What to do and see in Uruguay, Uruguay: The Best Free Things to do

July 15, 2021 Brain Ambrose

Coordinates: 33°S 56°W / 33°S 56°W / -33; -56
Restaurants in Uruguay

1. Plaza Independencia

Montevideo Uruguay http://www.montevideo.gub.uy/ciudad-y-cultura/parques-plazas-espacios-publicos-y-zoologicos/plaza-independencia
Excellent
43%
Good
43%
Satisfactory
13%
Poor
1%
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Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 8,168 reviews

Plaza Independencia

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. Barrio Historico

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

3. Pocitos

Pocitos, Montevideo Uruguay +598 91 419 285 http://www.facebook.com/cuandopocitos.eraunafiestaalvaropayra
Excellent
49%
Good
41%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 5,535 reviews

Pocitos

This fashionable seaside neighborhood has all the amenities: shopping malls, movies, restaurants and bars.

Reviewed By OwenB130

We had two days in Montevideo. On day one, we explored the old town and markets and on day two, we cycled here for lunch and to visit the Montevideo sign at the eastern end of the beach.

4. Palacio Legislativo

Av. de las Leyes s/n, Montevideo 11800 Uruguay (598) 2 142 [email protected] http://parlamento.gub.uy/node/3705#overlay-context=
Excellent
58%
Good
34%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
1%
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0%
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4.5 based on 3,508 reviews

Palacio Legislativo

One of Montevideo's most impressive landmarks is this neo-classical, three-story building, constructed in the early 1900s, and housing significant works of art inside.

Reviewed By WorldTravelers34 - Chicago, United States

Built in imposing neoclassical style, Palacio Legislativo serves as the seat of the national parliament. Completed in 1925, the palace features 50 different types of marble and ranks among the city's most famous landmarks. Admire the stately exterior, complete with columns and intricate carvings along its façade. A symbol of national pride and an authentic representation of democratic values in Uruguay, this building was declared a National Historic Monument in 1975. Definitely worth seeing.

5. Cerro San Antonio

Piriapolis 20200 Uruguay +598 4432 5055 http://tmturismo.com/index.php
Excellent
42%
Good
46%
Satisfactory
11%
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1%
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4.5 based on 1,282 reviews

Cerro San Antonio

Ascend this hill on foot or cable car for a great view and an up-close look at the terracotta statue of San Antonio at the top.

Reviewed By FiloFilmz

the perfect place to see all of Piriapolis, as well as the port below, from the top of an easy to access hill. check it out !

6. Ralli Museum Punta del Este

Los Arrayanes s/n Los Arrayanes s/n esquina Pitangas., Punta del Este 20100 Uruguay +598 4248 3476 [email protected] http://www.museoralli.com.uy/
Excellent
63%
Good
28%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
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4.5 based on 787 reviews

Ralli Museum Punta del Este

The Ralli Museums is focused on drawing attention to the works of living Latin-American Artists. Additionally, it exhibits works by European 15th through 18th. Century artists, post-impressionism collections as well as paintings and sculptures representing other artistic trends. As a non-profit, private institution we do not accept donations or subsidies fromo either public or private sources. Nor do we engage in any kind of commercial activity; consequently, no dining facilities or museums shops are available in our premises. We hope you will enjoy this proposal as muchs as we have enjoyed preparing it for you.

Reviewed By GordonW318 - Gloucester, United Kingdom

This museum is a must visit place when in Punta Del Este. It has free entry and is full of bronzes in the gardens through which one can walk. There are also two floors indoors which has a collection of paintings and sculpture by some of Latin America's most talented artists complemented by works by Dali, Chagall and others. Of particular interest are the many caricature paintings of past and current day events. The Ralli Museum is set in a beautiful building itself. This is one of the best museums I have visited offering something totally different from what one would expect.

7. Rambla de Montevideo

Montevideo Uruguay http://www.montevideo.gub.uy/ciudad-y-cultura/deportes-y-playas/rambla
Excellent
61%
Good
32%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
1%
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4.5 based on 15,307 reviews

Rambla de Montevideo

Reviewed By leonelr2

Over the Paraná Guazu or "river as wide as the sea" in guaraní language, as the Rio de la Plata is locally known, the shore is a symbol of the quiet lifestile of the local "Montevideanos". It extends for 18 km from the "Ciudad Vieja" (old town of the colonial times) with a series of beaches till the fancy neighbourhood of "Carrasco". Getting a bike for a ride (on the sidewalk) is a must. Great for running or just for a relaxing walk as well. Good for all ages. Where to start? Ok, Pocitos beach is a good option, either going West (direction downtown) or East (direction Carrasco). Other recommended beach to try, Playa Verde, or Punta Gorda Point from you can have a nice view of the sunset and the city.

8. Santa Teresa National Park

Ruta 9 km 300, Rocha 27000 Uruguay +598 4477 2101 http://www.turismorocha.gub.uy/index.php
Excellent
65%
Good
30%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
1%
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4.5 based on 311 reviews

Santa Teresa National Park

Incredible bush next to the sea.

Reviewed By rodrigop536 - Rio Grande, Brazil

Wonderful place for camping and surfing and having a great time within nature. The many beaches alongside the park shores make it very special <3

9. Playa Mansa

Punta del Este Uruguay
Excellent
46%
Good
42%
Satisfactory
10%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
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4.5 based on 3,156 reviews

Playa Mansa

Reviewed By FiloFilmz

This very nice beach is a favorite for beach-goers as well as for beach fishing. Since it's the Mansa (river) side of the PdE peninsula, it tends to have smaller waves.

10. Puerto de Punta del Este

Punta del Este Uruguay +598 4244 1000 http://www.puntadeleste.com/es/...
Excellent
52%
Good
40%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
1%
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0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 5,088 reviews

Puerto de Punta del Este

Reviewed By victoriapU836HE

Beautiful day and view of the port. From fishing boats to fine yachts, it is a nice stroll. Clean and safe for visitors. Enjoy the fresh fish market and watch the vendor clean and sell fish.

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