Tourist Attractions in Uruguay

The most interesting and beautiful tourist sites in Uruguay

Photos, reviews, descriptions, and links to maps

About Uruguay

The Eastern Republic of Uruguay is a small hospitable country in South America. The best time to visit this country is from January to April. Tourists from all over the world are attracted by the natural riches and architectural heritage of Uruguay.

On the Uruguayan coast of the Atlantic Ocean there are many resorts, the most famous of which is Punta del Este. For connoisseurs of active kinds of rest the towns of Carmelo or Mercedes are suitable. Here you can go sea fishing, yachting or surfing. Fans of urban tourism will be interested to get acquainted with architectural monuments of Colonia del Sacramento and the capital of the country Montevideo.

The unique island of Lobos, as well as natural parks of Uruguay will acquaint tourists with its amazing flora and fauna. Local cuisine combines the culinary habits of Europeans and South Americans. Uruguay’s specialities are beef and pork meat cooked on grills. Very popular here is a peculiar tea called “”mate””, which is drunk from special dishes through a tube. Uruguay also produces excellent wine.

Top-18 Tourist Attractions in Uruguay

City of Montevideo

Montevideo, the capital of the state, began its turbulent history in 1726, when the Spaniards founded the fortress of the same name. The old part of the city, the mass building of which took place in the XVIII – early XIX centuries, preserves interesting architectural monuments: the Cathedral, the fortress, the theatre, the building of the Parliament and the New Town Hall. The chic suburb of Montevideo is visited by lovers of beach and resort holidays.

Montevideo

 0/5

The official residence of the President of Uruguay is located in Independence Square in the capital. The construction of this structure with the original name: “Executive Tower”, began in 1965, but turbulent historical events prevented the work from being completed on time. It was only in 2009 that the President’s office was moved to this building.

Montevideo Metropolitan Cathedral

 4.7/5

1796 reviews

In the historic part of Montevideo is the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary and Saints Philip and James, better known as the Cathedral. The foundations of the structure were laid in 1790. Designed in a neoclassical colonial style, the cathedral is now a national historical monument of Uruguay.

Open time

Monday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 12:30 PM

Rio Negro

 4.3/5

156 reviews

A large river originating in southern Brazil divides the territory of Uruguay into northern and southern parts. The Rio Negro is home to power plants and reservoirs, one of which, Rincon del Bonete, is considered the largest reservoir in South America.

Palacio Salvo

 4.5/5

2954 reviews

One of the main attractions of Uruguay’s capital is the Palacio Salvo skyscraper, a custom-built skyscraper for the Salvo brothers based on Dante Alighieri’s Divine Comedy. Palacio Salvo combines neo-Gothic, eclectic Art Deco and neoclassical, and the structure and decoration of the building have direct references to Alighieri’s work.

Open time

Monday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Sunday: Closed

Solis Theater

 4.8/5

15264 reviews

One of the oldest theatres in Uruguay, built in 1856, is the Solis Theatre. The theatre building is located in Montevideo’s Old Town and is currently used for ballet and opera productions. The last renovation of the theatre was carried out to preserve the classical style of the building and was completed in 2004.

Open time

The city of Colonia del Sacramento

The Portuguese founded the city in 1680, but a few months later it was captured by the Spanish. Subsequently, Colonia del Sacramento changed hands many times. Today, it is a popular tourist attraction where archaeological enthusiasts come to see the historic part of the city.

Parada Plaza Independencia

 4.3/5

23 reviews

Between the Old Town and the New Town in Montevideo lies Independence Square. At the very centre of the square is a monument to the famous Uruguayan figure José Artigas and a museum dedicated to his life. You can also see the Salvo Palace, the Solis Theatre, the Estevez Palace, and the Executive Tower.

Open time

Constitution Plaza

 4.5/5

11615 reviews

The centre of Montevideo’s historic part is the Plaza de la Constitución. It used to be called Plaza Matriz and used to host bullfights, fairs and various festive events. The square received its present name in honour of the adoption of the Uruguayan Constitution in 1830. At the end of the 19th century, the Plaza de la Constitución was decorated with a beautiful fountain.

Open time

Monday: Open 24 hours
Tuesday: Open 24 hours
Wednesday: Open 24 hours
Thursday: Open 24 hours
Friday: Open 24 hours
Saturday: Open 24 hours
Sunday: Open 24 hours

Estévez Palace

 0/5

On Independence Square in the capital is the Estevez Palace, built in 1873. The building originally belonged to Francisco Estevez and was purchased by the Uruguayan government in 1880. For a long time the building was used as a presidential residence, then a museum of presidential gifts was created here, and since 2009 the remains of national hero Jose Artigas have been kept in the Estevez Palace.

Isla de Lobos

 4.7/5

108 reviews

On the southern coast of Uruguay is the unique island of Lobos, famous for its colony of southern sea lions. There are regular day trips to the island, and surfing and diving enthusiasts also come here to practice their skills. The territory of the island is considered a natural reserve of Uruguay.

Enjoy Punta del Este Resort y Casino

 4.6/5

17260 reviews

Founded in 1907, the resort town of Punta del Este is one of the most picturesque places in Uruguay. Beach, surfing and windsurfing lovers rush here. The most popular places of Punta del Este – Montoya, El Tesoro, Bikini Beach – are characterised by clear water and white sand. At night tourists are entertained by clubs, discos and casinos.

Open time

Monday: Open 24 hours
Tuesday: Open 24 hours
Wednesday: Open 24 hours
Thursday: Open 24 hours
Friday: Open 24 hours
Saturday: Open 24 hours
Sunday: Open 24 hours

Estadio Centenario

 4.5/5

18989 reviews

Uruguay’s largest stadium is located in the capital city of Montevideo. It was built specifically for the 1930 championship. Today, Centenario is used for various international matches, including the South American Championships, the oldest international tournament still in existence today.

Open time

National Museum Of Visual Arts

 4.6/5

4960 reviews

Located in Montevideo, the National Museum of Fine Arts was established in 1911 and consists of five exhibition halls. The works of Uruguayan artists are widely represented here, as well as some works of foreign masters. The museum’s exposition totals more than 6 thousand works of art.

Open time

Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 1:00 – 8:00 PM
Wednesday: 1:00 – 8:00 PM
Thursday: 1:00 – 8:00 PM
Friday: 1:00 – 8:00 PM
Saturday: 1:00 – 8:00 PM
Sunday: 1:00 – 8:00 PM

Museo Juan Manuel Blanes

 4.5/5

7079 reviews

In 1930, the Juan Manuel Blanes Museum of Fine Arts was founded in Montevideo’s Prado Park. The building in which the museum is located is a luxuriously decorated Palladio villa of 1870, recognised as a national architectural monument in 1975. The museum’s main exhibits are artworks by Uruguayan masters.

Open time

Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 12:00 – 6:00 PM
Wednesday: 12:00 – 6:00 PM
Thursday: 12:00 – 6:00 PM
Friday: 12:00 – 6:00 PM
Saturday: 12:00 – 6:00 PM
Sunday: 12:00 – 6:00 PM

The Fingers of Punta del Este

 4.5/5

23712 reviews

Mario Irrarrazabal’s famous sculpture appeared on the beach of Punta del Este in 1982 as part of an international meeting of contemporary sculptors. According to the author’s idea, this original construction should serve as a warning to swimmers holidaying nearby. The sculpture is made of cement and is about 3 metres high.

Open time

Monday: Open 24 hours
Tuesday: Open 24 hours
Wednesday: Open 24 hours
Thursday: Open 24 hours
Friday: Open 24 hours
Saturday: Open 24 hours
Sunday: Open 24 hours

Palacio Legislativo

 4.7/5

2409 reviews

In 1904, construction began on the building that houses the Uruguayan Parliament. The building was inaugurated in 1925, and in 1975 it was designated a National Historic Monument. Today, most of the premises are available for public viewing. Photography and videography are also allowed in the parliament building.

Open time

Monday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Thursday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Friday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed

Cabo Polonio National Park

 4.8/5

3669 reviews

A small fishing village gave its name to one of Uruguay’s national parks. Cabo Polonio Park includes marine and terrestrial ecosystems as well as islands. A colony of sea lions can be seen near the village. Tourists usually travel through the national park on foot or by rented jeep.

Open time

Monday: Open 24 hours
Tuesday: Open 24 hours
Wednesday: Open 24 hours
Thursday: Open 24 hours
Friday: Open 24 hours
Saturday: Open 24 hours
Sunday: Open 24 hours