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Things to do in
Montevideo

Our most recommended things to do in Montevideo

From Montevideo: Punta del Este Full-Day Tour

1. From Montevideo: Punta del Este Full-Day Tour

Enjoy the convenience of being picked up from your hotel in Montevideo. Take a scenic drive down the coast of Montevideo and Canelone. Discover enchanting landscapes composed of mountain ranges, pines, and eucalyptus. As you journey to Punte del Este, your knowledgable guide will share with you the region's history, including its connection to the mysticism of the Templars and alchemy. Continue across the 10 Road accompanied by the De la Plata River landscape. Arrive in Piriápolis, “the sun’s city.” Visit the Argentino Hotel and take in the spectacular view from the San Antonio Hill. Stop at Punta Ballena and visit Casapueblo, a well-known art museum/workshop/hotel. Arrive at Punta del Este on the Mansa Beach, crossing Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria Port, where the De la Plata River meets the ocean. From here, you can admire the Lobos Island and its lighthouse. Marvel at Punte del Este’s most emblematic Monument: La Mano. This sculpture of a hand emerges from the sand– seemingly reaching for the skies. Enjoy some free time in the city. Take photos, shop, and explore the city on your own. Choose the option with lunch included and you can sit down for a meal at a Punte del Este restaurant. After your free time, meet your guide for a tour of the city’s Beverly Hill neighborhood. See the mansions and lush gardens. Explore the Marconi and El Cantegril neighborhoods. Afterward, return to Montevideo.

From Montevideo: Colonia del Sacramento Full Day Tour

2. From Montevideo: Colonia del Sacramento Full Day Tour

The tour begins with pickup from your hotel in Montevideo and heads out through the neighborhoods of Capurro, Le Teja, and the emblematic Cerro Hill. As you cross over the scenic Santa Lucia River Bridge, arrive at San José Department, famous for being the largest producer of potatoes in the country. Upon arrival in Colonia del Sacramento, learn about the city’s rich history which dates back to 1783 when it was founded by Spanish immigrants. With your expert guide, visit the Real San Carlos, The Bullring, and the De la Plata River to admire panoramic views across the city and surrounding areas. From here, head to the Historic Quarter of the city and wander around the picturesque streets on an insightful walking tour. Discover the Portón de Campo as well as the City Gate, the Walls, the famous Los Suspiros Street, the Lighthouse, the Main Square, and the Blessed Sacrament Cathedral. After your walking tour, enjoy some free time to eat lunch at a traditional restaurant or continue to explore the city at your own leisure. Before returning to Montevideo, make a stop at the Granja Arenas to visit the Collectuonist Museum where you can taste local jams, marmalades, cheeses, and more.

Montevideo: Half-Day Sightseeing Tour

3. Montevideo: Half-Day Sightseeing Tour

Choose from daily morning or afternoon departure times, then set off to discover the city of Montevideo. Founded between 1724 and 1730, it preserves a wealth of architectural and cultural heritage. Start the tour in the Old Town, from the City's Port at the del Puerto Market, the main gastronomic center in the city. Follow your guide to the Matriz Cathedral, Independence Square, and Avenue 18 de Julio, the main commercial center of the city. Then, continue to the Legislative Palace, the National Congress inaugurated in 1925 projected by the architect Cayetano Moretti. Visit the Agricola Market, where you will have some free time to explore. From there, visit the Centenario Stadium, declared a World Soccer Monument. Then go to Batlle Park to see the sculpture La Carreta, before the return back to your accommodation.

Montevideo: Palacio Salvo Official Ticket with Guided Tour

4. Montevideo: Palacio Salvo Official Ticket with Guided Tour

Start your visit in the main lobby of the building in front of Independencia Square, in the center of the city. Walk through the building and get to know its stories, start by knowing the original owners and the architect who built it. See the bronze ornaments of the columns on the ground floor that form a great marine animals bestiary around the building. Then, enter the old party halls on the 1st floor and the 2nd floor, where a billiard club operates. In the rest of the staircase that goes from the 1st to the 2nd floor, admire and learn about the great stained glass window that occupies a whole wall, originally built in 1928 and completely restored 2 years ago. Reach the open terrace of the 11th floor, from where you can see the De la Plata River, Montevideo Hill, Independencia Square, and the tower of the building, which was the highest point in the city until 20 years ago. The visit ends in the closed viewpoint on the top floor, where you can see a unique view of the city, the port, the coastal promenade, De la Plata River, Montevideo Hill, the Rodó Park, Punta Carretas, and the Citadel Door that surrounded the colonial city.

Montevideo City Tour for Cruisers

5. Montevideo City Tour for Cruisers

Experience personalized attention away from large cruise line tours with our Highlights of Montevideo City tour. Explore the Old Town, Port Market, Parliament Palace, and more in the comfort of an air-conditioned vehicle with knowledgeable local guides. Begin at the pier and delve into the historic Old Town, surrounded by Spanish military fortifications. Marvel at colonial-era buildings, including the Solis Theatre, The Cabildo, and the Metropolitan Cathedral. Plaza Independencia showcases the statue and Mausoleum of General Artigas, while the Parliament Palace symbolizes Uruguay's democratic values. Embark on a scenic ride to Mercado Agricola Montevideo, a revitalized market offering diverse goods. Explore the Obelisco De Los Constituyentes, honoring the writers of Uruguay's first constitution. Parque Batlle features La Carreta monument and Estadio Centenario, a World Football Historical Monument. Ideal for those with limited time, this tour provides a comprehensive overview of Montevideo. Reserve your seat for this special experience today.

Montevideo: Private custom tour with a local guide

6. Montevideo: Private custom tour with a local guide

Montevideo can sometimes feel inaccessible to foreign visitors. Take the mystery out of your visit by exploring with a local on a private, customized tour. Your guide contacts you beforehand to get a feel for your interests and tastes to ensure that you only visit the places you are interested in. As you explore the city, your guide shares insights into local life forming a clearer picture of Montevideo's culture. - Private tour for just you and your group - Your guide customizes your tour to your interests and personality - Get a deeper insight into Montevideo life than possible alone - See Montevideo through the eyes of a local and discover its hidden gems Choose from 2, 3, 4, 6, and 8-hour tour options.

Buenos Aires: Ferry To Colonia & Bus Tickets to Montevideo

7. Buenos Aires: Ferry To Colonia & Bus Tickets to Montevideo

Enjoy a day trip to Montevideo and discover its history, colonial buildings, and bohemian culture. Explore the capital city of Uruguay with a ferry ticket to Colonia del Sacramento and a bus transfer from Colonia to Montevideo. Board a ferry followed by a bus ride to the beautiful city of Montevideo. You will see the only surviving section of the wall that once surrounded the entire Puerta de la Ciudadela.  Next, continue to discover colonial buildings, museums, and theaters of Montevideo. Walk through the picturesque alleys of the old town to see the souvenir shops, markets, cafes, and more.  Stroll along the beautiful beaches to enjoy the breathtaking sunset on the boulevard of Montevideo, with spectacular views of Rio de la Plata before returning to Buenos Aires. 

Montevideo: 3-Hour Bike Tour

8. Montevideo: 3-Hour Bike Tour

Discover Montevideo on 2 wheels on a 3-hour bike adventure in a shared group and with the expertise of a local guide. Arrive at the convenient meeting point and get kitted out with all the necessary equipment. Embark on a comfortable ride through the urban center, starting at Plaza Zabala and the Taranco Palace. Listen as your guide reveals the story about the foundation of Montevideo. Continue on the cycle route to visit the Plaza Matríz, Church, Water Fontain, Cabildo, Club Uruguay, Pedestrian Sarandí. Next, take a short walk through the Sarandí pedestrian area to the gate of the Citadel. Reach Independence Square, and see the mausoleum. Then, continue on to see the Salvo Palace and Estevez Palace. Ride along the Rambla for views of the Solís Theater as you learn about the story of the battle of the Rio de la Plata.  Pass by the Graf Spee, the German and American embassy buildings, Yemanjá Monument, Mercosur Building, Parlasur, Rodo Park, Summer Theater, Jewish People's Memorial, Punta Carretas Lighthouse, Pittamiglio Castle, and Trouville Point. Finally, return to the start point filled with new information about the history, architecture, and culture of this incredible city.

Montevideo: Old City Walking Tour with Private Photographer

9. Montevideo: Old City Walking Tour with Private Photographer

Explore the Old City with me in a unique and memorable way through the best points in the area! Whether you are traveling alone, as a couple, with friends or with your family, I invite you to join me through the most emblematic corners of the old town in less than 2 hours. As we explore, I'll be by your side as your personal photographer to capture those special moments. Forget about uncomfortable selfies, here I will take care of immortalizing your memories in every corner and you will pose as free as you feel. No matter your age, appearance, or experience in front of the camera, I'll help you look amazing in every shot! Although I only speak Spanish, you will have a private audio guide, programmed by me, so you don't miss anything, the important thing here is the walk and the professional photographs that you will receive. I will guide you through emblematic places such as Las Bóvedas, the charming Rambla, picturesque squares and impressive architecture that will transport you back in time. Every photo we take will be professionally edited. To maintain quality and privacy, we work in small groups, and all photos are completely private and exclusive to you. At the end of the experience, you will receive around 40 digital photos within a maximum period of 7 business days, directly in your email. All photos are included in the price. Don't miss this unique opportunity to explore, pose and create exceptional memories in Ciudad Vieja with my photo tour service!

Montevideo: Full-Day Bike Rental

10. Montevideo: Full-Day Bike Rental

Pick your bike up from the local partner’s centrally located store and get acquainted with the friendly staff. Ask the team for tips and tricks to enhance your stay in Montevideo as well as a list of the best locations to visit on your bike. Once you’ve strapped your helmet on, it’s time to hit the colorful city streets where your sightseeing adventure awaits. Spend the day exploring Montevideo and benefit from the freedom to see and do what interests you most. Highlights of the city include its charming neighborhoods as well as a sprawling 22 km seafront which boasts epic views. You can also ride your bike to the array of monuments and landmarks around the city such as Rivera’s House, Carnaval Museum, Constitution Square, Centenario Stadium, and much more.

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Frequently asked questions about Montevideo

What are the best day trips and excursions from Montevideo?

The best day trips and excursions from Montevideo are:

Punta del Este

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Other Sightseeing Options in Montevideo

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What people are saying about Montevideo

Overall rating

4.4
(847 reviews)

Excellent guide. Warm, personable, passionate, friendly, knowledgeable, down to earth. Great intimate experience in a family vineyard where we were greeted by the owner, which is very rare. Also, the organizer, Ryan, volunteered fantastic tips for other great restaurant and other visit experiences! Highly recommend

Excellent tour. Everything was as described. Wine tasting was led by a knowledgeable and enthusiastic guide. Wines chosen were interesting. Lunch was delicious. Portions, wine and food, were extremely generous. Highly recommended..

the tour guide was absolutely wonderful and was full of knowledge and facts which she would translate into spanish English and Portuguese. incredibly impressed and she was also very kind. would deffinately recommend :))

Great guide. She was very friendly and helpful. She was able to switch between different languages to accommodate everyone who was interested in learning more about each stop.

Marcela our tour guide was AMAZING. She very knowledgeable and tons of fun! She made a long trip all worthwhile. I recommend this tour 1000%!