Visiting Montevideo: what are the best things to see and do in Uruguay’s capital?
Uruguay ‘s capital tends to be overshadowed by its Argentine neighbor Buenos Aires. But if you’re looking for something a little different, check out this dense, friendly city right on the banks of the Río de la Plata: it has a weird and wonderful array of sights and things to do. It’s a place where the traditional and the modern are intertwined. For example, Montevideo has a thriving economy, but people take the time to live as they did before (for now). The city has gleaming new shopping malls, but it’s also full of small, family-run stores. Every child in the country gets a free laptop, but time spent with the family is still cherished more than anything.
1. Contemplating the Palacio Salvo
Look at the eccentric design of theformer Palacio Salvo Hotel on Plaza Independencia. Now converted into apartments, it’s almost a shame that this baroque building (Montevideo’s icon) isn’t still a hotel. It would have been a remarkable place to stay in Uruguay’s capital.
Flickr – cHagHi
2. The style of Montevideo as seen by the French
Head to the Palacio Taranco and Museo de Artes Decorativas (plaza 25 de Mayo 376, free admission), the former home of a wealthy early-20th-century family, where you can browse large rooms decorated with French and Spanish art and furniture (the Palacio was designed by Frenchman Charles Louis Girault). And, unlike many mansions, you can also peek behind the servants’ doors, where you’ll find, among other things, a huge stove in the kitchen.
3. Go shopping… in a prison
Go shopping or see a film in a former prison in the Punta Carretas shopping center. When the prison was still in operation, there was a famous escape in 1971 when members of a very « Robin Hood » gang tunneled out into the living room of a house across the street. In 1994, the prison was transformed into a pleasant shopping center with two cinemas.
4. See the works of a key figure in Constructivism
See for yourself the murals and sculptures by the Lithuanian-Jewish immigrant José Gurvich at the endearing Museo Gurvich (Plaza de la Constitución, free admission Tuesdays, www.museogurvich.org). Gurvich was a student of Torres García, Uruguay’s greatest artist (who also has a museum dedicated to him at Sarandi 683, www.torresgarcia.org.uy).
Flickr – Iliazd
5. Take a dip in Pocitos
Swim in the sea and lie on the sand dunes on the beach in the Pocitos district. It’s hard to remember that you’re still in the capital with clean sand and calm water. Surprisingly, there aren’t many people around either.
6. Honor diversity and life
Discover the first monument in South America dedicated to sexual diversity, erected in 2005 on Policia Vieja street in the old town. It reads: « To honor diversity is to honor life. Montevideo supports respect for all sexual identities and orientations. Year 2005 ». Uruguay is definitely a very open country, having officially legalized the production and marketing of marijuana in 2013.
7. Enjoy a chivito
Try to finish a huge chivito in one of Montevideo’s cafe-bars. You’ll either enjoy it, or stall because the sandwich is too big.
Flickr – mattrubens
8. The stunning Comercial del Este
Stare in wonder at La Comercial del Este, in the lobby of the presidential palace on Plaza Independencia. This is an incredible reconstruction of the last horse-drawn stagecoach to travel between Montevideo and Maldonado in 1910. The horses appear, from a distance, to be made of metal, but on closer inspection, they are in fact made entirely of shells, animal bones, feathers and twigs all sourced from the natural environment the stagecoach would have traversed between the two cities. The way the artists have managed to convey the expressions of each horse using only these materials is inspiring.
9. Declare your love with a padlock
Add your padlock to the Fuente de los candados, an extraordinary demonstration of undying love on the railings surrounding this modest fountain on Avenida 18 de Julio at the end of Calle Yi. The plaque reads: « The legend of this young fountain tells us that if a padlock with the initials of two lovers is placed on it, they will return to the fountain together and their love will be sealed forever. »
Flickr – Jota Galeano
10. Stroll along the Ramblas
Stroll along the endless Ramblas, the seafront promenade that stretches 21 km along the beaches. Stop off at Playa Ramirez for a dip, or return to the city at Parque Rodó to enjoy the funfair.
11. Immerse yourself under the General Artigas
Dive beneath the gigantic statue of General Artigas in the middle of Plaza Independencia to see the mausoleum of a personality who did his utmost to obtain Uruguay’s independence. His resting place in this underground space is permanently guarded by two uniformed and armed guards.
How do I get to Montevideo?
Flights to Uruguay and Montevideo are operated regularly from France and Europe. Find a cheap flight to Montevideo on the website of our partner Skyscanner.
Find a hotel in Montevideo
To find a cheap hotel in Montevideo, search on this hotel comparator.
So these were a few ideas for « unconventional » visits to Montevideo. What did you like best about the Uruguayan capital?
Map of hotels and accommodation – Montevideo,uy