Montevideo, Uruguay-5-day-itinerary

Day 1: Monday

Morning

  • 8:00 am: Start the day with a traditional Uruguayan breakfast at Café Tacuarembó (Address: Calle 18 de Julio, Montevideo). Try their famous “chimichurri” sauce and enjoy the lively atmosphere.
  • 9:30 am: Visit the iconic Plaza Independencia (Independence Square), a hub of activity with street performers, vendors, and a grandiose presidential palace.

Afternoon

  • 12:00 pm: Head to the nearby Palacio Legislativo (Legislative Palace) for a guided tour. This stunning building offers breathtaking views of the city from its observation deck.
  • 2:30 pm: Grab lunch at El Mesón, a cozy restaurant serving Uruguayan classics like “chivito” sandwiches and grilled meats.

Evening

  • 7:00 pm: Enjoy dinner at La Huella, a Michelin-starred restaurant known for its innovative take on traditional cuisine. Be sure to make reservations in advance!
  • 9:30 pm: End the night with live music at El Boliche, a lively spot with a great selection of Uruguayan and international beers.

Accommodation

Stay at Hotel Art (Address: Calle 18 de Julio, Montevideo), a stylish boutique hotel in the heart of the city. Enjoy their rooftop bar for stunning views and a relaxing atmosphere.

Day 2: Tuesday

Morning

  • 9:00 am: Visit the vibrant Barrio Sur (Southern Neighborhood), known for its colorful street art, independent shops, and bustling markets.
  • 11:30 am: Explore the Museo Blanes, a beautiful art museum showcasing Uruguayan art from the 19th century to the present.

Afternoon

  • 2:00 pm: Take a stroll along the scenic Malecón (Waterfront Promenade), offering stunning views of the Rio de la Plata and the surrounding coastline.
  • 4:30 pm: Visit the charming Café La Paja, a cozy spot for coffee, cake, and people-watching.

Evening

  • 7:00 pm: Enjoy dinner at El Puerto, a seafood restaurant with an impressive selection of fresh fish and shellfish. Try their famous “pescado frito”!
  • 9:30 pm: End the night with live music at La Peña, a lively spot for Uruguayan folk music and dancing.

Transportation

Use public transportation or walk/bike whenever possible to experience the city like a local. For longer trips, take advantage of the efficient bus system (CIT) or hail a taxi.

Day 3: Wednesday

Morning

  • 9:00 am: Visit the beautiful Museo de Arte Precolombino, showcasing ancient artifacts and artwork from pre-Columbian civilizations.
  • 11:30 am: Explore the nearby Plaza Zabala, a charming spot with street performers, vendors, and great people-watching.

Afternoon

  • 1:00 pm: Grab lunch at El Mesón, a cozy restaurant serving Uruguayan classics like “chivito” sandwiches and grilled meats.
  • 3:30 pm: Visit the iconic Teatro Solís, one of Uruguay’s most important cultural institutions. Take a guided tour to learn about its rich history.

Evening

  • 7:00 pm: Enjoy dinner at La Huella, a Michelin-starred restaurant known for its innovative take on traditional cuisine. Be sure to make reservations in advance!
  • 9:30 pm: End the night with live music at El Boliche, a lively spot with a great selection of Uruguayan and international beers.

Accommodation

Stay at Hotel Art (Address: Calle 18 de Julio, Montevideo), a stylish boutique hotel in the heart of the city. Enjoy their rooftop bar for stunning views and a relaxing atmosphere.

Day 4: Thursday

Morning

  • 9:00 am: Visit the vibrant Barrio Sur (Southern Neighborhood), known for its colorful street art, independent shops, and bustling markets.
  • 11:30 am: Explore the nearby Casa Blanca, a charming spot with beautiful gardens, a cafe, and live music.

Afternoon

  • 2:00 pm: Take a stroll along the scenic Malecón (Waterfront Promenade), offering stunning views of the Rio de la Plata and the surrounding coastline.
  • 4:30 pm: Visit the historic Café La Paja, a cozy spot for coffee, cake, and people-watching.

Evening

  • 7:00 pm: Enjoy dinner at El Puerto, a seafood restaurant with an impressive selection of fresh fish and shellfish. Try their famous “pescado frito”!
  • 9:30 pm: End the night with live music at La Peña, a lively spot for Uruguayan folk music and dancing.

Transportation

Use public transportation or walk/bike whenever possible to experience the city like a local. For longer trips, take advantage of the efficient bus system (CIT) or hail a taxi.

Day 5: Friday

Morning

  • 9:00 am: Visit the beautiful Parque Batllie, a stunning park with lakes, walking trails, and plenty of green space.
  • 11:30 am: Explore the nearby Plaza de la República, a historic spot with great people-watching and street performers.

Afternoon

  • 1:00 pm: Grab lunch at El Mesón, a cozy restaurant serving Uruguayan classics like “chivito” sandwiches and grilled meats.
  • 3:30 pm: Visit the iconic Teatro Solís, one of Uruguay’s most important cultural institutions. Take a guided tour to learn about its rich history.

Evening

  • 7:00 pm: Enjoy dinner at La Huella, a Michelin-starred restaurant known for its innovative take on traditional cuisine. Be sure to make reservations in advance!
  • 9:30 pm: End the night with live music at El Boliche, a lively spot with a great selection of Uruguayan and international beers.

Accommodation

Stay at Hotel Art (Address: Calle 18 de Julio, Montevideo), a stylish boutique hotel in the heart of the city. Enjoy their rooftop bar for stunning views and a relaxing atmosphere.

Things to Know

  • Uruguay is a small country with a big personality!
  • Montevideo is the capital city, but you’ll also visit other charming towns like Punta del Este.
  • Be sure to try Uruguayan classics like “chivito” sandwiches, grilled meats, and chimichurri sauce.
  • Don’t miss the beautiful beaches along the Rio de la Plata coastline!
  • Uruguay has a rich cultural heritage, with plenty of museums, art galleries, and historic landmarks.

Tips

  • Learn some basic Spanish phrases to help you communicate with locals.
  • Be prepared for variable weather – it can be hot and sunny one day, cool and rainy another.
  • Don’t drink tap water – stick to bottled or filtered water.
  • Be mindful of your surroundings and keep valuables secure.
  • Enjoy the laid-back atmosphere and take time to relax and unwind.

Other Things to Do

  • Visit the nearby town of Colonia del Sacramento for its historic charm and beautiful beaches.
  • Take a day trip to the scenic countryside, where you can explore rural villages and vineyards.
  • Go hiking or biking in the surrounding hills for stunning views of the city.
  • Attend a live music event or festival – Uruguay has a thriving arts scene!