7 Best Attractions of Montevideo ...

By Neecey

If you’re visiting the capital of Uruguay, you’ll be blessed with plenty of attractions of Montevideo for your edification and delight. Montevideo may not have the same reputation as some of the other globally-renowned South American destinations, but it is not lacking in pathos and charm. The attractions of Montevideo take you on a journey along a classy seafront and harbor, through colonial old town and help you relive the formation of the Republic, and you’ll discover tiny tango bars and grand old theaters.

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1

Rambla De Montevideo

Rambla De Montevideo La Rambla de Montevideo is a nearly 14 mile street that goes all the way along the south coastline of the Bay of Montevideo. One of the major attractions of Montevideo, it’s a haven for beachcombers, sunbathers, and people engaged in all sorts of outdoor activities. It’s common to see people jogging, flying kites, walking, biking, fishing, or sipping the traditional South American drink, maté. There are frequent benches for sitting and taking in the views, especially at sunset. Roller skating and skateboarding are allowed in certain areas. The street is protected by Tourism Police during the summer to keep the area safe for visitors. The beach is state-owned and the state regulates building beach-side to protect the views.

2

Ciudad Vieja

Ciudad Vieja The oldest part of Montevideo is a barrio (neighborhood) called Cuidad Vieja (Old City) and it dates back to the 18th century. In times past, it used to be a walled city. The gateway and cobblestone streets still remain. Visit quaint shops, old buildings, museums, and plazas. In the last few years this area has become a mecca for nightlife, and there are a number of nightclubs, bars, and restaurants in the area worth visiting. Also, you’ll find the majority of the city’s museums here.

3

Pocitos

Pocitos Pocitos is a trendy section of Montevideo, located at the banks of the Rio de la Plata. Playa Pocitos is a beach favored by the young and young at heart, and often hosts sports activities such as volleyball, soccer, and events related to the sea. Along with sunbathing and other beach interests, there are a number of very upscale restaurants and boutiques. Also located in this area are a number of well-known places to visit in Montevideo, like Casa Felipe Yriart, the Casa Williams, the Casa Casabó, and the Escuela Brasil, all National Heritage Sites. Visit Castillo Pittamiglio, built by the eccentric architect Humberto Pittamiglio, with its odd rooms and staircases to nowhere.

4

Plaza Independencia

Plaza Independencia This area separates Ciudad Vieja from the downtown area of Montevideo. On one side is the gateway into the old town, called Gateway of the Citadel or Puerta de la Ciudadela. On the other, one of the most important streets and major attractions of Montevideo begins; Avenida 18 de Julio, named for the date of Uruguay’s first constitution. In the center of the plaza sits the Artigas Mausoleum, a monument built to commemorate Jose Artigas, a national hero of Uruguay. His ashes are housed in a room below the statue, and the monument is guarded by a military unit called Blandengues de Artigas.

5

Teatro Solis

Teatro Solis Located in Plaza Independencia, Teatro Solis originally opened in 1856 and was home to a number of well-known performers. Now, however, it is a government-owned structure that hosts numerous cultural events related to theater, dance, and music. The architecture is fascinating, and the main stage and seating area are elegant. Go on a guided tour or take in one of the many cultural events.

Famous Quotes

Men in general judge more from appearances than from reality. All men have eyes, but few have the gift of penetration.

Niccolò Machiavelli
6

Feria De Tristan Narvaja

Feria De Tristan Narvaja This huge outdoor market is located in the middle of the Cordon neighborhood. Open only on Sundays, it features numerous antique and book shops, along with hundreds of vendors selling anything from furniture to live animals. A very popular place for travelers and locals alike, it’s always bustling with activity. It’s also a great place to eat, because there are a number of food, fruit, and vegetable vendors.

7

Museums in Montevideo

Museums in Montevideo While each museum deserves its own description and all are attractions of Montevideo in their own right, there are so many museums and historically significant areas you could spend days just touring these areas alone. Among your many museum selections are the Andes Museum, the National Museum of Modern Uruguayan Art, the Museum of Natural History, the National Museum of Visual Arts, and the Museum of Pre-Columbian and Indigenous Art. Several museums showcase the work of one architect or artist, such as the Gurvich Museum, Blanes Museum, the Vilamajo House Museum, the Museum of Juan Zorrilla of San Martin, the Figari Museum, and the Torres Garcia Museum, to mention a few. If you arrive on the last Saturday in September, all museums and places of historical interest around the Plaza de Independencia are free of charge.

Montevideo will surprise and delight you. It has many faces and many characters, each a charm. Two great capital cities of South America lie practically opposite each other on the Rió de La Plata (River Plate) and it would be a fun trip to visit both and compare the attractions of Montevideo with those of Buenos Aires. Would you visit both or do you have a preference?

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