Montevideo City Guide — Attractions, Food & Tips

Montevideo City GuideA laid-back capital with a gorgeous Rambla waterfront, colourful Ciudad Vieja, legendary Mercado del Puerto steaks, and a unique blend of European elegance and South American warmth along the R\u00edo de la Plata.Key Facts

Country: Uruguay

Currency: UYU (Uruguayan Peso)

Language: Spanish

Time Zone: UTC\u22123

Best Time to Visit: October\u2013March

Top Places to Visit

Ciudad Vieja — Montevideo\u2019s colonial heart with art deco buildings, neoclassical facades, street art, independent galleries, and a vibrant Saturday flea market. The soul of the city.

Mercado del Puerto — An iconic 1868 iron-structure market where parrillas (grills) sizzle with the finest Uruguayan beef, paired with tannat wine and the famous medio y medio.

Rambla de Montevideo — One of the world\u2019s great urban waterfronts stretching 22 km along the R\u00edo de la Plata. Locals walk, run, cycle, drink mate, and watch sunsets here every day.

Pocitos Beach — A wide crescent of golden sand in the upscale Pocitos neighbourhood, lined with modern apartments. The go-to spot for sunbathing, volleyball, and sunset mate sessions.

Plaza Independencia — Montevideo\u2019s main square with the Artigas mausoleum, the ornate Palacio Salvo, the Solis Theatre, and the gateway between Ciudad Vieja and the modern city.

Local Food

Asado Uruguayo — Uruguayan BBQ is a religion. Thick cuts of grass-fed beef grilled slowly over wood coals at a parrilla. Order an entra\u00f1a (skirt steak) or tira de asado (short ribs) at Mercado del Puerto.

Chivito — Uruguay\u2019s national sandwich: a loaded steak sandwich with ham, mozzarella, bacon, egg, olives, and salad. A magnificent mess best enjoyed with a cold Pilsen beer.

Empanadas — Crispy baked or fried pastries filled with carne (beef), jam\u00f3n y queso (ham and cheese), or dulce de leche. A ubiquitous Uruguayan snack at any time of day.

Dulce de Leche — Uruguay\u2019s caramelised milk spread appears in everything: alfajores, cakes, churros, and ice cream. Try the artisan versions at markets and bakeries.

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