Location: Ciudad Vieja
Top Things to do in Ciudad Vieja
10 Sights & Landmarks in Ciudad Vieja That You Shouldn't Miss
Montevideo, a port city and the capital of Uruguay, is a perfect destination for travelers looking for a relaxing stroll past colonial era buildings and along beautiful beaches. The Ciudadela Gateway, the only remaining section of the wall that once surrounded the entire city, now serves as the entrance to Ciudad Vieja, Montevideo's oldest neighborhood. Home to churches, museums, and theaters, at night the area comes alive with nightclubs playing Tango and Candombe music for crowds of dancers.
Restaurants in Montevideo
1. Catedral de Montevideo
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,066 reviews
Notable for its domed bell towers, this 1804 cathedral is the burial place for some of the country’s most important figures.
Reviewed By Bruce7460
The Cathedral is well worth a visit to see the simplicity that makes it quite spectacular. So much to see and take in.
2. Plaza Independencia
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 8,168 reviews
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.
Reviewed By WorldTravelers34 - Chicago, United States
The Plaza Independencia is the most important square in Montevideo, connecting the Ciudad Vieja and the city’s downtown. Several of the city’s most famous landmarks are located here, including the Palacio Salvo and the Teatro Solís. This is a must place to visit for anyone touring Montevideo. Other notable structures surrounding the plaza include the stone gateway Puerta de la Ciudadela, a lonely remnant of the colonial citadel demolished in 1833; the 19th-century Palacio Estévez; and the 26-story Palacio Salvo, the continent’s tallest building when it opened in 1927, and still a classic Montevideo landmark.
3. Moebius Libros
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 49 reviews
new and antique books and rare objets art of Daniel Barbeito
Reviewed By gimboeek - London, United Kingdom
Nice independent bookshop. Great variety of books of all types. Friendly owner who really enjoys selling his books and being in his shop. He has a salamander called Julio. He wrapped our book up very prettily using brown paper and some leaves. It's now too pretty to unwrap 8-D! Nice to buy a memento of your time in Montevideo here.
4. Galeria de Arte Porton de San Pedro
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 8 reviews
5. Mananas en el Salvo
6. Monument to General Jose Gervasio de Artigas
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 25 reviews
Reviewed By termar - Hamilton, Canada
Uruguay’s greatest hero and the man most associated with its independence is buried beneath a monumental statue of Artigas on horseback. It is located in, fittingly enough, Independence Square. It opened in 1977. The mausoleum can be accessed. Guards stand watch at the tomb. He died In Paraguay in 1855 but his remains were repatriated to his beloved Uruguay five years later.
7. Ciudad Vieja
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 6,711 reviews
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.
Reviewed By OwenB130
Beautiful atmospheric old town: sunny skies, pedestrianised malls, street vendors, old buildings, the sea, graffiti, the smell of marijuana and lots of leafy plazas. Felt safe.
8. Puerta de la Ciudadela
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 1,486 reviews
Reviewed By 863SueM - Williamsburg, United States
From the Independence Plaza side, all you see is a large cinderblock wall which abuts the actual old city gated entrance. Our tour guide said that the wall facing Independence Plaza was the old wall. Only when you get close & look at the other side, you realize that is the old part.
9. Artigas Mausoleum
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 1,061 reviews
Reviewed By Gerardoformoso
A must visit place in the city. A beautiful square located near the government palace, with beautiful monuments. Safe and enchanting place.
10. Plaza Zabala
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 478 reviews
Reviewed By ElenaP2205 - Romania, null
This is another nice square, not very big and well preserved. In Montevideo the squares are having a strong Italian influence.
