Montevideo is the southernmost capital city of South America. Located just 200 kilometers as the crow flies from Buenos Aires, it seems to be its mirror image on the other side of the La Plata river.
Montevideo surely deserves attention. Visitors are impressed not only by an interesting combination of historic architecture and ubiquitous street art, but also excellent cuisine and positively-minded residents. It is best to explore the city on foot. Start from the Old City (La Ciudad Vieja) with the city gate (Puerta de La Ciudadela) and the nearby main square, Plaza Independencia. There are also Palacio Salvo, Palacio Legislativo, and Palacio Taranco in the area – all three well worth seeing and visiting, e.g., by entering the buildings’ terraces. History lovers will also find a treat here – Teatro Solis is the oldest theater in Uruguay.
If you like to party, just head to the city center (El Cordón) filled with theaters, cinemas, and restaurants. At the city’s main street, Avenida 18 de Julio, you can enjoy coffee, listen to live music and even dance the tango in the open air. Montevideo is also full of museums – a rich offer should suit everyone’s taste. You can choose from Museo del Gaucho, Museo Torres Garcia, MAPI (Museum of Pre-Columbian and Indigenous), Naturals History Museum, the Museum of Carnival, and MNAV (Museum of Modern Art).
Uruguay is famous for its splendid cuisine. You will know the reason, no matter if you eat in a renowned restaurant or at one of the stands at Mercado del Puerto (e.g. Empañadas Carolina), at the Serandi promenade, or at Rio de la Plata. What to eat here? You just must try grilled beef (e.g., ribs) and traditional appetizers, such as empanadas (dumplings stuffed with meat, vegetables or cheese) or Morcilla Dulce – sweet sausages with blood and raisins. When it comes to beverages, go for medio y medio (a drink made of white wine and spumante) or a glass of tannat wine, known as the Uruguayan national drink.
