Montevideo, Uruguay-7-day-itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and Exploration

Morning

  • Arrive at Carrasco International Airport (MVD)
  • Take a taxi or bus (CA1 or CA2) to your accommodation in the city center
  • Check-in to your hotel, such as Hotel Palacio or Posada de la Ciudadela

Afternoon

  • Visit Plaza Independencia, the main square of Montevideo
  • Explore the Palacio Salvo, a beautiful art nouveau building
  • Walk along Avenida 18 de Julio, the main street of the city, lined with cafes and shops

Evening

  • Enjoy dinner at La Otra, a popular restaurant serving Uruguayan cuisine
  • Take a stroll along the Rambla, the waterfront promenade, and enjoy the sunset

Day 2: Old City and Harbor

Morning

  • Visit the Ciudad Vieja, the old city, and explore its charming streets and colonial architecture
  • Stop by the Mercado del Puerto, a bustling marketplace with food stalls and souvenir shops

Afternoon

  • Take a ferry to Isla de las Ratas, a small island in the Rio de la Plata (optional)
  • Visit the Museo Nacional de Artes Visuales, a museum showcasing Uruguayan art

Evening

  • Dine at Donde Augusto, a cozy restaurant serving traditional dishes
  • Enjoy live music or theater performances at Teatro Solís or Espacio de Arte

Day 3: Beaches and Markets

Morning

  • Spend the morning relaxing on Playa Pocitos, one of Montevideo’s most popular beaches
  • Visit the Feria de Tristán Narvaja, a bustling market selling everything from antiques to souvenirs

Afternoon

  • Take a bus or taxi to Carrasco, a trendy neighborhood with upscale shops and restaurants
  • Explore the Paseo de las Diligencias, a scenic coastal walkway

Evening

  • Enjoy seafood at La Bourgogne, a popular restaurant with ocean views
  • Take a romantic sunset stroll along the beach

Day 4: Wine Country

Morning

  • Take a day trip to Canelones, Uruguay’s wine country (approx. 1-hour drive)
  • Visit Bodega Boutique El Legado, a family-owned winery offering tours and tastings

Afternoon

  • Enjoy lunch at La Estación, a restaurant serving local specialties
  • Explore the charming town of Canelones and its picturesque countryside

Evening

  • Return to Montevideo and enjoy dinner at Jacinto, a trendy restaurant with a focus on local ingredients

Day 5: Culture and History

Morning

  • Visit the Museo de la Revolución, a museum showcasing Uruguay’s history
  • Explore the Barrio Reus, a charming neighborhood with a mix of colonial and art nouveau architecture

Afternoon

  • Attend a guided tour of the Teatro Colon, an iconic theater with stunning architecture
  • Visit the Museo Torres García, a museum dedicated to the life and work of Uruguayan artist Joaquín Torres García

Evening

  • Enjoy dinner at La Estancia, a restaurant serving traditional Uruguayan cuisine
  • Take in a show or concert at Teatro Circular

Day 6: Day Trip to Colonia del Sacramento

Morning

  • Take a day trip to Colonia del Sacramento (approx. 3-hour drive or ferry ride)
  • Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site, with its cobblestone streets and colonial architecture

Afternoon

  • Visit the Portón de la Ciudadela, the historic gate of the city
  • Enjoy lunch at La Casa de los Limoneros, a charming restaurant serving local specialties

Evening

  • Return to Montevideo and enjoy dinner at El Fogoncito, a popular restaurant with a focus on grilled meats

Day 7: Departure

Morning

  • Spend the morning shopping for souvenirs or exploring a local market
  • Check-out of your hotel and head to the airport for your departure flight

Tips and Essentials

  • Language: Spanish is the official language, but many Uruguayans speak some English. Consider bringing a phrasebook or using a translation app.
  • Currency: Uruguayan Peso (UYU). You can exchange currency at banks or use ATMs.
  • Transportation: Taxis, buses, and ride-hailing services are widely available. You can also rent a car or bike for day trips.
  • Safety: Montevideo is generally a safe city, but take normal precautions to protect yourself and your belongings.
  • Weather: Montevideo has a humid subtropical climate, with mild winters and warm summers. Pack accordingly.
  • Power adapter: Uruguay uses Type C and F power sockets (230V, 50Hz).

Accommodation

  • Hotel Palacio: A luxurious hotel in the heart of Montevideo
  • Posada de la Ciudadela: A charming boutique hotel with colonial architecture
  • Airbnb: Consider renting an apartment or room through Airbnb for a more local experience

Eating and Drinking

  • La Otra: A popular restaurant serving Uruguayan cuisine
  • Donde Augusto: A cozy restaurant with traditional dishes
  • Jacinto: A trendy restaurant with a focus on local ingredients
  • Uruguayan wine: Be sure to try some of Uruguay’s excellent wines, such as Tannat or Merlot

Things to Know

  • Siesta culture: Many businesses and attractions close for a few hours in the afternoon for siesta.
  • Fiestas: Montevideo hosts various festivals throughout the year, including the Feria de Tristán Narvaja and the Fiesta de la Patria Gaucha.
  • Beach activities: Enjoy swimming, sunbathing, or water sports on Montevideo’s beaches.