Your Ultimate Montevideo Travel Guide | Uruaguay

While visiting Argentina I decided to use the great opportunity and travel for a weekend to Uruguay as it is extremely easy to get a boat over the river de la Plata to Montevideo from Buenos Aires.

In this guide, I will share with you my journey with the boat from Buenos Aires and technicalities you should know about as well as the best places to visit in Montevideo. I will also comment on the best areas to stay in Montevideo and other useful tips!

1. Travel from Buenos Aires to Montevideo

2. The best places to visit in Montevideo

3. The best areas to stay in Montevideo

4. Day trips from Montevideo

5. FAQ

Travel from Buenos Aires to Montevideo

The cheapest and easiest way how to get to Montevideo is by boat from Buenos Aires. You can of course also fly into Montevideo from anywhere or take a bus from Brazil or Argentina. But the most convenient way is from Buenos Aires by boat.

There are two routes:

• A direct one that goes from Buenos Aires directly to Montevideo and takes around 2h 30min.

• A longer route through the town of Colonia that takes in total of around 4h 30min. This route consists of a shorter boat ride and then a bus ride from Colonia to Montevideo. The good news is that the boat and bus services are connected so it is a seamless trip to Montevideo. Also, the bus is included in the overall ticket.

The main difference is the time and price. The price varies but most of the time it is two times cheaper to book via Colonia.

There are two companies that does the trip:

• Busquebus, which offers both routes

• Colonia Express, which only offers the longer route via Colonia

I decided to go the longer route with Colonia Express and I was pleasantly surprised. The whole trip was very well organized and the change from boat to bus was very seamless. For anyone budget conscious I highly recommend this route.

You can book the tickets online via the 2 websites above, but you will need to exchange your online confirmation for an actual ticket in the port. Then you will go through the security and passport checks and enter the terminal. The cafes in both ports are very limited but the ports themselves are very modern and clean, so it was comfortable to travel by boat.

The best places to visit in Montevideo

There are several amazing places and areas to enjoy in the city but let's start with Montevideo Old Town (Ciudad Vieja) as it features some of the most important sites not only in Montevideo but the whole of Uruguay.

Montevideo Old Town

Puerta de la Ciudadela

The Puerta de la Ciudadela (Gateway of the Citadel) is the remaining gateway of Montevideo's old city walls, symbolizing the entrance to the historic Ciudad Vieja neighborhood. The walls were demolished in the 19th century to modernize the city, but this iconic gateway was preserved as a historic landmark.

Plaza Independencia

Plaza Independencia is Montevideo's most iconic square, located at the boundary between the historic Ciudad Vieja and the modern downtown area. It serves as a central point in the city.

The square honors Uruguay's independence and is surrounded by significant landmarks, including the Solís Theatre, the Executive Tower (housing the President's office), and the Artigas Mausoleum, which houses the remains of José Gervasio Artigas, Uruguay's national hero. At the center of the plaza stands a towering equestrian statue of Artigas, beneath which lies his mausoleum, guarded by soldiers in ceremonial uniform.

By the square, you will also find Palacio Salvo, which in the 1920ies was the highest skyscraper in South America.

Solis Theatre

The Solís Theatre is Montevideo's premier performing arts venue and one of the oldest theaters in South America, inaugurated in 1856. It is a cultural icon, hosting a wide range of performances, including opera, ballet, and theater, and showcasing both national and international talent. The theater underwent extensive renovations in 2004 to restore its neoclassical architecture and now offers guided tours that reveal its history, architecture, and even behind-the-scenes glimpses.

Sarandí

When in Montevideo, you have to walk down the lively Sarandí pedestrian street, lined with shops, cafés, galleries, and street performers. Sarandí Street transforms during weekends and holidays into an open-air market, where artisans and vendors showcase handmade crafts, antiques, and local goods.

Montevideo Metropolitan Cathedral

The Montevideo Metropolitan Cathedral, also known as the Iglesia Matriz, is the city’s main Catholic church and one of its oldest buildings, located on Plaza Matriz. The cathedral houses beautiful stained-glass windows, intricate artwork, and the tombs of prominent figures. It is of course free to enter.

Zabala Square

A little oasis in the busy city is the Zabala Square. It was named after Bruno Mauricio de Zabala, the founder of Montevideo. It is surrounded by colonial-style buildings and lush greenery.

Mercado del Puerto

Mercado del Puerto also referred to as Port Market, is a vibrant market in Montevideo's port area, renowned for its traditional Uruguayan cuisine, particularly asado (grilled meats). Opened in 1868, it has become a cultural and gastronomic hub, offering visitors an authentic taste of Uruguay’s culinary heritage in a lively, historic setting. Despite its name, the Mercado del Puerto isn’t a traditional produce market—it's a collection of parrillas (grill restaurants) and artisanal shops, housed in a striking iron structure designed in the Victorian style. One of the best places where to enjoy an authentic Uruguayan meal in Montevideo.

You can explore the Montevideo old town in your pace or consider booking one of the free walking tours offered by local guides. The old town tours include most of the sights I have mentioned above.

Mirador de la Intendencia

Just 10 minute walk away from the Montevideo Old Town you will find the best viewpoint in the city - Mirador de la Intendencia. It is a panoramic observation deck located at the top of the Montevideo City Hall building, offering breathtaking 360-degree views of the city. The best part entrance is free and it is open every day! The working hours are form 10 AM to 8 PM. You can save the visit for the sunset time.

Montevideo has several wonderful neighborhoods each with its specific features.

Punta Carretas

Punta Carretas is an upscale neighborhood in Montevideo, known for its mix of coastal beauty, modern amenities, and historic charm.

You can enjoy scenic walks along the Rambla (seaside promenade), explore the Punta Carretas Lighthouse for stunning views of the coastline, and shop or dine at Punta Carretas Shopping, a former prison turned into a stylish mall. The neighborhood also offers access to beautiful parks like Villa Biarritz, where a lively outdoor market is held on weekends.

You can also check out Universo Pittamiglio which is a museum and cultural space located within the Pittamiglio Castle. You can explore the castle's mysterious corridors, secret doors, and symbolic decorations, which reflect the esoteric beliefs of its architect and owner, Humberto Pittamiglio. The museum offers guided tours and hosts exhibitions, workshops, and theatrical performances that delve into art, science, and mysticism.

Parque Rodó

Another wonderful oasis in Montevideo is Parque Rodó which is a picturesque park and neighborhood offering a mix of green spaces and cultural attractions. The park features a serene lake with pedal boats, walking paths, and beautifully landscaped gardens. Art lovers can explore the National Museum of Visual Arts (Museo Nacional de Artes Visuales), which houses Uruguay's most important art collection.

Pocitos

Pocitos is a trendy coastal neighborhood in Montevideo. This will be the best neighborhood where to relax on the beach (Playa Pocitos). Or you can simply stroll along the Rambla to enjoy scenic views of the coastline. The area is also home to chic cafés, boutique shops, and bustling nightlife. Don't miss the iconic Montevideo sign, perfect for photos with the beach in the background.

Rambla which I have now mentioned a couple of times is the same promenade. It is one of the longest promenades in South America. It is 22 kilometers long and runs along Montevideo’s coastline, offering stunning views of the Río de la Plata and connecting several neighborhoods.

Although it might seem like a lot of neighborhoods to explore, do not worry, they all 3 are located next to each other. If you are looking for a convenient way how to see them all, plus the old town, consider getting the hop on hop off bus!

The best areas to stay in Montevideo

As you might have gathered the top 4 areas where to stay in Montevideo are:

• The Old Town

• Punta Carretas

• Parque Rodó

• Pocitos

The Old Town will be great if you are short on time and want to ensure you see and visit all the main significant sites in Montevideo.

Punta Carretas is an upscale neighborhood so offers more premium options. You will find hotels like Mercure and Ibis there. I stayed in Punta Carretas in the Dazzler Hotel and absolutely loved it! The location was excellent, as I was walking distance away or a short taxi drive away from all the main areas I wanted to explore.

Parque Rodó is a very convenient location to stay at being between the old town and Punta Carretas. And also simply a beautiful area to base yourself at.

And Pocitos will be perfect for those who want to combine exploring the city with a beach day!

The Best Time to Visit Montevideo

The best time to visit Montevideo is during summer (December to March), when the city enjoys warm weather and a festive atmosphere. Temperatures then range from 25–30°C so you can enjoy the beaches, and outdoor activities along the Rambla and also see the city. Most importantly. January and February bring the Montevideo Carnival, one of the longest in the world, featuring colorful parades, candombe drumming, and theatrical performances.

If you prefer fewer crowds and cooler temperatures, consider visiting in spring (September to November) or autumn (April to May) for mild weather and a more laid-back experience.

Day trips from Montevideo

Colonia del Sacramento

Ideally, you can combine your boat trip with a day trip in Colonia del Sacramento, which is a charming UNESCO World Heritage Site with a well-preserved colonial atmosphere. Colonia’s blend of Portuguese and Spanish colonial architecture makes it one of the most unique historical towns in Uruguay. There you can stroll through the Barrio Histórico, with cobblestone streets, colorful houses, and landmarks like the Lighthouse and the Portón de Campo. You can also visit the Portuguese Museum to learn about the city's rich history. And enjoy waterfront views and dining at quaint restaurants along the Río de la Plata.

Punta del Este

About a two-hour drive from Montevideo, Punta del Este is Uruguay’s most glamorous beach destination, known for its luxury. It is often called the "St. Tropez of South America,". This will be an ideal location for those looking for some beach time in Uruguay. Stroll through the chic Gorlero Avenue for shopping and dining.

More Day Trip ideas and the best surfing spots find here: 'Best Day Trips from Montevideo'

FAQ - Montevideo

Does Uber work in Montevideo?

• Yes, Uber works in Montevideo and the whole of Uruguay. It wasn't too expensive either.

Is Montevideo safe?

• Absolutely! Montevideo is one of the safest capital cities in South America.

How expensive is Montevideo?

• Montevideo is just slightly more expensive than Brazil but it is cheaper than Buenos Aires.

Is one day enough for Montevideo?

• With a good plan, yes, it is possible to see everything within one full day.

If you have any other questions, please do not hesitate to reach out via DMs