Best Things To Do In Uruguay

Image: The beaches of Uruguay invite visitors to rest and enjoy them with their families. (Photo via MarcosMartinezSanchez/iStock/Getty Images Plus).
Image: The beaches of Uruguay invite visitors to rest and enjoy them with their families. (Photo via MarcosMartinezSanchez/iStock/Getty Images Plus).
TravelPulse Staff
by TravelPulse Staff
Last updated: 12:45 PM ET, Thu March 16, 2023

It is only in recent years that the world is truly discovering all that Uruguay has to offer: Pristine beaches, historic cities, gourmet markets, wineries, whale-watching, and more. 

This makes it the perfect place to go if you want to avoid big crowds. But do it fast as it quickly becoming an increasingly popular choice with travelers from around the world!

Montevideo

Uruguay’s capital, Montevideo, is the cultural and political hub of the country that you have to experience. 

The bustling port city lies along the coast and offers a wide range of food spots, markets, historic sights, and more. The city is very pedestrian friendly so you can stroll through and see the sights, plus it is considered one of the safest cities in South America, so you can do so with no concern. 

There is much to do, but our top recommendations include seeing the Solis Theatre, visiting Salvo Palace, and admiring Independence Square.

Mercado Del Puerto

Uruguay is well-known for its meat, which is central to most of its famous local delicacies. To try all that the Uruguayan food scene has to offer, visit Mercado del Puerto to sample casual eateries with the best authentic local cuisine. 

The market was first built in the 1800s and has long been a vibrant place for locals and travelers to socialize and enjoy delicious meals. 

Colonia Del Sacramento

A charming town along the Rio de la Plata, Colonia del Sacramento is a wonderful place to visit for easy, idyllic exploring. 

It is a small town with old, colorful buildings that still hold Portuguese influence in their design. You can either spend a night or two to really immerse yourself in the culture or just do a day trip, which is enough time to see the place. 

Punta Del Diablo

For an escape from the busy cities, Punta del Diablo is a sleepy fishing town that offers a sanctuary by the sea. 

You can spend your days here lying on the beach, strolling through the town, visiting the quaint shops, and enjoying the fresh seafood. If you enjoy fishing, you should try your hand in this scenic area.

La Paloma

Another seaside town in Uruguay that we love is La Paloma, where you’ll find pristine beaches and fascinating wildlife. 

The lighthouse is a major attraction with phenomenal views. And if you’re a surfer, this is a great place to hit the waves! 

One of the biggest draws to La Paloma is whale-watching, which happens around July every year. 

Teatro Solis

One of the most iconic buildings in the capital of Montevideo is the Solis Theatre. It is steeped in history and is a landmark of Uruguayan culture. 

It opened back in the 1800s, with major renovations in the last few decades to uphold the building. You can either enjoy a show at the theater or take a tour of the building itself. The opulent interior matches the impressive exterior, so it is well worth a visit in our opinion. 

Carmelo

On the west side of Uruguay lies Carmelo, a city that boasts both the river and the ocean. 

While you can enjoy these, the thing about Carmelo that appeals to us (and most visitors) is the wineries. It is a hub for wine production in Uruguay, so the beautiful vineyards are dotted throughout. 

You can spend hours sitting at a winery, tasting what is on offer, and enjoying the views. 

Carmelo

On the west side of Uruguay lies Carmelo, a city that boasts both the river and the ocean. 

While you can enjoy these, the thing about Carmelo that appeals to us (and most visitors) is the wineries. It is a hub for wine production in Uruguay, so the beautiful vineyards are dotted throughout. 

You can spend hours sitting at a winery, tasting what is on offer, and enjoying the views.


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