What to see and do in Montevideo, Uruguay

Montevideo is the capital and largest city in Uruguay

It is on the southern coast of the country, on the northeastern bank of the Río de la Plata. The city was established in 1724 by Spanish soldier Bruno Mauricio de Zabala as a strategic move amidst the Spanish-Portuguese dispute over the region.

We visited Montevideo on 1/22/2024.  While there we toured the city and walked around the downtown area.

 Originally opening in 1856, the Solís Theatre is Uruguay's most important and renowned theater. The Plaza Independencia separates Ciudad Vieja from downtown Montevideo with the Gateway of The Citadel on one side and the beginning of 18 de Julio avenue on the other. The Currasco neighborhood is home to the city's most beautiful beaches.

Viator offers numerous tours in the Monteviedo area. Click here for details.

Punta Carretas Lighthouse

People enjoying the beach

Centennial soccer stadium was the site of the first world cup soccer game in 1930.

The capitol building of Uruguay

Statue by the Capitol

Monumento a la Carreta statue of cows pulling a wagon

100 year old farmer's market

Casa Soler

Museo Casa de Gobierno (Palacio Estevez)

Teatro Solis

Catedral de la Inmaculada Concepcion y San Felipe y Santiego de Montevideo

Plaza Independencia with Palacio Salvo in the background

Statue and mausoleum for Uruguay's national hero, General Jose Gervasion Artigas, who fought to free Uruguay from Spain in the 1800s. The President's Office building in the background.

Antel Tower

Mercado del Puerto

Entrance to the port