Quick travel tips to visit Montevideo

Founded by the Portuguese in the 18th century, Montevideo, in addition to being the political capital of Uruguay, is also the economic and cultural center of the country. Spending a few days in this city means discovering the ancient traces of the past that blend perfectly with modern development. From the old city to the waterfront, to the markets, passing through palaces and theaters, here are 10 things.

1 – Ciudad Vieja

To learn about the history of Montevideo and go back in time, it is essential to visit the “Ciudad Vieja”, characterized by cobbled streets, artisan shops, and antique street lamps dating back to the last century. Here you will find some of the most beautiful palaces and museums such as Palacio Salvo, Palacio Taranco, Museo Torres Garcia, and Musei Gurvich. A suggestion: go for a good coffee at Café Bacacay inside a historic building.

How to get there: it is located at the west end of Montevideo; reachable on foot even if you arrive from Plaza Independencia. The nearest bus stop is the “Parada de Omnibus” near Plaza Guruyu – Get directions
Hours: always accessible
Ticket cost: free
Recommended card, ticket, and tour: Montevideo: 2-hour tour of Ciudad Vieja.

2 – Teatro Solis

In the heart of the Old City is this theater considered one of the most beautiful in the world. Started in 1841 and inaugurated in 1856, it underwent several modifications over the following years. Characterized by a majestic marble façade, it has the typical structure of lyric theaters but is finely decorated. Every year, shows and concerts are staged that attract audiences even from neighboring Argentina.

How to get there: it is located between Ciudad Vieja and Plaza Independencia, reachable on foot in 10 minutes from the square. Nearby is the metro stop “Plaza Independencia” where the A (red) and B (blue) lines pass – Get directions
Hours: guided tours on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 4 pm – Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays at 11 am, 12 pm, and 4 pm – Saturdays at 11 am, 12 pm, 1 pm, and 4 pm
Ticket cost: 90 UYU pesos (€2.25)
Recommended card, ticket, and tour: Exclusive Montevideo city tour.

3 – Palacio Taranco

Also in the Old City is this beautiful palace built at the beginning of the 20th century, once the residence of the Ortiz de Taranco family. Characterized by a particular architectural style, inside it is possible to admire the original furnishings and the Museum of Decorative Arts unique in its kind.

How to get there: it is located on 25 de Mayo, near Plaza Zabal, reachable on foot in a few minutes if you are in the old city, or with one of the many buses that stop near Plaza Zabal (102-103-125-125-130-140-164-169) – Get directions
Hours: Tue-Sat 10:00-18:00; Sun 14:00-18:00
Ticket cost: free
Recommended card, ticket, and tour: Half-day Montevideo City Tour.

4 – Museo Torres Garcia

Considered the most popular museum in Montevideo for the importance of the exhibited works belonging to the contemporary art and cubism era, it houses unusual portraits of historical icons and paintings similar to those of Picasso created by Joaquin Torres Garcia. The building itself also has great architectural value and inside it houses a very popular theater and library.

How to get there: it is located in Peatonal Sarandì between Ciudad Vieja and Plaza Independencia, reachable on foot if you are in the historic center. The nearest metro stop is “Plaza Independencia” where the A (red) and B (blue) lines pass – Get directions
Hours: Mon-Sat 10:00-18:00, closed on Sundays
Ticket cost: 170 UYU, €4. to see in Montevideo, Uruguay.

5 – Independence Square

Independence Square is the main square of Montevideo and marks the boundary between Ciudad Vieja and Ciudad Nueva. In the center of the square, there is the Artigas Monument and a mausoleum where Artigas’ remains are kept; to the west of the square, there is the Porta della Cittadella, while on the other side, there is the glass facade of the Cittadella building, and in front of the south sidewalk are the Torre Ejecutiva, the Estevez Palace, and the Palacio Salvo.

How to get there: It is a 1 km walk from the central station of Generales Artigas. Near the square, there is the “parade plaza Independencia” where the A (red) and B (blue) subway lines stop – Get directions
Opening hours: always open
Ticket price: free
Recommended card, ticket, and tour: Montevideo: City Tour by car and on foot

6 – Cerrito de la Victoria

This neighborhood in the north-center of Montevideo is located on a hill from where you can enjoy a beautiful panorama, while it was once used by the military to defend and control the city. The main building of Cerrito de la Victoria is the National Sanctuary, one of the largest Catholic churches in Uruguay.

How to get there: It is located in the northern part of Montevideo, reachable by taxi that takes about 15 minutes from the center (400 UYU, around €10.00) or by bus 7A from Terminal en Galicia Y Rio Branco, which stops at Gral Flores Y Euclides Safari in about 40 minutes – Get directions
Opening hours: Tue-Sun 9:00-19:00
Ticket price: free

7 – Fortaleza del Cerro

Among the main attractions not to be missed is this fortress built on the hill of the same name at a height of 134 meters that dominates the city and the bay of Montevideo. It was the last Spanish fortress built in Uruguay and after 1888 lost its military function remaining an important historical building. Currently, inside it, you can also visit the arms museum and an exhibition on the country’s military history.

How to get there: It is located on the bay opposite the old city, reachable by bus (124 and 125) of C.U.T.C.S.A that arrives at Terminal Cerro – Get directions
Opening hours: Tue-Sun 10:00-17:00
Ticket price: 170 UYU, €4.26
Recommended card, ticket, and tour: Exclusive tour of the city of Montevideo

8 – La Rambla

The beautiful coastal road of Montevideo is called Rambla and is one of the favorite places for citizens to run, walk, and do sports. The 22 km walk runs along the Rio de la Plata and continues along the coast it is also the road that you take if you want to reach the beaches. The promenade connects the city center to the towns of Punta Carretas, Pocitos, Buceo, and Carrasco. We suggest you take a short walk early in the morning or towards sunset when the locals go for a walk and “tomar mate” or spend a few hours at Playa Ramirez, a beautiful city beach.

How to get there: It extends for 22 km along the coast, and you can walk or bike it, and you can decide to do only some sections on foot – Get directions
Opening hours: always open
Ticket price: free

9 – Mercado del Puerto

This very old market, whose construction dates back to English origins, is located near the sea and the old city. Once here there was one of the most beautiful ports in South America, while today you can admire a picturesque and lively center, full of restaurants and stalls selling typical products and artisanal objects.

How to get there: it is located in the Old City and can be reached on foot if you are in the city center or by bus that stops near Plaza Zabal (lines 102-103-125-125-130-140-164-169) – Get directions
Opening hours: Mon-Sun 9:30 am-5pm
Ticket cost: free
Recommended card, ticket, and tour: Half-day Montevideo City Tour.

10 – Pocitos Neighborhood

This neighborhood is one of the oldest in Montevideo despite most of its buildings being modern. The name dates back to the period when women went to the river to wash clothes in small holes made in the ground. Here, in addition to being able to enjoy one of the most beautiful views of the Rio de la Plata, there are also several beaches, parks, and wide tree-lined avenues.

How to get there: it is located in the eastern part of the city, opposite the old city. The most convenient bus stop is Rbla Mahatma Gandhi X 21 De Setiembre where bus 121 stops (it takes about 50 minutes from the center). Alternatively, you can get there by taxi in about 15 minutes (400 UYU, about €10.00) – Get directions
Opening hours: always accessible
Ticket cost: free