Plaza Independencia is located at the junction of the old town and the new city district of Montevideo and is an iconic city square in the capital of Uruguay. Built in the 19th century, it occupies the former site of a colonial-era citadel. After the city walls were demolished, it became a transitional zone between the old and new city districts. It has long served as a venue for major celebrations and official ceremonies. In the center stands a bronze equestrian statue of national hero José Gervasio Artigas, with an underground mausoleum beneath the pedestal housing the remains of this prominent figure, which can be visited by descending the stone steps on either side.

Uruguay · Montevideo

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Colonia del Sacramento Lighthouse

5.9

Colonia del Sacramento Lighthouse is a local landmark that continues to flash and guide ships traveling on the Río de la Plata at night. It was built directly on the ruins of the 17th-century Convent of San Francisco. The lower square base is a remnant of the convent, while the upper white cylindrical tower was added in the 19th century, layering architecture from two different eras onto the same structure. To reach the top, you must ascend over 100 metal spiral stairs. Standing on the observation deck, which is over 20m high, you can take in the orange-red roofs of the old town, the cobblestone streets, and the remaining city walls. The vast river stretches out before you, and on clear days, you can even see the coastline of Argentina on the opposite bank. Climbing the tower before sunset is especially rewarding, as the setting sun bathes the river and the old town roofs in a golden glow.

Uruguay · Colonia del Sacramento

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Rambla Montevideo

5.7

Rambla Montevideo is a coastal promenade stretching along the banks of the Río de la Plata, extending east from the Ciudad Vieja area, passing through Parque Rodó, Pocitos, Buceo, and Malvín, all the way to Carrasco, spanning over 20 km and connecting almost the entire coastline of the city. The river is so wide in Montevideo that it resembles the sea, and you cannot see the opposite shore from the bank. In the early morning, people go running and cycling, while during the day, people fly kites or sit by the rocks to fish. Sunset is the highlight of the promenade, when the sun sinks directly into the water. People lean against the embankment to enjoy the river breeze and watch the sky gradually turn red.

Uruguay · Montevideo

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Plaza 1811

5.7

Plaza 1811 is a small-scale commemorative city square. It sits right next to the Kanpo Gate, an old city gate embedded in the ancient city wall. The wooden drawbridge in front of the gate is still preserved today, and many travelers begin their walking tours of the old town here. The square is primarily composed of an open paved area and greenery. It is small in scale and has a relatively simple environment. It forms a continuous historical environment with the ancient city wall, the gate, and the surrounding old town space. The commemorative markers and the surrounding ancient ruins form its core view, giving it a distinct character as a historical memorial site.

Uruguay · Colonia del Sacramento

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No. 1 of Best Things to Do in Uruguay

National Museum Of Visual Arts

5.5

5.0/5

12 reviews

National Museum Of Visual Arts is located in Rodó Park in Montevideo,and is the national institution dedicated to collecting Uruguayan paintings and sculptures. Its collection spans from the 19th century to the present day, and also includes works by foreign artists such as Picasso, Paul Klee, and Goya. Its predecessor was the National Museum of Fine Arts established in 1911, which was initially housed next to the Solís Theatre before moving to the pavilion in Rodó Park. The building was renovated in the 1970s by Argentine architect Clorindo Testa, integrating it with the park's greenery. The collection focuses on the works of artists such as Juan Manuel Blanes, Pedro Figari, Rafael Barradas, Carlos Federico Sáez, and Joaquín Torres García. One of the museum's masterpieces is a large oil painting by Blanes depicting the 1871 yellow fever epidemic in Buenos Aires. Figari used vibrant colors to recreate the streets and balls of colonial Montevideo, with the lives of Black people and gauchos being recurring themes in his work. Torres García's constructivist works, along with paintings by female artists such as Petrona Viera, trace the evolution of Uruguayan modern and contemporary art. In addition to its permanent collection, the museum continuously hosts temporary exhibitions by both domestic and international artists.

Uruguay · Montevideo

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No. 2 of Best Things to Do in Uruguay

De los Pocitos Beach

5.2

5.0/5

5 reviews

De los Pocitos Beach is a popular urban beach in Montevideo, Uruguay, located in the Pocitos neighborhood and stretching along the Rambla. It is a crescent-shaped golden sandy bay backed by rows of apartment buildings. It faces the wide Río de la Plata, where the water is so vast it resembles the sea. However, the river carries a large amount of sediment, giving the water a brownish-yellow rather than blue color. This is normal for this coast, not pollution, so you might be disappointed if you come expecting blue seawater. Locals come here all year round to walk, jog, and cycle. The promenade is straight and smooth. It is busier in the early morning and evening. In the Southern Hemisphere summer, the beach becomes a place for sunbathing, swimming, and playing beach volleyball. In the evening, you can sit on the embankment and watch the sun slowly sink into the river.

Uruguay · Montevideo

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Colonia Del Sacramento Boulevard

4.9

Colonia Del Sacramento Boulevardis a waterfront promenade in Colonia, the capital of the Colonia Department in Uruguay, extending along theRío de la Plata. It spans approx. 3 km and blends the historic old town with modern leisure spaces. This winding riverside promenade features cobblestone paths and low stone embankments, offering views of the lighthouse, remnants of city walls from the Portuguese colonial era, and Spanish-style red brick buildings along the way. The expansive river surface and the city skyline of Buenos Aires on the opposite bank add a modern touch. Colonia Del Sacramento Boulevard is not only a leisure space for local residents to walk and fish, but also an ideal place for visitors to experience the interweaving of history and nature. On clear evenings, the river surface shimmers with golden light, and travelers on wooden benches often wait here for the magnificent sunset of the Southern Hemisphere; in rainy seasons, the mist-covered riverbank and mottled old buildings present a tranquil, oil painting-like atmosphere.

Uruguay · Colonia del Sacramento

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Mercado Agricola Montevideo - MAM

4.7

Montevideo Agricultural Market-MAMis located in Montevideo. The market building adopts metal structure. It is a large market built with iron. The use of cast iron columns and fences here can create a wide space with fewer support points. The market is large in scale and has a unique architectural style. The market has a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables, such as juicy cherries, plump blueberries, and tender broccoli, etc.; it also gathers a variety of specialties, such as barbecue, pies, and special sandwiches. In addition, there are many shops selling souvenirs and handicrafts, such as leather products, hand-woven products, ceramics, etc., and a variety of goods are available for tourists to choose. This is a place for Uruguayans to gather on a daily basis, and it is also an important window for tourists to understand Uruguayan culture and lifestyle. People can interact with local people here and feel the rich local cultural atmosphere. In addition, the market also regularly holds various cultural activities, such as music performances, dance performances, art exhibitions, etc., to bring rich cultural experiences to tourists and local residents.

Uruguay · Montevideo

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Puerto de Punta del Este

4.7

1 reviews

Puerto de Punta del Este is a vibrant tourist destination with natural charm, especially famous for its unique marine ecology and cultural views. Visitors can take a leisurely stroll near the port, visit fishermen's stalls, and buy fresh seafood. The sea lions here are one of the port's highlights, often gathering nearby to wait for scraps when fishermen process their catch. The sea lions are very friendly to humans, and visitors can observe them up close, or even have the opportunity to feed them and take wonderful photos. The boats and yachts moored at the port add a unique charm to the area. Visitors can enjoy magnificent sunsets here and spend some leisurely time. Puerto de Punta del Este is not only an ideal place to watch sea lions but also a great spot to experience local fishing culture. Whether interacting with sea lions or experiencing the daily life of fishermen, this place offers visitors an unforgettable experience and is one of the attractions in Punta that you shouldn't miss.

Uruguay · Punta Del Este

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Antel Arena

4.5

Antel Arena is a multi-functional indoor stadium and performing arts center that can host a variety of sports competitions and events, including basketball, indoor football, volleyball, tennis, etc. There are also multiple restaurants, shops and cafes in the venue, providing a variety of food and drink options to meet the needs of the audience. Whether it is a sports game or a performing arts performance, this modern venue can bring a wonderful experience to the audience.

Uruguay · Montevideo

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Free things to do in Uruguay

Plaza Independencia

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5.7

Uruguay · Montevideo

National Museum Of Visual Arts

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4.3

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What travellers say about Uruguay

Elizadepaysement16 December 2025

5.0

Definitely a must visit place and better still, free of charge. Chatting with locals is highly recommended

Plaza Independencia

周怀安28 August 2023

5.0

【Scenery】Spectacular 【Interest】High 【Cost-Effective】High

National Museum Of Visual Arts

137***665 December 2019

5.0

Playa Pocitos is a beach in Montevideo, located in the Pocitos district. Las Ramblas is built along the beach, and the surrounding area is a great place for locals and tourists to live and relax.

De los Pocitos Beach

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Trip Moments in Uruguay

Cabo Polonio, Uruguay 🇺🇾 — Where the Ocean Meets the Wild!

“Imagine a remote seaside village surrounded by enormous sand dunes, a historic lighthouse overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, sea lions resting along rocky shores, and nights illuminated by stars instead of city lights.”

@NOMADIC NOMAN · cabopolonio · 15 days ago

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@เก้าเก้าออกเดินทาง · puntadeleste · 1 day ago

A Walking Guide to Colonia's Old Town

“Board the ferry at Puerto Madero in Buenos Aires.”

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“I stepped off the ferry crossing the Río de la Plata and immediately felt the frantic pace of modern life melt away into the gentle breeze.”

@Arzmy Hargreaves · coloniadelsacramento · 4 days ago

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Frequently asked questions

What are the must-do things in Uruguay?

Don't miss these attractions in Uruguay: Plaza Independencia, Colonia del Sacramento Lighthouse, and Rambla Montevideo. If you like Day tours, try Argentina-Uruguay Montevideo Day Tour (Including Round-Trip Boat Ticket). If you enjoy Culture & history, try Montevideo: Complete Half-Day Tour with Guide and 6 Stops.

What are the recommended tours and excursions in Uruguay?

When choosing a tour, start with how much time you have and the kind of experience you're looking for. Trending options right now include Argentina-Uruguay Montevideo Day Tour (Including Round-Trip Boat Ticket), Tango Night and Fine Dining at Primuseum - Ticket with Transfers, and Exclusive Experience at Spinoglio and Pizzorno - Wineries Tour with Lunch. Check the real-time availability and itinerary before you book.

What's the typical cost of day tours and activities in Uruguay?

As of 9 November 2026, the reference price for day tours and activities in Uruguay is around RUB 1,728.4 – RUB 35,584.58. Rates vary by duration, group size, transport, tickets, meals, and any special admission requirements. Before you book, please confirm the billing currency and whether the price is quoted per person or per group.

How can I contact Trip.com customer support?

Get help anytime, anywhere within 30 secondsContact customer support

Can I change or cancel my booking?

Change and cancellation policies vary by attractions and tours. Please check the product details page for more information.

How can I get discounted prices?

Ticket prices may vary between weekdays and weekends, as well as during peak and off-peak seasons. When booking with Trip.com, you can also use Trip Coins to get extra savings. For more tips on booking discounted tickets, please visit Trip.com for the latest information.

Things to do in Uruguay

Explore top experiences

Top 10 attractions in Uruguay

Plaza Independencia

Colonia del Sacramento Lighthouse

Rambla Montevideo

Plaza 1811

National Museum Of Visual Arts

De los Pocitos Beach

Colonia Del Sacramento Boulevard

Mercado Agricola Montevideo - MAM

Puerto de Punta del Este

Antel Arena

Traveller favourites curated for you

Museo Portugues de Colonia del Sacramento

Montevideo Highlights Audio Tour: Historic Heart and Architectural Landmarks

15 days · Antarctica · Buenos Aires - Argentina - Chile - Antarctica - Falkland Islands - Uruguay - Buenos Aires

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Experiences you can't miss in Uruguay

Featured Day tours in Uruguay

Featured Culture & history in Uruguay

Featured Water activities in Uruguay

More things to do

Uruguay Cruises

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Group Tours in Uruguay

16D15N • Argentina + Uruguay + Chile + Peru

32D31N • Peru + Chile + Argentina + Brazil + Uruguay

21D20N • Brazil + Argentina + Uruguay + Chile + Peru

3D2N • Buenos Aires + Colonia del Sacramento + Montevideo + Punta Del Este

Free things to do in Uruguay

Plaza Independencia

Rambla Montevideo

National Museum Of Visual Arts

De los Pocitos Beach

Port Market

What travellers say about Uruguay

Plaza Independencia

National Museum Of Visual Arts

De los Pocitos Beach

Trip Moments in Uruguay

Cabo Polonio, Uruguay 🇺🇾 — Where the Ocean Meets the Wild!

🌊 Punta del Este… The enchanting seaside town of Uruguay 🇺🇾

A Walking Guide to Colonia's Old Town

How I Travel Like A Local Exploring The Art of Unwinding in Colonia del Sacramento

Frequently asked questions

What are the must-do things in Uruguay?

What are the recommended tours and excursions in Uruguay?

What's the typical cost of day tours and activities in Uruguay?

How can I contact Trip.com customer support?

Can I change or cancel my booking?

How can I get discounted prices?