Parliament building in Montevideo on a sunny day, Uruguay

Things to do in  Montevideo

Small, mighty, and ready to party

It may be a small country’s capital, but Montevideo packs an outsized punch. This vibrant, eclectic city—surrounded by natural beauty—has a strong cosmopolitan, progressive atmosphere. Set along the banks of the Río de la Plata, Montevideo is rich in classical architecture, particularly in the Ciudad Vieja (Old Town). Lovers of art, culture, food, sports, and music all find things to do in Montevideo—from sipping local red wine and feasting on asado (barbecue) to watching a soccer match at Estadio Centenario or listening to opera at Teatro Solis.

Top 15 attractions in Montevideo

Rambla of Montevideo (Rambla de Montevideo)

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Stretching for almost 14 miles (more than 22 kilometers) along the coast of Montevideo, the Rambla of Montevideo is one of the world’s longest boardwalks and a buzzing epicenter of local life. Looking out across the Rio de la Plata, the palm-lined walkway serves up an ever-changing panorama of water views, verdant parks, and sandy beaches.More

Montevideo Agricultural Market (Mercado Agrícola de Montevideo)

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Housed in a beautiful historic building, the Montevideo Agricultural Market (Mercado Agrícola de Montevideo) is over 100 years old and one of the Uruguay’s largest markets. After falling into disrepair, the structure was recently renovated to house dozens of food stalls and restaurants, while maintaining the charm and details of the original architecture.It doesn’t take long for visitors in Montevideo to realize that Uruguay is an under-the-radar culinary destination, and the agricultural market is the ideal place for foodies to experiment a wide array of Uruguayan specialties and local products. This is the go-to place for the highest quality Uruguayan wines, olive oils, cured meats and produce and also is home to traditional bakeries, steak houses and a craft brewery. The market is the perfect stop for lunch or a snack while touring the city. And, beyond the food, this is also a great place for souvenirs, toys, and handicrafts.More

Montevideo Independence Plaza (Plaza Independencia)

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One of the most important public squares in the Uruguayan capital, Independence Plaza (Plaza Independencia) divides Montevideo’s Old Town (Ciudad Vieja) and downtown areas. Several of the city’s most famous landmarks are located here, including the Salvo Palace (Palacio Salvo), Solis Theater (Teatro Solís), and Executive Tower (Torre Ejecutiva).More

Montevideo Legislative Palace (Palacio Legislativo)

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Despite Uruguay’s diminutive size, its Parliament Palace is one of the most magnificent legislative houses in the world. Built in a heraldic neoclassical style, the palace was inaugurated in 1925, on the centennial of the country’s independence. No expense was spared in the making of its luxurious interior, which makes the palace a must-see attraction in Montevideo.More

Montevideo Port Market (Mercado del Puerto)

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Behind its wrought-iron facade (it was originally constructed as a train station), the sprawling Port Market (Mercado del Puerto) houses a number of bustling parrillas (steak restaurants) and other choice eateries. It’s one of the best places in town to enjoy an authentic, traditional (and affordable) meal.More

Montevideo Cruise Port (Puerto de Montevideo)

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Located across the Río de la Plata from Buenos Aires, Montevideo Cruise Port (Puerto de Montevideo) is Uruguay’s largest cruise port. A popular stop for large cruise liners touring South America, the port also welcomes regular ferries from neighboring Argentina.More

Solís Theatre (Teatro Solís)

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Opened in 1856, Solís Theatre is a longtime cultural touchstone in Uruguay. Visit the theater to see opera, ballet, theater, and classical music performances. Even if you don't attend a show, stopping by to view the neoclassical building, designed by Italian architect Carlo Zucchi, is a must-do in Montevideo.More

Pocitos

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Pocitos is an affluent neighborhood along the banks of the Río de la Plata in Montevideo. Renowned for its long golden sand beach and beach promenade lined with upscale restaurants and shops, the leafy enclave also boasts historic mansions of great architectural interest, including a handful that have been declared National Heritage Sites.More

Salvo Palace (Palacio Salvo)

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Completed in 1928, Salvo Palace (Palacio Salvo) is a historical landmark building featuring an eclectic architectural style—predominantly Italian Gothic, with classic and neo-romantic influences. Originally planned as a hotel, it is now an office and apartment building.More

El Milongón

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Immerse yourself in an evening of Uruguayan culture, music, dance, and cuisine at El Milongón, one of Montevideo’s most romantic performance venues. At this intimate theater, singers, dancers, and musicians perform several diverse styles of music and dance, including tango, milonga, Afro-Montevideo candombe, folklore.More

Montevideo Metropolitan Cathedral (Catedral de Montevideo)

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The Montevideo Metropolitan Cathedral (Catedral de Montevideo sits in the historic Old City, and serves as the seat of the city's Roman Catholic archdiocese. This National Historic Landmark is the mother church for all of South America and is replete with details like intricately tiled floors and elegant chandeliers.More

Football Museum (Museo del Fútbol)

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Many don’t know that Montevideo was host to the very first World Cup final in 1930 at the Estadio Centenario. Today, part of the stadium is home to the Football Museum (Museo del Fútbol), which not only honors the beginning of soccer’s biggest tournament, but also celebrates international and Uruguayan soccer throughout history and in the current day.There’s a wide array of pieces of history from the world’s most popular sport on display at the museum, including trophies, posters, signed jerseys, and original match programs and tickets. Blown up old photos from some of soccer’s most historic moments and newspaper clippings bring visitors through the history of the game. A highlight is the actual match ball from the first World Cup final.The museum celebrates Uruguay’s strong soccer culture and the country’s many accomplishments in the sport, including dozens of trophies and a certification that a local Montevideo football club was the first in South America. There’s also plenty of soccer history from all over the world, including a signed jersey from Brazilian legend Pelé.The museum has a gift shop loaded with cool soccer souvenirs. Visitors are also able to enter the Estadio Centenario itself, where not much has changed since the 1930 final. For an extra fee, it is possible to go up the stadium tower, which boasts panoramic views of Montevideo.More

El Prado Montevideo

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El Prado is an affluent residential neighborhood in the north of Montevideo with tree-lined streets filled with historic homes including Residencia de Suarez (the presidential residence), and the peaceful Parque El Prado, the city’s main green space where a creek runs through grassy fields and a botanical garden grows over 1,000 plant species.More
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Punta Gorda

Punta Gorda

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Named for its distinctive promontory rising over the sea, Montevideo's Punta Gorda neighborhood is known for its beaches, the winding Darwin’s Ladder staircase—named for the famed scientist, who spent time studying the soil here—and its waterfront park. Visit to enjoy views of the ocean, or bring a swimsuit and go for a dip at Playa Verde.More

Gateway of the Citadel (Puerta de la Ciudadela)

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In 1724, when the Spanish founded Montevideo, they fortified the settlement with granite walls thick enough to house canons. More than 100 years later, the walls came down except for one towering slab, the Gateway of the Citadel, which stands at Independence Square (Plaza Independencia) the border between the Old CIty and the New City.More

Top activities in Montevideo

Full Day Punta del Este

Full Day Punta del Este

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Full day Punta del Este tour

Full day Punta del Este tour

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Montevideo: Walking Tour with Photographer and Audioguide
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Montevideo: Walking Tour with Photographer and Audioguide

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All about Montevideo

When to visit

While the city is a year-round destination, the best time to visit Montevideo is between October and March when the weather is warmest. From early January until early March, Carnival celebrations take over the city. Montevideo's Carnival is just as colorful and entertaining as Rio de Janeiro’s, but it attracts far fewer tourists.

Getting around

Montevideo is a compact city and most places are easily reached on foot or by bicycle. For longer trips to the edges of the city or farther-flung beaches, you can rely on city buses: You’ll need to flag them down (even at bus stops) and pay onboard with cash or with a rechargeable Tarjeta STM card.

Traveler tips

If you want to experience Montevideo like a Montevideano, you’ll need to stay up late. People typically go out for dinner between 9pm and 11pm. Bars and clubs don’t start getting busy until around midnight and a night out doesn’t end until the morning of the next day. Keep up with the locals by taking a nap in the afternoon and fuel up by sipping on yerba mate.

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People Also Ask

Is Montevideo worth visiting?

Yes, Montevideo is well worth visiting. The capital of Uruguay has a laid-back atmosphere with a cosmopolitan flavor. Cultural attractions, from world-class museums and art galleries to music venues, are plentiful and the city also has an exciting nightlife and easy access to great beaches.

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What is Montevideo known for?

Montevideo is known for its vibrant arts and culture scene, as well as a culinary scene that's big on giant steaks and bold red wines—don't miss out on asado (barbecue) either. The city is also one of the birthplaces of tango: Watch dancers in action at a milonga (dance hall).

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What to do in Montevideo in one day?

A 1-day Montevideo itinerary should include strolling around the Old Town and visiting such landmarks as the Centenario Stadium, Pocitos Beach, Independence Square, the Cabildo, and Metropolitan Cathedral. You should also visit a local winery, enjoy a long lunch, and spend the evening watching tango at a milonga.

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Is English spoken in Montevideo?

Yes, English is spoken in Montevideo, but not widely. Spanish is the official language of Uruguay—Spanish speakers will notice that it is influenced by Italian—and not many Uruaguayans are proficient in English. Although major tourist sites will likely have English speakers available, you should learn basic Spanish phrases before visiting.

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How many days do you need in Montevideo?

It's possible to see Montevideo’s main attractions in one day. However, you’ll have a more enjoyable experience if you allow at least two days. One of the city’s greatest pleasures is its laid-back atmosphere, so linger over lunch or another glass of wine before rushing off to the next destination.

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Is Montevideo safe?

Yes, Montevideo is typically considered to be one of the safest cities in South America. However, recent years have seen an increase in petty crime, mugging, and armed robbery. Exercise caution by keeping valuables out of sight and avoiding deserted streets after dark.

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