Montevideo: 8 places to see, from Plaza Independencia to
Explore Montevideo, Uruguay's capital, a livable South American city blending colonial architecture with modern development. Walk La Rambla's 19-mile waterfront promenade and visit historic plazas including Plaza Independencia and Plaza Matriz in the Old Town.
- Mode
- Places
- Start
- Plaza Independencia
- End
- Montevideo
- Stops
- 9
- Video author
- travmap
- Updated
Stops on this route
- Plaza Independencia — Central plaza featuring the mausoleum of revolutionary hero José Artigas and the eclectic Palacio Salvo, a historic continental skyscraper.
- Palacio Salvo — Historic skyscraper built a century ago as the tallest building on the continent, now a national symbol of pride and architectural landmark.
- Montevideo Metropolitan Cathedral — Neoclassical cathedral built in the 18th century, serving as Uruguay's most important religious landmark and architectural centerpiece of the capital's historic downtown.
- De Los Pocitos Beach — Popular urban beach in Montevideo where locals gather to swim, relax, and share yerba mate while enjoying the vibrant beach culture.
- Colonia del Sacramento — Historic riverside settlement west of Montevideo featuring cobblestoned tree-lined streets, 17th-century colonial charm, and an iconic lighthouse on convent ruins.
- Colonia del Sacramento Lighthouse — Historic 19th-century beacon overlooking the Río de la Plata, offering panoramic views from this UNESCO World Heritage colonial town's atmospheric waterfront location.
- Castle of Piria — Opulent mansion built in 1890 by a wealthy local founder of Piriápolis, showcasing the grandeur of 19th-century architectural heritage.
- Punta del Este — Resort town at the easternmost point of the inlet where the Río de la Plata meets the Atlantic Ocean, famous for luxury amenities and simple pleasures.
- Montevideo
Useful for your trip
- Food
- Try the local tradition of 'parrilla' by buying cuts of meat at Mercado del Puerto and having them grilled on the spot by experts.
- Tip
- Walk the 19-mile long promenade La Rambla from the Old Town to outer suburbs; visit in late afternoon when locals gather for sunset.
- Transport
- Colonia del Sacramento is a few hours west of Montevideo by car; enter over the drawbridge of Portón de Campo city gate.
- Tip
- Visit Colonia del Sacramento's lighthouse set atop 17th-century convent ruins; climb to the lantern room for views over town and toward Buenos Aires.
- Transport
- Take a coastal road trip east of Montevideo through Piriápolis, La Paloma, and Punta Ballena to reach Punta del Este at the inlet's easternmost point.
- Tip
- Visit De Los Pocitos Beach to swim with locals and observe the tradition of sharing yerba mate tea from calabash gourds with silver straws.
- Where to stay
- Casapueblo on Punta Ballena peninsula is an artistic hotel created by local artist Carlos Páez Vilaró; rooms available to guests after it became a museum.
- Tip
- In Plaza Independencia, visit the mausoleum of revolutionary hero José Artigas and see the Palacio Salvo, which was the continent's tallest skyscraper a century ago.
- Tip
- Piriápolis is a local beach resort favorite; visit the hilltop San Antonio Temple for coastal views and the Castle of Piria, an opulent mansion from 1890.
Video on this route
Montevideo Vacation Travel Guide | Expedia