7 ways to explore Montevideo, Uruguay

In Montevideo, the charm of a sophisticated city is deeply intertwined with the essence of the rural campo (countryside), creating an urban vibe that moves at a pleasantly relaxed pace.

Once a bastion of defense, Ciudad Vieja (the old city) is now marked by remnants of the walls built in 1741. Beyond this historic area, visitors can walk along the world’s longest uninterrupted sidewalk, unwind on sandy shores, indulge in one of South America’s culinary hotspots, explore numerous museums, or enjoy the lively rhythms of carnaval throughout the year.

Here’s our guide to the must-see experiences in the Uruguayan capital.

1. Bike, rollerblade, or walk along the Rambla

Stretching nearly 14 miles (23 km), Montevideo’s riverfront Rambla is the world’s longest continuous sidewalk. This scenic path meanders along the coastline and is a favorite spot for cycling, rollerblading, and enjoying yerba maté as well.

This traditional Indigenous beverage was initially grown by the Guaraní in Paraguay and later embraced as a communal drink by the Charrúa in Uruguay. Many Uruguayans carry their essentials, including yerba (loose caffeinated tea leaves), a mate (the cup, often a gourd), a bombilla (straw with a filter), and a thermo (hot-water container).

Grab your maté and take a sunset stroll along the Rambla. You’ll pass a skate park, the poignant Holocaust Memorial, Pittamiglio Castle, and a variety of street musicians.

Local advice: In Uruguay, it’s a tradition to share yerba maté with total strangers. However, for hygiene reasons, we suggest getting your own kit, which you can find at any grocery store.

2. Explore the Museo de la Memoria

Complementing sunny beach outings, the Museo de la Memoria, established in 2007, provides valuable insights into the country’s 12-year civic-military dictatorship (1973–85). The museum also pays tribute to the 200 Uruguayans who were ‘disappeared’ during the regime (the Desaparecidos) and remain unaccounted for.

At first glance, a permanent exhibit showcasing pots and pans may seem unremarkable. However, visitors discover that during this period, Uruguayans used these everyday kitchen items as instruments of protest. To voice their dissent against the state-sanctioned killings of civilians, citizens would loudly bang these objects during events known as cacerolazos, creating a raucous uproar that echoed through the corridors of power.

3. Enjoy carnaval throughout the year

If you visit Uruguay between late January and early March, you can join in on the longest carnaval celebration in the world: Uruguayans celebrate for 40 to 50 days leading up to Easter. The events attract many locals, and international visitors are warmly invited.

The carnaval tradition was brought to Uruguay by enslaved Africans, whose descendants introduced candombe drums, large percussion instruments worn on the body and played while marching in the streets.

Candombe represents the soul of Uruguay and was recognized as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2009. During carnaval, candombe is featured in nearly every performance, with groups adorning their drums in colors that complement the dazzling lingerie and feathers worn by the dancers.

The celebrations kick off with the Inaugural Parade at the end of January, featuring candombe drummers and dancers marching down Avenida 18 de Julio. The next night typically hosts the Samba Schools Parade, where performers in vibrant carnaval attire dance through the streets. In February, the Las Llamadas parade showcases candombe drummers performing in the Afro-Uruguayan neighborhoods of Barrio Sur and Palermo.

In between parade days, you can check out one of the many tablados (stages set up around the city), where you’ll find regular performances by satirical singing groups known as murga, dressed in face paint and whimsical costumes.

If you miss the festivities, experience a taste of the celebrations at the Museo del Carnaval, which displays costumes, drums, and videos of performances. Additionally, candombe groups rehearse year-round, providing thrilling sounds even without the vibrant costumes and celebration atmosphere.

Each neighborhood has its own group that usually practices weekly on the streets in preparation for the annual Competition of Carnaval Groups. For example, every Sunday afternoon, drummers gather in Barrio Sur to play candombe, and everyone is welcome to join. Just follow the sound of the drums to find them.

Local advice: Be cautious, as pickpocketing can be common at these events; always keep an eye on your personal belongings.

4. Fill your plate with grass-fed beef

Uruguay is celebrated worldwide for its exceptional grass-fed beef. (Statistics reveal the abundance: there are at least three sheep and three cows for every Uruguayan.) This abundance is the foundation of a cherished Uruguayan tradition: the weekly asado, where friends and family gather for a feast featuring various cuts of grilled meat accompanied by vegetables.

If you can’t get an invitation to a local asado, you can still enjoy a traditional parrilla dinner at García, a renowned restaurant that has been serving premium meat cuts paired with carefully selected local and international wines since 1967. The stylish dining room is a popular choice for Uruguayans celebrating special occasions.

Local advice: The famous Mercado del Puerto has unfortunately lost its appeal and has become an overrated tourist destination. Instead, check out Casa Pastora, Mercado Williman, and Mercado Ferrando, where you can find food stalls serving delicious parrillas.

5. Root for your favorite soccer team

Uruguay hosted the inaugural World Cup in 1930 at Estadio Centenario, where the Uruguayan team triumphed. Today, the two major teams in soccer-loving Montevideo are Peñarol and Nacional. Peñarol wears yellow and black and plays at the Campeón del Siglo stadium, while Nacional sports red, white, and blue at Gran Parque Central stadium.

Pick a team to cheer for and catch a match during the Uruguayan Primera División season, which runs from May to December. If you’re in town when no games are scheduled, delve into Uruguayan soccer at the Museo del Fútbol.

6. Revel in the sun and surf on Montevideo’s beaches

Nestled by the expansive Río de la Plata, Montevideo is a unique capital that embodies the essence of a beach town. The most frequented beach is Playa de Los Pocitos, known for its soft sands and volleyball courts.

This urban beach is bordered by the waterfront buildings of the Pocitos neighborhood. During the summer, you'll spot numerous umbrellas providing shade from Uruguay's notably high UV levels, which can soar to 11.

Local tip: The beaches are small and tend to get crowded on weekends, so it's best to plan your beach outing for a weekday to enjoy more space.

8. Venture east to Punta del Este 

Once you've explored the capital, hop on a direct bus from the Tres Cruces terminal to Punta del Este along the Atlantic coast.

There, you can unwind at Playa Brava near the iconic La Mano en la Arena sculpture, watch surfers at Playa el Emir, or savor a sunset while enjoying a pitcher of clericó (white-wine sangria) at Parador I’marangatú.

Planning tip: Enhance your day trip from Punta del Este by visiting attractions like the Punta Ballena whale lookout, the Fundación Pablo Atchugarry sculpture garden, and the Arboretum Lussich.