The city of beautiful architecture, Montevideo tourism guide! 11 recommended spots!

Montevideo, the capital of Uruguay, is a city that may not be very familiar to Japanese people. However, with an average annual temperature of around 18 degrees Celsius, it is a very comfortable place to visit and a hidden gem for travelers.

The city is famous for its many beautiful beaches, as well as historical buildings, museums, and numerous sightseeing attractions! While South America is often considered to have safety concerns, Montevideo is known as the city with the highest quality of life in the region. This time, we introduce 11 recommended sightseeing spots in Montevideo!

1. Pocitos Beach

Pocitos Beach is located in a quiet residential area where relatively affluent people live in Montevideo. It is a clean and peaceful city beach that provides a sense of safety.

Loved by both locals and tourists, this famous beach is known for its white sands, where people often sunbathe or take a leisurely stroll. Pocitos Beach is also known as a venue for sports events, with activities such as swimming, beach volleyball, and soccer frequently taking place.

Nearby, you can find the Río de la Plata, as well as stylish restaurants lining the streets. Additionally, a new shopping mall near the beach makes this area ideal for those who enjoy shopping.

While swimming is a great option, many visitors and locals enjoy walking along the sandy shores and the beautiful streets. Experiencing Montevideo’s bright sunshine and refreshing sea breeze is truly breathtaking!

2. Plaza Independencia

A must-visit tourist spot, Plaza Independencia is a place that embodies the essence of Montevideo and marks the city's historical beginnings. The majestic statue at the center of the plaza is of José Artigas, the father of Uruguay’s independence, standing as if he is guarding Montevideo.

Behind the statue, you will find the impressive Salvo Palace, a building once used as an office by the Salvo brothers, who were businessmen. When visiting Montevideo, make sure to capture a photo of both the Artigas statue and the Salvo Palace together!

Many visitors overlook this, but behind Artigas' statue lies a mausoleum, which is also a must-see. The plaza has security guards, ensuring a safe environment. With a fountain and benches, it serves as a great resting spot.

3. Palacio Legislativo (Legislative Palace)

This building, while simple, exudes a solemn and grand atmosphere. It serves as the legislative palace of Uruguay. Built in a beautiful Greco-Latin architectural style, it features luxurious materials such as Carrara marble, porphyry, and bronze, along with Venetian-style mosaics and stained-glass decorations.

Montevideo’s Legislative Palace is often referred to as "the most beautiful government building in the world," and its magnificent presence is truly overwhelming. Sculptures are placed at its corners, and a small Parthenon motif can be seen atop the building, showcasing elegant details even in its exterior.

Visitors can also join an English-guided tour inside, where they can admire gilded murals, an exquisite collection of paintings, and a breathtaking stained-glass ceiling that enhances the hall’s sacred atmosphere.

4. Rambla de Montevideo

Rambla de Montevideo is a charming coastal street lined with shops and restaurants. It is a popular spot not only for tourists but also for locals. Here, you can see young people jogging, children playing with kites, and mothers enjoying mate tea while watching over their kids.

On sunny days, it’s a perfect place for a relaxing walk. You can explore Montevideo’s charming shops, enjoy local food, or sip on mate tea at a café. This area allows you to experience the laid-back atmosphere of Montevideo at its best!

5. Andes Museum 1972

The Andes Museum 1972 is dedicated to the tragic plane crash that occurred in the Andes Mountains in 1972. Out of 42 passengers, 29 lost their lives in the accident. At the museum, you can learn about the heroic struggle of the survivors, who endured 72 days in the snowy mountains. Instead of just waiting for rescue, they fought desperately to escape their dire situation. The museum displays their incredible story along with various artifacts from the event.

6. Ciudad Vieja (Old Town)

Ciudad Vieja is a charming area with historic buildings, making it a delightful place for a walk. One of its liveliest streets is Avenida 18 de Julio, where you’ll find souvenir shops, cafés, and restaurants. This bustling area attracts both tourists and locals.

Although the area is generally safe, some side streets may have abandoned buildings or children begging, so it’s best to be cautious. However, the real charm of Ciudad Vieja is in the evening, when the sunset colors the sea, creating a breathtaking view through the gaps between the buildings.

7. Matriz Church

Matriz Church features a traditional Catholic exterior and is the oldest church in Montevideo. It is often called "the mother of all Catholic churches in South America" and is significant not only for its beautiful architecture but also for its religious importance.

This church is frequently used for weddings and events, and tourists can visit during the day. Additionally, Matriz Square, where the church is located, is a popular relaxation spot where both tourists and locals gather around a beautifully sculpted fountain with benches.

8. Mercado Agrícola de Montevideo (Montevideo Agricultural Market)

Montevideo’s fresh market was renovated in 2013 and now features a modern building packed with stalls selling fresh vegetables, fruits, meat, and fish. You can also find bakeries, cheese shops, and chocolate stores filled with delicious local treats. Make sure to try alfajor, a local cookie sandwich that is a must-try!

The market also has a food court where you can enjoy Uruguayan flavors, including chivito uruguayo, a famous Uruguayan sandwich.

9. Teatro Solís (Solis National Theater)

Teatro Solís is the oldest theater in Uruguay. Its exterior retains its original design and resembles an ancient Greek temple, with white columns that create a majestic atmosphere.

The theater hosts various performances, from opera galas to carnival dances. There are also English-guided tours for tourists, allowing visitors to explore the interior and even get a glimpse of the backstage. If you're lucky, you might even have the chance to participate in a live performance!

10. Palacio Taranco

Built in 1907, Palacio Taranco features antique-style noble furniture from the early 1900s, red-carpeted staircases, and magnificent chandeliers that make visitors feel as if they’ve been invited to a grand aristocratic gathering.

Located in Ciudad Vieja, this palace was influenced by French architecture and was actually designed by a French architect. The details are meticulously crafted, and even the gleaming marble floors were imported from France.

Inside the palace, you’ll find The Museum of Decorative Arts, which houses exquisite furniture once owned by French kings Louis XV and XVI. The museum’s collection also includes breathtaking paintings and luxurious decorations that further enhance the palace’s grandeur.

11. El Rosedal

El Rosedal is a beautiful park with the Miguelete waterway flowing through it. Scattered throughout the park are sculptures by José Belloni, a renowned Montevideo sculptor, whose dynamic artworks seem almost lifelike.

The waterway flows like a river, and the bridges over it, combined with the surrounding trees, create a stunning landscape that is perfect for photography. Having a picnic or reading a book in this peaceful park is one of the most enjoyable ways to experience Montevideo.

The park also features a botanical garden with over 1,000 plant species. Additionally, the rose garden, which contains roses imported from France, was designed by a French sculptor, adding a romantic touch to the atmosphere.

◎ Summary

How did you like it? Montevideo is a city blessed with abundant sunshine, offering not only beautiful beaches but also stunning architecture. It’s a place where just walking around is a delightful experience.

At the markets, you can enjoy fresh vegetables and fruits bathed in the South American sun, as well as delicious local foods! No matter how tired you are, the beauty of the city’s architecture will surely refresh your spirit. Take a stroll through the vibrant streets under the warm South American sun and discover a new side of yourself!

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The city of beautiful architecture, Montevideo tourism guide! 11 recommended spots!