The 9 Best Things to Do in Uruguay

Discover the rich history and culture of the Old City on a guided tour, one of our favourite things to do in Montevideo. Wander through the pretty streets of this charming peninsula, starting at Independence Square, where a statue of national hero Jose Gervasio Artigas stands watch over his mausoleum. 

Pass through the ancient Puerta de la Ciudadela, once the entrance to the original citadel and explore the architectural beauty of the Solis Theatre. Visit the Torres Garcia Museum to admire Uruguayan art and stroll through the atmospheric pedestrian streets. 

Experience the culinary culture of Uruguay with a visit to Montevideo’s Mercado del Puerto, located near the city’s ship terminal in a converted train station. This market is home to a collection of popular restaurants where you can sample a variety of traditional Uruguayan dishes. Stroll through the bustling market as flames dance beneath grills, charring mouthwatering cuts of beef and sizzling sausages. 

Take a seat at one of the parrillas, where skilled grillmasters craft succulent masterpieces. Enjoy the tender, juicy meats and smoky flavours that have made Uruguayan barbecue legendary. As the lively atmosphere surrounds you, with the rhythmic beats of live music playing, you’ll realise that Mercado del Puerto is more than just a place to enjoy a meal; it’s a celebration of Uruguayan culinary traditions and a feast for all the senses.

Uruguay boasts a thriving wine industry, with Tannat being one of its most notable grape varieties. This bold, robust red wine reflects the spirit of the Uruguayan landscape. Spend time in the valleys and rolling hills and explore the family-run wineries throughout the country, where guided tours, often led by the owners, reveal the secrets behind their award-winning wines.

In the Carmelo region, Bodega El Legado is a standout winery that embodies the spirit of legacy. The family chose the name El Legado in honour of Bernardo, the father, whose dream was to own a winery. The vineyard uses a cultivation method known as ‘free vertical cord’, the only one of its kind in Uruguay, producing exceptional wines that carry on the family’s tradition.

Experience the serene town of Pueblo Eden in rural Uruguay where the ancient art of olive cultivation flourishes, producing renowned olive oil enjoyed worldwide. With vast olive groves and vineyards, the region resembles the Mediterranean, earning it the nickname Uruguayan Tuscany.

Discover sustainable farming practices at renowned olive farms, where pruning waste is used as organic fertilisers and herbicides are avoided to protect native species. The extra virgin olive oils, both traditional and organic, are crafted from hand-harvested olives. To fully appreciate the oil, enjoy a tasting, paired with fine local wines, cheeses and homemade bread.

Uruguay’s rugged coastline offers a breathtaking spectacle of sea lions and whales in the vast Atlantic Ocean. At Cabo Polonio National Park, you can witness one of the continent’s largest sea lion colonies  in South America on hikes and boat trip activities. If you visit between September and November, you might also catch a glimpse of whales as they navigate their ancient migratory routes through the calmer waters.

There’s a beautiful hiking trail that takes you across sand dunes from the village of Valizas to reach the tiny hamlet of Cabo Polonio, which is completely isolated by dunes. This half-day hike, one of our favourite activities in San Ignacio, leads you from the desert to the stunning Atlantic coast, where you can enjoy lunch at a fisherman’s restaurant overlooking the sea.

For a truly special culinary event, visit the small town of Garzón, where celebrity chef Francis Mallmann’s team will bring his famous ‘seven fires’ to life. Mallmann has mastered a series of grilling techniques adapted for home cooks, offering an enlightening foodie journey.

During this private experience, you’ll witness the art of open-fire cooking either on the streets of Pueblo Garzon or at Mallmann’s private campo. As you explore these techniques you’ll gain inspiration and insight into his innovative approach to traditional grilling, leaving you with a newfound appreciation for his artistry.

While exploring Uruguay it’s highly likely that you’ll encounter music. Music is a large part of the culture and many would say that the beats and rhythms that float through air embody the country’s distinct identity. Learn about Afro-Uruguayan music during a visit and class at the studio of drum luthier and percussionist Lobo Nuñez in Montevideo. Within Uruguayan candombe circles, he is considered a legend, making him the perfect guide for this experience.

Enjoy this rare insider access to a vital part of Uruguayan culture. The encounter will help you to gain an immersive insight into Uruguay’s musical heritage, allowing you to connect deeply with the country’s traditions and passionate spirit.

Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Colonia del Sacramento and stroll through its charming stone streets. Discover historical sites like the old city gate (Portón de Campo), the fort, Spanish and Portuguese houses, and the picturesque Calle de los Suspiros (Street of Sighs). Explore impressive squares and the Iglesia Matriz church, immersing yourself in the town’s rich history.

Venture into the downtown area and along the Rambla, which borders the Old City where you’ll see Real de San Carlos, Plaza de Toros, the Hipodromo and the old harbour.  You’ll be able to Uruguay’s deeply rooted tradition of drinking mate from a traditional gourd cup sipped through a bombilla (metal straw).

Punta del Este is a popular vacation spot for many Uruguayans, who gather on the beach in the shadow of the city’s contemporary and luxurious hotels and apartments. There’s a peaceful side to this part of the coastline too, which is perfect to explore by bicycle. Start from a quiet hilltop viewpoint, looking out to the Atlantic Ocean and continue, passing through charming seaside villages like La Barra and Manantiales.

Pedal along the glistening shoreline taking in views of golden sand beaches where beach shacks are dotted along peaceful enclaves. As you cycle into the Uruguayan countryside you’ll notice a change of scenery as small sand dunes undulate under grasses that sway in the breeze. Round off your cycling tour with a gourmet picnic surrounded by stunning landscapes.