Home › Itineraries › 7 Days

Seven Days in Montevideo: Culture, Coast & Charm

Uruguay's Capital from Historic Plazas to Atlantic Shores

Trip Overview

This week-long journey through Montevideo reveals Uruguay's captivating capital at a comfortable pace. You'll explore colonial architecture in the Ciudad Vieja, stroll along the extensive Rambla waterfront, discover world-class museums, and immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of candombe and tango. The itinerary balances iconic landmarks like Fortaleza del Cerro with peaceful retreats in Prado Park and Parque Rodó. You'll experience traditional Uruguayan cuisine, browse local markets, and enjoy sunset views over the Río de la Plata. This plan allows time to absorb the city's relaxed rhythm while covering all essential sights, with flexibility built in for spontaneous discoveries in neighborhoods, cafes, and along the scenic coastline.

Pace
Relaxed
Daily Budget
$60-90 per day
Best Seasons
October to April (spring and summer) for warm weather and beach enjoyment; March for Carnival season
Ideal For
First-time visitors to Uruguay, Culture and history enthusiasts, Solo travelers and couples, Art lovers, Those seeking a relaxed South American experience

Day-by-Day Itinerary

1

Arrival & Historic Heart Discovery

Ciudad Vieja (Old City)
Begin your Montevideo adventure in the atmospheric old town, exploring colonial architecture, historic plazas, and getting oriented in Uruguay's charming capital.
Morning
Walking tour of Ciudad Vieja starting at Constitution Plaza
Start at Constitution Plaza, the historic heart where Uruguay's first constitution was sworn. Admire the neoclassical Cabildo building and the cathedral. Wander the cobblestone streets, observing colonial architecture, colorful facades, and street art. Visit the ornate Palacio Taranco, a French-style mansion housing decorative arts with stunning period rooms, chandeliers, and furniture from the early 20th century.
3 hours $8 (Palacio Taranco entry typically free or minimal)
Lunch
A traditional parrilla restaurant near the port area serving classic Uruguayan grilled meats
Uruguayan asado Mid-range
Afternoon
Explore Destino Sarandi and waterfront area
Walk along Destino Sarandi, the pedestrian street lined with shops, cafes, and historic buildings. Continue to the waterfront to see the Fishermen's Walk, where locals fish along the rocky shore. Observe the port activities and enjoy views across the Río de la Plata. Visit the Museo de las Migraciones to understand the waves of European immigration that shaped Uruguay's culture and identity.
2-3 hours $5-8
Evening
Sunset at the Rambla and dinner in Ciudad Vieja
Walk to the nearby Rambla for sunset views, then return to the old town for dinner at a bistro-style restaurant featuring Uruguayan wine and local specialties

Where to Stay Tonight

Ciudad Vieja (Boutique hotel or guesthouse in a restored colonial building)

Staying in the historic center puts you within walking distance of major sights and restaurants, perfect for your first days exploring the city's core

Exchange currency at casas de cambio in Ciudad Vieja for better rates than at the airport, and always carry some cash as smaller establishments may not accept cards
Day 1 Budget: $65-85
2

Museums & Riverside Relaxation

Parque Rodó area
Dedicate today to Montevideo's excellent art museums and the beautiful green spaces along the coast, experiencing the city's cultural sophistication and outdoor lifestyle.
Morning
National Museum of Visual Arts
Visit Uruguay's premier art museum housing an impressive collection of Uruguayan and Latin American art from the 19th and 20th centuries. The galleries showcase works by Juan Manuel Blanes, Pedro Figari, Rafael Barradas, and Joaquín Torres García. The museum provides excellent context for understanding Uruguay's artistic heritage and the development of regional art movements in a beautiful neoclassical building.
2-3 hours $3-5
Lunch
A casual cafe in Parque Rodó area with outdoor seating, serving chivitos and fresh salads
Uruguayan cafe fare Budget
Afternoon
Parque Jose Enrique Rodó exploration
Spend the afternoon in Montevideo's beloved urban park stretching along the waterfront. Stroll past the lake where you can rent paddle boats, visit the RODO PARK CASTLE (a charming small castle structure), and explore the Juegos del Parque Rodó with its vintage amusement rides. Watch locals playing mate, jogging, and enjoying the outdoors. The park connects directly to the Rambla for spectacular coastal views.
3 hours $5-10 (optional boat rental or amusements)
Evening
Pocitos neighborhood dinner and beach walk
Take a bus or taxi to trendy Pocitos neighborhood for dinner at a modern restaurant along the beach promenade, followed by an evening stroll on the sandy beach

Where to Stay Tonight

Parque Rodó or Pocitos (Mid-range hotel near the beach)

This coastal area offers easy access to parks, beaches, and the Rambla, with excellent dining options and a more residential feel

Visit the National Museum of Visual Arts on weekends when locals fill the surrounding park for picnics and cultural activities, creating a vibrant atmosphere
Day 2 Budget: $60-80
3

Carnival Culture & Government Heritage

Ciudad Vieja and Centro
Dive into Uruguay's unique Carnival traditions and explore the seat of government, understanding the country's cultural identity and political history.
Morning
Museo del Carnaval
Discover Uruguay's distinctive Carnival culture, which features the longest celebration in the world. The museum showcases elaborate costumes, drums from candombe traditions, masks, and photographs documenting decades of murgas (musical theater groups) and comparsas (Afro-Uruguayan drum groups). Learn about the African heritage preserved through candombe rhythms and the satirical murga performances that define Montevideo's February festivities.
1.5-2 hours $5-8
Lunch
A mercado-style lunch spot serving traditional Uruguayan comfort food like milanesas and empanadas
Local favorites Budget
Afternoon
Palacio Estevez | Museo de la Casa de Gobierno and Independence Plaza area
Visit the historic presidential palace, now a museum showcasing Uruguay's governmental history, presidential artifacts, and the evolution of democracy in Uruguay. The building itself is an architectural gem on Independence Plaza. After touring the museum, explore the plaza surrounded by important buildings including the Salvo Palace, and walk along the avenue connecting the old and new cities.
2 hours $5 (museum entry typically free or minimal)
Check visiting hours in advance as government museums may have limited schedules
Evening
Traditional candombe performance and dinner
Seek out a cultural center or bar in Palermo or Barrio Sur neighborhoods where candombe drumming performances occur, typically on weekends. Enjoy dinner at a nearby neighborhood restaurant

Where to Stay Tonight

Centro or Ciudad Vieja (Central hotel or apartment rental)

Central location provides easy access to both old and new city attractions and evening cultural activities

If visiting during Carnival season (January-March), the neighborhoods of Sur and Palermo host the most authentic candombe performances and murga rehearsals in the streets
Day 3 Budget: $55-75
4

Hilltop Fortress & Panoramic Views

Cerro neighborhood
Venture to Montevideo's highest point to explore the colonial fortress and enjoy breathtaking 360-degree views of the city, port, and river.
Morning
Fortaleza del Cerro
Take a bus or taxi to Kibón Hill where the historic Fortaleza del Cerro stands guard over the harbor. This 18th-century fortress offers fascinating insights into colonial military architecture and Uruguay's strategic importance. Explore the museum inside showcasing weapons, uniforms, and maritime history. The lighthouse and ramparts provide spectacular panoramic views across Montevideo, the bay, and the Río de la Plata stretching to the horizon.
2-3 hours $8-12 (including transport)
Lunch
A neighborhood restaurant in Cerro serving home-style Uruguayan cooking
Traditional Uruguayan Budget
Afternoon
Return to center and visit Juan Pedro Fabini Square
Head back to the city center to relax in Juan Pedro Fabini Square, also known as Plaza de los Artesanos, where weekend craft markets showcase local artisans selling leather goods, jewelry, mate gourds, textiles, and artwork. Even on weekdays, the square offers pleasant green space and the Fountain of the Padlocks, where couples attach padlocks as symbols of their love, creating a unique sculptural installation.
1.5-2 hours $10-30 (shopping)
Evening
Mercado del Puerto experience
Visit the iconic port market for an early dinner at one of the traditional parrilla grills inside the historic iron structure, enjoying live music and the bustling atmosphere

Where to Stay Tonight

Ciudad Vieja or Centro (Same area as previous nights or similar)

Remaining centrally located maintains convenience for tomorrow's activities

Visit Fortaleza del Cerro on clear mornings for the best visibility and photographs; the afternoon sun can create haze over the water
Day 4 Budget: $60-85
5

Prado's Gardens & Artistic Legacy

Prado neighborhood
Escape to Montevideo's most beautiful park district, exploring botanical gardens, rose gardens, and the museum dedicated to Uruguay's most celebrated painter.
Morning
Prado Park and Lago del Prado
Spend the morning in the expansive Prado Park, Montevideo's oldest and most elegant public space. Wander through the Botanical Garden with native and exotic species, admire the stunning Rosedal (rose garden) with hundreds of varieties, and stroll around Lago del Prado where swans glide peacefully. The park features beautiful monuments, fountains, and tree-lined paths perfect for a leisurely exploration of this 19th-century landscape design.
2-3 hours Free
Lunch
A cafe near the park serving sandwiches, pastries, and coffee in a relaxed garden setting
Cafe fare Budget
Afternoon
Museo Juan Manuel Blanes
Visit the museum dedicated to Uruguay's most important historical painter, housed in a beautiful villa within the Prado grounds. Juan Manuel Blanes documented Uruguay's independence and gaucho culture through his masterful paintings. The collection includes his famous works depicting historical events, portraits, and scenes of rural life. The museum also features works by other Uruguayan artists and the surrounding gardens provide a serene setting.
2 hours $5
Evening
Return to Pocitos for beachfront dining
Head back to the coastal area for dinner at a seafood restaurant along the Rambla, watching the sunset over the beach

Where to Stay Tonight

Pocitos or Parque Rodó (Beachfront hotel or apartment)

Coastal location allows for morning beach walks and easy access to the Rambla for your remaining days

The Prado neighborhood hosts a weekend flea market (Feria de Tristán Narvaja on Sundays) that's worth visiting if your schedule aligns, though it's located slightly south of the park
Day 5 Budget: $50-70
6

Rambla Discovery & Beach Culture

Coastal neighborhoods
Dedicate today to experiencing Montevideo's defining feature—the Rambla waterfront promenade—and the beach culture that shapes daily life.
Morning
Rambla walk or bike ride from Pocitos to Punta Carretas
Rent a bicycle or walk along the scenic Rambla, the 22-kilometer waterfront promenade that's the soul of Montevideo. Join locals jogging, cycling, sipping mate, and fishing along the coast. Stop at beaches like Pocitos and Buceo, observe the Montevideo sign (a popular photo spot with colorful letters), and enjoy the fresh river breeze. The Rambla offers constantly changing views and insight into how Montevideans live.
3-4 hours $5-10 (bike rental if chosen)
Lunch
A beachside cafe or kiosk serving fresh fish, sandwiches, and cold drinks
Casual beach food Budget
Afternoon
Beach time and La Macarena visit
Spend a relaxing afternoon at the beach, swimming if weather permits or simply lounging on the sand. Visit La Macarena, a coastal area known for its picturesque setting. Browse local shops, enjoy an ice cream, and experience the laid-back beach neighborhood atmosphere that defines Montevideo's coastal suburbs. This unstructured time allows you to move at the city's relaxed pace.
3 hours $10-15
Evening
Carrasco neighborhood exploration and upscale dining
Take a bus or taxi to elegant Carrasco neighborhood to see the grand mansions and tree-lined streets, then enjoy dinner at an upscale restaurant in this refined area

Where to Stay Tonight

Pocitos (Same coastal accommodation)

Staying put allows you to enjoy the neighborhood you've gotten to know over recent days

Early mornings on the Rambla offer the most beautiful light for photography and the chance to see locals' morning routines with mate thermoses in hand
Day 6 Budget: $55-80
7

Final Flavors & Farewell

Mixed neighborhoods
Your last day combines any missed highlights, souvenir shopping, and savoring final tastes of Montevideo before departure.
Morning
Return to favorite neighborhood or visit missed attraction
Use your final morning flexibly based on your flight time and interests. Revisit a favorite cafe in Ciudad Vieja, take a final walk through Parque Rodó, or visit any attraction from the verified list you may have missed. Consider a relaxed breakfast at a traditional confiteria, shopping for mate gourds, leather goods, or Uruguayan wine to bring home, or simply wandering streets you've grown fond of.
2-3 hours $15-40 (souvenirs)
Lunch
A final chivito (Uruguay's iconic steak sandwich) at a popular local spot, or a farewell asado if time permits
Uruguayan classics Mid-range
Afternoon
Departure preparation and airport transfer
Pack your belongings, check out of your accommodation, and arrange transportation to Carrasco International Airport. The airport is located about 20 kilometers east of the city center, typically a 25-40 minute drive depending on traffic. Allow extra time if departing during rush hours. Reflect on your week discovering Montevideo's unique blend of European elegance and South American warmth.
Variable $25-35 (airport transfer)
Book airport transfer the day before or arrange pickup time with your accommodation
Evening
Departure
If you have an evening flight, consider a late lunch and afternoon at the beach before heading to the airport

Where to Stay Tonight

N/A (Departure day)

End of itinerary

Carrasco Airport has good duty-free shopping for last-minute Uruguayan wine, dulce de leche, and alfajores to bring home as gifts
Day 7 Budget: $50-75

Practical Information

Getting Around

Montevideo is highly walkable, especially in Ciudad Vieja and along the Rambla. The city has an extensive public bus system with routes covering all neighborhoods; fares are typically paid with a rechargeable STM card available at kiosks. Taxis and ride-sharing apps like Uber operate throughout the city and are affordable for longer distances. For exploring the Rambla, bicycle rentals are available at various points. Most attractions in this itinerary are accessible by bus or short taxi rides, with walking being the primary mode within neighborhoods.

Book Ahead

Most attractions in Montevideo do not require advance booking. Museums generally allow walk-in visits. During Carnival season (January-March), book accommodations well in advance as the city fills with visitors. If planning to attend specific candombe or tango performances, check schedules ahead. Restaurant reservations are recommended for upscale dining, particularly on weekends.

Packing Essentials

Comfortable walking shoes, sun protection (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses), light layers for variable weather, swimsuit for beach days, casual clothing (Montevideo is relaxed in dress code), light rain jacket, adapter for Type C and F electrical outlets, Spanish phrasebook or translation app, reusable water bottle

Total Budget

$400-570 for the week (excluding international flights and accommodation)

Customize Your Trip

Budget Version

Stay in hostels or budget guesthouses ($15-25/night), eat at mercados and neighborhood parrillas rather than restaurants ($8-12 per meal), use public buses exclusively, pack picnic lunches for park days, visit free attractions like parks and plazas, take advantage of free museum days, drink mate instead of cafe coffee, shop at supermarkets for snacks and breakfast items. Total daily budget can be reduced to $40-55.

Luxury Upgrade

Stay at five-star hotels in Carrasco or boutique hotels in Pocitos ($150-250/night), hire a private guide for customized city tours, dine at Montevideo's top restaurants featuring contemporary Uruguayan cuisine and premium wine pairings, arrange private transfers, book spa treatments, take a private yacht tour on the Río de la Plata, enjoy wine tastings at premium bodegas, attend exclusive tango shows with VIP seating. Daily budget would increase to $200-350.

Family-Friendly

Base yourselves in Pocitos or Parque Rodó for beach access and playgrounds. Spend more time at Juegos del Parque Rodó with its amusement rides and activities. Visit parks with paddle boats and open spaces for children to run. Choose casual restaurants welcoming to families. Consider the zoo or planetarium if available. Reduce museum time or split up so one parent visits while the other stays with children at a park. The beaches and Rambla are excellent for families, offering safe spaces for children to play.

Book Activities for Your Trip

Tours, tickets, and experiences in Montevideo

Continue Planning Your Trip

Things to Do

Top attractions and activities for Montevideo

Budget Guide

Trip costs and money tips for Montevideo

Getting Around

Transport options and tips for Montevideo

Where to Stay

Accommodation guide for Montevideo

Plan Your Perfect Trip

Get insider tips and travel guides delivered to your inbox

We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe anytime.