Mercado del Puerto (Port Market)
Set under a vast, cast-iron structure reminiscent of old
European railway stations, Montevideo's Mercado del Puerto (Port
Market) is a lively affair. A hive of trading activity since 1868,
the area no longer operates as a market, instead housing some of
the finest seafood eateries in the city and perhaps the best
steakhouses in South America. Visitors should try the traditional
drink called medio y medio (champagne mixed with white wine) with
their meals, and linger to watch the city's talented buskers and
entertainers.
Mercado del Puerto
Phil Whitehouse
National History Museum
The Museo Historico Nacional is a treat for visiting history
buffs. Located in the Old City, it's made up of old houses where
prominent historical figures once lived, and its collection traces
the history of Uruguay from before European colonisation to the
mid-20th century. Exhibits include books, documents, furniture,
photographs and works of art. The houses that make up the museum
are Casa de Antonio Montero, Casa de Juan Antonio Lavalleja, House
of Manuel Ximénez and Gomez, House of Joseph Garibaldi, Casa de
Juan Francisco Giró, House fifth of Luis Alberto de Herrera and the
fifth house of José Batlle y Ordóñez.
Casa de Antonio Montero, Museo Historico
Nacional
Nicolas Barriola
Plaza Independencia
Montevideo's showpiece plaza contains some of the city's most
impressive architecture, including its best-known landmark, the
Palacio Salvo. Designed by Italian architect, Mario Palanti, and
completed between 1927 and 1928, it was originally intended as a
hotel but instead came to house an elaborate collection of offices
and residential apartments. It was once the tallest building in
South America and was built on the site where Gerardo Matos
Rodriguez wrote La Cumparsita: one of the most famous and
recognisable tangos of all time. The Plaza also contains a statue
of Uruguay's national hero, General Artigas.
Plaza Independencia
nouknouk
Ciudad Vieja
Montevideo's old city is a vibrant, fascinating district of
grand historic buildings and cobbled streets. Weekends see dancers
and musicians gather for impromptu performances, and artists have
turned many of the decaying, ground-floor apartments into studios
and galleries, where visitors can purchase works from some of
Uruguay's finest. The area's iron gates and street lamps are very
photogenic. Travellers are sure to find a wonderful juxtaposition
of old and new, making Ciudad Vieja the purest embodiment of
Montevideo's evolution.
Ciudad Vieja
Rubén Rojas Gratz
Estadio Centenario
Built between 1929 and 1930, the Estadio Centenario commemorates
the centenary of Uruguay's first constitution, and hosted the
first-ever FIFA World Cup final, in which Uruguay beat Argentina by
four goals to two. Listed by FIFA as one of the world's Classic
Stadiums, the Estadio Centenario has become a bucket-list item for
many football fans. Thousands of tourists visit every year, either
to attend a match or to enjoy the fascinating Museo del Fútbol
(Football Museum) housed within the stadium itself.
Estadio Centenario
Jimmy Baikovicius
Montevideo's climate is mild, with an average annual temperature
of around 55°F (13°C). During the height of summer (January),
Montevideo's average temperatures range from 64°F (18°C) to 82°F
(28°C), while winters (June to August) are much cooler and tend to
be wet. Average temperatures range between 45°F (7°C) and 53°F
(12°C). Autumn is the wettest season.
Given its temperate climate, Montevideo is a pleasant
destination at any time of year, though summer and early spring are
probably the best times to go.
Carrasco International Airport
Location: The airport is situated 11 miles (18km) to the east of
central Montevideo, in the suburb of Carrasco.
Time: Local time is GMT -3.
Getting to the city:
Buses and taxis are available from the airport to the city
centre.
Car Rental:
Car rental companies represented at the airport include Avis,
Budget, Hertz, and Europcar.
Airport Taxis:
Airport Taxi runs a metered service into Montevideo from the
airport.
Facilities:
Airport facilities include VIP lounges, a conference room,
shopping (including duty-free shops), a bank, fast food outlets,
car rental companies, a hairdresser, a travel agency and currency
exchange facilities.
Parking
Parking is available at the airport. There are short-term and
long-term parking lots.
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Buses run all over the city until around 11pm daily, and are
cheap and easy to use. Visitors can buy tickets directly from the
driver or conductor, who can also offer advice on routes and
destinations. Taxis are metered and plentiful.
Otherwise, locals are generally friendly and willing to point
travellers to various sights and attractions. A Spanish phrase book
is useful for this reason.
Culturally rich and home to nearly half of Uruguay's population,
Montevideo is easily as captivating as South America's more famous
capitals. Travellers often begin their stays with a visit to the
city's gorgeous beachfront, whether they wish to windsurf, jog
round the breezy ramblas (esplanades) or simply relax with their
families. Ciudad Vieja (Old Town) is a must for its historic
architecture and museums, and Plaza Independencia is full of
photographable landmarks. Tango bars, theatres, the frenetic
football stadium, Estadio Centenario, and a choice selection of
excursions should also be high on travellers' lists of priorities.
Foodies, however hard to please, will enjoy the destination's
world-class beef, as well as its close proximity the most important
wine region in Uruguay.
Punta del Este
Often called the 'Hamptons of South America', Punta del Este
holiday resort is a favourite destination among wealthy Argentines
and Uruguayans. Located on Uruguay's southern tip, its pristine,
sandy beaches, yacht marinas, luxury hotels and holiday
condominiums scream money. Thousands of moneyed visitors arrive
during the summer holiday season, when sophisticated shops, clubs
and restaurants do most of their business. The off-season sees many
of Punta del Este's establishments close, transforming the area
into something like a sleepy coastal town.
![Punta del Este]()
Punta del Este
Gabriel Millos
Colonia del Sacramento
The historic town of Colonia del Sacramento is a must-see for
anyone visiting Uruguay. Situated on the River Plate, this
celebrated UNESCO World Heritage Site is the oldest settlement in
the country and welcomes many ferry visitors from Buenos Aires on
the other side of the river. The quaint town was founded in 1680
and is home to cobbled streets and brightly coloured houses,
vibrant bars, excellent restaurants, and a wonderful array of art
and craft shops. Colonia is about a two-hour drive from
Montevideo.
![Colonia del Sacramento]()
Colonia del Sacramento
You Need Style
Estancias
Estancias (ranch houses) and the gaucho (cowboy) lifestyle they
preserve are integral to Uruguay's identity. Guests can enjoy
fishing, tannery visits, stargazing, bonfires and horse-riding
excursions across the country's pampas (grasslands), and will come
away with an intimate connection to Uruguay's culture. Options
range from basic ranch houses, where visitors breakfast on galleta
de campana (a type of biscuit that lasts for a week), to
establishments with pools, saunas and libraries. Guests will also
of have many opportunities to try Uruguay's famous asado
(barbeque).
![Dos Lunas Estancia]()
Dos Lunas Estancia
David
Mercado del Puerto
Phil Whitehouse
Casa de Antonio Montero, Museo Historico
Nacional
Nicolas Barriola
Plaza Independencia
nouknouk
Ciudad Vieja
Rubén Rojas Gratz
Estadio Centenario
Jimmy Baikovicius
Punta del Este
Gabriel Millos
Colonia del Sacramento
You Need Style
Dos Lunas Estancia
David
