Itinerary · Montevideo · Uruguay
One day in Montevideo
A day-by-day plan grouped by neighbourhood, so you spend your time seeing Montevideo, not crossing it.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Rodrigo Pissano, CC BY-SA 3.0
Quick answer
One day is a taster: the plan below covers the essentials, but most visitors want 3. Day 1: The Rambla and Castillo Pittamiglio. Base yourself in Ciudad Vieja.
Key facts
- Days
- 1
- Sights covered
- 5
- Day trips
- None
- Best base
- Ciudad Vieja
- Book ahead
- Nothing essential
Day by day
Day 1: The Rambla and Castillo Pittamiglio
The Rambla, Castillo Pittamiglio, Plaza Independencia and Artigas Mausoleum and Palacio Salvo, then Teatro Solís in the evening.
Morning
The Rambla
Walk or cycle the stretch from Punta Carretas lighthouse to Pocitos at sunset, when the whole city seems to be out. Allow 2–3 hours.
Late morning
Castillo Pittamiglio
Join a guided visit to learn about the symbolism; it is easy to combine with a walk along Playa Pocitos. Allow 1 hour.
Lunch
Lunch: Chivito
Traditional bars and confiterías across the Centro, Pocitos and Cordón.
Afternoon
Plaza Independencia and Artigas Mausoleum
Go down into the mausoleum, which is free, and then walk through the Puerta de la Ciudadela onto Peatonal Sarandí. Allow 45 minutes.
Late afternoon
Palacio Salvo
Book a guided tour to reach the upper floors; the ground-floor tango museum is also inside. Allow 1 hour.
Evening
Teatro Solís
Check the programme for a concert by the Montevideo Philharmonic, often the best way to see the hall.
Before you go
If it rains
- Swap in Museo Torres García (Ciudad Vieja): Buy a print of the upside-down map in the shop; it is one of the city's most recognisable images.
- Swap in Museo del Carnaval (Ciudad Vieja): Some visits include a short candombe drumming demonstration or workshop; ask at the desk.
- Swap in Museo Andes 1972 (Ciudad Vieja): Allow time to read the survivors' accounts; the museum is small but detailed.
Where to stay for this itinerary
$$$ · Best for first-timers, culture and couples
Ciudad Vieja
The old port peninsula of colonial and art deco streets, museums and parrillas
Pace and daylight
The sights in this plan add up to roughly 6–7 hours of visiting over one day, before meals and getting between them. Daylight runs from about 9.8 hours in June to 14.5 hours in December, so in winter start early and keep museums for the afternoon.
Getting between stops: Bus. An extensive bus network links the Centro with every barrio; lines along the Rambla and Avenida 18 de Julio are the most useful for visitors.
More or fewer days
Questions travellers ask
+Is one day enough in Montevideo?
One day is a taster: the plan below covers the essentials, but most visitors want 3. How many days Montevideo needs.