Montevideo

Montevideo, Uruguay's capital, sits on the banks of the Río de la Plata. The city has neoclassical and art deco buildings alongside a calm coastal atmosphere. You can explore the cobblestone streets of Ciudad Vieja, walk along the 22-kilometer Rambla waterfront, or sunbathe on Pocitos Beach. Montevideo comes alive during its long-running Carnival celebrations, and you can experience local culture at tango clubs and markets like Mercado del Puerto.

Exploring Ciudad Vieja

Ciudad Vieja, Montevideo's historic old town, contains many of the city's key landmarks. Wander down the pedestrian Sarandí Street to browse shops and cafes housed in colonial-era buildings. Plaza Independencia forms the heart of the old town, with a large statue of national hero José Artigas at its center. Just off the plaza stands the Palacio Salvo, once South America's tallest building. Make your way to Plaza Matriz to see the Metropolitan Cathedral, dating back to 1790.

Strolling La Rambla

La Rambla, Montevideo's waterfront promenade, stretches for 22 kilometers along the Río de la Plata. This wide avenue gives you space for walking, jogging, and cycling with views of the water. You'll see locals gathering to drink mate, fish off the rocks, or watch the sunset. The Rambla connects several of the city's beaches and parks. Stop at one of the many beachside cafes for a coffee or snack as you take in the scenery.

Enjoying Montevideo's Beaches

While not as famous as nearby Punta del Este, Montevideo has several urban beaches. Pocitos Beach is one of the most popular, with a wide stretch of sand lined by high-rise apartments. Ramírez Beach near Parque Rodó tends to be less crowded. For a quieter experience, head to the beaches in the eastern suburbs like Carrasco. The water can be chilly, but the beaches give you a great place to relax and people-watch.

Visiting Teatro Solís

Teatro Solís is Uruguay's oldest and most important theater. The neoclassical building dates back to 1856 and still hosts opera, theater, and musical performances. Even if you don't attend a show, you can take a guided tour to see the interior with its red and gold decor. The theater sits at the edge of Ciudad Vieja and makes a good starting point for exploring the old town.

Experiencing Mercado del Puerto

Mercado del Puerto is a 19th-century iron structure filled with parrillas (grill restaurants) serving Uruguay's famed beef. The market gets active at lunchtime as locals and tourists alike crowd in for massive portions of grilled meats. Beyond steaks, you can try local specialties like chivito (a hearty steak sandwich) or morcilla dulce (sweet blood sausage). Even if you're not hungry, the lively atmosphere makes it worth a visit.

Montevideo Carnival

Montevideo hosts the world's longest carnival celebration, lasting over 40 days from January to March. The festivities include parades, drum circles, and outdoor performances across the city. Look for murga groups performing satirical musical theater and comparsas playing candombe rhythms on traditional drums. The Carnival Museum in Ciudad Vieja provides background on the celebration's history and traditions.

Parks and Green Spaces

Parque Rodó is one of Montevideo's largest parks, popular with families and young people. The park contains an amusement park, a boating lake, and plenty of green space for picnics or sports. Nearby Parque Batlle houses the Estadio Centenario, which hosted the first World Cup final in 1930. For a different perspective on the city, climb Cerro de Montevideo hill for panoramic views over the bay and old town.