Montevideo offers a slower pace that feels like a breath of fresh air. Here, strolling by the sea, sipping mate in a café, or browsing local markets can brighten your weekend—no rush required.
The city blends historic charm with beachside calm. You can wander through lively Old Town streets one day and unwind beside the river the next, all in comfort.
You don’t need a packed itinerary. Instead, savor relaxed moments: tasting grilled meats, riding along the Rambla at sunset, browsing antique markets, and letting Montevideo’s easy vibe set in.
Top-Picked Hotels & Apartments
- Own Montevideo – waterfront artistry and riverside moments
- Alma Histórica Boutique Hotel – classic ambiance with comfortable amenities
- Hyatt Centric Montevideo – spa, pool, and walk-out boardwalk
- Cozy Pocitos Apartment – your peaceful beachside weekend home
Experiences to Book
- Guided walking tour of Ciudad Vieja & Plaza Independencia
- Sunset bike ride along the Rambla
- Mercado del Puerto food tasting & mate sampling
- Sunday Tristán Narvaja market & antique‑hunting tour
Ciudad Vieja (Old Town)
How to Get to Ciudad Vieja
Fly into Carrasco International Airport and take a taxi or ride-share—it’s about a 30-minute drive and usually under $40. Prefer public transport? Buses 118 or 70 run straight into Ciudad Vieja. If you’re already downtown, a walk down 18 de Julio Avenue brings you right to those historic gates.
Where to Stay
Stay at Own Montevideo, a charming riverfront boutique offering rooftop lounging and easy access to galleries and espresso bars. For a vintage vibe, Alma Histórica Boutique Hotel is situated in a 1930s mansion with antique furnishings and character in every corner.
Best Things to Do in Ciudad Vieja
Explore Peatonal Sarandí, the pedestrian avenue dotted with art galleries, designer shops, and cafés offering alfajores and cortados. Wander through Plaza Independencia to visit the Mausoleum of Artigas and admire Palacio Salvo’s dramatic architecture. For dinner, head to Mercado del Puerto to savor grilled meats and house wines, then round out the evening with live street music or rooftop drinks overlooking the Old Town.
Rambla of Montevideo (Waterfront Promenade)
How to Get to the Rambla
Stretching nearly 14 miles along the Río de la Plata, the Rambla is accessible from neighborhoods like Pocitos and Punta Carretas. Walk just a few blocks south or use bike lanes and local buses to reach the wide promenade.
Where to Stay
Settle near the coast with a stay at Hyatt Centric Montevideo, where you’ll find a spa, indoor pool, and boardwalk access as soon as you step out the door. For a more relaxed and local feel, choose a private stay at a Cozy Pocitos Apartment, just steps from the Ramble.
Best Things to Do in Rambla
Join a Sunset bike ride along the Rambla to experience golden-hour light, waterfront views, and mates shared among riders. Stop for a picnic at Playa Pocitos or sit and watch the city unwind as waves lap the shore. If you’re feeling playful, join locals playing beach soccer or rollerblading along the path—enjoying the energy without effort.
Tristán Narvaja Market (Sunday Street Market)
How to Get to Tristán Narvaja
Each Sunday, Cordón neighborhood buzzes with the Tristán Narvaja market. It’s just a quick ride on buses 134 or 192 from downtown—or a ten-minute bike ride with plenty of street views en route.
Where to Stay
Cordón offers neighborhood charm, but staying in border areas like Ciudad Vieja or Pocitos provides easy access while incorporating other highlights of Montevideo.
Best Things to Do at Tristán Narvaja
Meander under colorful tents filled with vintage vinyl, artisan crafts, antique furniture, fresh fruits, and secondhand books. Sample local favorites like empanadas, churros, and fruit juices as you wander. It’s treasure hunting for relaxed souls—bargain-blessed and full of local voices and stories.
Mercado del Puerto
How to Get to Mercado del Puerto
Mercado del Puerto is an easy walk from Plaza Independencia, with smoky grills and live music filling the air. Your legs—or a short ride—will land you in foodie paradise.
Where to Stay
Staying in Ciudad Vieja at places like Own Montevideo or Alma Histórica means you’re within steps of the market’s sizzling energy. You’ll be immersed in the atmosphere without circling for a cab.
Best Things to Do at Mercado del Puerto
Come hungry and leave satiated—this is Uruguay’s grill capital. Feast on ribs, chorizo, and chivito sandwiches paired with fizzy “medio y medio.” Street bands, tango performances, and laughter fill the air. Then, browse artisan stalls just outside for leather goods, pottery, and local treats.
Plaza Independencia & Palacio Salvo
How to Get to Plaza Independencia
Walk along 18 de Julio Avenue or through Sarandí until you reach this central plaza where Old Town meets downtown. You can’t miss the statue of Artigas and the tall, looming Palacio Salvo.
Where to Stay
Downtown options like Hyatt Centric Montevideo or bright apartments in Pocitos put you right next to the theater, shopping, and vibrant café scenes around the square.
Best Things to Do at Plaza Independencia
Watch the respectful changing of the guard at the Artigas mausoleum. Take in sweeping views by visiting Palacio Salvo’s observation deck. Step into Teatro Solís, whether for a planned matinee or to marvel at its ornate lobby—its elegance feels timeless.
Fortaleza del Cerro (Cerro Fortress)
How to Get to Fortaleza del Cerro
Take bus 133 or a ride-share to the Cerro neighborhood and hike up for panoramic views. It’s part experience, part workout—and well worth that uphill buzz.
Where to Stay
A visit here pairs best with stays in nearby Pocitos or downtown; you can easily plan a morning or evening trip to catch city views in soft light.
Best Things to Do at the Fort
Inside, the military museum shares Uruguay’s history in approachable exhibits. Outside on the battlements, you get sweeping views of Montevideo, the bay, and the river. Bring water, a hat, and time to soak it all in.
Final Thoughts
Montevideo is the kind of weekend getaway that doesn’t rush you. You’ll wander Rambla beaches at sunset, taste smoky grills in Mercado del Puerto, flip through treasures at Tristán Narvaja, and inhale city views from Cerro with ease.
Let the city set your tempo: slow, curious, and reflective. Whether you’re sipping mate next to the water or chatting with a local artisan, Montevideo gently invites you to relax on its schedule. And when you board your return flight, you’ll be calmer and maybe a little more wanderlust with you.