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25 photos picturing Montevideo as the perfect Buenos Aires getaway

So you need a break from the hustling and exhausting city life in Buenos Aires? Nothing easier than that! Just hop on a ferry and cross to the other side of the river to visit Montevideo, the capital of Uruguay. Honestly there are not as many things to do in Montevideo as in B.A. – but it's the perfect spot for a few relaxing days & it somehow feels like a timewarp. Join me on my walk with these photos of Montevideo.

Walking the streets of the southernmost capital of the Americas feels very different if you experienced the pulsating capital of Argentina before, which is only a 3 hours boatride away. The special charm of Montevideo lies in the mixture of architecture one can find here: blocks, neoclassical architecture and postmodern style are coexistent throughout the whole city.
Let's start our walk right in the city center:

Plaza Independencia - the central square of Montevideo
Plaza Independencia – the central square of Montevideo
The Gate of the old town (ciudad vieja)
The Gate of the old town (ciudad vieja)
The Palacio Salvo is the landmark of Montevideo and has once been the highest building of South America
The Palacio Salvo is the landmark of Montevideo and has once been the highest building of South America
this huge office building at the Plaza Independencia is a good example of the mixture of architectural styles as it is located right next to the theater
this huge office building at the Plaza Independencia is a good example of the mixture of architectural styles as it is located right next to the theater
The beautiful Solis theater is Uruguay's oldest theater
The beautiful Solis theater is Uruguay's oldest theater
one of the few modern buildings one can find in the center
one of the few modern buildings one can find in the center
The Artigas Mausoleum with a statue showing the hero of Uruguay's independence movement is the central point of the most important square in Montevideo
The Artigas Mausoleum with a statue showing the hero of Uruguay's independence movement is the central point of the most important square in Montevideo
strolling around the old town is one of the first things to do in Montevideo
strolling around the old town is one of the first things to do in Montevideo
...you not only discover churches
…you not only discover churches
...but also massive buildings like this one - the national bank of Uruguay
…but also massive buildings like this one – the national bank of Uruguay
...or a colorful greengrocery
…or a colorful greengrocery
The Mercado del Puerto is the perfect place to eat local food
The Mercado del Puerto is the perfect place to eat local food

I especially liked the fact that Montevideo offers great streetart throughout the whole city – colorful walls and great pieces can be found easily on your walk through the town:

Colorful streetart can be found all mover the city
Colorful streetart can be found all over the city
...even in the shopping streets of the center
…even in the shopping streets

The next spot to visit is also one of the biggest advantages of the city compared to Buenos Aires: the rambla, a 22km long promenade along the River de la Plata:

The Rambla ranges from a green part
The Rambla ranges from a green part…
...to a wide promenade
…to a wide promenade
...with a nice beach for the warmer days
…with a nice beach for the warmer days
Also skater have a spot in Montevideo to follow their passion
Also skater have a spot in Montevideo to follow their passion

Beside the famous Rambla you should also have a look at the parques along the riverside offering the possibilty to sit down or have a nap in between.

If you search more tranquility you can find it at one of the parks
If you search more tranquility you can find it at one of the parks

montevideo parque

Alright, let's finish our little walk in the city center where we started – of course with a few to the Palacio Salvo:

Palacio Salvo was created by an italian architect who is also responsible for a very similar building in Buenos Aires "Palacio Barolo"
Palacio Salvo was created by an italian architect who is also responsible for a very similar building in Buenos Aires “Palacio Barolo”

montevideo palacio reflection

“Honouring diversity is honouring life; Montevideo is for the respect of all identities and sexual orientations” – this letters can be read at the sexual diversity monument located in the city center.

Montevideo is a very liberty city
Montevideo is a very liberty city

Where to stay in Montevideo?

The Splendido Hotel has been my home for 5 days. Located right next to the Teatro Solis it is the perfect starting point for discovering and enjoying the old town with it's restaurants, mentioned diverse architecture and nightlife. I chose a private room as I needed some more privacy to relax from the past weeks in Buenos Aires where I celebrated Christmas and New Years Eve – a good choice and finaly I got some decent sleep 😉

The Splendido Hotel
The Splendido Hotel

Positive: Location and I also liked the breakfest which consisted of Toast, Marmelade, Dulce de Leche, Honey, Cake, a selection of fruits and cereals as well as tea and coffee.

Downsides: The staff was nice but could hardly help out with recommendations, tips or ideas of what to do in the city. Moreover there have been only 2 bathrooms, which is not sufficient for the size of the Hotel which is more a Hostel. In summertime it can get quite hot – airconditioning would be great but is not installed.

Prices: 5 Bed Dorm for 11 € / Double for 18 € (p.P.), breakfest included

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Have you ever been to Montevideo? Tell us more!

If you have any tips or hints feel free to join the conversation – post a comment below and share your experience!
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montevideo logo

Disclosure:
My accommodation in Montevideo was supported by Hostelbookers.com – together with Traveldudes they help me to show you South America on my #HolaGringo trip.
All the content I provide from my travels is completely my own – this goes for opinions and views as well as for recommendations.

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25 thoughts on “25 photos picturing Montevideo as the perfect Buenos Aires getaway”

  1. David Hammond

    Great pictures of Montevideo, Steve. I have a place in Ciudad Vieja near the Mercado del Puerto, where I live about half of the year. The produce market you show is where I buy all my fruits and vegetables.

    The Salvo Palace, the building in the first and fourth image of your post was designed by Mario Palanti, an immigrant from Italy who lived in Buenos Aires. It was completed in 1928. It is 95 meters tall and was the tallest building in South America for several decades.

    1. Steve Hänisch

      Thanks David – also for adding the information about the Salvo Palace. Congrats to your decision to live in this relaxed city, I really enjoyed my stay there!

  12. Hugo Sirio

    Excelente selección de fotografías…parece un montevideano por la visión que tiene de la ciudad.Felicitaciones. y Gracias por difundir.

  13. Cristobal Parejo

    Beautiful Montevideo, very friendly people, always willing to help, and report on their city and their country, a destination, very interesting, where tranquility, along with their safety, and hospitality, and short distance between the city and its beaches and parks, make Montevideo, one of the destinations of South America, most charming. Infraextructura excellent accommodation and gastronomic, for all levels, complete its attractions, theaters, libraries, shoping, historical sites, cultural, and most modern architecture to colonial. My opinion 10 star, to Montevideo, Oriental Republic of Uruguay.

  18. Steve Hänisch

    estaba en Punta del Este y voy a escribir un otro articulo con un video de mi experiencia!

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