Things to do in Colonia del Sacramento

Activities, attractions and tours

Colonia del Sacramento
Colonia del Sacramento
Colonia del Sacramento which includes signage
Colonia del Sacramento showing street scenes
Street of Sighs which includes a house, a small town or village and street scenes
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Top places to visit

1. Ferrando Beach

Ferrando Beach is a picturesque stretch of sand just east of the historic center of the city. Scenic lakes and a forest with quaint paths and trails surround the area. The beach is on the large mouth of the Río de la Plata, a river that separates Uruguay from Argentina. It is south-facing, so you can enjoy a more refreshing breeze than on the western coast of the city. Visit this ideal spot for relaxing break enjoying sun, sand and water before getting back to the ancient landmarks in the city center.
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Ferrando Beach featuring a beach

2. Colonia del Sacramento Plaza de Armas

The Colonia del Sacramento Plaza de Armas is a square in the historic center of the city, surrounded by many of the main landmarks. Its most famous feature is the Matriz Church, one of the oldest in Uruguay. The plaza is decorated with trees, benches and a well-kept lawn, perfect for a brief pause from sightseeing. Take advantage of this ideal spot for a picnic in sight of the majestic church.
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Colonia del Sacramento Plaza de Armas showing a house

3. Colonia del Sacramento Lighthouse

The Colonia del Sacramento Lighthouse is a popular historic attraction in the south of the city with the same name. It has provided assistance to boats in the Río de la Plata since the 1800s. The lighthouse protrudes above the majority of the historic center’s skyline, so it is one of the most recognizable icons in the area. Climb to the top of the structure to enjoy the panorama of the city and the river.
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Colonia del Sacramento Lighthouse featuring a sunset, a lighthouse and heritage architecture

4. Street of Sighs

The quaint Street of Sighs is one of the most iconic parts of Colonia del Sacramento’s historic area. This alley has survived intact for many centuries with charming features, such as colorful old buildings, trees and a cobblestone layout. Visit its small shops and ancient houses and enjoy a view of the river on the horizon.
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Street of Sighs showing a house, a small town or village and street scenes

5. Porton de Campo

Portón de Campo is an 18th-century city gate and drawbridge built by the Portuguese settlers of Colonia del Sacramento. It was an integral part of the walls that protected the city from intrusion. Visit this site, now a charming entrance to the historic center of the area. Trees, bushes and grassy hills surround the wooden drawbridge.
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Porton de Campo

6. Spanish Museum

The Spanish Museum houses a collection of ruins and relics from the early Spanish rule over the area. Works of art, vintage weapons and replica costumes make up the fascinating assortment of antiques. Its aim is to teach visitors about the way the Spanish settlers lived in Colonia del Sacramento in the 17th and 18th centuries. In particular, explore the differences between Spanish and Portuguese ways of living.
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Spanish Museum featuring a small town or village

What to do in Colonia del Sacramento

Popular places to visit

Ferrando Beach featuring a beach

Ferrando Beach

4.5/5(2 reviews)

Located next to lakes and a small forest, this scenic sandy beach receives a refreshing breeze from the south.

Ferrando Beach
Colonia del Sacramento Plaza de Armas showing a house

Colonia del Sacramento Plaza de Armas

3.5/5(2 reviews)

Take a relaxing stroll through the trees and cobblestone streets of the plaza that lays claim to one of the oldest churches in Uruguay.

Colonia del Sacramento Plaza de Armas
Rio de la Plata

Rio de la Plata

Commune with nature and explore the great outdoors at Rio de la Plata during your travels in Colonia del Sacramento. Make time to visit the monuments and cathedral while you're in the area.

Rio de la Plata
Colonia del Sacramento Lighthouse featuring a sunset, a lighthouse and heritage architecture

Colonia del Sacramento Lighthouse

4.5/5(3 reviews)

The 360-degree view from the summit of this historic 19th-century lighthouse incorporates the entire city and the Río de la Plata.

Colonia del Sacramento Lighthouse
Street of Sighs showing a house, a small town or village and street scenes

Street of Sighs

4.5/5(3 reviews)

See if the unusual name fits as you stroll down this iconic cobblestone street and its antique buildings dating back several centuries.

Street of Sighs
Calabres Beach

Calabres Beach

4/5(3 reviews)

Why not spend a care-free afternoon at Calabres Beach during your travels in Colonia del Sacramento? Discover the museums and cathedral in this walkable area.

Calabres Beach
Porton de Campo

Porton de Campo

4.5/5(4 reviews)

After being built over 270 years ago by a Portuguese governor to protect the city from potential enemies, this gate and drawbridge are still standing.

Porton de Campo
Spanish Museum featuring a small town or village

Spanish Museum

Explore this museum to learn how the Spanish settlers lived in Colonia del Sacramento in the 17th and 18th centuries.

Spanish Museum
Convent of San Francisco

Convent of San Francisco

4.5/5(2 reviews)

Beneath the lighthouse, walk around the maze of pathways and walls of these ancient ruins, which have survived after several centuries.

Convent of San Francisco

Areas of Colonia del Sacramento

Colonia del Sacramento featuring interior views, a church or cathedral and religious aspects

Barrio Histórico

If you're spending some time in Barrio Histórico, Colonia del Sacramento Plaza de Armas and Rio de la Plata are top sights worth seeing.

Barrio Histórico
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Real de San Carlos

While visiting Real de San Carlos, you might make a stop by sights like Paleontological Museum and Museum of Shipwrecks and Treasures.

Real de San Carlos

 

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Frequently asked questions

Is Colonia del Sacramento worth visiting?
Colonia del Sacramento offers a unique blend of culture, local charm and attractions. Whether you're into nature, history or regional cuisine, there's plenty to enjoy here.
How do I spend a day in Colonia del Sacramento?
After you've visited key attractions like Indian Museum and Street of Sighs, spend some time discovering Colonia del Sacramento's shopping and dining scene.
What is the top tourist attraction in Colonia del Sacramento?
The top tourist attraction in Colonia del Sacramento is Street of Sighs, so make sure to include it on your agenda.
Is three days enough to stay in Colonia del Sacramento?
You can easily tick off leading attractions like Street of Sighs, Theatre Bastion del Carmen and Indian Museum with a three-day trip to Colonia del Sacramento. On average, most travellers plan two days here. There's plenty to discover nearby too, so stick around longer and check out Conchillas.
Is Colonia del Sacramento a walkable city?
Some leading sights in Colonia del Sacramento, like Street of Sighs and Theatre Bastion del Carmen, are within walking distance. You can also explore several of the city's neighbourhoods on foot. Only 0.64 kilometres from central Colonia del Sacramento is Barrio Histórico and Real de San Carlos is 3 kilometres away.
What are some activities to do in Colonia del Sacramento with kids?
If you are after attractions and activities for all ages, we've got some terrific ideas for what to do in Colonia del Sacramento with kids.

What to do in Colonia del Sacramento for adults?
Whether you're a culture enthusiast, avid foodie or outdoor explorer, there's no shortage of things to do in Colonia del Sacramento for adults including Rambla Colonia Del Sacramento and Paleontological Museum.
Are there free things to do in Colonia del Sacramento?
From checking out parks to strolling around hip neighbourhoods, it's easy to find free things to do in Colonia del Sacramento. If you need inspiration, get some tips from a local tour guide. Street of Sighs is a great spot for anyone wanting to save on their sightseeing adventures.