Mercado del Puerto (Port Market)
Set under a vast, wrought-iron structure reminiscent of old
European railway stations, Montevideo's port market is a lively
affair. Historically, it has been a hive of trading activity since
1868. Today, it houses some of the city's finest steakhouses and
seafood eateries.
It's a great place for people-watching, exploring the
labyrinthine alleys crammed with stalls, watching buskers and
entertainers, and generally taking in the city's atmosphere.
Mercado del Puerto
Phil Whitehouse
National History Museum
For those interested in Montevideo's past, the Museo Historico
Nacional is a good place to begin. Located in the Old City, it's
made up of old houses where national heroes once dwelt.
The museum's collection traces the history of Uruguay from
before its colonisation by Europeans up to the mid-20th century.
History buffs will find it interesting.
Address:
Rincon (corner) 437, Montevideo
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 in 1927 or 1928, it was originally intended as a hotel.
It has never fulfilled that purpose. Instead, it is home to an
elaborate collection of offices and residential apartments.
Once the tallest building in South America, it 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 ancient city is a vibrant, fascinating district of
old buildings and cobbled streets. Weekends see dancers and
musicians gather for impromptu performances, while artists have
turned many of the decaying, ground-floor apartments into studios
and galleries. The old iron gates and street lamps are very
photogenic.
All told, visitors will 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. It also 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. Indeed, 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.
Visitors should do everything they can to attend an Atlético
Peñarol home fixture. Football, as the saying goes, is a way of
life in Uruguay, and watching a game with 90,000 passionate locals
is an amazing cultural experience.
Address:
11400 Montevideo, Montevideo Department
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.
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.
Given its bargain shopping, beautiful beaches, atmospheric old
town and excellent restaurants, Montevideo is well worth adding to
the bucket list. All things considered, it's every bit as
captivating as Latin America's more famous capitals.
Its gorgeous beach front will draw sun chasers, while the
National History Museum will offer insight into Uruguay's links
with Spain and Portugal. Visitors must also venture to Ciudad
Vieja: the city's oldest area. More specifically, they'll find many
of Montevideo's most striking landmarks in Plaza Independencia.
Football fans should take in a match at the frenetic Estadio
Centenario. Foodies must enjoy Uruguay's world-class beef at one of
the capital's restaurants. Otherwise, the charming old city of
Colonia del Sacramento is only two hours' drive away, making it a
perfect day trip.
Punta del Este
Punta del Este holiday resort is a favourite destination among
upper-class South Americans. Located on Uruguay's southern tip, its
pristine, sandy beaches, yacht marinas, luxury hotels and holiday
condominiums scream money.
Thousands of wealthy 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
Gabriel Millos
Colonia del Sacramento
The historic town of Colonia del Sacramento is a must-see.
Situated on the River Plate, it is the country's oldest settlement
and a celebrated UNESCO World Heritage Site. Many visitors ferry
across from Buenos Aires, which sits almost opposite the city.
Founded in 1680, the quaint town is home to cobbled streets,
brightly coloured houses, vibrant bars and excellent restaurants.
Gift shoppers will enjoy its art and craft shops.
Regarding access, Colonia is about two hours from Montevideo by
road. Local operators offer day trips.
Colonia del Sacramento
You Need Style
Estancias
Visitors can sample the gaucho (cowboy) lifestyle at Uruguay's
estancias (ranch-houses). Fishing, star-gazing, occasional
bonfires, horse-riding excursions across the country's pampas
(grasslands), and visits to tanneries are all part of the
experience. 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.
All in all, Estancias are an integral aspect of the country's
identity. Along with a taste for Asado (barbeque) and life in the
saddle, visitors will come away with an intimate connection to
Uruguay's culture.
Dos Lunas Estancia
David