Best things to do in Montevideo
Find out more about those top places in Montevideo
Montevideo Travel Guide: Top Attractions, Things to Do & Must-See Places in Uruguay’s Cultural Capital
If Uruguay were a person, it would be that effortlessly cool friend who sips mate, loves poetry, dances to candombe rhythms, and knows all the best beach hangouts. And right at the heart of it all is Montevideo, the country’s relaxed yet vibrant capital. With a population of about 1.3 million, this seaside city offers a rich mix of historic charm, artistic flair, and laid-back beach vibes. It’s the kind of place where you can tour a colonial fortress in the morning and join a drum parade by night.
Whether you're hunting for the best places to visit, unique things to do, or a complete Montevideo travel guide, this city delivers with charm—and maybe a few surprise tango performances along the way.
Start at Plaza Independencia – Where History Meets Instagram-Worthy Views
This iconic square is the heartbeat of Montevideo and the perfect starting point for any sightseeing adventure. Surrounded by grand buildings, palm trees, and vintage lampposts, it’s where old meets new with flair. In the center, you’ll find the impressive statue and mausoleum of José Artigas, Uruguay’s national hero. Walk through the Puerta de la Ciudadela, a stone gateway that once guarded the old city, and voilà—you’re stepping straight into Montevideo’s colonial past.
Visit Teatro Solís – Fancy a Bit of Culture With a Side of Wow?
One of South America’s oldest and most beautiful theaters, Teatro Solís is a must-see. Whether you catch an opera, a play, or just take the guided tour, this neoclassical marvel will impress. The architecture alone deserves its own photoshoot. Pro tip: Even if you’re not into the arts, pretending to be cultured for an hour is a great excuse to escape the midday sun.
Explore Ciudad Vieja – The Old Town With New Energy
Montevideo’s Ciudad Vieja (Old Town) is a cobbled mix of historic buildings, quirky cafes, street art, and artisan markets. Think colonial facades with a boho twist. You’ll find everything from antique shops to modern art galleries—and more empanadas than you can handle. It’s one of the best places to visit if you're into culture, coffee, and casual people-watching.
Dive Into Local Flavor at Mercado del Puerto
Feeling hungry? Head straight to the Mercado del Puerto, one of Montevideo’s top attractions and a carnivore’s paradise. This lively food market is famous for its parrillas (grill restaurants), where the smell of sizzling steak is basically Uruguay’s national perfume. It’s the kind of place where locals, tourists, and hungry seagulls all gather to eat, laugh, and pretend they don’t need a nap after that much meat.
Take in the View at Fortaleza del Cerro – History With a Panorama
Sitting high above the city, the Fortaleza del Cerro (Cerro Fortress) offers sweeping views of Montevideo and the Rio de la Plata. It’s a bit of a trek to get there, but the historic cannons, museum, and the chance to yell “I’m the king of the world!” (Titanic-style) from the top are well worth it. One of the most underrated sightseeing spots in town.
Wind Down at the Rambla – Beachfront Bliss, Uruguayan Style
Stretching for miles along the coast, La Rambla is Montevideo’s beloved waterfront promenade. Locals jog, bike, fish, and sip mate here like it’s a competitive sport. Join them. The sunsets are free, and the vibes are unbeatable. It’s the perfect spot to end your day of exploring with a view that says, “Yes, I could live here.”
Montevideo may not scream for attention like some of its flashier neighbors, but its understated charm, rich culture, and warm hospitality make it one of South America’s most rewarding cities to explore. It’s quirky, it’s cool, and it’s waiting to surprise you.
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Teatro Solis
If you are a lover of theater arts, then you can’t miss visiting the enchanting Teatro Solis. Originally opened in 1865, it has undergone series of renovation to make it the spectacle it is today while retaining most of its core. It is the most-prized theater in Uruguay and the Second-biggest in South America, the main performance hall can occupy over 15500 people. The great thing about the Teatro Solis is that you can still tour around it even when there are no shows displayed on that day.
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Plaza Independencia
This is Montevideo’s most significant and largest plaza, built to memorialize Independence hero Jose Arigas. There is a 17 m high and 30-ton statue of Jose Arigas at the Plaza Independencia and it is said that his remains are buried in the plaza. It is important to note that this Plaza is surrounded by many other great buildings and historical side attractions like the Teatro Solis, Palicio Salvio. So it is a nice place to start your tour of the city.
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Montevideo’s Beaches
Being a tropical city, Montevideo is blessed with an abundance of beaches, locals and visitors are often confused as to which to visit. If you are going to be staying for an extended period it would be advisable to try to visit as many beaches as possible, from Honda beach to Playa de los Ingleses to Playa del Bueco. The good thing is that there are many resorts located next to the beaches so you can stay right next to one and enjoy all that it has to offer.
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Mercado del Puerto
There are numerous markets in Montevideo but Mercado del Puerto is at the top shelf; it is located beneath the Perez Castellanos building on the Ciudad Vieja’s waterfront area. At the market you are bound to witness several cruise ships passing along. The market is always tightly packed and involves many side attractions from the locals like dancing, singing and other artistic performances. The market offers its classic specialty called “parrilla”.
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Fortaleza Del Cerro
Fortaleza Del Cerro also called Fortaleza General Artigas was built to completion in 1839; mainly to defend the population of Montevideo and its port during times of war. It is located on the highest mountain in Montevideo and a nice place to learn about the history of Uruguay and have an excellent view of the city.
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Café Brasilero and Escaramuza
These are undoubtedly two of the top most cafes in the city, if you are looking for a place to relax with an ambient atmosphere. Café Brasilero offers a delightful stop for coffee and meals in an 1877 vintage setting, while Escaramuza Café has a back-patio restaurant and a library collection with classic books to make your stay memorable.
