MONTEVIDEO
Sightseens & Tours Montevideo Travel Guide
Many tourists visit the city because of its beaches that go from the hill of Montevideo, up to the residential zone of Carrasco.
The city has got some shopping centers, a wide range of museums, theatres, cultural centers where there are continuously activity. The rambla (shore) and the parks are reference points at the moment of spending some days at a city where you breathe European air, from its population who most of them are European descendants, up to the urbanity planning.
At the weekend the favorites tours are the Ciudad Vieja (Old City), going round Sarandí Pedestrian Street, going back in time visiting the antiques market of Matriz Square, the Hill Fortress (it is the highest part of the city) and finally arriving to The Market of the Port, a place in the city that no tourist can miss, ask there for a “medio y medio” (a drink that mixes white wine and champagne) while you eat at some of the so many restaurants that are under the iron antique structure.
Market of the Port
The origin of the Market of the Port is related to some Englishmen who brought the draft and new technique construction which caused great impact in the Montevideo society.
This old market with its many shops, restaurants, terraces and the mixture of craftsmen, musician, painters, comics and all kind of people who approach to eat, buy or just to see and enjoy.
Saturday is the chosen day to become the place in an animated day by mimes, drawers and singers. Food here is excellent, from the classical barbecues up to the most sophisticated dish of the international cuisine.
MARKET OF THE PORT
Centenario Stadium in Montevideo
It has been declared as the most important historical monument of football soccer of the world. On the 18 of July 1930 was opened in Uruguay, the Centenary Stadium, at the same time that we celebrated the centenary of the first Uruguayan Constitution.
It was the first stadium of the world which was built in order to celebrate the First World Cup of Football soccer.
This is the reason why, when a world football cup is approaching, the stadium is reminded with nostalgia and respect because it was the first one.
It was born as a dream at the beginning of the century.
CENTENARIO STADIUM
The Markets in Montevideo
One of the centenary customs is the markets that take place in different neighborhoods of Montevideo. There, as in the medieval markets, all kind of things and services are sold, bought or exchanged. Through out the street of Montevideo there are market streets, you can also see streets artists with different proposals.
The most popular market streets are, on Saturday the one of Villa Biarritz in Punta Carretas neighborhood and on Sundays the one of Tristán Narvaja, on the street of the same name and 18th of july Avenue, at Cordón neighborhood.
TRISTÁN NARVAJA FAIR
Rodó Park in Montevideo
One of the most popular and visited park of Montevideo is Rodó park which has an excellent location; between Ramírez beach and the Golf Club.
It is the main area of mechanical games, and it also includes a summer theatre and a musical area, it has a children library which is inside a castle next to the artificial lake.
Also here, visitors can appreciate the monument to José Enrique Rodó and the piece of art “Nuevos Rumbos” which is an example of one of the works done by the most important sculptors of Uruguay, José Belloni.
RODÓ PARK
Zoo Park Lecocq in Montevideo
This is a park which keeps animals and preserves native species in more than 50 hectares. The atmosphere, the nature surrounding the area and the adequate structure create a perfect place to visit.
It is twenty minutes far from the center of the city and it is one of the most attractive touristic areas of the city.
Nowadays, the park has a service for each visitant, a professional equip organizes guided tours on feet or horse in order to recognize the Fauna and vegetation. Besides it has got tours in little trains for children while visiting the zoo and recreational activities.
In all of these tours you can see the animals of the Uruguayan fauna which are quite free, here they reproduce themselves and are protected enjoining a unique area in Montevideo.
ZOO PARK LECOCQ
The Prado in Montevideo
The Prado has the Botanical garden where Charles Racine, at the end of XIX century got miles of species.
There you can appreciate the famous rose area with a special central pergola and the place where annually take place the Rural Exposition and the cavalcades, these one are done during the Saint Week and are a spectacle called “Criolla Week”.
Also in the park you can see many sculptures of Indian or Gaucho inspiration, for example, “La Diligencia”, “El peon de Estancia” and “Los últimos Charruas”.
THE PRADO
Pocitos beach in Montevideo
This is the beach that teenagers prefer; football and volleyball championships are organized, also nautic sports. It is a calm beach; its sand is white, ideal for the family.
It is 10 minutes far from downtown. Over the rambla there are small bars and restaurant which will delight even the most demanding ones.
POCITOS BEACH
Buceo Beach in Montevideo
This beach is quite and its sand is wet. On it people practice different sport such as, football, tennis and windsurf.
It also has the services of bar and Baywatch. A few meters from it, you will find the Oceanographic museum of Montevideo.
BUCEO BEACH
Malvin beach in Montevideo
As you approach to the east, the beaches become bigger and sandier.
Malvín beach is a big bay of calm waters; from there you can enjoy the panoramic view of the cost of the city.
It also has the service of bar and Baywatch.
MALVIN BEACH
Carrasco beach in Montevideo
Carrasco beach is the limit between the departments of Montevideo and Canelones. Its sand is soft and it is a calm beach.
Carrasco is a residential neighborhood, one of the most beautiful of Montevideo; there is a wide gastronomic offer, an important night activity and shops, too.
COLONIA DE SACRAMENTO
A must-see for any visitor to Uruguay is the historic town of Colonia del Sacramento, the country's oldest settlement and a celebrated UNESCO World Heritage site. It is situated on the River Plate, almost opposite Buenos Aires in Argentina from where most visitors ferry across on day trips. Dating from 1680 the quaint and quirky town is riddled with narrow cobbled streets lined with brightly coloured houses, vibey bars, excellent restaurants and art and craft shops. Colonia is about two hours by road from Montevideo. Local operators offer day trips.
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