Guidebook for Montevideo
Food Scene
It's two minutes away from the apartment. Plenty of options and great ambiance.
110 paikallista suosittelee
Mercado Ferrando
Calle Joaquin de SalterainIt's two minutes away from the apartment. Plenty of options and great ambiance.
Excellent food and great style. Friends and couples gather here in special occasions. You should arrive before 9 PM to get a table. Try the fondue!
22 paikallista suosittelee
El Fondito
1222 Pedro BustamanteExcellent food and great style. Friends and couples gather here in special occasions. You should arrive before 9 PM to get a table. Try the fondue!
This is the most iconic market of the city. In the heart of the old city, you'll find the best local food restaurants and authentic crafts. Walk around the old city after or before a nice asado. Friday is a good day for this plan.
279 paikallista suosittelee
Mercado del Puerto
228 Rambla 25 de Agosto de 1825This is the most iconic market of the city. In the heart of the old city, you'll find the best local food restaurants and authentic crafts. Walk around the old city after or before a nice asado. Friday is a good day for this plan.
The best local pizza and fainá of the city! This place has been here for more than 50 years and we just love it. It's a really authentic piece of our Montevideo. Not touristy at all. 1 minute walking distance from our apartment.
Bar Luz
2149 Av. Gral. RiveraThe best local pizza and fainá of the city! This place has been here for more than 50 years and we just love it. It's a really authentic piece of our Montevideo. Not touristy at all. 1 minute walking distance from our apartment.
One of Montevideo’s oldest and most historic cafes is Café Brasilero, in the heart of Ciudad Vieja (Old Town) and near the iconic Plaza Independencia. The cafe dates from 1877, with an interior typical of the time period – dark wood panelling, an antique bar, and vintage prints. The coffee is excellent, as are the bakery and patisserie items. The cafe also offers breakfast plates to share at an excellent price given the cafe’s central location. This is a must-visit spot to take in Montevideo’s history and tradition.
36 paikallista suosittelee
Café Brasilero
1447 ItuzaingóOne of Montevideo’s oldest and most historic cafes is Café Brasilero, in the heart of Ciudad Vieja (Old Town) and near the iconic Plaza Independencia. The cafe dates from 1877, with an interior typical of the time period – dark wood panelling, an antique bar, and vintage prints. The coffee is excellent, as are the bakery and patisserie items. The cafe also offers breakfast plates to share at an excellent price given the cafe’s central location. This is a must-visit spot to take in Montevideo’s history and tradition.
Opposite the world-famous Teatro Solís is Café Bacacay, a sophisticated and quaint cafe with huge windows looking out over the theater. In a convenient location just off the central Plaza Independencia, the cafe is a great place to have a coffee and brunch during a morning of exploring the area. The cafe itself is inside a beautiful neoclassical building, and offers items such as filled croissants, a selection of special coffees and sweet treats. If location and views are what you’re looking for, Café Bacacay is the place to go.
15 paikallista suosittelee
Café Bacacay
1306 BacacayOpposite the world-famous Teatro Solís is Café Bacacay, a sophisticated and quaint cafe with huge windows looking out over the theater. In a convenient location just off the central Plaza Independencia, the cafe is a great place to have a coffee and brunch during a morning of exploring the area. The cafe itself is inside a beautiful neoclassical building, and offers items such as filled croissants, a selection of special coffees and sweet treats. If location and views are what you’re looking for, Café Bacacay is the place to go.
Philomène is located in the most upmarket neighborhood of Montevideo, Punta Carretas. Given the wealthy clientele of the area, the cafe is beautifully decorated with a fashionable vintage theme. The menu offers the usual coffee and tea, as well as an enticing selection of cakes, pies, and other sweet offerings. This is an ideal cafe for an indulgent brunch.
16 paikallista suosittelee
Philomene Cafe
2455 Solano GarcíaPhilomène is located in the most upmarket neighborhood of Montevideo, Punta Carretas. Given the wealthy clientele of the area, the cafe is beautifully decorated with a fashionable vintage theme. The menu offers the usual coffee and tea, as well as an enticing selection of cakes, pies, and other sweet offerings. This is an ideal cafe for an indulgent brunch.
This small corner grill in Punta Carretas is an incredible place for an asado. As soon as it opens people flock to get a taste of its juicy and tender cooked meat. The décor is reminiscent of a film set, its planked bar has a great view of the cooking meat so you can enjoy dinner and a show! Although the menu is select, it is specialized and precise so you know that you’re getting exactly what they know they can cook best.
45 paikallista suosittelee
La Pulpería
448 LagunillasThis small corner grill in Punta Carretas is an incredible place for an asado. As soon as it opens people flock to get a taste of its juicy and tender cooked meat. The décor is reminiscent of a film set, its planked bar has a great view of the cooking meat so you can enjoy dinner and a show! Although the menu is select, it is specialized and precise so you know that you’re getting exactly what they know they can cook best.
‘Peter’s Kitchen’ is a very popular restaurant serving a large variety of high-quality meat, so make sure you have a reservation before you go. As soon as you walk in you can see the master chefs preparing the meat on their massive parrilla. Its design allows for a lot of open space with high ceilings. They offer a great variety of wine, perfect to pair with your meal.
33 paikallista suosittelee
La Cocina de Pedro
1483 Avenida Gonzalo Ramírez‘Peter’s Kitchen’ is a very popular restaurant serving a large variety of high-quality meat, so make sure you have a reservation before you go. As soon as you walk in you can see the master chefs preparing the meat on their massive parrilla. Its design allows for a lot of open space with high ceilings. They offer a great variety of wine, perfect to pair with your meal.
This is one of the best places in Uruguay for meat lovers. You can tell this restaurant takes pride in its food because each meal is lovingly presented and served with a smile. The building is a beautiful converted house so it is spacious and comfortable at any time of day. They are also known for their delicious desserts, such as flan with a Uruguayan twist: covered in the traditional sweet sauce, dulce de leche!
6 paikallista suosittelee
Uruguay Natural Parrilla Gourmet
2432 Dr. Héctor MirandaThis is one of the best places in Uruguay for meat lovers. You can tell this restaurant takes pride in its food because each meal is lovingly presented and served with a smile. The building is a beautiful converted house so it is spacious and comfortable at any time of day. They are also known for their delicious desserts, such as flan with a Uruguayan twist: covered in the traditional sweet sauce, dulce de leche!
You can have some great asado in this easy-going restaurant in Prado. Located right next to one of the biggest parks in the capital, Don Andres has a relaxed and friendly ambiance that is sure to make you feel right at home. There are all sorts of crazy things like antique cars, bikes, and surfboards hanging from the ceiling. But even this unique design doesn’t distract from the special meat served here.
11 paikallista suosittelee
Don Andres
1054 Av. Lucas ObesYou can have some great asado in this easy-going restaurant in Prado. Located right next to one of the biggest parks in the capital, Don Andres has a relaxed and friendly ambiance that is sure to make you feel right at home. There are all sorts of crazy things like antique cars, bikes, and surfboards hanging from the ceiling. But even this unique design doesn’t distract from the special meat served here.
La Perdiz is a lovely dining experience if you want to taste some authentic Uruguayan cooking. The classic asado is prepared in an open kitchen so you can see your next meal sizzling away on the parrilla. The staff are also attentive and warm, just like the interior design, which consists of solid warm colors and wood. Their meat is top notch, with every customer leaving full and satisfied.
84 paikallista suosittelee
La Perdiz
350 GuipúzcoaLa Perdiz is a lovely dining experience if you want to taste some authentic Uruguayan cooking. The classic asado is prepared in an open kitchen so you can see your next meal sizzling away on the parrilla. The staff are also attentive and warm, just like the interior design, which consists of solid warm colors and wood. Their meat is top notch, with every customer leaving full and satisfied.
In the up-market neighborhood of Carrasco this restaurant is held in high-esteem for its quality, class, and familiarity. Garcia is well located: very close to the beach and just off the main shopping street, Arocena. Everything about it is traditionally Uruguayan, serving excellent meat, wines, and desserts, with a background of tango and other staple Uruguayan music.
9 paikallista suosittelee
Restorán Garcia Carrasco
1587 Avenida A. ArocenaIn the up-market neighborhood of Carrasco this restaurant is held in high-esteem for its quality, class, and familiarity. Garcia is well located: very close to the beach and just off the main shopping street, Arocena. Everything about it is traditionally Uruguayan, serving excellent meat, wines, and desserts, with a background of tango and other staple Uruguayan music.
This is another great parrilla in the port market of the Old City. The chefs at El Palenque are wizards who conjure magical cuts of meat and cook them masterfully. They are also celebrated for their delicious grilled vegetables and grilled fish. The grilled fish platter is highly recommended by locals that frequent the area. Although the market is quite touristy, it is the perfect place to meet people and have a wonderful experience!
7 paikallista suosittelee
El Palenque
1579 Pérez CastellanoThis is another great parrilla in the port market of the Old City. The chefs at El Palenque are wizards who conjure magical cuts of meat and cook them masterfully. They are also celebrated for their delicious grilled vegetables and grilled fish. The grilled fish platter is highly recommended by locals that frequent the area. Although the market is quite touristy, it is the perfect place to meet people and have a wonderful experience!
This beautifully decorated restaurant is one of the best in the city. It serves dishes inspired by South-East Asian cuisine and has a wide range of vegan and vegetarian options. There is an essence of harmony in Tandory; the service is exemplary and the food exquisite and deliciously tempting. This is one of the most popular restaurants in Montevideo, so make sure you book a reservation before going to avoid disappointment. Expensive.
24 paikallista suosittelee
Restaurant Tandory
2851 LibertadThis beautifully decorated restaurant is one of the best in the city. It serves dishes inspired by South-East Asian cuisine and has a wide range of vegan and vegetarian options. There is an essence of harmony in Tandory; the service is exemplary and the food exquisite and deliciously tempting. This is one of the most popular restaurants in Montevideo, so make sure you book a reservation before going to avoid disappointment. Expensive.
This themed tavern serves mouth-watering seafood, a staple in Basque cuisine. Like any good tavern, its dimmed lights provide a warm ambiance and you can hear a murmur of pleasant conversations infused by great drinks and even better food. If choosing between grilled octopus or Bizkaina cod wasn’t hard enough, it also serves a wonderful selection of paella, tortillas, and dishes borrowed from neighboring countries, like the Belgian moules-frites.
8 paikallista suosittelee
Pacharán - Taberna Vasca
This themed tavern serves mouth-watering seafood, a staple in Basque cuisine. Like any good tavern, its dimmed lights provide a warm ambiance and you can hear a murmur of pleasant conversations infused by great drinks and even better food. If choosing between grilled octopus or Bizkaina cod wasn’t hard enough, it also serves a wonderful selection of paella, tortillas, and dishes borrowed from neighboring countries, like the Belgian moules-frites.
SushiTrue the best sushi-fusion restaurants in Montevideo. Chef Danny Sadi is not scared of experimenting with flavors and textures. He produces amazing Japanese fusion cuisine which you can taste in this small boutique restaurant, which is thematically decorated with ornaments brought back from his travels. A few highlights among his exciting creations are the sushi rolls with panko shrimp, serrano ham, and blue cheese, the sweet and savory rolls with salmon skin, mango, strawberry, and lime zest, and finally rolls featuring carrot, eggplant, and shiitake mushrooms.
8 paikallista suosittelee
Sushi True
1101 ObligadoSushiTrue the best sushi-fusion restaurants in Montevideo. Chef Danny Sadi is not scared of experimenting with flavors and textures. He produces amazing Japanese fusion cuisine which you can taste in this small boutique restaurant, which is thematically decorated with ornaments brought back from his travels. A few highlights among his exciting creations are the sushi rolls with panko shrimp, serrano ham, and blue cheese, the sweet and savory rolls with salmon skin, mango, strawberry, and lime zest, and finally rolls featuring carrot, eggplant, and shiitake mushrooms.
Arts & Culture
Must see in a Sunday morning. This is not only a food market, but also an authentic street market for both locals and tourists. It's a 5 minutes walk from the apartment. Plenty of books and crafts!
89 paikallista suosittelee
Tristan Narvajan markkinat
1545 Dr. Tristán NarvajaMust see in a Sunday morning. This is not only a food market, but also an authentic street market for both locals and tourists. It's a 5 minutes walk from the apartment. Plenty of books and crafts!
This is the main craftsmen market! It is about 20 min walking distance from our apartment. Not touristy. Incredible work from our best artisans; everything here is produced by locals!
26 paikallista suosittelee
Craftsmen market
1365 Circunvalacion Pl. CaganchaThis is the main craftsmen market! It is about 20 min walking distance from our apartment. Not touristy. Incredible work from our best artisans; everything here is produced by locals!
The Decorative Arts Museum is housed in the former residence of the Ortiz de Taranco family, a landmark building in the city of Montevideo. Built in the early twentieth century on the foundations of the old Comedy Theater (the first that was in the city), was ceded in 1943 to the State with the collection of art created by its owners. "The museum was created in 1972 and 1975 the building was declared a historic monument. it houses, in addition to part of the furniture and decor, a collection of paintings and sculptures that contains pieces of great historical and artistic value. on the lower level a complete sample of Mediterranean archeology exhibits.
31 paikallista suosittelee
Palacio Taranco
376 25 de MayoThe Decorative Arts Museum is housed in the former residence of the Ortiz de Taranco family, a landmark building in the city of Montevideo. Built in the early twentieth century on the foundations of the old Comedy Theater (the first that was in the city), was ceded in 1943 to the State with the collection of art created by its owners. "The museum was created in 1972 and 1975 the building was declared a historic monument. it houses, in addition to part of the furniture and decor, a collection of paintings and sculptures that contains pieces of great historical and artistic value. on the lower level a complete sample of Mediterranean archeology exhibits.
Parks & Nature
In front of the beach. Awesome to watch the sunset and ask for some mates! 10 min walk from our apartment.
361 paikallista suosittelee
Parque Rodo
Avenue Julio Herrera y ReissigIn front of the beach. Awesome to watch the sunset and ask for some mates! 10 min walk from our apartment.
This is the highest point of Montevideo to see La Rambla. Stunning sunsets, just go!
32 paikallista suosittelee
Plaza Virgilio
5535 Rbla. República de MéxicoThis is the highest point of Montevideo to see La Rambla. Stunning sunsets, just go!
In front of this hotel, you'll find a quite huge beach. This is the second best Beach in Montevideo, where Rio de la Plata starts meeting the Atlantic Ocean.
46 paikallista suosittelee
Hotel Sofitel Montevideo Casino Carrasco and Spa
6451 Rbla. República de MéxicoIn front of this hotel, you'll find a quite huge beach. This is the second best Beach in Montevideo, where Rio de la Plata starts meeting the Atlantic Ocean.
This is the most hectic beach of all, with lots of locals. However, the view is paramount. It is just in front of the second largest park of the city (Parque Rodo)
70 paikallista suosittelee
De los Pocitos Beach
This is the most hectic beach of all, with lots of locals. However, the view is paramount. It is just in front of the second largest park of the city (Parque Rodo)
Essentials
This is a very convenient and nice grocery store - they sell no beef nor chicken. Trustworthy and 1 min from our place.
27 paikallista suosittelee
Kinko
901 Juan Manuel BlanesThis is a very convenient and nice grocery store - they sell no beef nor chicken. Trustworthy and 1 min from our place.
Drinks & Nightlife
This is one of the top craft-beer places in Montevideo, and it's just 2 minutes away from the apartment (walking distance). Plenty of groups, great music and ambiance.
22 paikallista suosittelee
Hey Chopp
1436 Juan PaullierThis is one of the top craft-beer places in Montevideo, and it's just 2 minutes away from the apartment (walking distance). Plenty of groups, great music and ambiance.
They offer breakfasts, snacks, burgers and the best craft beers in the country. Located in Pocitos, the house is a typical example of the "belle epóque" of the 20th century, in time of growth of the bourgeois, who enjoyed a material prosperity and had free time to hold parties and meetings in its spacious rooms.
At MBC they recover this tradition of social gatherings, which in the 21st century were called "afters" or "priors". It is also the ideal place for university students because of its location and because it has study tables and free Wi-Fi. Each "break" is a good opportunity to go.
60 paikallista suosittelee
Montevideo Beer Company
2614 Blvr. EspañaThey offer breakfasts, snacks, burgers and the best craft beers in the country. Located in Pocitos, the house is a typical example of the "belle epóque" of the 20th century, in time of growth of the bourgeois, who enjoyed a material prosperity and had free time to hold parties and meetings in its spacious rooms.
At MBC they recover this tradition of social gatherings, which in the 21st century were called "afters" or "priors". It is also the ideal place for university students because of its location and because it has study tables and free Wi-Fi. Each "break" is a good opportunity to go.
Sightseeing
This “Old City” by the harbor retains remnants of the past, like iron gates and colonial street lamps, and, with antique shops, museums and cafes, it’s a great place for browsing.
206 paikallista suosittelee
Ciudad Vieja
This “Old City” by the harbor retains remnants of the past, like iron gates and colonial street lamps, and, with antique shops, museums and cafes, it’s a great place for browsing.
Notable for its domed bell towers, this 1804 cathedral is the burial place for some of the country’s most important figures.
40 paikallista suosittelee
Montevideon katedraali
1373 ItuzaingóNotable for its domed bell towers, this 1804 cathedral is the burial place for some of the country’s most important figures.
Filled with urban art and stunning paintings, Jackson is the best street to get to La Rambla while checking the city most iconic street art. If this is what you like, visit http://www.streetart.uy/ for more details and urban-art streets.
Juan D. Jackson
Juan D. JacksonFilled with urban art and stunning paintings, Jackson is the best street to get to La Rambla while checking the city most iconic street art. If this is what you like, visit http://www.streetart.uy/ for more details and urban-art streets.
This prominent plaza divides the old from the new Uruguay, and is surrounded by an interesting array of architectural styles. It also contains a statue of General Artigas, considered the father of Uruguay.
143 paikallista suosittelee
Plaza Independencia
Plaza IndependenciaThis prominent plaza divides the old from the new Uruguay, and is surrounded by an interesting array of architectural styles. It also contains a statue of General Artigas, considered the father of Uruguay.
From the port, take the street Perez Castellano, in front of the Mercado del Puerto (port market). Walking up, you’ll see a bizarre mural by Venezuelan artist Nicolás Sánchez (aka Alfalfa) that looks like a cross between a bull and a purple dragon.
Further along there is a masterful piece of hyperrealism called “The Sorority” by Fitz. This piece represents the strength, unity, and insoluble sisterhood between women in the face of institutionalized oppression—the artist hopes to highlight that no woman should suffer to feel free. Next up you can take a left at 25 de Mayo, or continue up to Reconquista and explore two different trails.
Alzaibar
AlzáibarFrom the port, take the street Perez Castellano, in front of the Mercado del Puerto (port market). Walking up, you’ll see a bizarre mural by Venezuelan artist Nicolás Sánchez (aka Alfalfa) that looks like a cross between a bull and a purple dragon.
Further along there is a masterful piece of hyperrealism called “The Sorority” by Fitz. This piece represents the strength, unity, and insoluble sisterhood between women in the face of institutionalized oppression—the artist hopes to highlight that no woman should suffer to feel free. Next up you can take a left at 25 de Mayo, or continue up to Reconquista and explore two different trails.
Street Art Trail: Reconquista, Canelones, Soriano, and Maldonado
There are several pieces scattering the walls of these streets and even along the coastal promenade that are outstanding works of art. Work your way to a building decorated by locks of hair that wisp into roses. The piece is called “Future Memory” by the outstanding Uruguayan Artist Romina Romanelli, whose work can be found all over the continent.
Next along is the neighborhood of Barrio Sur, where the residents have painted innumerable murals depicting everything that unites them with their culture. This being Uruguay, many of these feature candombe, a national type of music, or their favorite local football team.
Reconquista
ReconquistaStreet Art Trail: Reconquista, Canelones, Soriano, and Maldonado
There are several pieces scattering the walls of these streets and even along the coastal promenade that are outstanding works of art. Work your way to a building decorated by locks of hair that wisp into roses. The piece is called “Future Memory” by the outstanding Uruguayan Artist Romina Romanelli, whose work can be found all over the continent.
Next along is the neighborhood of Barrio Sur, where the residents have painted innumerable murals depicting everything that unites them with their culture. This being Uruguay, many of these feature candombe, a national type of music, or their favorite local football team.
The Design District of Palermo.
Take Constituyente Street until it becomes Bulevar España. See the intersection with Maldonado and Canelones. Just before Constituyente becomes Bulevar España, you can find a number of pieces on the same wall.
Here there is possibly the greatest concentration of street art in the city, with pieces that range from a raw heart in bare hands to selfie-taking elephants on penny-farthings to Manga-styled portraits. It’s hard to turn your head here and not see something incredible.
Nearby on Charrúa Street there’s a fun design of toddler twins called “the Angel and the Devil” in spray paint and plastered paper.
12 paikallista suosittelee
Palermo
The Design District of Palermo.
Take Constituyente Street until it becomes Bulevar España. See the intersection with Maldonado and Canelones. Just before Constituyente becomes Bulevar España, you can find a number of pieces on the same wall.
Here there is possibly the greatest concentration of street art in the city, with pieces that range from a raw heart in bare hands to selfie-taking elephants on penny-farthings to Manga-styled portraits. It’s hard to turn your head here and not see something incredible.
Nearby on Charrúa Street there’s a fun design of toddler twins called “the Angel and the Devil” in spray paint and plastered paper.
An impressive building of Cordon Soho is Zorrilla High School, which is painted almost top to bottom in all manner of styles and methods. It’s a fascinating place and enough to make you feel jealous of teenagers for once. Around the corner from this building there is another wall lined with colorful psychedelic mushrooms ballooning to its roof.
Liceo Zorrilla
Doctor Joaquín RequenaAn impressive building of Cordon Soho is Zorrilla High School, which is painted almost top to bottom in all manner of styles and methods. It’s a fascinating place and enough to make you feel jealous of teenagers for once. Around the corner from this building there is another wall lined with colorful psychedelic mushrooms ballooning to its roof.
Entertainment & Activities
During February and up until mid-March, Uruguay celebrates the longest Carnival on Earth. Every single day in more than 20 locations, local groups go up the stage to do their show. This is the most iconic "Tablado", where "Murgas" and others do their 100% Uruguayan performance. A Tablado is like an open theater with lots of food. It starts 7.30 PM. Most Uruguayans just buy a regular ticket (once you get there, you'll see the counters) and sit wherever. This costs around 7-8 USD. However, you can also ask for the ticket that allows you a seat, they are a bit more expensive but worth it, because you might spend around 5-6 hours in a Tablado, especially Fridays and Saturdays.
9 paikallista suosittelee
Montevideo Municipal Velodrome
3471 Avenida Ramón V. BenzanoDuring February and up until mid-March, Uruguay celebrates the longest Carnival on Earth. Every single day in more than 20 locations, local groups go up the stage to do their show. This is the most iconic "Tablado", where "Murgas" and others do their 100% Uruguayan performance. A Tablado is like an open theater with lots of food. It starts 7.30 PM. Most Uruguayans just buy a regular ticket (once you get there, you'll see the counters) and sit wherever. This costs around 7-8 USD. However, you can also ask for the ticket that allows you a seat, they are a bit more expensive but worth it, because you might spend around 5-6 hours in a Tablado, especially Fridays and Saturdays.
During February and up until mid-March, Uruguay celebrates the longest Carnival on Earth. Every single day in more than 20 locations, local groups go up the stage to do their show. This is the theater where bands perform to get a price at the end of Carnaval. It starts at 7 PM. You need to go to an Abitab to buy a regular. This costs around 10-12 USD, depending on the location you want. This is the most authentic thing an Uruguayan can do during the summer.
69 paikallista suosittelee
Teatro de Verano
s/n Rambla Pte. WilsonDuring February and up until mid-March, Uruguay celebrates the longest Carnival on Earth. Every single day in more than 20 locations, local groups go up the stage to do their show. This is the theater where bands perform to get a price at the end of Carnaval. It starts at 7 PM. You need to go to an Abitab to buy a regular. This costs around 10-12 USD, depending on the location you want. This is the most authentic thing an Uruguayan can do during the summer.