2 Days in Montevideo for First Timers

Start your day with a tour of the city’s main sights. Private and group guided tours take visitors to such landmarks as Centenario Stadium, Pocitos Beach, Independence Square (Plaza Independencia), and the Metropolitan Cathedral, while providing enlightening information about each. Alternatively, rent a bicycle or book a hop-on-hop-off-bus ticket and explore independently.

Pay an afternoon visit to the Gaucho Museum (Museo del Gaucho), housed in an ornate 19th-century mansion. The museum has an excellent collection of historical artifacts relating to everyday cowboy life, from traditional garb to cups used for maté (an indigenous herb from which tea is brewed).

Soak up the seductive culture of tango, which has its roots in Montevideo, with dinner and a show at one of the city’s many dance halls. Traditional Uruguayan dishes, such as grilled meat, are served stage-side so you can dine as you watch the dancers.

Begin your second day with a guided walking tour of Rodó Park (Parque Rodó), home to a large number of monuments, statues, and public art. As you explore the sprawling park, taking in some hidden gems missed by many visitors, your guide will provide insights into local Montevidean culture, art, and architecture.

For lunch, head to one of the family-run wineries just outside the city. Guided tours from Montevideo typically include tastings of several different wines paired with cheeses and meats. Some also include a full Uruguayan-style lunch, typically of grilled meats.

Conclude your visit to Montevideo by getting a different perspective on the city. Nighttime visits to Salvo Palace (Palacio Salvo), the city’s landmark building, let you discover its hidden corners, hear tales of its ghostly residents, and admire the Plaza Independencia illuminated after dark. Afterward, top off your visit with dinner at one of the many restaurants and bars around the plaza.