History · Montevideo · Uruguay
8 historic sites to see in Montevideo
The places that tell the story of how the city came to be.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: GameOfLight, CC BY-SA 3.0
Quick answer
Start with Plaza Independencia and Artigas Mausoleum, Palacio Salvo and Teatro Solís. Together the 8 picks below take roughly 9–10 hours across 4 areas; 2 are free.
Key facts
- Places in this guide
- 8
- Free entry
- 2
- Time to see them all
- 9–10 hours
- Areas
- Centro, Ciudad Vieja and Aguada
Historic sites in Montevideo
Landmark · Centro
1.Plaza Independencia and Artigas Mausoleum
The Puerta de la Ciudadela, the last fragment of the colonial walls, leads into the old town, and the Palacio Salvo and the Executive Tower frame the square.
- Time needed
- 45 minutes
- Cost
- Free
- Iconic
- Free
- History
- Architecture
Architecture · Centro
2.Palacio Salvo
Designed by Mario Palanti, it is a sister of his Palacio Barolo in Buenos Aires. Guided tours climb towards the tower for views over the square and the port.
- Time needed
- 1 hour
- Cost
- Low cost
- Architecture
- Views
- History
- Iconic
Architecture · Ciudad Vieja
3.Teatro Solís
Guided tours run in Spanish and English on many days, and tickets for some performances are inexpensive.
- Time needed
- 1 hour
- Cost
- Low cost
- Architecture
- History
- After dark
- Rainy day
- Couples
Neighbourhood · Ciudad Vieja
4.Ciudad Vieja and Peatonal Sarandí
Side streets hold art deco banks, bookshops, galleries and the Plaza Zabala, and craft stalls line the street on fine days.
- Time needed
- 2–3 hours
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- History
- Architecture
- Shopping
Museum · Ciudad Vieja
5.Museo del Carnaval
It is the best way to understand the festival if you visit outside January and February.
- Time needed
- 1 hour
- Cost
- Low cost
- History
- Kids
- Rainy day
- Art
Museum · Ciudad Vieja
6.Museo Andes 1972
Objects, photographs and testimonies from survivors make it a moving visit.
- Time needed
- 1 hour
- Cost
- Low cost
- History
- Rainy day
Architecture · Aguada
7.Palacio Legislativo
Guided tours on weekdays visit the chambers when they are not in session.
- Time needed
- 1 hour
- Cost
- Low cost
- Architecture
- History
- Rainy day
Historic site · Parque Batlle
8.Estadio Centenario and Museo del Fútbol
The museum under the Olympic Stand displays trophies, shirts and memorabilia, and visits include a view from the stands.
- Time needed
- 1–1.5 hours
- Cost
- Low cost
- History
- Kids
- Rainy day
Grouped by area
| Area | Places | Time needed |
|---|---|---|
| Centro | Plaza Independencia and Artigas Mausoleum and Palacio Salvo | 45 minutes + 1 hour |
| Ciudad Vieja | Teatro Solís, Ciudad Vieja and Peatonal Sarandí, Museo del Carnaval and Museo Andes 1972 | 1 hour + 2–3 hours + 1 hour + 1 hour |
| Aguada | Palacio Legislativo | 1 hour |
| Parque Batlle | Estadio Centenario and Museo del Fútbol | 1–1.5 hours |
Booking and timing
Of these 8, 2 free, 6 low cost. None needs booking far in advance. The longest visit is Ciudad Vieja and Peatonal Sarandí; group the rest by area to save travel time.
How to fit them into 3 half-days
Grouped by area and kept to about four hours each, so you walk more than you ride.
- Half-day 1 (Centro and Ciudad Vieja): Plaza Independencia and Artigas Mausoleum → Palacio Salvo → Teatro Solís, at least 3 hours.
- Half-day 2 (Ciudad Vieja): Ciudad Vieja and Peatonal Sarandí → Museo del Carnaval → Museo Andes 1972, at least 4 hours.
- Half-day 3 (Aguada and Parque Batlle): Palacio Legislativo → Estadio Centenario and Museo del Fútbol, at least 2 hours.
The quietest months for queues
- May: highs of 18°C (64°F), about 7 rainy days, quiet crowds. Cooler and quieter, with crisp days; a good time for museums and long lunches.
- June: highs of 15°C (59°F), about 7 rainy days, quiet crowds. Damp, grey and windy, with chilly evenings; hotel prices are at their lowest.
- July: highs of 14°C (57°F), about 7 rainy days, quiet crowds. The coldest month; occasional frost and sharp southerly winds, but clear sunny days too.
The neighbourhoods they are in
- Ciudad Vieja — The old port peninsula of colonial and art deco streets, museums and parrillas
- Centro — Avenida 18 de Julio's art deco façades, shops, cafés and theatres
More of Montevideo
All things to do in Montevideo · Where to stay · When to go.
Questions travellers ask
+Where should I start in Montevideo?
Plaza Independencia and Artigas Mausoleum. The city's main square divides the Ciudad Vieja from the Centro, with an equestrian statue of independence hero José Artigas above an underground mausoleum holding his remains under a guard of honour.
+Which of these are free in Montevideo?
Plaza Independencia and Artigas Mausoleum and Ciudad Vieja and Peatonal Sarandí.