
3.5 out of 5
21 de Setiembre 2752, Pocitos, Montevideo
The price is €91 per night from 3 Nov to 4 Nov
€91
includes taxes & fees
3 Nov - 4 Nov
Stay at this 3.5-star spa hotel in Montevideo. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,003 reviews)
Modern hotel good location
"Modern hotel. Excellent front desk in a goid walkabout part of town. Many nearby restaurants and groceries"

Reviewed on 23 Oct 2024

Dazzler by Wyndham Montevideo
Radisson Montevideo Victoria Plaza Hotel
Radisson Montevideo Victoria Plaza Hotel
4 out of 5
759 Plaza Independencia, Montevideo
The price is €150 per night from 3 Nov to 4 Nov
€150
includes taxes & fees
3 Nov - 4 Nov
Stay at this 4-star family-friendly hotel in Montevideo. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and 2 restaurants. Popular attractions Radisson Victoria Plaza Casino ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (681 reviews)
"Very helpful staff, wonderful breakfast buffet, hope to return in the future."

Reviewed on 4 Oct 2024

Radisson Montevideo Victoria Plaza Hotel
Sofitel Montevideo Casino Carrasco and Spa
Sofitel Montevideo Casino Carrasco and Spa
5 out of 5
Rambla Republica de Mexico sn, Montevideo
The price is €216 per night from 11 Nov to 12 Nov
€216
includes taxes & fees
11 Nov - 12 Nov
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Montevideo. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9/10 Wonderful! (487 reviews)
"The location is perfect. Pleanty of good places to shop and dine lus the casino"

Reviewed on 18 Oct 2024

Sofitel Montevideo Casino Carrasco and Spa
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Gema Luxury Suites
Gema Luxury Suites
3.5 out of 5
Roque Graseras 644, Montevideo
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly aparthotel in Montevideo. Enjoy free WiFi, room service, and a fitness center. Popular attractions Castillo Pittamiglio ...
Gema Luxury Suites
Cozy Apartment A Few Steps From Pocitos Beach
Cozy Apartment A Few Steps From Pocitos Beach
Montevideo
Book a stay at this family-friendly apartment in Montevideo. Enjoy free WiFi, patios, and cable/satellite TV service. Popular attractions Naval Museum and World ...
Cozy Apartment A Few Steps From Pocitos Beach
Historic District Hidden Gem. The Best Location.
Historic District Hidden Gem. The Best Location.
Montevideo
Stay at this apartment in Montevideo. Enjoy free WiFi, a rooftop terrace, and patios. Popular attractions Port Market and Puerto de Montevideo are located ...
Historic District Hidden Gem. The Best Location.
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Montevideo

4.2
Top destination
5 - Excellent
7
" "5 - Excellent 41.1764705882353%
4 - Good
6
" "4 - Good 35.294117647058826%
3 - Okay
4
" "3 - Okay 23.529411764705884%
2 - Disappointing
0
" "2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
" "1 - Terrible 0%

4/5 - Good

Sue

Had a bad experience at Le Cerro where we had a camera stolen. Not recommended to hang around by the Montevideo sign there or outside the fort.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Fabulous.