Many tours of Punta del Este include a stroll down Gorlero Avenue and a visit to Artigas Square. Browse the 150-200 stalls, where you’ll find a range of unique art, crafts, and souvenirs made by local Uruguayan artists. Clothing, leather goods, textiles, paintings, woodwork, and sculptures are all on offer, along with gold and silver jewelry, often inlaid with semi-precious stones found in the northern part of Uruguay.
Most of the stalls are covered, so there’s no need to worry if it rains.
Artigas Square is ideally situated for cruise passengers—the Punta del Este cruise port is just a 10-minute walk from the market.
The market is accessible for strollers and wheelchairs.
Artigas Square is set about halfway down the main boulevard of Gorlero Avenue (Avenida Gorlero), between Calle 25 and Calle 23. It’s easy to reach on foot, but several local buses also stop at the square. There’s also a parking lot at the north end of Gorlero Avenue, close to the casino.
While you can visit Artigas Square at any time, the market takes place daily through the busy summer months (December to February) and on weekends only through winter. For the liveliest atmosphere, come in the late afternoon or evening.
Gorlero Avenue is Punta del Este’s main shopping street, so once you’ve browsed the stalls at Artigas Square, take a stroll along the palm-lined boulevard. It’s buzzing with activity on summer evenings, when street entertainers and “living statues” dot the sidewalks, shops stay open late, and there’s a wide selection of bars, cafés, and restaurants to choose from. If you need more entertainment, Gorlero Avenue also has a casino and movie theater.
