Uruguay · Local picks
100+ Places to Visit in Uruguay
Our pick of places across Uruguay, from the famous old town, market grills and summer beaches to candombe nights, hot springs and roadless villages most visitors miss. Check opening days before you go, as many coastal places close or shorten hours outside summer.
Places to Visit in Montevideo
Restaurants
- Mercado del Puerto (Ciudad Vieja)
An iron market hall packed with wood fired parrillas, the classic place for a first asado lunch. - Bar Arocena (Carrasco)
A long running bar famous for its chivito, the national steak sandwich, open late. - La Pasiva (Ciudad Vieja)
A Uruguayan chain known for chivitos and frankfurters with its secret mustard. - Jacinto (Ciudad Vieja)
A small, much loved restaurant with seasonal cooking and pastries in the old town. - Es Mercat (Ciudad Vieja)
A seafood restaurant beside the port market, known for paella and fresh fish. - La Otra (Punta Carretas)
A busy, classic parrilla where local families go for a big grill dinner.
Arts and Culture
- Teatro Solís (Ciudad Vieja)
The country's grand nineteenth century opera house, with guided tours and a full season of shows. - Palacio Salvo (Plaza Independencia)
The landmark tower on the main square, with guided visits up to the top for city views. - Museo Andes 1972 (Ciudad Vieja)
A moving, carefully told museum about the 1972 plane crash in the Andes and its survivors. - Museo del Carnaval (Ciudad Vieja)
Costumes, masks and drums that explain murga and candombe, the heart of Montevideo's long Carnival. - Museo Torres García (Ciudad Vieja)
A small museum devoted to Joaquín Torres García, the artist behind the famous upside down map of South America. - Museo Nacional de Artes Visuales (Parque Rodó)
The national art collection in a calm park setting, with Uruguayan masters such as Blanes and Figari. - Museo Gurvich (Ciudad Vieja)
A bright gallery showing the dreamlike work of José Gurvich, steps from Plaza Matriz. - Palacio Legislativo (Aguada)
Uruguay's marble parliament building, open for guided tours on many weekdays.
Things to Do
- Rambla de Montevideo (Pocitos)
The long waterfront promenade where the whole city walks, cycles and drinks mate at sunset. - Parque Rodó funfair and lake (Parque Rodó)
A leafy park with pedal boats, an old fashioned funfair and a busy Sunday market. - Candombe drum practice (Barrio Sur)
Sunday evening drum groups that practise in the streets, especially in the weeks before Carnival. - Bodega Bouza (Melilla)
A family winery on the edge of the city, with tastings, a restaurant and vintage cars.
Nature and Outdoors
- Playa Pocitos (Pocitos)
The city's favourite beach, lively on summer afternoons and backed by cafés along the rambla. - Playa Ramírez (Parque Rodó)
A small, central beach that locals use for a quick swim and sunset between the old town and Pocitos. - Cerro de Montevideo fortress (Villa del Cerro)
The hilltop fort that gave the city its name, with wide views back across the bay. - Jardín Botánico de Montevideo (Prado)
Shady botanical gardens in the old money Prado district, free and peaceful. - Rosedal del Prado (Prado)
A historic rose garden with pergolas, at its best in spring.
Shopping and Markets
- Feria de Tristán Narvaja (Cordón)
The Sunday street market of antiques, books, pets, vinyl and produce, a Montevideo ritual. - Mercado Agrícola de Montevideo (Goes)
A restored market hall full of produce stalls, small eateries and local food shops. - Mercado de los Artesanos (Centro)
A cooperative of Uruguayan makers selling leather, wool, ceramics and mate gourds. - Montevideo Shopping (Punta Carretas)
The city's original big mall, handy for rainy days and practical errands. - Punta Carretas Shopping (Punta Carretas)
A shopping centre built inside a former prison, with a striking old facade.
Cafés
- Café Brasilero (Ciudad Vieja)
One of the oldest cafés in the city, with wood panelling and a literary history. - Café Bacacay (Ciudad Vieja)
A stylish small café and restaurant facing the Teatro Solís, good before a show. - Confitería La Americana (Centro)
A traditional confitería for medialunas, sandwiches and a proper coffee on 18 de Julio.
Bars and Nightlife
- Bar Fun Fun (Ciudad Vieja)
A historic bar famous for uvita, a sweet fortified wine, and tango nights. - Mercado de la Abundancia (Cordón)
A market building with simple restaurants and a tango hall that hosts milongas.
Events
- Desfile de Llamadas (Barrio Sur and Palermo)
The great candombe drum parade during Carnival, with comparsas filling the streets. - Carnaval tablados (Citywide)
Neighbourhood stages where murga groups perform satirical songs on summer nights. - Día del Patrimonio (Citywide)
A heritage weekend when palaces, embassies and private buildings open their doors for free. - Semana Criolla del Prado (Prado)
Easter week rodeo and folk festival with gauchos, horses and grills.
Stays
- Sofitel Montevideo Casino Carrasco (Carrasco)
A restored early twentieth century casino hotel on the beach in Carrasco. - Alma Histórica Boutique Hotel (Ciudad Vieja)
A boutique hotel in an old building on Plaza Zabala, with themed rooms and a rooftop. - Ibis Montevideo Rambla (Pocitos)
A practical, good value base near the rambla and the beach. - Radisson Montevideo Victoria Plaza (Plaza Independencia)
A large central hotel on the main square, close to the old town and Centro.
Places to Visit in Colonia del Sacramento
Arts and Culture
- Barrio Histórico (Old town)
The UNESCO listed cobbled old town, best explored slowly and at sunset. - Portón de Campo (Old town)
The reconstructed city gate and drawbridge that marks the entrance to the old town. - Museo Portugués (Old town)
A small museum on the Portuguese founding of the town, part of the shared museum ticket. - Basílica del Santísimo Sacramento (Old town)
One of the oldest churches in Uruguay, rebuilt on its colonial foundations.
Things to Do
- Faro de Colonia (Old town)
The old lighthouse beside convent ruins, with views over rooftops and river. - Calle de los Suspiros (Old town)
The steep cobbled Street of Sighs, the most photographed lane in the country. - Plaza de Toros Real de San Carlos (Real de San Carlos)
A grand, abandoned bullring a bike ride from the old town, now restored as a venue. - Bodega Irurtia (Carmelo)
One of the oldest family wineries in the Carmelo area, with tastings and cellar tours. - Narbona Wine Lodge (Carmelo)
A historic estate with a winery, dairy, restaurant and small lodge. - Puente giratorio de Carmelo (Carmelo)
An old swing bridge over the Arroyo de las Vacas, still turned by hand.
Nature and Outdoors
- Playa Ferrando (Colonia)
A calm river beach and nature area close to town, good for a swim or picnic. - Sunset at the Bastión del Carmen (Old town)
The riverside rocks and walls where everyone gathers to watch the sun set over the water.
Restaurants
- El Drugstore (Old town)
A colourful corner restaurant with live music and tables in an old car outside. - Lentas Maravillas (Old town)
A cosy riverside café and restaurant with a garden facing the sunset. - La Bodeguita (Old town)
A pizza and grill spot with a deck over the river, popular at sunset.
Stays
- Charco Hotel (Old town)
A small boutique hotel in a historic house with river views. - Radisson Colonia del Sacramento (Old town edge)
A riverside hotel close to the historic quarter with a pool.
Places to Visit in Punta del Este
Arts and Culture
- Casapueblo (Punta Ballena)
Carlos Páez Vilaró's white cliffside house and museum, unmissable at sunset. - La Mano (Playa Brava)
The giant fingers sculpture rising from the sand, Punta's best known landmark. - Museo Ralli (Beverly Hills)
A free museum of Latin American art in a quiet garden setting.
Nature and Outdoors
- Playa Mansa (Peninsula)
The calm bay beach for swimming, families and sunsets. - Playa Brava (Peninsula)
The ocean side beach with waves and the famous sculpture. - Isla Gorriti (Bay)
A pine covered island with quiet beaches, reached by short boat ride in summer. - Isla de Lobos boat trip (Port)
Boat trips to see one of the largest sea lion colonies in South America. - Playa Montoya (La Barra)
A surf beach east of the bridge, busy with boards and young crowds in summer. - Faro de José Ignacio (José Ignacio)
The lighthouse at the tip of José Ignacio, a lovely walk at golden hour.
Things to Do
- Puerto de Punta del Este (Peninsula)
The harbour where sea lions wait by the fishing boats for scraps. - Puente de La Barra (La Barra)
The wave shaped bridge that cars bounce over on the way to La Barra. - Arboretum Lussich (Punta Ballena)
A large, quiet arboretum of trees from around the world, with walking trails. - Bodega Garzón (Garzón)
A modern winery among the hills, with tours, tastings and a restaurant.
Restaurants
- Parador La Huella (José Ignacio)
A famous beach shack restaurant on the sand, known for grilled fish and long lunches. - Francis (Peninsula)
A smart grill and seafood restaurant close to the beach. - Garzón restaurant (Pueblo Garzón)
Francis Mallmann's restaurant in a tiny restored village, cooking over open fire. - Lo de Tere (Peninsula)
A long running harbourside restaurant with fresh fish and pasta.
Cafés
- Freddo (Avenida Gorlero)
A popular ice cream parlour for dulce de leche after the beach.
Bars and Nightlife
- Moby Dick Pub (Port)
A classic harbourside pub that fills up late on summer nights. - Conrad Casino (Playa Mansa)
The big resort casino and show venue on the bay.
Shopping and Markets
- Feria artesanal de Plaza Artigas (Peninsula)
An evening crafts market on the main square in summer.
Stays
- Enjoy Punta del Este (Playa Mansa)
The large resort hotel and casino facing the calm bay beach. - Playa Vik (José Ignacio)
An art filled design hotel above the beach in José Ignacio. - Club Hotel Casapueblo (Punta Ballena)
Rooms within the white Casapueblo complex, with sunset views.
Events
- Punta del Este summer season (Citywide)
Late December to January brings concerts, art fairs and polo; book well ahead.
Places to Visit in Rocha coast
Things to Do
- Cabo Polonio (Cabo Polonio)
A roadless village of cabins on a headland, reached by truck across the dunes. - Punta del Diablo (Punta del Diablo)
A former fishing village turned surf town, with beaches facing every direction. - Faro de La Paloma (La Paloma)
The lighthouse on the point, with views over both coasts and whales in spring. - La Pedrera cliffs (La Pedrera)
Cliffs above long beaches, the place for sunset in this lively village.
Nature and Outdoors
- Faro de Cabo Polonio (Cabo Polonio)
The lighthouse above a large sea lion and fur seal colony. - Parque Nacional Santa Teresa (Santa Teresa)
Forest, beaches, camping and the star shaped Fortaleza de Santa Teresa. - Laguna de Rocha (Rocha)
A protected coastal lagoon with black necked swans and flamingos. - Laguna de Castillos (Castillos)
Wetlands surrounded by butiá palms, good for birdwatching. - Playa La Aguada (La Paloma)
A long surf beach just north of La Paloma. - Fortín de San Miguel (Chuy)
A small colonial fort near the Brazilian border in quiet countryside.
Arts and Culture
- Fortaleza de Santa Teresa (Santa Teresa)
An eighteenth century stone fort in the national park, open to visitors.
Restaurants
- Seafood stalls of Punta del Diablo (Punta del Diablo)
Simple stands frying fish, squid and seafood empanadas by the boats.
Bars and Nightlife
- Carnaval de La Pedrera (La Pedrera)
A famous Carnival weekend of parades and parties in the village.
Shopping and Markets
- Butiá products stalls (Castillos)
Roadside stalls selling butiá palm jam and liqueur.
Places to Visit in Salto
Nature and Outdoors
- Termas del Daymán (Daymán)
Public thermal pools, a water park and guesthouses just south of Salto. - Termas de Arapey (Arapey)
Quiet rural hot springs with pools surrounded by fields.
Things to Do
- Acuamanía (Daymán)
A thermal water park with slides, good for families. - Costanera de Salto (Centro)
The riverside walk where locals watch the sunset over Argentina. - Represa de Salto Grande (Salto Grande)
The large hydroelectric dam shared with Argentina, with a lake behind it.
Arts and Culture
- Teatro Larrañaga (Centro)
A handsome nineteenth century theatre in the city centre. - Museo del Hombre y la Tecnología (Centro)
Local history and industry in an old market building.
Stays
- Hotel Horacio Quiroga (Salto Grande)
A hotel with its own thermal pools near the dam and lake.
More to Explore
We are still checking these with fresh sources, so confirm opening times before you go.
- Confitería Las Familias (Prado, Montevideo)
A neighbourhood bakery and tea room loved for pastries and old fashioned service. - Café Misterio (Punta Carretas, Montevideo)
A long established spot for modern Uruguayan cooking and cocktails in a warm room. - Bar Tinkal (Cordón, Montevideo)
A traditional neighbourhood bar serving generous, homely Uruguayan dishes. - Estrecho (Ciudad Vieja, Montevideo)
A tiny counter restaurant with an open kitchen and a short, inventive menu at lunchtime. - Montevideo Brew House (Pocitos, Montevideo)
A craft brewery and bar with Uruguayan beers and a relaxed crowd. - Joventango (Cordón, Montevideo)
A cultural association running tango classes and milongas for all levels. - Pocitos Plaza Hotel (Pocitos, Montevideo)
A comfortable mid-range hotel a short walk from Pocitos beach. - Buen Suspiro (Old town, Colonia del Sacramento)
A small wine and cheese bar on the Calle de los Suspiros. - Charco Bistró (Old town, Colonia del Sacramento)
A bistro and café in a boutique hotel, with a terrace looking at the river. - Feria artesanal de Colonia (Old town edge, Colonia del Sacramento)
Stalls of leather, wool and mate gear on the edge of the old town. - Four Seasons Carmelo (Carmelo, Colonia del Sacramento)
A resort among vineyards and pines near Carmelo, for a quiet stay. - Colonia Jazz and food weekends (Old town, Colonia del Sacramento)
Summer music and food events in the old town; check the local tourism calendar. - Il Baretto (Peninsula, Punta del Este)
A casual Italian spot near the port that works for families. - Ocean Club (Playa Brava, Punta del Este)
A beach club and nightclub that defines Punta's January party scene. - Tas D'Viaje Hostel (Peninsula, Punta del Este)
A friendly hostel near the beach, popular with backpackers. - Cerro Verde (Punta del Diablo area, Rocha coast)
A coastal protected area where sea turtles feed offshore. - La Perla del Cabo (Cabo Polonio, Rocha coast)
A beachfront inn and restaurant in Cabo Polonio, cosy on windy nights. - Lucky's (La Paloma, Rocha coast)
A relaxed spot for burgers, beers and live music in summer. - Posada de los Corvinos (Punta del Diablo, Rocha coast)
A small, friendly guesthouse near the beach. - Cabo Polonio Hostel (Cabo Polonio, Rocha coast)
A simple hostel in the dunes for a night without electricity worries. - Parrillas of Calle Uruguay (Centro, Salto)
Simple grill houses on and around the main street.