Things to do in  Uruguay

Perched atop the sea cliffs like a futuristic fairy-tale castle, the snow-white Casapueblo is a work of art and one of Uruguay’s top architectural landmarks. Visit the masterpiece—and former residence—of Uruguayan artist Carlos Páez Vilaró to see its museum, art gallery, and hotel.

Stretching for almost 14 miles (more than 22 kilometers) along the coast of Montevideo, the Rambla of Montevideo is one of the world’s longest boardwalks and a buzzing epicenter of local life. Looking out across the Rio de la Plata, the palm-lined walkway serves up an ever-changing panorama of water views, verdant parks, and sandy beaches.

Housed in a grand, early 20th-century market hall, Montevideo Agricultural Market (MAM) is one of the city’s largest and busiest markets, brimming with shops, stalls, and cafés. Restored and reopened in 2013, it’s a mainstay of Montevideo’s growing foodie scene, as well as a National Historic Monument known for its 100-year-old ironwork, central bell tower, and beautiful ceramic façade.

One of the most important public squares in the Uruguayan capital, Independence Plaza (Plaza Independencia) divides Montevideo’s Old Town (Ciudad Vieja) and downtown areas. Several of the city’s most famous landmarks are located here, including the Salvo Palace (Palacio Salvo), Solis Theater (Teatro Solís), and Executive Tower (Torre Ejecutiva).

Despite Uruguay’s diminutive size, its Parliament Palace is one of the most magnificent legislative houses in the world. Built in a heraldic neoclassical style, the palace was inaugurated in 1925, on the centennial of the country’s independence. No expense was spared in the making of its luxurious interior, which makes the palace a must-see attraction in Montevideo.

Behind its wrought-iron facade (it was originally constructed as a train station), the sprawling Port Market (Mercado del Puerto) houses a number of bustling parrillas (steak restaurants) and other choice eateries. It’s one of the best places in town to enjoy an authentic, traditional (and affordable) meal.

Lined with glitzy yachts and traditional fishing boats, the Port of Punta del Este (Puerto de Punta del Este) is the entry point for cruise visitors and the gateway to Uruguay’s most glamorous beaches. It’s also a popular destination in its own right, with scenic coastal walks, rocky beaches, and seafood restaurants.

At the meeting point of the Río de la Plata and the Atlantic Ocean, Punta del Este Cruise Port is the gateway to one of Uruguay’s most popular beach resorts. Lavish seafront mansions and white-sand beaches await visitors, along with luxurious shopping boulevards and renowned nightlife.

Brava Beach (Playa Brava) has golden sands and surf-worthy waves, but the star attraction is Mario Irarrázabal’s sculpture. Punta del Este’s best-known landmark, the gigantic Hand of Punta del Este (La Mano de Punta del Este)—or simply los Dedos, meaning “the fingers”—is meant to symbolise a drowning swimmer and warn of the beach’s notorious waves.

Gorlero Avenue (Avenida Gorlero) is Punta del Este’s main street, running through the heart of the peninsula. Named after Juan Gorlero, the first mayor of Maldonado, and also known as Calle 22, the palm tree–studded boulevard is lined with shops, restaurants, bars, and cafés.

Opened in 1856, Solís Theatre is a longtime cultural touchstone in Uruguay. Visit the theater to see opera, ballet, theater, and classical music performances. Even if you don't attend a show, stopping by to view the neoclassical building, designed by Italian architect Carlo Zucchi, is a must-do in Montevideo.

Named for its distinctive promontory rising over the sea, Montevideo's Punta Gorda neighborhood is known for its beaches, the winding Darwin’s Ladder staircase—named for the famed scientist, who spent time studying the soil here—and its waterfront park. Visit to enjoy views of the ocean, or bring a swimsuit and go for a dip at Playa Verde.

Pocitos is an affluent neighborhood along the banks of the Río de la Plata in Montevideo. Renowned for its long golden sand beach and beach promenade lined with upscale restaurants and shops, the leafy enclave also boasts historic mansions of great architectural interest, including a handful that have been declared National Heritage Sites.

Completed in 1928, Salvo Palace (Palacio Salvo) is a historical landmark building featuring an eclectic architectural style—predominantly Italian Gothic, with classic and neo-romantic influences. Originally planned as a hotel, it is now an office and apartment building.

One of five museums of its kind in operation around the world, Punta del Este Ralli Museum (Museo Ralli) houses one of the most important collections of Latin American art in the world. Set on a small estate surrounded by parklands, it’s an idyllic spot to contemplate one of Uruguay’s most captivating art collections.