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

Radisson Montevideo Victoria Plaza Hotel
Radisson Montevideo Victoria Plaza Hotel
4 out of 5
759 Plaza Independencia, Montevideo, 11100
Fully refundable
The price is €147 per night from 28 Mar to 29 Mar
€147
per night
28 Mar - 29 Mar
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Montevideo. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants and a casino. Our guests praise the pool and the bar in their reviews. ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (563 reviews)
"Wonderful spacious rooms with large beds A fabulous swimming pool"

Reviewed on 12 Mar 2023

Radisson Montevideo Victoria Plaza Hotel
Hyatt Centric Montevideo
Hyatt Centric Montevideo
4.5 out of 5
Rambla República del Perú 1479, Montevideo, 11300
The price is €179 per night from 3 Apr to 4 Apr
€179
per night
3 Apr - 4 Apr
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Montevideo. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the comfy rooms ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (639 reviews)
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Reviewed on 7 Mar 2023

Hyatt Centric Montevideo
Hotel Costanero Montevideo- MGallery
Hotel Costanero Montevideo- MGallery
5 out of 5
Rambla Republica del Peru 1371, Montevideo, 11300
The price is €166 per night from 26 Mar to 27 Mar
€166
per night
26 Mar - 27 Mar
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Montevideo. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast and a fitness centre. Popular attractions Pocitos Beach and Naval Museum are located ...
9/10 Wonderful! (62 reviews)
Montevideo gem
"Great hotel which overlooks the beach, well worth the extra to get a sea view, staff were excellent, good breakfast, room was spacious. Overall great hotel."

Reviewed on 21 Mar 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.

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