Top 6 things to do in Montevideo

Montevideo, Uruguay’s vibrant capital, where colonial charm meets modern energy. Situated on the sparkling banks of the Río de la Plata, Montevideo is a dynamic metropolis offering a perfect blend of culture, history and natural beauty. The capital is home to almost half of Uruguay’s population. Of the population of 3.3 million, 1.3 million come from Montevideo. It’s a very popular city with visitors. It is also considered to be one of the safest cities in South America. Come to Montevideo and immerse yourself in this culture, with the bewitching rhythms of candombe, a traditional music.

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1- Visit Colonia del Sacramento

Category : Cultural

Description: Around two hours’ drive from Montevideo lies a nugget well worth a visit. Colonia del Sacramento is one of Uruguay’s jewels. It was founded by Portuguese colonists and returned to Uruguayan hands when it gained independence in 1828. The historic heart of the city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. First, you’ll make a few stops around Colonia del Sacramento to visit the Granja Arenas, a collector’s museum where you can sample local jams, marmalades, cheeses and more. Once you arrive in Colonia del Sacramento, your guide will take you on a tour of this charming town, including the bullring, the River Plate and the lighthouse. You won’t miss a thing about this remarkable city, and you’ll learn all about its rich history on this tour.

2- Discover Uruguay’s vineyards

Category : Gastronomic

Description: You may not know it, but Uruguay is a wine producer. Uruguayan wine is not as famous as that of Argentina or Chile, which together account for almost 80% of South American wine, but Uruguayan wines are nonetheless good. Your guide can collect you directly from your hotel and take you to the east of Montevideo, where the vineyards are located. The winery owners will take you on a tour of their estate, explaining all the different processes involved in making this wine. At the end of the visit to these two wineries, you will be treated to a tasting of three wines, accompanied by cheese, cold meats or empanadas, a small puff pastry filled mainly with meat.

3- Attend a traditional show

Category: Gastronomic / Cultural

Description: This is a great local activity that will immerse you in Uruguayan traditions. The shows run from Monday to Saturday from 8pm. On the programme, around thirty artists will perform a mix of traditional dances and music such as tango, milonga and candombe. To make the evening even more enjoyable, you’ll be treated to a dinner including a starter, main course, dessert and a free drink of wine, soft drinks or mineral water.

4- Discover Montevideo by bike

Category: Cultural / Sporting

Description: If you’d like to visit Montevideo without a guide and, above all, at your own pace, you can hire bikes for the day. The rental staff will be happy to point out places to visit. You can take advantage of the 22 kilometres of coastline for a soothing ride along the seafront. Stop wherever you like, grab a snack, then set off again to discover Uruguay’s capital and its colourful streets.

5- Take part in the Montevideo carnival

Category: Unusual / Cultural

Description: If you want to soak up 100% of the local culture, then attend the Montevideo carnival. This festival lasts for over a month, from mid-January to the end of February, making it the longest carnival in the world. During these weeks of festivities, local culture takes centre stage. Several musical styles, such as Murga and Candombe, bring the streets of Montevideo to life. During these 40 days of celebration, several parades in which comprasas, groups of street artists from Latin American festivals, parade through the streets to the rhythm of traditional music. It’s a unique event in Uruguay and well worth a visit if you get the chance.

6- Discover the football museum

Category : Cultural

Description: Attention football fans! When you visit Uruguay, you’ll notice a certain special atmosphere linked to football. This popular sport is seen as a veritable religion. The first World Cup was held here in 1930! And to top it all off, who do you think won it? Uruguay, of course! This museum is a must-see in Montevideo. It boasts an impressive collection of photos, shirts belonging to some of the world’s greatest players, including that of Brazil’s Pele, trophies and other football-related objects and paintings.