Written by David Garcia, Keith Roberts, Maria Gaulto
06/08/2025
Nikolai Kolosov, Pexels
Montevideo, Uruguay's capital, is a relaxed bayside city offering a blend of rich history, vibrant culture, and modern life. Visitors can explore charming historic districts, stroll along a long coastal promenade, and experience a dynamic arts and culinary scene.
For socialising, the historic Ciudad Vieja and its lively Mercado del Puerto offer cultural experiences with local musicians and eateries. The extensive La Rambla provides a space where locals gather, exercise, and socialise, often sharing mate. The Parque Rodó and Pocitos neighborhoods are known for their selection of lively bars and proximity to urban beaches, attracting those seeking nightlife and a relaxed atmosphere. Hostels throughout the city also serve as hubs for meeting other travelers.
Top 7 Things to do in Montevideo
Activities in Montevideo encompass leisurely coastal walks, explorations of historic architecture, deep dives into local culture through markets and museums, and evenings filled with traditional music and dance.
1. Strolling La Rambla
The expansive La Rambla, stretching nearly 23 kilometers along the coastline, offers a quintessential Montevideo experience. This continuous promenade is perfect for a leisurely walk, a bicycle ride, or rollerblading, especially during sunset. It provides captivating views of the Río de la Plata and is a popular spot where locals gather, exercise, and enjoy mate. Along the way, discover skate parks, the moving Holocaust Memorial, and various street musicians.
Cost: Free.
Transport: La Rambla is accessible from many points in the city. Public buses regularly run parallel to the promenade. A bus ride costs approximately 56 pesos (around $1.5 USD). Taxis are also readily available, with a 10-15 minute ride costing about $6 USD.
2. Exploring Ciudad Vieja (Old Town) and Mercado del Puerto
Stepping into Ciudad Vieja, Montevideo's historic old town, transports visitors back in time with its charming cobblestone streets, colonial architecture, and vibrant street art. This district is home to many significant plazas and cultural sites. Within Ciudad Vieja, the Mercado del Puerto is a bustling market renowned for its traditional Uruguayan parrilla (barbecue) restaurants. Diners can savor various grilled meats while enjoying the lively atmosphere, often accompanied by local musicians.
Cost: Exploring Ciudad Vieja is free. Meals at Mercado del Puerto vary in price, but expect restaurant meals to be more expensive than in some other Latin American cities. A simple lunch might be around $40 USD, though paying with a foreign credit card can sometimes offer a VAT discount.
Transport: Ciudad Vieja is largely walkable. To reach it from other parts of the city, public buses are available for about 56 pesos (around $1.5 USD), or a taxi ride for approximately $6 USD for a 10-15 minute journey.
3. Touring the Legislative Palace (Palacio Legislativo)
The Legislative Palace stands as one of Montevideo's most impressive architectural marvels, serving as Uruguay's parliament building. Guided tours offer a comprehensive look at its opulent interiors, intricate stained glass, marble details, and rich national symbolism. These tours provide insight into Uruguayan politics and the building's historical significance, making it a highly underrated yet rewarding visit.
Cost: Guided tours cost approximately 140 pesos (around $3.5 USD). Visitors should bring their passport for entry.
Transport: The Legislative Palace is not in the immediate city center but can be reached by public bus for about 56 pesos (around $1.5 USD) or by taxi for approximately $6 USD for a short ride.
4. Ascending Palacio Salvo
An iconic landmark dominating Plaza Independencia, Palacio Salvo is a distinctive building that once held the title of South America's tallest building. Guided tours offer the opportunity to explore its unique architecture, delve into its history, and ascend to higher floors, providing some of the best panoramic views of the city center and the surrounding areas.
Cost: Tours cost approximately 300 pesos (around $8 USD).
Transport: Palacio Salvo is centrally located in Plaza Independencia, making it easily walkable from many downtown areas and Ciudad Vieja. Public buses and taxis are widely available if coming from further districts (bus: ~56 pesos / $1.5 USD; taxi: ~$6 USD for 10-15 min ride).
5. Relaxing at Parque Rodó and Pocitos Beach
Parque Rodó offers a verdant escape with its lush gardens, a charming lake, and various recreational activities. It is a pleasant spot for a leisurely stroll or enjoying the outdoors. Adjacent to the park is Pocitos Beach, a popular urban beach known for its soft sands and lively atmosphere. Visitors can enjoy a swim in the calm waters, play beach volleyball, or simply relax by the water, surrounded by the waterfront buildings of the Pocitos neighborhood.
Cost: Free.
Transport: Parque Rodó and Pocitos Beach are located east of the city center. They are easily accessible by public bus for approximately 56 pesos (around $1.5 USD) or by taxi.
6. Visiting Museo Andes 1972
The Museo Andes 1972 is a poignant private museum dedicated to the 1972 Andes plane crash, often referred to as 'The Miracle of the Andes.' This thematic museum honors the 45 people aboard the Fairchild 227 and particularly the 29 who did not return, while celebrating the resilience, solidarity, and teamwork of the 16 survivors. It provides a moving and informative experience, taking approximately 60 to 90 minutes to explore.
Cost: General admission is approximately 300 pesos (around $8 USD).
Transport: Located in Ciudad Vieja at Rincón 619, the museum is easily walkable from most of the old town area. Public transport or taxis are options for visitors coming from other parts of Montevideo.
7. Experiencing an El Milongón Dinner Show
For a captivating evening, an El Milongón Dinner Show offers a deep dive into Uruguayan cultural heritage. This four-hour experience showcases traditional dances such as tango, candombe (an African dance with complex choreography), and milonga, often accompanied by live music. The show is complemented by a dinner featuring authentic Uruguayan dishes, including barbecued meats, providing a sensory introduction to the country's culinary and artistic traditions.
Cost: A dinner and show package typically costs around $98 USD per person. Options without dinner (Copa Show) may be available at a lower price. It is recommended to book in advance.
Transport: El Milongón is located at Gaboto 1810. It is generally not within walking distance of the main tourist areas like Ciudad Vieja. A taxi ride would be recommended, costing approximately $6 USD for a typical 10-15 minute journey. Public buses are also available for around 56 pesos (around $1.5 USD) per ride, but note that public transport stops between 11 PM and 5 AM.
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