Montevideo, Uruguay-7-day-itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Montevideo

  • Morning: Arrive at Carrasco International Airport (MVD)
  • Transportation: Take a taxi or bus (Linea 15) from the airport to your accommodation
  • Where to stay: Hotel Ibis Montevideo (3-star) or similar, in the downtown area
  • Lunch: Try some Uruguayan cuisine at El Mesón del Prado ( traditional restaurant with a rustic atmosphere)
  • Afternoon: Visit the Palacio Legislativo (Legislative Palace), a stunning example of neoclassical architecture
  • Evening: Explore the trendy neighborhood of Pocitos, known for its restaurants, bars, and shops

Day 2: City Tour

  • Morning: Start with breakfast at Café La Parroquia ( traditional café)
  • Transportation: Use public transportation (Linea 15) to get around the city
  • Visit:
    • Independencia Square: A historic square surrounded by iconic buildings, including the Cabildo and the Metropolitan Cathedral
    • Cementerio Central (Central Cemetery): A beautiful and peaceful place to visit, with stunning views of the city
    • Plaza Independencia: Explore the surrounding streets and alleys, filled with shops, cafes, and street performers
  • Lunch: Try some seafood at La Parrilla de la Plaza ( grilled meats and seafood)
  • Afternoon: Visit the Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes (National Museum of Fine Arts), featuring Uruguayan art from the 19th century to the present

Day 3: Beach Day

  • Morning: Head to the famous Pocitos Beach, a beautiful and lively beach with plenty of restaurants, bars, and shops
  • Lunch: Try some seafood at La Parrilla de Pocitos ( grilled meats and seafood)
  • Afternoon: Relax on the beach or take a leisurely walk along the coastal promenade
  • Evening: Enjoy dinner at El Almacen ( traditional Uruguayan cuisine)

Day 4: Wine Country

  • Morning: Visit the Canelones wine region, just outside Montevideo
  • Transportation: Take a guided tour to the wineries and vineyards ( approx. 1-hour drive)
  • Visit:
    • Viña Vidal: A family-owned winery producing high-quality wines
    • Viña Alboreto: A modern winery with a focus on innovation and sustainability
  • Lunch: Enjoy lunch at one of the wineries or a local restaurant in Canelones
  • Afternoon: Return to Montevideo and visit the Barrio Peñarol (Peñarol neighborhood), known for its beautiful architecture, shops, and restaurants

Day 5: Cultural Experiences

  • Morning: Visit the Museo del Gaucho y la Tradición Gaucha (Gaucho Museum), showcasing the history and culture of Uruguay
  • Lunch: Try some traditional Uruguayan cuisine at El Mesón de San Carlos ( rustic atmosphere)
  • Afternoon: Attend a Uruguayan folk show, featuring music, dance, and traditional costumes
  • Evening: Enjoy dinner at La Parrilla de la Plaza ( grilled meats and seafood)

Day 6: Montevideo’s Hidden Gems

  • Morning: Visit the Mercado del Puerto (Port Market), a bustling marketplace with local food, crafts, and souvenirs
  • Transportation: Use public transportation (Linea 15) to get around the city
  • Visit:
    • Museo de la Ciudad (City Museum): A museum showcasing the history of Montevideo
    • El Prado: A charming neighborhood with beautiful architecture, shops, and restaurants
  • Lunch: Try some Uruguayan cuisine at El Almacen ( traditional restaurant)
  • Afternoon: Explore the trendy neighborhood of Pocitos, known for its restaurants, bars, and shops

Day 7: Departure

  • Morning: Spend some time shopping for souvenirs or visiting any last-minute sights
  • Transportation: Take a taxi or bus (Linea 15) from your accommodation to the airport
  • Departure: Return home, bringing back memories of your wonderful trip to Montevideo!

Things to know:

  • Currency: Uruguayan Peso (UYU)
  • Language: Spanish and some Portuguese
  • Weather: Spring (September to November) and Autumn (March to May) are the best times to visit Montevideo, with mild temperatures and fewer crowds.
  • Safety: Montevideo is generally a safe city, but take normal precautions to protect yourself and your belongings.

Tips:

  • Public Transportation: Use public transportation (Linea 15) to get around the city, as it’s efficient and affordable.
  • Tipping: Tipping in Uruguay is not mandatory, but it’s appreciated for good service.
  • Language: While many Uruguayans speak some English, it’s still a good idea to learn basic Spanish phrases to help you communicate.
  • Dress Code: Dress modestly when visiting churches or cultural sites, and avoid wearing beachwear in public areas.

Other things of interest:

  • Montevideo’s nightlife: The city has a lively nightlife scene, with plenty of bars, clubs, and live music venues.
  • Uruguayan cuisine: Try some traditional Uruguayan dishes like chivito (a sandwich), milanesa (breaded cutlet), or fainá ( bean stew).
  • Wine region: Visit the Canelones wine region to taste some of Uruguay’s excellent wines.