What to see in Montevideo, Uruguay?
Montevideo is the capital city of Uruguay, and a small city with a lot of history, natural beauty and of course rich culture. So, what to see during your visit to Montevideo? Take a look to the following list of activities and visits:
Independence Square
A must-see in the Uruguayan capital: a trip into the heart of the city. The Old Town is a place full of history and attractions, and the ideal starting point is the Plaza Independencia, Montevideo’s main square. Once there, visitors get to see the remains of the city walls and town gate, which is the beginning of the original Old Town. The city’s gate is called Puerta de la Ciudadela.
Rambla de Montevideo & Pocitos Beach
The Rambla is the coastline promenade that borders the entire capital city on the south coast. Pretty much everyone loves the Rambla: you can walk, jog, cycle or skate for kilometers while watching the urban landscape go by on one side and the natural landscape of beaches and water on the other. It’s perfect for people-watching, and seeing the sun rise and set behind the palm trees. It’s incredibly vibrant and many locals’ favorite place to go on a sunny day.
Pocitos is one of the most important residential neighborhoods in Montevideo. Its beach, also called Pocitos, is a favorite place for relaxing, practicing sports and taking a bath in RÃo Uruguay during hot summer days. The rest of the year, this area attracts sports enthusiasts and people of all ages who arrive on the promenade in search of fresh air and a spot to admire nature.
Salvo Palace
May be the most emblematic building in Montevideo, declared National Heritage Monument. It has 27 floors and is 328 feet (100 meters) tall, which made it South America’s tallest tower from 1928 to 1935. Its architectural style is an eclectic Art Deco, combining Renaissance and Gothic references with Neoclassical elements. It’s often seen as a symbol of the city’s more prosperous years in the early decades of the 20th century.
Solis Theatre
Solis Theater is a landmark in Ciudad Vieja, the Old City district in Montevideo. Go inside to see beautiful ornamental decor from the beginning of the 20th century. If possible, try to attend a show in this emblematic theater. If not, a guided tour is also a great option to discover its luxurious rooms.
Botanic Garden
Montevideo’s Botanical Museum and Gardens, in the Prado neighborhood, are extensive. This park has a great collection of beautiful plants from all over the world and serves as a center for education, information and scientific activity. It’s perfect for those who like a bit of natural sightseein
Mercado del Puerto
Originally a market located in the dockside area, but today a giant space with restaurants and shops in it. You can find street markets right outside during the weekends, and an artisan market nearby every day. It’s an amazing place to immerse yourself in Uruguayan culture, since you can eat the most typical food, listen to street performers play traditional music and people-watch for hours on end in one of the busiest hubs of the city.
Museo del Carnaval
Enjoy this wonderful Museo del Carnaval that showcases spectacular drums, costumes and masks from over 100 years of carnival celebrations, as well as video and audio recordings of February’s parades, Las Llamadas. It’s next door to Mercado del Puerto, so try stopping by for an hour before lunch for a truly Uruguayan day out.
Centenario Stadium
Uruguayans loves football of course. And this Centenario Stadium is the biggest football stadium in the country, that was built for the first-ever FIFA World Cup in 1930. It is still Montevideo’s main stadium, and a must-see even if you’re not a big football fan. The energy during a match is unlike anything else, and going to see the national team is a spectacle in itself.
