Things To Do
in Montevideo
Montevideo sits on the southern coast along the Río de la Plata, blending colonial architecture with a modern, relaxed vibe. Its rambla waterfront, lively mercados, and café culture define the pace, while the Barrio Viejo preserves history and charm. The city offers a warm, friendly welcome and a mix of European influence with Latin American flavor.
For visitors, Montevideo rewards slow exploration, fresh seafood, and sunsets over the water.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a leisurely breakfast at a local café, enjoying traditional Uruguayan pastries and coffee. Afterward, take a stroll through Plaza Independencia, where you'll find the iconic Solis Theatre and the statue of Artigas. Immerse yourself in the rich history as you wander through the cobblestone streets of Ciudad Vieja.
Visit the Museo Torres García, where you can explore the works of one of Uruguay's most famous artists. Enjoy lunch at a nearby parrilla, savoring the flavors of an authentic Uruguayan barbecue. Post-lunch, take a moment to relax at Mercado del Puerto, where you can shop for local crafts and souvenirs.
As the sun sets, find a cozy spot at a waterfront bar along the Rambla for stunning views of the Montevideo coastline. Indulge in some tapas and a glass of Tannat wine while listening to live music. Conclude your evening with a leisurely walk along the Rambla, soaking in the vibrant atmosphere.
Kick off your morning at the Museo Nacional de Artes Visuales, home to an impressive collection of Uruguayan art. Spend time admiring works by artists like Joaquín Torres García and Pedro Figari. Afterward, take a peaceful walk through Parque Rodó, enjoying the gardens and lake.
Head to the nearby Museo del Carnaval to learn about the colorful history of Montevideo's famous carnival. Enjoy a light lunch at one of the park's kiosks, sampling local snacks like chivito or empanadas. Afterwards, visit the Museo de la Historia del Arte, where you can explore exhibits from various art movements.
Experience the local culture by attending a performance at Teatro Solís, one of the oldest theaters in South America. Enjoy dinner at a traditional Uruguayan restaurant nearby, savoring local dishes like asado. End your night with a stroll through the lively streets of the Old City, enjoying the local nightlife.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $10-15 |
| ☕Coffee or espresso | $2-4 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel per night | $60-120 |
| 🚌Public transport ride | $1-2 |
| 🍷Three-course dinner for two at mid-range restaurant | $40-60 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Friendly locals and a relaxed, safe atmosphere
- Beautiful waterfront, great seafood, and strong café culture
- Compact city center ideal for walking; rich historic neighborhoods
- Accessible day trips to beaches and nearby natural areas
- Strong cultural scene with music, markets, and museums
- Meat-centered cuisine can be heavy for non-meat eaters
- Prices can be higher in tourist zones; some areas feel quiet at night
- Public transport can be crowded; some routes may require planning
- Limited English-speaking staff in smaller places
- "Hola" - Hello
- "Buenos días" - Good morning
- "Por favor" - Please
- "Gracias" - Thank you
- "¿Habla inglés?" - Do you speak English?
- "¿Dónde está el baño?" - Where is the bathroom?
- "¿Cuánto cuesta esto?" - How much is this?
- "Me gustaría pedir" - I would like to order
- "Sí / No" - Yes / No
- "Soy alérgico/a a…" - I am allergic to…
Places to Visit in Montevideo
Visit one of these nice places.
Historic gateway, colorful streets, and classic architecture offer dramatic morning or golden-hour shots.
A long waterfront promenade with sea breezes, skylines, and lively sunset scenes along the estuary.
Iconic opera house exterior and interior architecture with opportunities for architectural details and cultural ambiance.
Vibrant market stalls, grills, and seafood produce dynamic portraits and candid street photography.
A mix of green space, lakeside paths, and art museum architecture for relaxed, scenic shots.
Food in Montevideo
Montevideo Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A legendary Uruguayan sandwich with thin sliced steak, ham, cheese, lettuce, tomato, and often a fried egg, typically served with french fries.
Must-Try!
Grilled meats and sausages, usually accompanied by chimichurri, provoleta, and bread; a must-try at parrillas across the city.
Breaded cutlet topped with tomato sauce and melted cheese; a common hotel or parrilla staple.
Savory pastries filled with beef, chicken, or cheese; widely available at markets and bakeries.
Classic Uruguayan desserts and cookies, perfect with coffee or as a sweet treat after meals.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Historic market lined with parrillas offering fresh seafood and grilled meat; great for tasting regional flavors and people-watching.
Bustling market with a wide selection of produce, seafood, and local ingredients—an authentic glimpse into daily life.
Massive street market in Ciudad Vieja selling books, antiques, crafts, produce, and street snacks; a sensory overload in a good way.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
A firm handshake is standard in formal settings; close friends may greet with a light kiss on the cheek. Address people politely with señor/señora and serão used in more formal contexts.
Meals tend to be relaxed; wait for everyone to be served before beginning. It’s common to linger over coffee or mate after meals.
Punctuality is flexible in social settings; arriving a bit late is common, but meetings and tours should still be respected.
Safety
Tipping in Montevideo
Ensure a smooth experience
In restaurants, a tip of around 5-10% is common if service is not included; it’s appreciated but not always mandatory. In casual venues, rounding up the bill or leaving a small amount is acceptable.
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops. Cash (Uruguayan pesos, UYU) is handy for street vendors and small purchases; ATMs are common throughout the city.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Warm to hot days with high humidity. Beach life on the Rambla and outdoor cafés thrive; expect crowds and lively waterfront events.
Milder temperatures with colorful foliage and pleasant outdoor conditions for walking tours and alfresco dining.
Cool and windy with possible rain; strong coastal weather at times. Indoor activities like museums and cafés are convenient.
Comfortable temperatures with occasional showers; good for park visits, markets, and coastal walks without peak heat.
Montevideo at Night
Hiking in Montevideo
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Forest trails and viewpoints offering coastal vistas; a day trip option for hiking enthusiasts.
Rural-green trails and scenic routes within a short drive from Montevideo for easy hikes.
Airports
How to reach Montevideo by plane.
Primary international gateway to Montevideo, located about 20-25 minutes from the city center by car or taxi; multiple international and domestic flight options.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Large influence on culture, architecture, and cuisine; a defining feature of Montevideo’s identity.
Contribute to the city’s cultural and musical landscape, including tango and candombe influences.
Many come for work, study, or extended travel, contributing to a cosmopolitan feel in certain districts.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport, with local teams and public viewing at bars and stadiums throughout the year.
A strong presence in local clubs and schools; community leagues and public courts are common.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Montevideo.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Look for grilled vegetables, vegetable pastas, salads, and empanadas filled with cheese or vegetables. Many restaurants can adapt dishes; ask for dishes without meat or with seafood substitutes if desired.
Many places can accommodate; request gluten-free bread or alternatives, and specify no crumb coatings on fried items.
Vegetable-based dishes, salads, legumes, and vegan-friendly cafés are available in larger venues; communicate dietary needs clearly to staff.