Location: Ciudad Vieja
Top Things to do in Ciudad Vieja
10 Things to do 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. Palacio Taranco
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 626 reviews
This impressive 20th-century building was designed by French architects and now houses a decorative arts museum with Uruguayan furniture, clocks, paintings and more.
Reviewed By sharonhW264WM - Las Vegas, United States
This beautiful early 20th century palace, reminiscent of Versailles, now houses a decorative arts museum with Uruguayan furniture, clocks, paintings, and the most amazing colorfully-painted pianos imaginable. It looked like a baroque palace with lovely intricate plasterwork, beautiful wood floors, and hand-loomed rugs. It is truly a hidden gem—and entrance is free! All of the rooms—upstairs and down—were beautifully decorated and looked like a place that someone of great wealth had really lived. It even displayed family photographs and other personal items of the original owners. This was my favorite site in all of Montevideo. Don’t miss it!
3. 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.
4. Theatre Solis
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 6,244 reviews
Opened in 1856, this once-prominent music theater hosted world-renowned conductors, composers and performers until 1930, and now features occasional cultural events.
Reviewed By WImom - Fond du Lac, United States
Would suggest to arrive early to book tours. There was a long line ahead of us but they were able to accommodate everyone. Tour times vary depending on the month so check their website which has accurate information. Cost is 90 Uruguayan pesos or about $3 USD, payable only in cash and pesos. Tours are in Spanish, Portuguese and English. Guide spoke English well. There were only four people on the English tour. Guided tour is one hour.
5. Al Pie de la Muralla
6. Andes Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,627 reviews
Reviewed By gurob2019 - Manchester, United Kingdom
The museum is a great honour to the 29 who perished and a lesson to us all that life is not a gift but should be deserved. With its combination of storytelling, science and insight into the human spirit it has something for everybody. This is one of the best curated museums I have ever visited. Thank you Jörg!
7. 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.
8. Museo Gurvich
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 119 reviews
Reviewed By pennyfor - Nanaimo, Canada
An extremely talented artist featured in a small museum. Really worthwhile. Small entrance fee. Ask for portable translators if your Spanish isn’t good.
9. Libreria Puro Verso
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 425 reviews
Reviewed By WilliamThomas - Cheltenham, United Kingdom
This place is a wonderful place to check out if you're a fan of books! They have a great selection of books from local authors and an English language section too! The venue is simply stunning and I believe it used to be a church from the 19th century architecture.
10. Museo del Tango - La Cumparsita
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 96 reviews
Reviewed By Moodandmystery - New York City, United States
Our guide Paula was professional, knowledgeable and enthusiastic! The museum is located on the site where tango was first danced in Montevideo. You feel the ambience in this well-designed space. The tour is just 20-30 minutes, but so full of info! I can’t recommend this enough!
