About Montevideo
Montevideo is the capital and largest city of Uruguay. As of the 2023 census, the city proper has a population of 1,287,452, making up about 36.8% of the country's total population, in an area of 201 square kilometers (78 sq mi). Montevideo is situated on the southern coast of the country, on the northeastern bank of the Río de la Plata.
Places to visit in Montevideo
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Ciudad Vieja
NeighborhoodThe historic old town of Montevideo, with colonial buildings, museums and pedestrian streets. Walk along Sarandi Street, and visit on a weekday when shops and cafes are open.
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Plaza Independencia
LandmarkThe main square of Montevideo, with a statue of national hero Artigas and his underground mausoleum. Start your walking tour here, and visit the mausoleum below the statue.
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Palacio Salvo
LandmarkAn early 20th-century skyscraper on Plaza Independencia, once the tallest building in South America. Book a guided tour to see the interior and climb the tower.
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Solis Theatre
EntertainmentThe country's main theater, opened in 1856 and still hosting opera, ballet and concerts. Join a guided tour during the day, or book tickets for an evening performance.
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Mercado del Puerto
MarketA historic iron market near the port, now full of grill restaurants serving Uruguayan barbecue. Come for lunch, and try the local drink called medio y medio.
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Rambla of Montevideo
LandmarkA seaside promenade running along the city's coastline for many kilometers. Walk or cycle along it at sunset, and join locals drinking mate along the way.
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Legislative Palace
LandmarkThe grand neoclassical home of Uruguay's parliament, decorated with marble and mosaics. Guided tours in Spanish and English are available on weekdays, so check times before you go.
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Cerro de Montevideo
Viewpoint · 4 mi from centreA hill across the bay from the city center, topped by a fortress and lighthouse. Go by taxi for views over the city, and visit the fortress museum.
Things to do in Montevideo by type
14 tours, tickets and experiences across 3 categories. Pick a type to see what is available for your dates.
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Gastronomy & nightlife 7 experiences City Winery: The art of wine in Uruguay - Ticket with Optional Tastings -
City tours 4 experiences Discover Colonia del Sacramento and its Most Enchanting Sites – Full-Day Tour -
Tickets & Attraction Passes 2 experiences Discover Bouza Winery Tour - With Transfers
- 1-3 hours 7
- 3-6 hours 2
- Over 6 hours 2
- Flexible 1
- Up to 1 hour 1
- Private 1
Top experiences in Montevideo
Tours, tickets and experiences you can book with Destina Holidays, from 14 available.
Tango Night and Fine Dining at Primuseum - Ticket with Transfers
From $139 per adult
Exclusive Experience at Spinoglio and Pizzorno - Wineries Tour with Lunch
From $228 per adult
Elegant Afternoon Tea at Sofitel Montevideo
From $36 per adult
Historic Old City - Bike Tour
From $74 per adult
City Winery: The art of wine in Uruguay - Ticket with Optional Tastings
From $22 per adult
Visit to the Dardanelli and Fallabrino Wineries - Half-Day Tour
From $97 per adult
El Milongón Dinner Show
From $96 per adult
Explore Punta del Este - Full-Day Tour
From $48 per adult
Discover Montevideo City
From $26 per adult
Discover Colonia del Sacramento and its Most Enchanting Sites – Full-Day Tour
From $80 per adult
Masterclass de cómo preparar el auténtico asado uruguayo
From $205 per adult
Discover Bouza Winery Tour - With Transfers
From $119 per adult
Where to stay in Montevideo
Popular hotels in Montevideo, out of 62 properties you can book.
NH Montevideo Columbia
From $134 per night
Sofitel Montevideo Casino Carrasco And Spa
From $183 per night
After Hotel Montevideo
From $91 per night
Hampton by Hilton Montevideo Carrasco
From $235 per night
Dazzler By Wyndham Montevideo
From $246 per night
Regency Golf - Hotel Urbano
From $169 per night
Regency Way Montevideo Hotel
From $108 per night
Esplendor by Wyndham Montevideo Cervantes
From $92 per night
Alvear
From $61 per night
Hilton Garden Inn Montevideo
From $253 per night
Cottage City Hotel Puerto Buceo
From $247 per night
Regency Park Hotel
From $122 per night
Best time to visit Montevideo
Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Montevideo is November to February, when average daytime highs are around 71–78°F and rain falls on about 9 days a month.
Average daily low and high temperatures and days with at least 1 mm of rain, from recent weather records. Highlighted months are the most comfortable for sightseeing.
Montevideo weather forecast
- Wed 21 Oct 62° 52° 10%
- Thu 22 Oct 64° 55° 67%
- Fri 23 Oct 64° 60° 65%
- Sat 24 Oct 61° 59° 33%
- Sun 25 Oct 59° 57° 72%
- Mon 26 Oct 58° 55° 27%
Know before you go
- Currency
- Uruguayan peso (UYU)1 US dollar ≈ $40.3
- Language
- Spanish
- Calling code
- +598
- Driving
- On the right
- Time zone
- America/MontevideoUTC−3
Upcoming public holidays in Uruguay
- Deceased ones dayDía de los Difuntos
- Christmas DayDía de la Familia
- New Year's DayAño Nuevo
- Children's DayDía de los Niños
- CarnivalCarnaval
- CarnivalCarnaval
Banks, offices and some attractions may close on public holidays, and flights and hotels often fill up early around them.
Getting to Montevideo
These are the airports closest to central Montevideo. Compare fares into each one, as a slightly longer transfer can sometimes mean a much cheaper flight.
- MVD Carrasco International Airport10 mi (17 km) from the city centre
Getting around Montevideo
Buses are the only form of mass public transit available in town, so it's likely you'll use them at some point.
On foot
Montevideo is a relatively safe city and if you are getting around by foot, you will have time to see the beautiful architecture of Montevideo. The city is built on a slight hill, the spine of which extends into the Rio de la Plata to create the point that was the original city (Ciudad Vieja). From the Plaza de la Independencia, the main street that extends east from the plaza is 18 de Julio Ave. El Centro (downtown) is in this area and there will be lots of shops and places to change money.
By taxi
Taxis are plentiful but not too cheap. It helps to know a little Spanish. A ten-minute cab ride costs about U$100. Taxis are metered and upon the end of your ride you are shown a chart depicting distance and cost (though on some vehicles this chart will be on the window between you and the driver). Generally there are two fare schedules. The first is for Monday-Saturday from morning to mid-evening. The second fee schedule is for Sundays and late at night, and is slightly more expensive.
By car
Car rental is cheaper if booked ahead but be aware that places like the airport and the ferry terminal charge higher rates then the same agencies in other locations around the city. A few phone calls and a cheap taxi ride to a location other than the air or sea ports will save you half the rate for the same car at the same company. Gasoline costs around US$2 per litre.
Montevideo travel FAQ
When is the best time to visit Montevideo?
Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Montevideo is November to February, when average daytime highs are around 71–78°F and rain falls on about 9 days a month.
What is the weather like in Montevideo?
February is usually the warmest month in Montevideo, with average highs of 78°F (26°C). July is the coolest, with average lows of 46°F (8°C). The wettest month is typically March, with about 120 mm of rain.
Which airport is closest to Montevideo?
Carrasco International Airport (MVD) is the closest airport, about 10 miles (17 km) from the centre of Montevideo.
What currency is used in Montevideo?
Montevideo uses the Uruguayan peso (UYU). At the latest exchange rate, 1 US dollar ≈ $40.3.
What time zone is Montevideo in?
Montevideo uses the America/Montevideo time zone (currently UTC−3). Remember to check for daylight saving changes when planning connecting flights.
How do I get around Montevideo?
Buses are the only form of mass public transit available in town, so it's likely you'll use them at some point.
What are the best places to visit in Montevideo?
Top sights in Montevideo include Ciudad Vieja, Plaza Independencia, Palacio Salvo and Solis Theatre. The historic old town of Montevideo, with colonial buildings, museums and pedestrian streets. Walk along Sarandi Street, and visit on a weekday when shops and cafes are open.
What are the top things to do in Montevideo?
Popular experiences you can book in Montevideo include Tango Night and Fine Dining at Primuseum - Ticket with Transfers, Exclusive Experience at Spinoglio and Pizzorno - Wineries Tour with Lunch and Elegant Afternoon Tea at Sofitel Montevideo. Destina Holidays offers 14 tours and activities here.
What kinds of tours and activities can I book in Montevideo?
The most popular types of experiences in Montevideo are gastronomy & nightlife (7), city tours (4), tickets & attraction passes (2) and travel services (1). Filter by type when you search to compare prices and availability for your dates.
Where should I stay in Montevideo?
Popular areas for hotels in Montevideo include Montevideo. Well-reviewed options include NH Montevideo Columbia and Sofitel Montevideo Casino Carrasco And Spa.
How many hotels can I book in Montevideo?
Destina Holidays currently lists 62 properties in and around Montevideo, from budget stays to luxury hotels. Search your dates to see live prices and availability.
