You can combine historic old towns, a food market, beaches, art and gaucho culture across the country. The seven things to do in Uruguay below cover the cities, the coast and the countryside for a first visit.
1. Explore Ciudad Vieja in Montevideo
Ciudad Vieja is the historic old town of Montevideo, with cobblestone streets, colonial architecture and landmarks that trace the country’s past. It is walkable and a good starting point in the capital.
| Aspect | Details |
| What it is | A historic old-town walk |
| Where | Montevideo |
| Best time | Daytime; spring and autumn for mild weather |
| Cost | Free to walk; individual sites may charge |
| Good for | History and architecture |
| Tip | Combine it with the Mercado del Puerto nearby |
2. Eat at the Mercado del Puerto
The Mercado del Puerto in Montevideo is a market known for its grilled food and lively atmosphere. It is a stop for trying local cuisine.
| Aspect | Details |
| What it is | A food-market visit |
| Where | Montevideo, near Ciudad Vieja |
| Best time | Lunchtime, when the grills are busy |
| Cost | Meal cost varies by stall |
| Good for | Food and local atmosphere |
| Tip | Try the grilled meat from the parrilla stalls |
3. Relax at Punta del Este
Punta del Este is a coastal resort town known for its beaches, upscale resorts and nightlife. It suits beach time and evenings out.
| Aspect | Details |
| What it is | A beach-and-nightlife stop |
| Where | South-eastern coast |
| Best time | The warmer months for the beaches |
| Cost | Beaches free; resorts and nightlife charged |
| Good for | Beaches and nightlife |
| Tip | It is busiest and priciest in peak beach season |
4. Visit Casapueblo
Casapueblo is a museum and art gallery created by the Uruguayan artist Carlos Páez Vilaró, near Punta del Este. Its white sculpted building overlooks the coast.
| Aspect | Details |
| What it is | An art museum and gallery |
| Where | Near Punta del Este |
| Best time | Late afternoon for the sunset |
| Cost | Ticketed; verify current rates |
| Good for | Art and architecture |
| Tip | Time it for the sunset over the coast |
5. Wander Colonia del Sacramento
Colonia del Sacramento is a UNESCO World Heritage town of narrow streets, colourful houses and landmarks such as the Basilica del Santísimo Sacramento and the Plaza Mayor. It works as a day trip.
| Aspect | Details |
| What it is | A UNESCO old-town visit |
| Where | South-western Uruguay |
| Best time | Daytime; spring and autumn |
| Cost | Free to walk; individual sites are ticketed |
| Good for | History and a slower pace |
| Tip | A common day trip from Montevideo |
6. Birdwatch at Esteros de Farrapos
The Esteros de Farrapos National Park protects wetlands with birdwatching along the Uruguay river. It suits nature-focused travellers.
| Aspect | Details |
| What it is | A wetlands and birdwatching visit |
| Where | North-western Uruguay |
| Best time | Spring and autumn for birdlife |
| Cost | Verify current access and any guide fees |
| Good for | Nature and birdwatching |
| Tip | A local guide helps with access and sightings |
7. Experience the Gaucho Festival at Tacuarembó
Tacuarembó hosts an annual Gaucho Festival celebrating the traditional cowboy lifestyle. It is a cultural experience built around a fixed festival period.
| Aspect | Details |
| What it is | A cultural festival |
| Where | Tacuarembó, northern Uruguay |
| Best time | Around the annual festival dates |
| Cost | Event-based; verify current arrangements |
| Good for | Culture and tradition |
| Tip | Check the current festival dates before planning |