Location: Ciudad Vieja
Top Things to do in Ciudad Vieja
Things to do in Montevideo, Montevideo Department: The Best Points of Interest & Landmarks
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. 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.
2. 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.
3. Mananas en el Salvo
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. Galeria Ciudadela
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 3 reviews
The Gallery is located in the Old Town - historic center of the old city-fortress-share concentration of museums, galleries, bookstores, restaurants; and financial center of Montevideo. We are steps from one of the most emblematic landscapes, Puerta de la Ciudadela.
9. Plaza Matriz
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 774 reviews
Reviewed By brunito_uru - Montevideo, Uruguay
this is a MUST in your visit to the city. Check info about the fountain and facts of the square or get some help from local tour guides for an enjoyable visit to this square and surrounding buildings!
10. Peatonal Sarandi
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 695 reviews
Reviewed By dainag - Toronto, Canada
This pedestrian street is a main artery that goes from the port to the old gate leading to downtown Montevideo. There are many street sellers offering crafts, books, and souvenirs, but they won't be in your way if you are just taking a stroll. Also, most of the main clothing stores have branches here on Sarandí. Very quiet at night, sometimes almost abandoned.
