What are the best things to do in Montevideo?
Top picks in Montevideo include Ciudad Vieja (Old City), Mercado del Puerto, Rambla waterfront, Palacio Salvo. See the full list and itinerary on this Montevideo travel guide.
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South America · South America
Montevideo Travel Guide
Things to do in Montevideo — Explore Montevideo
Photo: Eduardo Ruggieri · CC BY-SA 3.0
Why visit Montevideo
Construction of the Cerro fort, at the time called Montevieu fort, was started by the Portuguese in 1723. The following year the Spanish started building the city of Montevideo on the opposite side of the bay where Ciudad Vieja is now, and occupied and colonized the rest of the region. During its almost 300 years of existence, Montevideo has been part of the Spanish and Portuguese empires, occupied by the British for a few months in 1807 and afterwards a part of Brazil and today's Argentina before finally becoming… (Source: Wikivoyage, CC BY-SA.)
Montevideo is a stop in Uruguay, not a country-in-a-weekend. Plan about 3 days. If time is short, prioritise Ciudad Vieja (Old City), Mercado del Puerto, Rambla waterfront instead of racing the whole list. Mid-range ground costs are about 55–140 USD per person per day, excluding international flights. Best time: The dry season (roughly May–September) is ideal. Rankings, stay length and cost bands on this page come from Global Itinerary’s trip-planning models.
Best time
The dry season (roughly May–September) is ideal
Weather
From highland cool to tropical warmth
Experiences
Things to do in Montevideo
1
Ciudad Vieja (Old City)
2
Mercado del Puerto
3
Rambla waterfront
4
Palacio Salvo
5
Teatro Solís
6
Museo Nacional de Artes Visuales
7
Pocitos Beach
8
Plaza Independencia
Budget travel
Free things to do in Montevideo
Ciudad Vieja (Old City)
Rambla waterfront
Pocitos Beach
Plaza Independencia
Mostly free or pay-what-you-like — always double-check opening times and any seasonal fees before you go.
Plan your trip
Montevideo itinerary (3 days)
- 1
Day 1
Icons & landmarks
- Visit Ciudad Vieja (Old City)
- Visit Mercado del Puerto
- Visit Rambla waterfront
- 2
Day 2
Culture & neighborhoods
- Visit Palacio Salvo
- Visit Teatro Solís
- Visit Museo Nacional de Artes Visuales
- 3
Day 3
More highlights
- Visit Pocitos Beach
- Visit Plaza Independencia
Prefer a full 9-day trip with costs and FAQs? Read the Montevideo itinerary guide.
Budget
Montevideo trip cost
Budget
USD 25–45
per person / day
Mid-range
USD 55–140
per person / day
Luxury
USD 160–265+
per person / day
Typical on-the-ground spend in Montevideo, Uruguay. Hostel/guesthouse + local meals ≈ budget; comfortable hotels + mix of dining ≈ mid-range; luxury hotels and fine dining ≈ luxury. Figures exclude international flights.
Trip budget estimator
Typical mid-range for Montevideo
Estimated total (USD)
$2,180
≈ $1,090 per person · $311 per day group total
Ground costs ≈ $95/person/day (lodging + food + transport + activities)
Defaults match Montevideo mid-range ground costs (budget 25–45 · mid 55–140 · luxury 160–265+ USD/day). Edit freely — flights vary by origin.
Where to eat
Local favourites
Mercado de la Abundancia
Founded in 1836, it's the oldest market in the city. Like the one in the port it also has steak and paella restaurants, and you can buy thin
Mercado del Puerto
This touristy building houses a dozen or so restaurants. Most offer grilled meat, and you can find good paella, as well. It is usually quite
- $
Nuevo Citadelle
An array of typical Uruguayan food, surprisingly cheap considering its prime location. It's kind of hidden away, though—to get there from th
- $$
La Pasiva
There are several restaurants of this chain in Montevideo, however the two you are likely going to encounter are the ones at Sarandí in the
Buffet Montevideo
Very good self service restaurant. Excellent alternative to vary the "standard" dishes of Uruguayan cuisine, offering Chinese food, meats, v
La Cibeles
Very good food, especially the empanadas. The meals have the taste of homemade, there are a variety of dishes, they are well served. Very co
Where to stay
Tourist favourites & top-rated
- $$
Hotel Arapey
Rambling art deco relic with large rooms and linens as old as the building. Private bath, fans, TVs, elevator.
- $
Spléndido Hotel
Rumor has it that this hotel was built by a former president at the turn of the 20th century for his mistress. The hotel is near the Plaza d
Ibis Montevideo Rambla
A 5-minute walk from the old town, this chain hotel has simple but comfortable rooms and is bookable over the Internet.
Radisson Montevideo Victoria Plaza Hotel
Hotel in the heart of Montevideo's financial and commercial district. Features include a pool, gym, high-speed Internet, and views of the ci
Hotel Iberia
Shopping
- Montevideo Leather Factory
- Manos del Uruguay
- Acatras del Mercado
- Puro Verso
- Punta Carretas Shopping Mall
- Montevideo Shopping Center
Nightlife
- la Ronda Café
- Cafe Brasilero
- Porto Vanila
- Shannon Irish pub
- El Pony Pisador
- Bar Valentin Pub Rock
In pictures
Montevideo gallery
Photos: Eduardo Ruggieri, Marcelo Campi, Ermell, Gabboe, Coolcaesar — via Wikimedia Commons
Good to know
Montevideo travel FAQs
When is the best time to visit Montevideo?
The dry season (roughly May–September) is ideal.
How many days do I need in Montevideo?
Plan at least 3 days in Montevideo for the highlights on our suggested itinerary; add more time for day trips.
Where should I stay in Montevideo?
Popular stays in Montevideo include Hotel Arapey, Spléndido Hotel, Ibis Montevideo Rambla. Book central areas if you want to walk to major sights.
How much does a trip to Montevideo cost?
On the ground in Montevideo (excluding international flights), budget travellers often spend about 25–45 per person per day, mid-range about 55–140, and luxury about 160–265+ (USD). Typical on-the-ground spend in Montevideo, Uruguay. Hostel/guesthouse + local meals ≈ budget; comfortable hotels + mix of dining ≈ mid-range; luxury hotels and fine dining ≈ luxury.
Keep exploring
