Location: Colonia del Sacramento
Top Things to do in Colonia del Sacramento
Top Restaurants in Colonia del Sacramento
Top 10 Things to do in Colonia del Sacramento, Colonia Department
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
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 8,578 reviews
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
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,390 reviews
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
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 4,937 reviews
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. Rio de la Plata
5. Galeria de los Suspiros
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 532 reviews
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.
6. Los Cerros De San Juan
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 107 reviews
Los Cerros de San Juan, the oldest winery of Uruguay, is located a few kilometers from the city of Colonia and Carmelo. The only winery in Uruguay has a village within the establishment, with a rural school in operation and very many story to tell ...
Reviewed By schninikki - Aguas Calientes, Peru
Summary: The ambiance, the wine, and the passion shown by Pablo made for a fantastic experience! Reserve via email (on their website) and ideally, take your own car there and make sure you enter via the right way (coordinates below). Details: My husband and I contacted the winery directly (email below) to reserve for a guided tour, tasting, and meat/cheese board. We got a quick response from Pablo, set up our date/time/option, and took a taxi there. Pablo was a fantastic guide and explained the history of the winery as well as how the wine production here used to work/currently works - it is very unique, as the methods have changed only slightly and there is such a long history associated with the place! After you visit production area, you return to the area where they had the "almacen" or shop - what a remarkable visit back in time! The three wines we tasted were also of top quality. Taxi cost: Keep in mind, it is circa 45 minutes outside of Colonia, so the taxi is on the expensive side - 3-5mil pesos there and back, depending if they stay with you there or not. Pablo can help you organise if needed. Coordinates for the correct entrance, Google maps gives the old one: 34°10'21.8"S 57°56'11.2"W
7. La Calle de los Suspiros
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 4,077 reviews
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.
8. Muelle del Puerto de Yates
9. Rambla de Colonia
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,026 reviews
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. Granja Colonia
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 304 reviews
Eduardo Arenas has been collecting key chains, beverage cans, ashtrays, perfume bottles and pencils for nearly fifty years. This odd museum contains many thousands of these and other trinkets and gifts collected by Arenas and his family. Some farm animals roam out back.
Reviewed By GoGo2SlowGo - Denton, United States
Talk about a souvenir collector. The Arenas family has over 80,000 items spread over 4 large rooms. This museum has one of the largest pencil collections in the world. There are two large rooms with plenty of lead pencils everywhere. He also has an impressive collection of more than 36,000 key chains, 4,800 ashtrays, 3,600 perfume bottles, 10,000 matchboxes. It appears he is working on drink cans next. While famous for its collection of, tchotchkes, the Arenas family is known in the area for their delicious jams and jellies. Visitors will find the traditional fruit-flavored jams as well as some more unique flavors. We were simply blown away by the number of souvenirs. It usually is a stop for Viator tours of nearby Colonia del Sacramento.
