Montevideo

Travel Guide
Salvo Palace showing heritage architecture and a city
The capital and largest city of Uruguay combines history and architecture with theaters and live music, beaches and waterfront walks.

Montevideo, the capital city of Uruguay, blends a distinct European flavor with a welcoming small-town feel. Enjoy the many aspects of this coastal city: 18th- and 19th-century edifices in its historic center, a vibrant arts scene and upmarket beachside suburbs.

Start your visit in the Ciudad Vieja (Old Town), the historical area that sits on a western peninsula of the city. Here you’ll find major attractions, such as the Mercado del Puerto, a market area with parrillas (steakhouses), craft shops and street performers. Spot European art and furniture at the Museum of Decorative Arts, set inside the French-style Palacio Taranco.

Stroll along pedestrianized Sarandi street and browse galleries, antique stores and stands selling artisanal items. Stop at Plaza Constitución to admire the 18th-century Montevideo Metropolitan Cathedral and the 19th-century neoclassical old city hall, the MontevideoCabildo.

Take time to explore Plaza Independencia, which connects the Ciudad Vieja with central Montevideo. Look for the Puerta de la Ciudadela (Gateway of the Citadel), the last-surviving landmark of fortified Montevideo. See work by Uruguayan artist Joaquin Torres Garcia at the Museo Torres Garcia. Watch an opera or take a backstage tour at Teatro Solís.

Make your way over to Parque Batlle and experience the passion of a South American soccer match at the Centenary Stadium. Soccer fans will appreciate the displays of memorabilia at the Museum of Football.

Be sure to walk along picturesque La Rambla, a riverside promenade that stretches from the city port through exclusive beach suburbs such as Pocitos and Carrasco. The promenade is lined with public parks, beaches, bars and restaurants. It’s also home to the open-air Teatro de Verano, a main venue during the city’s carnival celebrations. Come here to watch traditional murga and candombé song and dance performances.

Reach Montevideo by plane, bus or ferry. Once in the city, use the efficient and low-cost public buses to get around. Consider using long-haul bus services or renting a car to see more of this small country known for its wine-growing regions, beautiful beaches and friendly locals.

Montevideo Travel Guide Video

Where to stay in Montevideo

Dazzler by Wyndham Montevideo
Dazzler by Wyndham Montevideo
3.5 out of 5
21 de Setiembre 2752, Pocitos, Montevideo
The price is €77 per night from 2 Nov to 3 Nov
€77
per night
2 Nov - 3 Nov
Stay at this 3.5-star spa hotel in Montevideo. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and an outdoor pool. Popular attractions Feria De Villa Biarritz and Ombu Tree ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,001 reviews)
Perfect
"All perfect"

Reviewed on 29 Aug 2023

Dazzler by Wyndham Montevideo
Regency Way Montevideo Hotel
Regency Way Montevideo Hotel
3.5 out of 5
Av. General Fructuoso Rivera 3377, Montevideo
Fully refundable
The price is €84 per night from 30 Oct to 31 Oct
€84
per night
30 Oct - 31 Oct
Stay at this 3.5-star beach hotel in Montevideo. Enjoy free WiFi, room service, and a fitness center. Popular attractions Zoo Avilla Dolores and Montevideo Shopping ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (849 reviews)
"Everything good, good breakfast"

Reviewed on 20 Sep 2023

Regency Way Montevideo Hotel
Hotel Costanero Montevideo- MGallery
Hotel Costanero Montevideo- MGallery
5 out of 5
Rambla Republica del Peru 1371, Montevideo
The price is €153 per night from 25 Oct to 26 Oct
€153
per night
25 Oct - 26 Oct
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Montevideo. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast, and a fitness center. Popular attractions Pocitos Beach and Naval Museum are located ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (89 reviews)
"Excellent staff. Especially Max, who welcomed us with grace and elegance."

Reviewed on 18 Sep 2023

Hotel Costanero Montevideo- MGallery
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Gema Luxury Suites
Gema Luxury Suites
3.5 out of 5
Roque Graseras 644, Montevideo
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly aparthotel in Montevideo. Enjoy free WiFi, room service, and a fitness center. Popular attractions Castillo Pittamiglio ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (262 reviews)
"esta bien el precio por la ubicación"

Reviewed on 19 May 2023

Gema Luxury Suites
Historic District Hidden Gem. The Best Location.
Historic District Hidden Gem. The Best Location.
Montevideo
Stay at this apartment in Montevideo. Enjoy free WiFi, a rooftop terrace, and onsite parking. Popular attractions Port Market and Puerto de Montevideo are located ...
10/10 Exceptional! (19 reviews)
Fun stay in Montevideo!
"The host was super kind and flexible. When our flight arrival time changed from 12pm to 9pm, she helped us get our keys and transition into the place. The apt. was very clean and looked exactly like the photos. Additionally, the apt. is very close to a lot of touristy sites -- we were able to talk ..."

Reviewed on 13 Jun 2023

Historic District Hidden Gem. The Best Location.
Apartamento en Pocitos a metros del Parque Rodo.
Apartamento en Pocitos a metros del Parque Rodo.
Montevideo
Stay at this apartment in Montevideo. Enjoy WiFi, onsite parking, and a Smart TV. Popular attractions Vilamajo House Museum and Ombu Tree are located nearby. ...
Apartamento en Pocitos a metros del Parque Rodo.
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Reviews of Montevideo

4.2
Top destination
5 - Excellent
7
" "5 - Excellent 41.1764705882353%
4 - Good
6
" "4 - Good 35.294117647058826%
3 - Okay
4
" "3 - Okay 23.529411764705884%
2 - Disappointing
0
" "2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
" "1 - Terrible 0%

4/5 - Good

Sue
29 Jan 2020

Had a bad experience at Le Cerro where we had a camera stolen. Not recommended to hang around by the Montevideo sign there or outside the fort.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
7 Mar 2019

Fabulous.