8 Best Things to Do in Montevideo
Montevideo rewards a relaxed 2-3 day visit rather than a rushed checklist. Here are the eight things worth building your days around.
1. Wander Ciudad Vieja
The colonial old town, founded in 1724, is best explored on foot: Plaza Matriz with its 1790s cathedral, the Cabildo, the pedestrian street Sarandí, and the Puerta de la Ciudadela, the last surviving gate of the old city walls.
2. Stand Under the Palacio Salvo
On Plaza Independencia, the 1927 Palacio Salvo was the tallest building in South America when it opened, not the world’s tallest as sometimes claimed. Guided tours reach the rooftop deck. Nearby, an equestrian statue of national hero José Artigas stands over his permanently guarded mausoleum.
3. Eat at Mercado del Puerto
This 1868 wrought-iron market hall in Ciudad Vieja is the temple of the parrilla asado, with around a dozen grill stalls under one roof. Go for lunch, especially on a Saturday, when it’s liveliest.
4. Walk the Rambla
The roughly 22km waterfront promenade is said to be one of the world’s longest continuous sidewalks, though that claim is disputed rather than certified. It’s where locals run, fish, drink mate, and watch the sunset over the Rio de la Plata.
5. Visit Estadio Centenario and the Museo del Futbol
Built for the 1930 World Cup, this stadium hosted the first-ever World Cup final, a 4-2 Uruguay win over Argentina. The attached museum holds the actual match ball from that game.
6. Catch a Show at Teatro Solis
Uruguay’s premier 1856 opera house runs guided tours Tuesday through Sunday and is free to visit on Wednesdays.
7. Browse Feria de Tristan Narvaja
This huge Sunday flea market, running since 1909 in Cordon, is worth an early start for antiques, records, and street food.
8. Relax at Pocitos Beach
The city’s most photographed beach curves along the Rambla with the “Montevideo” sign nearby, popular for swimming and people-watching on warm afternoons.
Getting Around
There’s no metro in Montevideo; it’s never had one. Get around by city bus with an STM card, Uber, Cabify, or metered taxi. Ciudad Vieja, Centro, and the Rambla form a compact, walkable core.
Money and Timing Tips
Pay with a foreign-issued card wherever you can. Uruguay’s tourist VAT break applies automatically at checkout, dropping restaurant tax from 22% to 9% and effectively zeroing out hotel VAT, no separate refund claim required. Most of these eight things to do are free or cheap: Ciudad Vieja walks, the Rambla, Feria de Tristan Narvaja, and Pocitos beach cost nothing beyond a snack. Museum entries and the Palacio Salvo tour run a few dollars each. If you’re building a day around Mercado del Puerto, aim for lunch specifically, since dinner service is thinner and several stalls close by early evening.
A Note on Pacing
Trying to hit all eight in a single day is possible but rushed. Two relaxed days works better: pair Ciudad Vieja, the Palacio Salvo, and Mercado del Puerto on day one, then the Rambla, Estadio Centenario, and the beach on day two, saving Teatro Solis and Tristan Narvaja for whichever day fits the calendar, since the market only runs on Sundays and Wednesdays are the free theater day.
Read more: Montevideo hidden gems for spots beyond this list.