Things To Do
in Ciudad de la Costa
Ciudad de la Costa is a growing coastal city just northeast of Montevideo along the Río de la Plata. It blends urban comforts with beachside leisure, offering family-friendly beaches and breezy promenades. The area connects easily to Montevideo by road and bus, making day trips simple.
Visitors will find a relaxed vibe, seafood-focused dining, and a developing cultural scene along the coast.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive at Carrasco International Airport and transfer to your hotel in Ciudad de la Costa. Enjoy a hearty Uruguayan breakfast at a local café to recharge after your journey. Take a leisurely stroll along the waterfront to soak in the scenic views of the Rio de la Plata.
Visit Plaza de la Paz, a charming public square perfect for a relaxing afternoon. Explore nearby local shops for unique souvenirs and crafts, engaging with friendly locals. Enjoy a late lunch at a beachfront restaurant, savouring fresh seafood dishes.
Wind down with a walk along the beach as the sun sets over the horizon. Consider dining at a local parrilla for an authentic Uruguayan barbecue experience. End the evening with a glass of Tannat wine while enjoying live music at a cozy venue.
Join a guided tour of a nearby village to learn about the rich cultural heritage of Uruguay. Visit artisan markets and witness local craftspeople at work, making handcrafted goods. Enjoy traditional breakfast pastries paired with maté, a culturally significant local drink.
After lunch, participate in a cooking class where you'll learn to prepare classic Uruguayan dishes. Engage with the chef as you chop, sauté, and season your way into an authentic meal. At the end of the class, enjoy the delicious spread you created alongside fellow travelers.
Attend a cultural performance showcasing traditional Uruguayan music and dance. Immerse yourself in the rhythms of candombe as dancers bring the history of Afro-Uruguayan culture to life. Enjoy a light evening snack at a food stall, sampling local treats and sweets.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $12-18 |
| ☕Coffee or pastry | $2-5 |
| 🍽️Meal for two at mid-range restaurant | $40-70 |
| 🛏️One night in mid-range hotel | $70-120 |
| 🚕Short taxi ride | $6-12 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Coastal access and easy access to Montevideo
- Family-friendly beaches and promenades
- Casual, relaxed vibe and strong dining scene
- Occasionally crowded beaches in peak season
- Limited nightlife compared to Montevideo or Punta del Este
- Some services and entertainment may be seasonal
- "Hola" - Hello
- "Buenos días" - Good morning
- "Por favor" - Please
- "Gracias" - Thank you
- "¿Cuánto cuesta?" - How much does it cost?
- "¿Dónde está el baño?" - Where is the bathroom?
- "Hablo poco español" - I speak a little Spanish
- "¿Habla inglés?" - Do you speak English?
Places to Visit in Ciudad de la Costa
Visit one of these nice places.
A long waterfront promenade with sea views, perfect for sunrise and long exposure shots of waves and boats.
Green space with ponds and palm trees offering reflections and candid park photography.
Elevated overlook giving a vantage view of the city skyline and river.
Shore with soft sand and interesting light at different tides for beach photography.
Food in Ciudad de la Costa
Ciudad de la Costa Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A legendary Uruguayan sandwich with thinly sliced beef, mozzarella, tomatoes, eggs, and optional bacon, typically served with fries.
Must-Try!
Grilled fish often served with lemon and parsley; a staple in seaside eateries.
Traditional Uruguayan barbecue with beef cuts and chorizo; common on weekends.
Turnovers filled with beef, cheese, or chicken; widely available as street food.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Local market offering fresh seafood, produce, and ready-to-eat snacks; try empanadas and grilled skewers.
Casual stalls along the Rambla offering churros, grilled snacks, and ice cream.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Greet with a polite handshake; friends may kiss on the cheek in casual settings. Use polite language and respectful tone.
Wait to be seated in restaurants; avoid loud, disruptive behavior in public spaces; say please and thank you.
Arrive on time for social events, but be flexible; Uruguayans value personal warmth and conversation.
Safety
Tipping in Ciudad de la Costa
Ensure a smooth experience
If service charge is not included, leave about 10-15% in restaurants; tips for bartenders or taxi drivers are optional.
Cash and major credit/debit cards are widely accepted; contactless payments common; some small vendors may prefer cash.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Warm days and lively beach atmosphere; expect crowds on weekends; bring sun protection and stay hydrated.
Mild temperatures with pleasant sea breezes; good time for outdoor exploring and photography; occasional showers.
Cooler, windy conditions; some beach facilities closed; great for low-season prices and coastal scenery with dramatic skies.
Gradual warming; blooming flora around parks; ideal for hiking and cycling along the coast.
Ciudad de la Costa at Night
Hiking in Ciudad de la Costa
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Scenic half-day hike along coastal dunes with sea views.
Flat, easy trail through wetlands and riparian forest with birdwatching.
Gentle hills offering panoramic views of the plains and coast within a short drive.
Airports
How to reach Ciudad de la Costa by plane.
Montevideo’s main international airport, approximately 25-40 km from Ciudad de la Costa; taxis or bus transfers are available.
Punta del Este’s international airport, about 180-200 km from Ciudad de la Costa; useful for longer trips.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A large share of residents are families attracted by beaches and schools.
Several retirees settle in the area for the relaxed coastal lifestyle.
Growing number of residents who commute to Montevideo for work.
Summer tourism brings short-term visitors who rent apartments along the coast.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport; local games and school leagues are common across the region.
Growing interest with local clubs; some fans follow international matches.
Popular in schools and community centers; pick-up games are common.
Played on many beaches during summer; casual competitions and tournaments.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Ciudad de la Costa.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Look for veggie empanadas, pastas with vegetables, salads, and cheese-focused dishes; many places can adapt dishes on request.
Many grills offer grilled meats without sauces; request gluten-free bread or salads; avoid cross-contamination in shared fryers.