Ciudad Vieja

Wander the streets of Montevideo’s historic center to spot colonial landmarks, shop for handicrafts, admire art displays and visit a vibrant food market.  

Montevideo’s Ciudad Vieja (Old Town) is the historic and atmospheric heart of the city. Discover museums, art galleries and theaters, many of which occupy grand colonial-era buildings. Shop for artisanal souvenirs and then dine in a bustling food market.

A good place to start is at the Puerta de la Ciudad (Gateway of the Citadel), on the west side of Plaza Independencia. This marks the meeting point of the old and new parts of the city. Check out the views of the architecturally-impressive Palacio Salvo. Visit the mausoleum of national hero General José Artigas, in the center of Plaza Independencia.

Stroll through the heart of the neighborhood along the pedestrian-only Peatonal Sarandí. Browse bookstores, boutiques and street-vendor stalls for handicrafts and leather goods. Pause at Plaza Constitucion to admire the 18th-century Catedral Metropolitana de Montevideo (Montevideo Metropolitan Cathedral).

Find museums that showcase local art and Uruguay’s carnival traditions. These include the Museo del Carnaval (Carnival Museum) and the nearby Museo de Artes Decorativas (Museum of Decorative Arts), housed in the French-style Palacio Taranco. Spot eccentric portraits of historical figures by Joaquín Torres Garcia at the Museo Torres Garcia (Torres Garcia Museum).

Scattered around the Ciudad Vieja are innumerable bars, cafés and restaurants, most notably in Mercado del Puerto (Port Market). This lively food market is popular with locals and tourists alike. Sit at a steakhouse and order a traditional parrillada (mixed grill). Sample Uruguay’s national dish, the chivito, a grilled steak sandwich served with layers of toppings.

Watch a ballet, opera or concert at Uruguay’s oldest theater, Teatro Solís (Solís Theater). Past performers include the legendary dancers Isadora Duncan and Vaslav Nijinsky. Marvel at the contrast between the theater’s historic façade and modern interior. Learn about the theater’s history on a guided tour.

The Ciudad Vieja sits on a peninsula on the west side of Montevideo. It is easily accessible by public buses and a hop-on hop-off tourist bus. If you are feeling energetic then walk along La Rambla, a promenade that runs along Montevideo’s coastline. Enjoy the sweeping city views and spectacular sunsets, river beaches and waterfront cafés.