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.

Looking for a place to stay? Click here for options.

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

Pictures from Montevideo

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.