Montevideo Uruguay 7 Day Itinerary

7-Day Itinerary: Exploring the Charm of Montevideo

This itinerary offers a balanced mix of historical exploration, cultural immersion, relaxation, and nightlife in Montevideo. Feel free to adjust it based on your interests!

Day 1: Arrival & Historic Exploration

  • Morning: Arrive at Carrasco International Airport (MVD) and take a taxi or ride-sharing service to your accommodation in the historic Ciudad Vieja (Old City).
  • Afternoon: Explore Plaza Independencia, the heart of Montevideo. Enjoy lunch at Mercado del Puerto, savoring traditional Uruguayan food while surrounded by history.

Things to do:

  • Wander through the Mercado del Puerto: This iconic market offers a variety of delicious food stalls and restaurants showcasing local delicacies.
  • Visit the Teatro Solís: Witness a performance or take a tour of this historic opera house.
  • Stroll along the Rambla: Take in the scenic views of the Atlantic Ocean while walking along this beautiful coastal promenade.

Evening:

  • Dinner at “La Pasiva”, a legendary local eatery known for its juicy hamburgers and vibrant atmosphere.

Things to know:

  • Montevideo’s currency is the Uruguayan Peso (UYU).
  • The official language is Spanish.

Day 2: Art & Culture

  • Morning: Explore the Museo Nacional de Artes Visuales, showcasing a diverse collection of Uruguayan and international art.
  • Afternoon: Enjoy a leisurely walk through the Ciudad Vieja, stopping at historical landmarks like the Palacio Salvo and the Puerta de la Ciudadela.

Dinner: Indulge in a traditional Uruguayan asado (barbecue) experience at “El Fogón”, a popular restaurant for this culinary delight.

Things to do:

  • Wander the streets of Ciudad Vieja: Enjoy the charm of the old city and discover hidden gems like art galleries, street art, and antique shops.
  • Visit the Museo Torres García: Explore the vibrant artwork of the famous Uruguayan painter Joaquín Torres-García.

Evening:

  • Catch a Tango Show: Experience the passionate dance of tango at one of Montevideo’s many renowned tango venues.

Day 3: History & Culture

  • Morning: Take a guided tour of the Ciudad Vieja (Old City) focusing on its colonial history and architecture.
  • Afternoon: Explore the vibrant neighborhood of Prado: Enjoy the beautiful parks, gardens, and museums in this historic area.

Things to do:

  • Visit the Museo Histórico Nacional: Immerse yourself in Uruguayan history through artifacts and exhibits.
  • Tour the Palacio Sarandi: This 19th-century building houses the National Museum of History.

Evening:

  • Dinner at “Mercado de los Esclavos”: Explore the unique culinary offerings and enjoy a delicious meal with a side of history.

Day 4: Tango & Relaxation

  • Morning: Enjoy a relaxing stroll through the charming streets of Ciudad Vieja, exploring its vibrant art scene.
  • Afternoon: Enjoy a traditional Uruguayan mate tea experience at a local market or park.

Things to do:

  • Visit the Museo del Carnaval: Learn about the history and traditions of Montevideo’s Carnival celebrations.
  • Evening: Explore a different side of Uruguayan culture with a delicious Tango-themed dinner.

Dinner: Experience the traditional “asado criollo” (criolla barbecue) at “Parrillada El Patio”.

Things to do:

  • Explore the Mercado del Puerto: Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of this historic market and enjoy the “asado” experience.
  • Visit a local “churrasco” restaurant: Uruguay is known for its delicious grilling, so try a different type of meat dish for a unique culinary adventure.

Day 5: History & Culture:

  • Explore the Ciudad Vieja Cemetery: Visit the final resting place of many important figures and admire the intricate sculptures.
  • Visit the Museo de Artes Decorativas (Museum of Decorative Arts) at night: This museum often hosts evening events, allowing you to experience its art and architecture in a different light.

Day 6: Culture & Nature:

  • Explore the Mercado Agricola (Agricultural Market): Immerse yourself in the local culture by browsing fresh produce, flowers, and other goods.
  • Spend the afternoon at the Rambla: Enjoy the beautiful coastline of Montevideo with a relaxing stroll along the “Rambla” (beachfront promenade).

Day 7: History & Relaxation:

  • Morning: Explore the historic Mercado de la Abundancia, enjoying the local atmosphere and learning about the history of markets in Uruguay.
  • Afternoon: Relax and enjoy the sunset at the beautiful Playa Pocitos.

Where to stay:

  • Boutique Hotels in Ciudad Vieja: For a charming and intimate experience, consider staying at a boutique hotel like the “Hotel Sofitel Montevideo Casablanca” or “The Guarani Hotel”. These hotels often offer unique amenities and opportunities to immerse yourself in the city’s history and culture.

  • Luxury Hotels:

  • Hotel Palacio: This beautiful boutique hotel is located in the heart of “El Centro” (the city center) and offers a luxurious stay with stunning views of the ocean.

  • Hotel Hyatt Centric Montevideo: Enjoy modern luxury and comfort at this stylish hotel.

Things to consider:

  • Budget: Montevideo offers accommodation options for all budgets, from hostels to luxury hotels in the Old City.

  • Location: The “Ciudad Vieja” (Old City) is a great place to stay if you want to be close to the action and don’t mind a more urban environment. If you prefer something quieter, explore the options in “Prado” (a charming neighborhood with a focus on history and art).

  • Time of year: Consider visiting during the shoulder seasons (spring/autumn) for pleasant weather and fewer crowds.

  • Activities: “Mercado del Puerto” is known for its vibrant atmosphere and delicious food, but it’s best to experience the city’s charm, not just the restaurants in “Ciudad Vieja”.

Food & Drink:

  • Day 5:

  • Restaurants:

  • “La Cocina de la Abuela” (Grandma’s Kitchen): This charming restaurant is located in a historic building and offers delicious traditional Uruguayan dishes.

Things to consider:

  • Budget: Explore the “Mercado del Mercado” for a variety of experiences, from affordable street food stalls to high-end restaurants.

  • Dining options:

  • The old city of Montevideo (Ciudad Vieja)

Uruguayan Culture:

  • Experience: Try the traditional “churrasco” (barbecue) at a local restaurant.
  • Experience: Visit a local “milonga” (tango social dance event) and see how Uruguayans celebrate their culture with music and dance.

Accommodation:

  • Book in advance: For the best deals, book your accommodation before you arrive.

  • Consider location: Book a hotel or guesthouse near a “Mercado” for a more immersive experience.

  • Variety:

  • “La Cocina de la Abuela”: Explore other “candombe” (Uruguayan drum and dance tradition) experiences in the “Ciudad del Plata” area.

Food & Drink:

  • “Churrasco” (Asado): This traditional Uruguan barbecue is a must-try, and you can often find them being cooked at outdoor markets with live music.

  • Wine tasting: Uruguay’s wine industry is booming. Explore the “Tannat” grape variety for which Uruguay is renowned.

  • Churrasco: Enjoy a delicious “tango” experience in a local “mercado”.

Dinner:

  • Enjoy the local “asado” culture: Try a variety of grilled meats, vegetables, and traditional dishes.

  • “La Cocina”: A popular choice for a traditional Uruguayan meal.

  • Sample “Asado” at a local restaurant:

  • “Mercado del Mercado” offers a unique opportunity to taste local cuisine.

  • “Churrasco” (Uruguayan barbecue) in the evening: Experience the vibrant nightlife of a “Casablanca” (a market, restaurant, or café).

  • Consider:

  • Variety: Try different cuts of meat and traditional “asado” preparations.

  • Local favorites: “Churrasco” is a popular choice for local chefs and families.

Other ideas for your itinerary:

  • Visit the Museo de Arte Contemporáneo: Explore contemporary art exhibitions and collections.

  • Experience a “milonga” (a traditional tango dance hall) in the evening: Attend a “tango” night and enjoy the music and dancing, often featuring traditional food and drinks.

  • Enjoy a Tango performance at “El Milón”: Immerse yourself in the passion of the Argentine tango.

  • Enjoy the vibrant nightlife of Montevideo:

  • Visit a “Mercado de Artesanos” (Artisan Market), like “Mercado de los Esclavos” or “Mercado de Artes y Oficios”.

  • Explore the city’s beaches:

  • Enjoy a “Tango” night at a local café:

  • Sample the traditional cuisine:

  • Enjoy the nightlife:

  • Experience:

  • Visit the Mercado del Puerto: This iconic market offers a variety of local experiences, including:

    • “Candombe” nights (especially on Sundays) are a great way to experience the local culture.

  • Attend a “candombe” beat performance:

  • Explore:

  • Experience the rhythm and energy of the tango: Enjoy the music and dancing at a “milonga” (a traditional dance hall) in the evening.

Candombe Night:

  • Visit a local “milonga” for an authentic “candombe” experience.

  • Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere:

  • Taste the culture:

  • Enjoy local tango music and dancing:

  • **Consider attending a “candombe” beat performance.

Things to remember:

  • “Asado” is not just a meal but a cultural celebration in Uruguay, so be prepared for a lively atmosphere and music.

  • Be sure to try “asado” (Uruguayan barbecue) at one of the many traditional “candombe” venues in the city.

  • Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere and live music at “El Mercado de la Música” (the “Mercado” is a popular venue for local musicians and dancers to perform).

  • Enjoy a tango performance:

Things to note:

  • Local “asado” restaurants often have traditional dishes: Don’t be afraid to try new things!

  • Enjoy the local atmosphere: Many “Casados” (a type of restaurant) are located in the vibrant neighborhoods.

Uruguay is known for its rich “asado” culture, so you can enjoy a variety of this delicious cuisine while visiting.

  • Explore the bustling streets and markets:

  • Try the local Uruguayan cuisine:

Enjoy the local “asado” (Uruguayan barbecue) experience!

Where to eat:

  • Visit the “Mercado del Sol” in the evening: This is a great place to enjoy traditional Uruguayan dishes.

  • Consider:

  • “Asado” at a local restaurant: A fun way to see how this tradition lives on in modern times.

Enjoy delicious and unique “asado” (Uruaguay’s traditional barbecue) experiences, from the high-end restaurants with gourmet cuts and elaborate preparations to the more casual and traditional “asado” experiences you can find at

  • “La parrillada mixta” is a must-try!

  • Enjoy “Asado” in the Old City:

  • Explore the “Mercado de la Rambla”: A local favorite for its delicious grilled food.

  • Try “Casablanca”

Enjoy a traditional “asado” (barbecue) at one of the many restaurants with outdoor seating, like:

  • “El Mercado del Puerto”: The most famous “candombe” venue in Montevideo, offering a variety of meats and delicious sides.
  • The “Churrasco” experience:

Enjoy the local “asado”:

  • “Casablanca” is a popular place for “candombe”.

Beyond the “Ciudad Vieja” (Old City):

Enjoy traditional “Asado” in the heart of the city!

Exploring “candomba”:

  • Visit a “Candombe” parade: Experience the vibrant culture and music firsthand.

  • Enjoy a local “Candombe” festival: These festivals are a great way to enjoy the culture, learn about the history, and

Try different “asado” restaurants in the city for a diverse culinary experience.

Enjoy the variety of “Asado”:

  • Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere:

“El Mercado de la Abundancia” is a must-visit!

  • Enjoy the rhythm and energy of the “Candombe”:

Consider “candombe” as a cultural experience:

The traditional Uruguayan barbecue is a cultural highlight, so try a variety of “candombe” experiences. Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere and music!

Enjoy the vibrant “Asado” (Uruguayan asado) experience:

  • “Asado”:

You’ll enjoy the local culture while you eat

  • “Enjoy the diversity of Uruguay” is a great way to describe the experience.

Enjoy “asado” (a traditional barbecue) at “El Mercado del Candombe”,

enjoying the vibrant sounds and rhythms of “Asado”.