South America · Uruguay
Montevideo Travel Guide
Montevideo is South America's most liveable capital — a relaxed, cultured city of art deco architecture, endless beaches, mate-drinking locals, and the best steak you may ever eat.
How Do You Get Around?
Walk from the terminal into Ciudad Vieja (5 min). The city centre and Mercado del Puerto are all walkable.
What Can You See in 6 Hours?
Mercado del Puerto — Covered market of parrilla grills. Order a parrillada (mixed grill) and watch it cooked over wood fire.
Ciudad Vieja — The historic quarter. Plaza Independencia, Solis Theatre, and colonial architecture.
Rambla — The 22km waterfront promenade. Walk a section for river views and local life.
Pocitos neighbourhood — The upscale beach neighbourhood. Sand, cafes, and a different vibe. Bus or taxi.
Where Should You Eat?
Parrillada: Mixed grill at Mercado del Puerto — beef ribs, chorizo, morcilla (blood sausage), and more. Extraordinary.
Chivito: Uruguay's national sandwich — steak, ham, mozzarella, egg, lettuce, tomato. Enormous and amazing.
Mate: More a ritual than a drink. Bitter herbal infusion sipped through a metal straw from a gourd.
Worth Exploring Independently?
Montevideo is walkable from the port and safe. Mercado del Puerto alone justifies independent exploration.
Useful Local Phrases
Hola, buen dia
Hello, good morning
(OH-lah, bwen DEE-ah)
Gracias
Thank you
(GRAH-see-as)
Ta!
Okay! / Sure! (Uruguayan)
(tah)
Local Tips
- •Mercado del Puerto is a must — a covered market of grills serving the best steak in South America. Go for lunch.
- •Mate is Uruguay's national drink — you'll see everyone carrying a thermos and gourd. It's a ritual.
- •Uruguay uses the Uruguayan Peso (UYU). USD widely accepted in tourist areas.
- •The Rambla (coastal promenade) is 22km long. Walk or rent a bike for a section.