Amazing Things to do in Uruguay
Planning your trip to a foreign land can be stressful–we get it! This list of the absolute best things to do in Uruguay is intended to relieve that planning-related stress!
This guide only includes four cities, and you can’t go wrong with using Montevideo as a base for your Uruguayan adventures. We recommend staying in Montevideo for 4-5 nights, take two day trips, and then spend 2-3 more nights in Uruguay’s secret town.
Uruguay is odd. It’s unlike any other country we’ve been to. The touristy things to do in Uruguay kind of sound like they were conceived by an uber-creative artist who uses travelers as an experiment–and that’s the beauty! We promise avoidance of boredom, a rapid digestion of an under-the-radar culture, and a desire to return with this list of best things to do in Uruguay. Let’s get into it!
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1. Explore Colonia del Sacramento
Colonia del Sacramento, Uruguay’s oldest city, with its relaxing cobblestone streets and old-school architecture, is the perfect day trip from Montevideo. While the list of activities in Colonia may be short, that’s the beauty. You can sample local cuisine, learn about its rich history, relax by the beach, or simply wander through the picturesque historic district. If you’re planning a trip between Montevideo and Buenos Aires, Colonia is the perfect stopover, as a ferry conveniently connects the city to Buenos Aires.
Traveling from Montevideo to Colonia del Sacramento is easy with frequent buses departing from the Tres Cruces Terminal. The journey takes about two hours, and you can check the bus schedules and availability on the Tres Cruces website. A one-way ticket typically costs around 496 pesos, or approximately 13 USD.
2. Watch the Sunset at Casapueblo
Casapueblo is an absolutely unreal structure in Punta Ballena, which is close to Punta del Este. This sprawling hotel and museum gives off major Santorini vibes right on the Uruguayan coast.
Carlos Páez Vilaró started building his studio and summer home with just his bare hands, cement, and a huge dream. Watching the sunset here is a must, and to make it even better, the museum hosts a “Sun Ceremony” where everyone gathers on the terraces to hear a recording of Vilaró bidding farewell to the sun. It can get pretty packed, so get there an hour before the sunset and enjoy a few cocktails and secure your seat.
The museum is open from10 am to 7:30 pm and costs about 13.20 USD, and we highly recommend staying overnight if you have the time to experience all that the hotel has to offer!
3. Tour the Legislative Palace
This is hands down the most underrated thing to do in Uruguay. We only found this gem while randomly scrolling through Google Maps, and decided to give it a try! From the stunning stained glass and marble architecture filled with national symbolism to the insanely detailed mosaics and paintings, this spot is a must-see!
There are 45-minute guided tours, which we highly recommend if you want to learn about both the building and Uruguayan politics. If you can’t make the tour, don’t worry—senate and house sessions are open to the public (yep, anyone can go, no need to be a Uruguayan citizen!). You can also check out the building’s library, just be sure to bring your passport for access (you won’t need it for the tour, but you’ll need it for the library and political sessions).
Tours run Monday through Friday and cost around 140 Uruguayan pesos (about 3 USD). Spanish tours are at 11 am and 3:30 pm, Portuguese at 11 am, and English at 3:30 pm.
4. Get off the grid in Cabo Polonio
Cabo Polonio is a remote coastal village in Uruguay, known for its stunning dunes, untouched beaches, and laid-back vibes. It’s a great spot for stargazing, visiting the famous lighthouse, and spotting sea lions at the nearby colony. With very limited electricity and no Wi-Fi, it offers a unique escape into nature and a break from the modern world. Cabo Polonio is perfect for those seeking a peaceful, off-the-grid adventure surrounded by pristine landscapes. This is where the hippies go to escape society!
5. Admire Palacio Salvo
Palacio Salvo is an architectural masterpiece with a strong mix of Italian and Uruguayan influence. It started out as a luxury hotel but now houses offices and apartments—yes, you can actually stay in one of the apartments! Fun fact: this spot replaced an old café/bar where Tango gained popularity, and where the famous Tango song “Cumparsita” was written. To honor that history, there’s a Tango Museum here too. The tour takes you through a few different floors, including the top and rooftop, where you’ll get great views of Montevideo and the ocean, before ending at the Tango Museum.
If you want to explore the top floors and visit the museum, you’ll need to book a tour. It’s a good idea to reserve your spot in advance by contacting +59897734525. The tour costs 500 Uruguayan pesos, or about 13 USD. Here are the tour times:
English:
Monday – Friday: 11 am, 3 pm, 4 pm
Saturday: 11 am, 3 pm
Spanish:
Monday – Friday: 10 am, 12 pm, 2 pm, 3:30 pm, and 5 pm
Saturday: 10 am, 10:30 am, and 11:30 am
Portuguese:
Monday – Friday: 2:30 pm
Saturday: 12 pm
6. See the Good and the Bad at Andes 1972 Museum
The Andes 1972 Crash Museum in Montevideo is one of the best museums we’ve ever visited. It honors both those who tragically lost their lives and the survivors of the horrifying plane crash, who endured 72 days in the freezing -30°F Andes! You can easily spend over two hours here diving into the exhibits, watching the emotional film, and chatting with the super passionate owner.
The museum entry is 300 pesos or about $8 for adults. It’s open Monday-Saturday from 10 am to 5 pm.
7. Experience or Learn About Carnaval
Did you know Uruguay has the longest Carnaval celebrations in the world? While it might not be as glamorous as its northern neighbors, it’s still an experience you don’t want to miss! Carnaval happens at “tabladas” (small stages) and other spots around Montevideo, usually between late January and early March. If you can’t make it during the celebrations, no worries—check out the Museo del Carnaval to dive into all the history!
8. Indulge in Uruguayan Cuisine at Mercado del Puerto
If you’re looking to pick up some souvenirs or try the most popular traditional Uruguayan barbecue dishes, Mercado del Puerto in Montevideo is the place to be. A Parrilla (which directly translates to “grill”) is a restaurant offering tons of grilled meats, vegetables, and fish. Mercado del Puerto is mostly filled with these Parrillas, but make sure to try the empanadas at the entrance! P.S. when in Uruguay, make sure to also try Chivitos, which are a delicious sandwich, sometimes containing the meat from Parrilla!
9. Climb up the Faro in Colonia del Sacramento
Colonia del Sacramento is best experienced by strolling through its charming cobblestone streets. However, the lighthouse, or “Faro” provides an amazing view of this beautiful town. You may have to wait in line for a bit, so reserve about 30 minutes for this activity. You’ll walk up the spiral staircase, potentially sweat, and be met with a crazy wind gust and magnificent views at the top!
10. Take a Boat Tour of Isla de lobos and Isla Gorriti
Punta del Este is in close proximity to two national protected sites, Isla Gorriti and Isla de Lobos. Isla de Lobos is the second largest colony of Sea Lions in the world!!! You can’t stop on the island but rather you’ll circle the island to slowly admire the wildlife! Isla Gorriti houses an old military fort, has beaches prime for picnics, and restaurants! Ferries to Isla Gorriti run every 20-30 minutes in the summer months (December – February) from the yacht harbor and less frequently during other months.
11. Walk or bike La Rambla
La Rambla is a 14-mile (22km) stretch along the Montevideo coast where walkers and cyclists soak up the windy but calm shoreline. You’ll find a few beaches along the way where you can surf or just enjoy a beach day during Uruguay’s summer. These can have a ton of seaweed on them, but people enjoy them nevertheless! Just a heads-up—summer in South America is winter in North America, so don’t head to Uruguay in July expecting beach weather!
12. Taste Uruguayan Wine
Tannat wine made its debut in Uruguay in the 19th century and has since become a symbol of Uruguayan wine. It’s not only a local favorite but also well-known in Argentina and respected worldwide, with many regional wines snagging international awards! If you’re short on time, there are a few wine and cheese spots in Colonia del Sacramento where you can grab a taste. But if you’ve got a bit more time, definitely check out the tours below!
- 2-hour Wine and Cheese Pairing
- Tour/Tasting at Capilla Winery in Carmelo, “The Tuscany of Uruguay”
- Wine Lovers’ Vineyard Tour
13. Explore the Urban Castle
The Pittamiglio Castle is definitely one of the weirder things to do in Montevideo. This interestingly-designed castle with a half of a ship sticking out of it is smushed between two very urban buildings in downtown Montevideo. It was the home of architect and “alchemist” Humberto Pittamiglio, and this psychedelic/religious themed building is definitely worth visiting!
Visiting Pittamiglio Castle costs 300 pesos (about 8 USD) and takes anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour depending on your pace. It’s open from 11 am to 5 pm Tuesday-Friday, 3:30 pm to 7:30 pm on Saturdays and Sundays, and closed on Mondays.
14. Try Mate
When you land in Uruguay, you’ll instantly notice people sipping from little handheld cauldrons and carrying around big insulated water bottles. They’re drinking Mate, a tea with indigenous roots that’s super popular across South America. Fun fact: Uruguayans drink more Mate per capita than anywhere else in the world, so trying it here is a total must! If you’re in Montevideo, stop by Bar Facal, the oldest bar in the city center, or Indoor Coffee Shop to get a taste of Uruguay’s national drink!
15. Party in Punta del Este
Every country has a city deemed “The Miami” which basically entails lavish parties, rich people on yachts, beaches, and lots of shopping. Punta del Este is not only called “The Miami” of Uruguay, it is called the “Miami of South America”! This is a boujee, upscale city with tons of trendy bars, cafes, and restaurants. Punta del Este compensates for Montevideo’s lack of beaches, making sure Uruguay is more than a country with a bunch of ugly ports. The beaches are huge and definitely worth going to!
Best Time to Visit Uruguay
The best time to visit Uruguay is during South America’s spring and summer, which is opposite to the seasons in the U.S. and Europe. Uruguay’s spring and summer run from September to March, with December, January, and February being perfect for hitting the beach, trying out watersports, and exploring the coast!
While we think Uruguay is at its best in the summer, winter (June to August) isn’t too bad either! Most of Montevideo’s attractions are open year-round, so it really comes down to your temperature preference and whether or not you want to spend time at the beach. Winter temps usually range from 36°F to 68°F, so it’s pretty mild!
Whatever you do, avoid visiting Uruguay during the last week of March! It’s Tourism Week, and the entire country goes on vacation—everything shuts down, so it’s not a great time to be here!
Our Favorite Travel Resources
Accommodations: We use Booking.com for hotels and HostelWorld for hostels. We also use VRBO or TrustedHousesitters for longer stays.
Flights: We recommend using Skyscanner to find the cheapest and best flights.
Ground Transport: We use 12Go and Omio for buses and private transfers, and rentalcars.com and Discover Cars for rental cars.
Activities: GetYourGuide and Viator are the best websites for booking organized tours.
International Medical Insurance: We highly recommend SafetyWing for Digital Nomads and HeyMondo for those not traveling full-time, or who frequently engage in higher-risk adventure activities.
eSIM: We recommend Airalo or Holafly for getting data internationally.
Check out our Travel Resources Page for more of our favorite travel-related products and services!
Keep Exploring Uruguay…
- How to Get Around Montevideo: Your Ultimate Guide
- How to Get from Montevideo to Buenos Aires
- Getting Around Uruguay: Your Guide to Buses, Rentals, and More
- How to Spend the Perfect Day in Punta del Este
- Amazing Things to do in Colonia del Sacramento
- What to do in Montevideo, Uruguay in One Day
- Unmissable Things to do in Montevideo
