Montevideo nightlife

Where to go out

Nightlife tips

• In January and February, a murga or comparsa show at the Teatro de Verano or a neighbourhood tablado is the essential night out.
• Take a taxi or ride-hailing car back from the Ciudad Vieja late at night; its streets empty quickly.
• Sunday evening candombe drumming practice can often be heard in Barrio Sur and Palermo.

Evening sights

Architecture · Ciudad Vieja

Teatro Solís

Check the programme for a concert by the Montevideo Philharmonic, often the best way to see the hall.

Time needed

1 hour

Cost

Low cost

• Architecture
• History
• After dark
• Rainy day
• Couples

What to drink

• Medio y medio — A mix of sparkling and dry white wine served as an aperitif, created at the Mercado del Puerto's Café Roldós, which has served it for generations.
• Mate — Bitter yerba mate tea sipped through a metal straw (bombilla) from a gourd, topped up from a thermos tucked under the arm. Uruguayans drink it constantly, at work, in parks and on the Rambla.
• Tannat — The robust red grape, originally from south-west France, is Uruguay's signature wine, often tannic and dark, and it pairs well with grilled beef.

Evenings through the year

Sunset and the overnight low decide how long the outdoor part of a night lasts. January has the warmest evenings, with lows around 17°C (63°F).

Getting home late

• Bus — Buy an STM card for cheaper fares, or pay the driver in cash; route-planning apps show bus times well.
• Walking — The Ciudad Vieja, Plaza Independencia and the Centro are compact, and the Rambla is a pleasant walk for miles in good weather.
• Taxi — Black-and-yellow metered taxis are plentiful and can be hailed or booked by app; a supplement applies at night and on Sundays.
• Ride-hailing — Ride-hailing apps operate across the city and are convenient for evenings in the Ciudad Vieja or Parque Rodó.
• Ferry — Fast ferries cross the Río de la Plata to Buenos Aires from the port terminal in the Ciudad Vieja, and via Colonia del Sacramento with bus connections.

Late-night bites

• Choripán — Parrillas, carnival venues and street stalls near stadiums and fairs.
• Pizza and fainá — Old-style pizzerías in the Centro and Cordón.
• Torta frita — Street vendors and bakeries, especially when it rains.
• Empanadas — Empanada shops and bakeries in every neighbourhood.

Staying safe at night

Petty theft and bag snatching occur in the Ciudad Vieja and Centro, especially on empty streets after dark and at the Sunday market; take a taxi at night. On city beaches, follow lifeguard flags for currents and water quality.

Emergency number

911

Where to stay for nightlife

Questions travellers ask