3-Day Montevideo Adventure: Unique Shopping and Offbeat Experiences

Montevideo, Uruguay

3 days

Public transport bus in the old town
Plaza Independencia
Boulevard along Pocitos beach
Teatro Solis opera house
Panoramic view of the city

About Montevideo, Uruguay

Experience the vibrant culture and rich history of Montevideo, Uruguay's capital city. This coastal gem offers a blend of neoclassical architecture, picturesque beaches, and lively markets. Visit the Ciudad Vieja (Old Town) with its charming colonial buildings, or the iconic Palacio Salvo, a symbol of the city's skyline. Stroll along the Rambla, a waterfront promenade, and enjoy local cuisine at Mercado del Puerto. Explore the city's numerous museums, galleries, and theaters for a taste of its thriving arts scene. Don't miss the Parque Rodó, a beautiful park that also hosts a bustling carnival during February. Montevideo offers a unique blend of tranquility and urban excitement, making it an unforgettable destination.

3-Day Itinerary

Day 1

Exploring the Vibrant Ciudad Vieja and La Rambla

Morning

Start your day with a visit to the vibrant Mercado del Puerto, a bustling market filled with local artisans and vendors. Here, you can find everything from handmade crafts to delicious local delicacies.

Lunch

Enjoy a traditional Uruguayan lunch at a local 'parrillada'. These grill houses are famous for their meat dishes, particularly the 'asado', a type of barbecued beef.

Afternoon

After lunch, take a leisurely stroll along La Rambla, a picturesque promenade that stretches along the coastline. This is a great place to enjoy the sea breeze and take in the stunning views of the city.

Dinner

For dinner, try a 'chivito', a traditional Uruguayan sandwich filled with steak, ham, cheese, and eggs. This can be found at any local eatery.

Evening

End your day with a visit to a local 'milonga', where you can watch or even participate in a traditional tango dance.

Morning

Begin your second day with a visit to Parque Rodó, a beautiful park that offers a variety of activities including paddle boating, picnicking, and a small amusement park.

Lunch

Have lunch at a local 'empanada' shop. These delicious pastries are filled with a variety of ingredients, from cheese and ham to spinach and beef.

Afternoon

Spend the afternoon exploring the Barrio Reus, an off-the-beaten-path neighborhood known for its stunning Art Nouveau architecture.

Dinner

Dine at a local seafood restaurant, where you can try dishes like 'pescado a la parrilla' (grilled fish) or 'calamari a la plancha' (grilled squid).

Evening

End your day with a visit to a local theater for a performance of 'candombe', a traditional Afro-Uruguayan music and dance.

Morning

Start your final day with a visit to Feria de Tristán Narvaja, a popular street market where you can find everything from antiques to fresh produce.

Lunch

Enjoy a leisurely lunch at a local café, where you can try a 'medialuna', a sweet croissant-like pastry, and a 'mate', a traditional Uruguayan drink.

Afternoon

Spend the afternoon exploring the Barrio Prado, a beautiful neighborhood known for its lush gardens and grand mansions.

Dinner

For your final dinner, try a 'pasta casera', a homemade pasta dish that is a staple in Uruguayan cuisine.

Evening

End your trip with a visit to a local pub, where you can enjoy a 'clerico', a traditional Uruguayan cocktail made with fruit and wine.

Attractions in Itinerary (6)

Mercado del Puerto

1
Mercado del Puerto

A bustling market filled with a variety of food stalls, restaurants, and shops selling local crafts and souvenirs.

Attractions
Food and Drink
Shopping
La Rambla

2
La Rambla

A long waterfront promenade that stretches along the coastline of Montevideo, offering beautiful views of the sea.

Attractions
Beaches
Landmarks
Parque Rodó

3
Parque Rodó

A large urban park that offers a variety of recreational activities, including a lake, a castle, and an amusement park.

Parks
Attractions
Barrio Reus

4
Barrio Reus

Barrio Reus is a neighborhood in Montevideo known for its unique architecture. The area is filled with colorful houses and buildings, making it a popular spot for tourists and locals alike.

Neighborhoods
Architecture
Feria de Tristán Narvaja

5
Feria de Tristán Narvaja

A popular street market that takes place every Sunday, selling everything from antiques and books to fruits and vegetables.

Attractions
Shopping
Barrio Prado

6
Barrio Prado

Barrio Prado is a beautiful neighborhood known for its lush gardens, historic mansions, and the famous Prado Park. It's a great place to explore the local culture and architecture.

Attractions
Neighborhoods

Local Food and Drinks (12)

Chivito

Chivito

Chivito is a traditional Uruguayan sandwich that is often considered the national dish. It is made with a thin slice of tender cooked beef steak, which may be topped with mozzarella, tomatoes, mayonnaise, black or green olives, and commonly also bacon, fried or hard-boiled eggs and ham. It is served in a bun, often with a side of French fries.

Asado

Asado

Asado is a type of barbecue that is extremely popular in Uruguay. It typically consists of beef ribs, sausages, and sometimes other meats, which are cooked on a parrilla, or grill. The meat is often accompanied by chimichurri, a sauce made of chopped parsley, minced garlic, vegetable oil, oregano, and white or red vinegar.

Empanada

Empanada

Empanada is a type of pastry that is popular in many Latin American countries, including Uruguay. It is made by folding dough over a filling, which may include meat, cheese, corn, or other ingredients, and then baking or frying the result.

Milanesa

Milanesa

Milanesa is a breaded meat fillet, similar to a schnitzel, that is a common main course in Uruguay. It is typically made with beef or chicken, which is dipped in beaten eggs, coated with bread crumbs, and then fried.

Pascualina

Pascualina is a traditional Uruguayan pie that is typically filled with spinach and hard-boiled eggs. It is often eaten during Lent, but can be found year-round.

Medio y Medio

Medio y Medio, which translates to 'half and half', is a popular Uruguayan drink that is a mix of sparkling wine and white wine. It is often served as an aperitif.

Pasta Frola

Pasta Frola is a traditional Uruguayan dessert that is similar to a tart. It is made with a sweet pastry crust and filled with quince jam, although other fillings like sweet potato or dulce de leche are also used.

Dulce de Leche

Dulce de Leche

Dulce de Leche is a sweet, caramel-like spread that is a staple in many Uruguayan desserts. It is made by slowly heating sweetened milk until it becomes thick and creamy.

Alfajores

Alfajores

Alfajores are a type of cookie that is popular in Uruguay. They consist of two round, sweet biscuits joined together with dulce de leche and often covered with powdered sugar or chocolate.

Yerba Mate

Yerba Mate

Yerba Mate is a traditional Uruguayan drink made from the leaves of the mate plant. It is typically served in a hollowed-out gourd and sipped through a metal straw.

Pancho

Pancho is the Uruguayan version of a hot dog. It consists of a sausage served in a bun, often topped with condiments such as ketchup, mustard, and mayonnaise.

Choripan

Choripan

Choripan is a popular street food in Uruguay. It consists of a grilled chorizo sausage served in a crusty bread roll, often topped with chimichurri sauce.

Best time to visit

The best time to visit Montevideo, Uruguay is during their summer months, from December to March. During this period, the weather is warm and pleasant, perfect for exploring the city's attractions and enjoying the beautiful beaches. The city is vibrant with various cultural events and festivals, including the famous Carnival in late January to early March. However, if you prefer a quieter vacation, the shoulder seasons of October to November and April to June also offer mild weather with fewer crowds.

National holidays

Here you can find the national calendar of all public holidays for the year. These dates are subject to change as official changes are announced, so check back regularly for updates.

DateDayHoliday Name

January 1

Mon

New Year's Day

May 1

Wed

Labor Day / May Day

July 18

Thu

Constitution Day

August 25

Sun

Independence Day

December 25

Wed

Christmas Day

Please note that during national and public holidays, opening hours for establishments, museums, etc. may vary. Don't forget to check in advance!

How to get around

Public buses are a common way to get around in Montevideo. They cover most of the city and are relatively frequent. However, they can get crowded during peak hours. You can pay the fare directly on the bus.

Taxis are readily available in Montevideo. They can be hailed on the street, booked by phone, or through a mobile app. Taxis are metered, so the fare will depend on the distance traveled.

Ridesharing services like Uber and Cabify are available in Montevideo. They can be a convenient and cost-effective way to get around the city. You'll need to download the app and set up an account to use these services.

Montevideo has a good network of bike lanes, making cycling a viable way to get around. There are several bike rental services available, including public bike-sharing schemes.

Renting a car can be a good option if you plan to explore outside of Montevideo. However, traffic can be heavy in the city, and parking can be difficult to find. You'll need a valid driver's license and credit card to rent a car.

Many of Montevideo's attractions are within walking distance of each other, particularly in the Old City. Walking can be a pleasant way to explore the city, but be aware of your surroundings, especially at night.

There are ferry services that connect Montevideo with Buenos Aires, Argentina. This can be a scenic and relaxing way to travel between the two cities.

There is a limited train service in Montevideo, primarily serving the suburbs. It's not commonly used by tourists, but can be an option if you're staying in the outskirts of the city.

While we strive for accuracy in our "How to get around" section, the information may not always be up-to-date or 100% accurate; we highly recommend cross-checking with local resources before your travel.

Important information

Currency$U UYU

Time zoneUTC-3

Driving sideRight

Emergency phone999, 911

Drinking waterYes

Power sockets

Power socket type CPower socket type FPower socket type L

Voltage220 V

Things to know about Montevideo, Uruguay as a first time visitor

1

Uruguay's official language is Spanish, so it's helpful to know some basic phrases.

2

The local currency is the Uruguayan peso (UYU). Credit cards are widely accepted, but it's always good to have some cash on hand.

3

Tipping is customary in Uruguay. It's common to leave a 10% tip in restaurants.

4

Uruguay is in the Uruguay Standard Time zone (UYT), which is 3 hours behind Coordinated Universal Time (UTC-3).

5

Uruguay has a temperate climate. Summers (December to March) can reach up to 82°F (28°C), while winters (June to September) can drop to around 48°F (9°C).

6

Uruguay is known for its beef. Be sure to try the local cuisine, especially the 'asado', a type of barbecued beef.

7

Public transportation in Montevideo is reliable. Buses are the most common form of public transport.

8

Taxis in Montevideo are safe and relatively inexpensive. They operate on a meter system.

9

Montevideo is generally safe, but like any city, it's important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions, especially at night.

10

Uruguay uses the type F and type L plug. The standard voltage is 230 V and the standard frequency is 50 Hz.

11

Montevideo has a relaxed pace of life. Don't be surprised if things take a little longer than you're used to.

12

Uruguayans are known for their friendliness and hospitality. Don't hesitate to ask for help or directions.

13

Uruguay has a strong tradition of mate, a type of tea. You'll often see locals carrying a thermos and a mate gourd.

14

Smoking is prohibited in enclosed public spaces in Uruguay, including bars and restaurants.

15

Drinking tap water is generally safe in Montevideo, but bottled water is widely available if you prefer.

16

Uruguay is a progressive country with strong laws protecting LGBTQ+ rights.

17

Montevideo has a vibrant nightlife, with many bars and clubs staying open until the early hours.

18

Uruguay is a football-loving nation. If you're a fan, try to catch a game at the Estadio Centenario.

19

Montevideo has a dress code that is casual but chic. Uruguayans take pride in their appearance.

20

Healthcare in Uruguay is of a high standard. Pharmacies are widely available, and hospitals in Montevideo offer excellent care.

Basic Spanish to know as a first time visitor

English phrase

Native phrase

Pronunciation

When to use it

Hello

Hola

oh-la

Greeting someone

Goodbye

Adiós

ah-dee-ohs

Leaving or saying goodbye

Please

Por favor

por fah-vor

Making a request

Thank you

Gracias

grah-see-ahs

Expressing gratitude

You're welcome

De nada

deh nah-dah

Responding to thank you

Excuse me

Perdón

pehr-dohn

Getting attention or apologizing

Yes

see

Agreeing or confirming

No

No

no

Disagreeing or denying

I don't understand

No entiendo

noh en-tee-en-doh

When you don't understand

Do you speak English?

¿Hablas inglés?

ah-blahs een-glehs

Asking if someone speaks English

I'm lost

Estoy perdido

eh-stoy pehr-dee-doh

When you're lost

Where is the bathroom?

¿Dónde está el baño?

dohn-deh es-tah el ban-yo

Looking for the bathroom

How much does it cost?

¿Cuánto cuesta?

kwahn-toh kwehs-tah

Asking the price of something

Can I have the menu, please?

¿Puedo tener el menú, por favor?

pweh-doh te-nehr el meh-noo, por fah-vor

At a restaurant

I would like...

Me gustaría...

meh goos-tah-ree-ah

Making a request

Water

Agua

ah-gwah

Ordering water

Beer

Cerveza

sehr-veh-zah

Ordering beer

Wine

Vino

vee-no

Ordering wine

Help!

¡Ayuda!

ah-yoo-dah

In an emergency

Call the police!

¡Llama a la policía!

yah-mah a la po-lee-see-ah

In an emergency

Packing List

  • Clothing

  • Underwear

  • Socks

  • T-shirts

  • Long-sleeve shirts

  • Jeans

  • Shorts

  • Light jacket or sweater

  • Pajamas

  • Swimsuit

  • Comfortable walking shoes

  • Sandals

  • Hat for sun protection

  • Sunglasses

  • Toiletries

  • Toothbrush

  • Toothpaste

  • Floss

  • Deodorant

  • Shampoo and conditioner

  • Body wash or soap

  • Razor and shaving cream

  • Sunscreen

  • Lip balm

  • Makeup and makeup remover

  • Hairbrush or comb

  • Prescription medications

  • First aid kit

  • Travel documents and essentials

  • Passport

  • Driver's license or ID card

  • Credit and debit cards

  • Cash in local currency

  • Travel insurance documents

  • Hotel and transportation reservation confirmations

  • Emergency contacts and addresses

  • Guidebook or map

  • Electronics and gadgets

  • Smartphone

  • Charger for smartphone

  • Headphones

  • Camera

  • Charger for camera

  • Power adapter or converter

  • Portable power bank

  • Miscellaneous items

  • Snacks

  • Water bottle

  • Travel pillow and blanket

  • Books or e-books

  • Travel-size laundry detergent

  • Plastic bags for dirty clothes

  • Umbrella or raincoat

  • Travel lock

  • Pen and notebook

Weather Conditions

When planning a trip to Montevideo, Uruguay, it's essential to consider the weather conditions to make the most of your visit. The city experiences a temperate climate, with mild winters and warm summers. During the summer months, from December to March, you can expect temperatures to range from 70°F to 82°F (21°C to 28°C). This is an ideal time for beach activities, so don't forget to pack your swimwear, sunscreen, and a hat for protection against the sun. The winter months, from June to September, are cooler with temperatures typically ranging from 43°F to 59°F (6°C to 15°C). If you're visiting during this period, it's advisable to pack warm clothing, including sweaters, jackets, and scarves. The city receives moderate rainfall throughout the year, with the wettest months being from March to December. Therefore, it's a good idea to always carry an umbrella or raincoat, regardless of the season. Remember, the weather can change quickly, so it's always a good idea to check the local forecast before heading out for the day. Enjoy your trip to Montevideo!

MonthHi / Lo (°C)Weather Overview

January

32° / 18°

January is the peak of summer in Montevideo, with hot and humid conditions. It's a great time for beach activities, but remember to stay hydrated.

February

32° / 18°

February continues the summer season with similar temperatures to January. It's a great time to explore the city's outdoor attractions.

March

29° / 16°

March sees the start of autumn with slightly cooler temperatures. It's a good time to visit if you prefer milder weather.

April

25° / 12°

April is a pleasant month with moderate temperatures. It's a great time to explore the city and its surroundings.

May

21° / 9°

May marks the beginning of winter with cooler temperatures. It's a good time to visit museums and indoor attractions.

June

19° / 7°

June is the coldest month in Montevideo. It's a good time to enjoy the city's cultural scene, including theatres and restaurants.

July

19° / 7°

July continues the winter season with similar temperatures to June. It's a good time to enjoy indoor activities and local cuisine.

August

20° / 8°

August sees the end of winter with slightly warmer temperatures. It's a good time to explore the city's architecture and historical sites.

September

22° / 10°

September marks the beginning of spring with moderate temperatures. It's a great time to visit parks and outdoor attractions.

October

24° / 12°

October is a pleasant month with moderate temperatures. It's a great time to explore the city and its surroundings.

November

27° / 14°

November sees the start of summer with warmer temperatures. It's a good time to visit if you enjoy beach activities.

December

29° / 16°

December is a hot and humid month. It's a great time to enjoy the city's festive atmosphere and outdoor activities.

Did you know?

Did you know that Montevideo is the southernmost capital city in the Americas?

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