Montevideo, Uruguay-3-day-itinerary

Day 1: Exploring the Old City and Waterfront

Morning

  • Start your day at Plaza Independencia, a beautiful square surrounded by historic buildings, including the Palacio Salvo and the Teatro Solís.
  • Visit the Palacio Salvo, an iconic building with stunning views of the city from its tower.

Afternoon

  • Walk to the nearby Ciudad Vieja (Old City), a charming neighborhood filled with cobblestone streets, colonial architecture, and quaint shops.
  • Stop by the Mercado del Puerto, a bustling market offering local food, drinks, and souvenirs.
  • Visit the Museo Torres García, dedicated to the works of Uruguayan artist Joaquín Torres García.

Evening

  • Enjoy dinner at La Parrilla de la 27, serving traditional Uruguayan dishes like asado (grilled meats) and chivito (a massive sandwich).
  • Stay overnight at Hotel Palacio, a luxurious hotel located in the heart of the Old City.

Things to Know

  • Montevideo is a very walkable city, but you can also use public transportation or taxis.
  • Be prepared for variable weather, with sudden rain showers and strong sun.

Transportation

  • From Carrasco International Airport, take a taxi (around 30-40 minutes, $20-$30 USD) or bus (around 1 hour, $2-$3 USD) to the city center.

Tips

  • Try to learn some basic Spanish phrases to communicate with locals.
  • Be mindful of pickpocketing in crowded areas and tourist hotspots.

Day 2: Beaches, Parks, and Local Life

Morning

  • Head to Rambla de Montevideo, a scenic coastal promenade offering stunning ocean views.
  • Visit Playa Pocitos, one of the city’s most popular beaches, perfect for swimming and sunbathing.

Afternoon

  • Explore Parque Batlle, a beautiful park featuring several lakes, walking trails, and the iconic Estadio Centenario (Centenary Stadium).
  • Stop by Feria de Tristán Narvaja, a bustling market selling everything from antiques to handicrafts.

Evening

  • Enjoy dinner at El Fogón de los Arrieros, serving traditional Uruguayan cuisine with a focus on grilled meats.
  • Stay overnight at Hotel Fasano Las Piedras, a stylish hotel located in the trendy Punta Carretas neighborhood.

Things to Do

  • Take a stroll along the Rambla and enjoy the street performers and live music.
  • Visit the Museo Nacional de Antropología, featuring exhibits on Uruguayan history and culture.

Transportation

  • Use public transportation or taxis to move around the city (around $1-$5 USD per ride).

Tips

  • Don’t forget sunscreen and a hat to protect yourself from the sun.
  • Try some local street food, like choripán (grilled sausage sandwich) or tortas fritas (fried cakes).

Day 3: Wine Tasting and Countryside Exploration

Morning

  • Take a day trip to Canelones, a nearby wine region (around 30-40 minutes by car, $20-$30 USD).
  • Visit Bodega Boutique El Legado, a family-owned winery offering wine tastings and tours.

Afternoon

  • Head to Pueblo Edén, a charming countryside town featuring colonial architecture, artisan shops, and a beautiful beach.
  • Stop by Fazenda do Brasil, a scenic farm offering horseback riding and farm-to-table lunches.

Evening

  • Enjoy dinner at La Estación, serving gourmet Uruguayan cuisine in a historic train station setting.
  • Return to Montevideo for your last night’s stay at Hotel Casa Sarandi, a cozy boutique hotel located in the Old City.

Things to Do

  • Take a horseback ride or hike in the countryside to enjoy the scenic views.
  • Visit the Museo del Vino, dedicated to Uruguayan wine production and history.

Transportation

  • Rent a car for the day (around $40-$60 USD) or book a guided tour that includes transportation.
  • From Pueblo Edén, take a bus or taxi back to Montevideo (around 1 hour, $2-$5 USD).

Tips

  • Book wine tastings and tours in advance to ensure availability.
  • Don’t miss the stunning sunsets in the countryside.

I hope you enjoy your trip to Montevideo!