Montevideo, Uruguay
The perfect 3 days itinerary
Montevideo, the capital city of Uruguay, is a vibrant, eclectic place with a rich cultural life. Stretching nearly 20km from east to west, the city wears many faces, from its industrial port to the exclusive residential suburb of Carrasco near the airport. In the historic downtown business district, art deco and neoclassical buildings jostle for space alongside grimy, worn-out skyscrapers that appear airlifted from Havana or Ceaușescu's Romania, while across town the shopping malls and modern high-rises of beach communities like Punta Carretas and Pocitos bear more resemblance to Miami or Copacabana.
What to do in Montevideo?
This 3 days itinerary is the perfect guide to the best things to see in Montevideo. It includes day-by-day activities, travel tips, and the top places to visit.
Day 1: Historical Exploration of Ciudad Vieja
Morning
Start your day with a visit to the Plaza Independencia, the most famous square in Montevideo. From there, walk to the Palacio Salvo, a historic building that was once the tallest in South America.
Afternoon
Head to the Mercado del Puerto for lunch. This bustling market is filled with parrillas (grill houses) serving up traditional Uruguayan fare. After lunch, explore the rest of Ciudad Vieja, the old town of Montevideo, with its colonial architecture and cobbled streets.
Evening
Visit the Solis Theatre, Uruguay's oldest theatre, for a performance or a guided tour. End your day with dinner at one of the many restaurants in the old town.
Day 2: Discover Montevideo's Beaches and Parks
Morning
Spend your morning at the Rambla, a long seaside avenue that's perfect for a leisurely walk or bike ride. Stop by the Pocitos beach for some sunbathing and swimming.
Afternoon
Visit the Parque Rodó, a large park that's home to a castle, a lake, and an amusement park. Have a picnic lunch in the park, then explore the nearby National Museum of Visual Arts.
Evening
Head to the Punta Carretas neighborhood for dinner. This upscale area is known for its gourmet restaurants and trendy bars.
Day 3: A Day of Shopping and Football
Morning
Visit the Tristan Narvaja Market, a popular street market where you can find everything from antiques to fresh produce.
Afternoon
Head to the Estadio Centenario, a historic football stadium that hosted the first World Cup. Take a tour of the stadium and the Football Museum.
Evening
End your trip with a visit to the Montevideo Shopping, one of the city's largest shopping centers. Have dinner at one of the many restaurants in the mall, then catch a movie at the cinema.
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7 days