The 10 Best Sights & Landmarks in Colonia del Sacramento, Colonia Department

June 17, 2021 Misti Hsu

The historic quarter of Colonia del Sacramento, founded in 1680, evokes old Lisbon with its Portuguese-influenced architecture and winding streets. The area, located in southwestern Uruguay on the Rio de la Plata, was named a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1995. It's an easy day trip by ferry from Buenos Aires, making the beaches a popular Argentinean escape. Major sights include Iglesia Matriz, the country's oldest church, the Municipal Museum and a 17th-century port jutting into the river.
Restaurants in Colonia del Sacramento

1. Barrio Historico

Colonia del Sacramento Uruguay +598 94 316 448 http://www.colonianet.com
Excellent
67%
Good
29%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 8,578 reviews

Barrio Historico

This historic section of town takes you back to the 17th and 18th centuries, with an array of interesting museums, an historic lighthouse and Uruguay’s oldest church.

Reviewed By jonahNJ - Pennington, United States

While in Buenos Aires, Argentina, my wife and I took the ferry over to Uruguay and spent a beautiful February 2020 day exploring this gorgeous historical neighborhood. From the lovely cobblestones, to the various historic sites such as the lighthouse and convent ruins, to the cannons, there is much to see during a day trip to Colonia del Sacramento. There is also a lot of fascinating history to learn while exploring Barrio Historico.

2. Puerta de la Ciudadela

Barrio Historico, Colonia del Sacramento 70000 Uruguay http://www.busturistico.com.uy
Excellent
47%
Good
42%
Satisfactory
10%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 2,390 reviews

Puerta de la Ciudadela

This drawbridge over a moat was built in 1745 as the only entrance to the city.

Reviewed By CampionePete - Campione d'Italia, Italy

This little historic town, once Portuguese is worth a few hours of exploration and if you can afford it , a $25 lunch at the Florida, a half block away from this gate. The gate & wall are well, just a gate and a wall. But the story behind it is interesting and on a local plaque.

3. Faro de Colonia del Sacramento

de San Francisco, Colonia del Sacramento 70000 Uruguay
Excellent
42%
Good
43%
Satisfactory
13%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 4,937 reviews

Faro de Colonia del Sacramento

Ascend to the top of this still-operating 1857 lighthouse for a lovely view of the city.

Reviewed By midwaytoheaven - Midway, United States

You can't miss visiting this historic lighthouse when visiting Colonia del Sacramento. It is located closer to the ocean part of the fort complex. Yes, you can hike up to the top of the lighthouse and take in the views from a mid-platform and then at the very top. BOTTOM LINE: If you are up to the challenge, in good shape and don't mind tight walkways, then you'll get rewarded with some great views around the del Sacramento historical sight. The price is cheap at just $30 Uruguayan Pesos or about $1 USD! What a deal! The former barracks at the base are just un-restored ruins today but worth a quick look. Loved seeing this historic lighthouse. Well worth seeing. MY RATING: 10/10

4. Galeria de los Suspiros

Calle de Los Suspiros, Colonia del Sacramento 70000 Uruguay +598 4523 0825 http://www.fragaimaz.com
Excellent
54%
Good
37%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 532 reviews

Galeria de los Suspiros

Reviewed By jonahNJ - Pennington, United States

During our journey around Colonia del Sacramento, my wife and I visited this fascinating gallery located on the iconic La Calle de los Suspiros. Outside of the entrance is a sign that reads “Atelier”; this translates to studio or workshop. However, Galeria de Los Suspiros seems to be so much more than that. The historic building is constructed of stone and tile and fits in perfectly on La Calle de los Suspiros. Upon entering, the first space is large and a bit dark. But it is filled with gorgeous artwork of local artists and artisans. The paintings represent different styles in different styles and utilizing different materials—all of the artwork appeared to be on sale with a wide range of prices. As we walked to the back of the building, there were smaller rooms that seemed to be more like museum exhibits. They had vintage pieces that showed rooms as period pieces locked in a past century. Finally, there was a rear yard that had some paintings as well as interesting sculptures made from various metal items. There were also several café tables and chairs which were very inviting. I can imagine that artists sometimes paint outside with a small, appreciative audience. The staff were friendly and inviting with no pressure whatsoever to purchase anything.

5. La Calle de los Suspiros

Colonia del Sacramento Uruguay +598 4522 6160 http://www.buensuspiro.com
Excellent
53%
Good
36%
Satisfactory
10%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 4,077 reviews

La Calle de los Suspiros

Reviewed By Takuri - Buenos Aires, Argentina

It's the most picturesque street in Colonia. No wonder brides and lovers choose it as the perfect photographic location.

6. Bastion de Santa Rita

Paseo de San Gabriel, Colonia del Sacramento 70000 Uruguay
Excellent
50%
Good
34%
Satisfactory
16%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 32 reviews

Bastion de Santa Rita

7. Paseo de San Gabriel

Calle Paseo de San Gabriel, Colonia del Sacramento 70000 Uruguay
Excellent
50%
Good
39%
Satisfactory
11%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 332 reviews

Paseo de San Gabriel

Reviewed By joserafaell89 - Bogota, Colombia

When in Colonia, this spot is a nice place to watch the sunset, enjoy the views of the river, feel the life of the city and even look at the tall buildings of Buenos Aires (Argentina) far in the horizont. Always plenty of people pasing by, fishing, sun bathing, taking a bath in the river or just enjoying the peace and nice atmosphere.

8. Muelle del Puerto de Yates

Barrio Histórico, Colonia del Sacramento 70000 Uruguay
Excellent
41%
Good
44%
Satisfactory
14%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 562 reviews

Muelle del Puerto de Yates

Reviewed By ElenaP2205 - Romania, null

Very nice views with the river and a panoramic aspect of what Colonia is like. A very nice promenade.

9. Rambla de Colonia

Rambla de las Americas, Colonia del Sacramento 70000 Uruguay
Excellent
63%
Good
33%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,026 reviews

Rambla de Colonia

Reviewed By markr2306 - Cambridge, United Kingdom

We walked along here from the port to the old town- there were people fishing, lots of green parrots to watch, and a generally relaxed atmosphere with a lovely view over the Ro de Plata to enjoy

10. Porton de Campo

Manuel de Lobo, Colonia del Sacramento 70000 Uruguay
Excellent
44%
Good
46%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 108 reviews

Porton de Campo

Reviewed By midwaytoheaven - Midway, United States

We enjoyed passing thru this old restored fort drawbridge into Barrio Historico. This is a fun area for shooting photos and selfies. BOTTOM LINE: Worth strolling thru this unique entry. It is not the original wall but nicely restored to look like it once was. We loved walking thru Colonia del Sacramento. It is really a quaint piece of history time warp as you walk thru the old street and old shops. Plan a little extra time to enjoy your time here. MY RATING: 8/10

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