🌍 Montevideo, Uruguay

Things to Do in Montevideo

Top attractions, hidden gems, and free activities. Everything you need for the perfect Montevideo experience.

8
Attractions
0
Free Activities
18h
Total Time
$80
Top 10 Cost

Must-See in Montevideo

#1
🌳
Rambla de Montevideo

Over 22 km of continuous waterfront promenade along the Río de la Plata, lined with beaches, parks and apartment towers. Locals run, cycle, drink mate and watch the sunset here almost every day. It is the city's outdoor living room and the best way to feel Montevideo's rhythm.

⏱️ 2.5h
#2
🏰
Ciudad Vieja & Plaza Independencia

The historic old town and main square of Montevideo, anchored by the Artigas Mausoleum and the iconic Palacio Salvo. Explore pedestrian streets like Sarandí, colonial-era buildings, museums and classic cafes.

⏱️ 3h
#3
🍜
Mercado del Puerto

Old port market filled with parrillas (grill restaurants) where you can try Uruguay's famous asado and choripán under an iron-and-glass roof. Very touristy at peak times but still an atmospheric spot to experience local food culture.

⏱️ 2h
📅
If You Have 1 Day
The essential Montevideo experience
  • 1Rambla de Montevideo2.5h
  • 2Ciudad Vieja & Plaza Independencia3h
  • 3Mercado del Puerto2h
  • 4Parque Rodó & Playa Ramírez2.5h
Total: ~10 hoursEst. cost: ~$40
🗓️
Weekend Itinerary
2 days of Montevideo highlights

Day 1

  • Rambla de Montevideo
  • Ciudad Vieja & Plaza Independencia
  • Mercado del Puerto
  • Parque Rodó & Playa Ramírez

Day 2

  • Museo Nacional de Artes Visuales
  • Pocitos Beach
  • Punta Carretas Lighthouse
  • Fortaleza del Cerro
Total: ~18 hoursEst. cost: ~$80
💰

Budget Calculator

Budget Explorer
$30
0 free attractions
Standard Visitor
$50
Top 5 attractions
See Everything
$80
Top 10 attractions

* Estimates based on typical entry fees. Actual prices may vary.

All Attractions

🌳

Rambla de Montevideo

nature

Over 22 km of continuous waterfront promenade along the Río de la Plata, lined with beaches, parks and apartment towers. Locals run, cycle, drink mate and watch the sunset here almost every day. It is the city's outdoor living room and the best way to feel Montevideo's rhythm.

⏱️ 2.5h

Quick Info

⏱️ Duration2.5h
💰 PriceVaries
🌅 Best TimeAny time
📍 AreaCity Center
🏰

Ciudad Vieja & Plaza Independencia

historical

The historic old town and main square of Montevideo, anchored by the Artigas Mausoleum and the iconic Palacio Salvo. Explore pedestrian streets like Sarandí, colonial-era buildings, museums and classic cafes.

⏱️ 3h

Quick Info

⏱️ Duration3h
💰 PriceVaries
🌅 Best TimeAny time
📍 AreaCity Center
🍜

Mercado del Puerto

food

Old port market filled with parrillas (grill restaurants) where you can try Uruguay's famous asado and choripán under an iron-and-glass roof. Very touristy at peak times but still an atmospheric spot to experience local food culture.

⏱️ 2h

Quick Info

⏱️ Duration2h
💰 PriceVaries
🌅 Best TimeAny time
📍 AreaCity Center
🌳

Parque Rodó & Playa Ramírez

park

Large urban park and adjacent city beach near the center. The park has a small lake, fairground rides on weekends and plenty of lawns for picnics, while Playa Ramírez offers sand, views and a relaxed local atmosphere.

⏱️ 2.5h

Quick Info

⏱️ Duration2.5h
💰 PriceVaries
🌅 Best TimeAny time
📍 AreaCity Center
🏛️

Museo Nacional de Artes Visuales

museum

One of Uruguay's most important art museums, located inside Parque Rodó. Houses a strong collection of Uruguayan art including works by Torres García and Figari, plus temporary exhibitions in a modernist building.

⏱️ 2h

Quick Info

⏱️ Duration2h
💰 PriceVaries
🌅 Best TimeAny time
📍 AreaCity Center
🏖️

Pocitos Beach

beach

Curved urban beach backed by the Rambla and apartment buildings in the Pocitos neighborhood. In summer it fills with sunbathers, volleyball games and evening mate sessions, while the calm water makes it good for casual swims when conditions allow.

⏱️ 2h

Quick Info

⏱️ Duration2h
💰 PriceVaries
🌅 Best TimeAny time
📍 AreaCity Center
🌄

Punta Carretas Lighthouse

viewpoint

Small lighthouse at the tip of the Punta Carretas peninsula where the Rambla bends towards Pocitos. Offers views of the coastline and city skyline and is a classic spot for sunset photos and breezy walks.

⏱️ 1.5h

Quick Info

⏱️ Duration1.5h
💰 PriceVaries
🌅 Best TimeAny time
📍 AreaCity Center
🏰

Fortaleza del Cerro

historical

Hilltop fortress on the west side of the bay that once guarded Montevideo's harbor. Today it is a museum with sweeping views over the port, city and Río de la Plata, especially dramatic on clear days.

⏱️ 2.5h

Quick Info

⏱️ Duration2.5h
💰 PriceVaries
🌅 Best TimeAny time
📍 AreaCity Center
🗺️

💡 Sightseeing Tips for Montevideo

1

Book popular sites in advance. Major attractions sell out weeks ahead—book online to avoid disappointment.

2

Go early or late. Major attractions are packed midday. Visit at opening time or after 5pm for smaller crowds.

3

Look for free entry days. Many museums offer free entry on certain days or evenings.

4

Get a city pass. If you're visiting multiple attractions, city passes often save money and include transport.

🔗 More About Montevideo

Planning a trip to Montevideo?

Get the complete digital nomad guide with costs, neighborhoods, and work spots

View Full Guide