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Montevideo

South America

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Uruguay

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Montevideo

Montevideo, Uruguay's capital, is regarded as one of South America's most livable cities. The city offers pleasant weather and wonderful scenery year-round. One of the best spots to enjoy such an atmosphere is the Rambla, a promenade that runs along the La Plata River.

The city of Montevideo also boasts a rich history and culture. A typical Montevideo itinerary includes a tour of the Old Town and Independence Square areas, where the historical buildings are concentrated. Watching a tango dance is another unique experience you can get in Montevideo. Finally, Montevideo is also known for hosting the world’s longest carnival. You can see exciting parades from the last week of January all the way through mid-March.

Travel Tips for Montevideo

What you need to know before traveling here

Getting Around Montevideo

A guide to Montevideo's local transportation

Walking
Bus
Taxi
Car Rental

Walking is a great way to immerse yourself in a city. Moreover, the top attractions in Montevideo are located near one another, making it easy to see them by foot. Start your walking tour at Independence Square and continue along Sarandí Street to the Old Town.

Practical Tips for Montevideo

Things to prepare and best way to visit

What are the must-visit attractions in Montevideo?

When in Montevideo, make sure to visit the Solís Theater, the oldest theater in South America. Opened in 1856, the theater still hosts ballet, music, opera, and theater performances to this day. Another must-visit attraction is the Port Market, where you can taste some typical Uruguayan dishes and watch street performers. For a more relaxing option, head to the Rambla, a 22-kilometer riverside promenade lined with beaches, parks, and restaurants.

Where can I watch tango in Montevideo?

The tango is recognized as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. To watch tango in Montevideo, just head to one of the milongas scattered throughout the city. The milonga features a dance floor surrounded by tables. Not only can you watch people dance from your table, but you can also join in. In addition to milongas, you can catch a tango show on some days at the Museo del Tango. Located within the Salvo Palace, it is the place where the world-famous tango “La Cumparsita” was first played.

When is the best time to visit Montevideo?

Montevideo has a subtropical climate, with an average temperature ranging from 11°C in the coldest month (June) to 24°C in the hottest month (January). The best time to visit Montevideo is during the summer (October to March). The warm weather will make your visit enjoyable. If you want to see the carnival, travel between January and March. Make sure to book in advance, though, as it is Montevideo’s peak season.

What are the must-try foods in Montevideo?

A trip to Montevideo is not complete without tasting authentic Uruguayan cuisine. Grab a chivito, the national sandwich of Uruguay traditionally filled with beef, cheese, and tomatoes. After that, enjoy some asado (grilled meat) with a glass of Tannat. Tannat is a local red wine that pairs well with barbecues. For dessert, indulge in torta frita, a pan-fried cake often served with dulce de leche (caramelized milk).

How many days do I need in Montevideo?

Many of Montevideo’s attractions are clustered together, allowing for efficient exploration. Three days is generally enough to see the city’s main sites, along with an exciting day trip. Spend the first day in the Old Town and Independence Square areas. Here, you can see the Metropolitan Cathedral, Port Market, Solís Theater, Salvo Palace, and other famous landmarks. Pocitos Beach offers plenty of activities that will keep you busy on the second day. On your last day in Montevideo, take a trip out of town for a change of scenery. The most popular day trip destinations from Montevideo include the cities of Colonia del Sacramento and Punta del Este.

In This Guide

Travel Tips for Montevideo


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