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Montevideo

Montevideo is the capital and largest city of Uruguay, situated on the southern coast along the northeastern bank of the Río de la Plata. Home to nearly 1.3 million residents, it is the cultural and economic heart of the nation.

Quick facts

Population
1,302,954 (city)
Currency
Uruguayan peso (UYU)
Language
Spanish
Timezone
-03 (UTC-3)
Local time now
16:23:22

Hotels in Montevideo

Montevideo offers a range of accommodation options for visitors to Uruguay's capital city. Hotels such as Hotel Aramaya, Balmoral Plaza Hotel, Crystal Palace Hotel, and Austral Hotel provide varied choices for travellers exploring the city. See all hotels →

Airports in Montevideo

Montevideo is served by several airports facilitating both domestic and international travel. Aeropuerto Internacional de Carrasco is the city's primary international gateway, while additional aviation facilities including Base Aérea Capitán Juan Manuel Boisso Lanza and Aeropuerto Internacional Ángel S. Adami serve various aviation needs. See all airports →

Base Aérea Capitán Juan Manuel Boisso Lanza
10.8 km from centre
Aeropuerto Internacional Ángel S. Adami
14.7 km from centre
Aeropuerto Internacional de Carrasco
17.2 km from centre

Car Hire in Montevideo

Montevideo offers several car hire options for visitors and residents looking to explore Uruguay. Companies including Multicar, Snappy, Global Rent a Car, Dollar, and AS Rent a Car operate in the city, providing a range of vehicles for short and long-term rental needs. See all car hire →

Multicar
197 m from centre
Snappy
634 m from centre
Global Rent a Car
688 m from centre
Dollar
725 m from centre

Things to Do in Montevideo

Montevideo offers visitors a diverse range of attractions to explore. From the Mercado de los Artesanos showcasing local craftsmanship to cultural institutions like the Ateneo and Museo Pedagógico José Pedro Varela, there's plenty to discover in the city's rich cultural landscape. See all things to do →

Mercado de los Artesanos
53 m from centre
Ateneo
77 m from centre
Museo Pedagógico José Pedro Varela
82 m from centre
Edificio London París
194 m from centre
Fuente de los Candados
197 m from centre
Museo del Automóvil Club del Uruguay
250 m from centre

Restaurants in Montevideo

See all restaurants →

La Biennale
67 m from centre
Il Mondo della Pizza
pizza;regional · 81 m from centre
Biobar
86 m from centre

Swimming Pools in Montevideo

We're still gathering swimming pools listings for Montevideo — check back soon.

Spas in Montevideo

We're still gathering spas listings for Montevideo — check back soon.

Nightlife in Montevideo

Montevideo's nightlife scene offers a diverse range of venues where locals and visitors gather to enjoy the city after dark. From intimate bars like Doña Marta and La Vaca Azul to energetic clubs such as Cloud 7, Brava Club, and RIO, there's something for every taste in this lively capital. See all nightlife →

Cloud 7
1.4 km from centre
La Vaca Azul
1.5 km from centre
Doña Marta
1.7 km from centre

Bars in Montevideo

Montevideo offers a diverse bar scene ranging from traditional establishments to modern music venues. Whether you're looking for a classic experience at Centro Bar or Bar Mercantil, or prefer the contemporary vibe of COLD Music Bar, the city's bar culture reflects its vibrant social atmosphere. See all bars →

Centro Bar
96 m from centre
Bar Mercantil
226 m from centre
Bar Montevideo
299 m from centre

Cafes in Montevideo

See all cafes →

Oro del Rhin
70 m from centre
Café Central
coffee_shop;sandwich;cake;tea · 79 m from centre
Hall Central
103 m from centre

Shopping in Montevideo

Montevideo offers diverse shopping experiences across modern malls and local retailers. Major shopping destinations include Punta Carretas Shopping, Shopping Tres Cruces, Nuevocentro Shopping, and Tiendas Montevideo, where visitors can find a wide range of stores and dining options. See all shopping →

Tiendas Montevideo
1.2 km from centre
Shopping Tres Cruces
2.6 km from centre
Punta Carretas Shopping
3.6 km from centre

Nature & Wildlife in Montevideo

Montevideo offers several natural gathering spaces where visitors can experience the city's parks and outdoor areas. Key locations include Plaza de Cagancha, Plazoleta Doctor Tomas G. Brena, Plazoleta Lorenzo Justiniano Pérez, Plaza Alfredo Zitarrosa, and Plazuela Cristóbal Echevarriarza, which provide green spaces throughout the capital. See all nature & wildlife →

Plaza de Cagancha
11 m from centre
Plazoleta Doctor Tomas G. Brena
262 m from centre
Plazoleta Lorenzo Justiniano Pérez
596 m from centre
Plaza Alfredo Zitarrosa
741 m from centre
Plazuela Cristóbal Echevarriarza
876 m from centre
Plazoleta de la Contraescarpa
1.0 km from centre

Climate snapshot

Montevideo experiences a temperate climate with distinct seasons. Summers are warm and pleasant, while winters are mild and cooler, with moderate rainfall distributed throughout the year.

Interesting Facts About Montevideo — Weird & Wonderful

  • Montevideo's Carnival is one of the longest in the world, with preparations beginning as early as December for the festival that lasts throughout Carnival Week.
  • The city features a traditional Gaucho festival where participants ride through the streets on horseback in authentic gaucho attire.
  • The 'Desfile de las Llamadas' (Parade of the Calls) is a grand downtown parade that revives an early 20th century ritual still celebrated during carnival.
  • Montevideo comprises approximately 36.8% of Uruguay's total population, making it the dominant urban centre of the country.

Events & Festivals Not to Miss in Montevideo

Montevideo Carnival
The major annual festival and part of the national Carnival Week, with central activities throughout Montevideo. The public holiday officially lasts for Carnival Monday and Shrove Tuesday preceding Ash Wednesday, though most shops and businesses close for the entire week. The festival features open-air stage performances, competitions, vibrant street and house decorations, and fixed and movable 'Tablados' (popular scenes) throughout the city.
Desfile de las Llamadas
A grand united parade held on the south part of downtown Montevideo during carnival, reviving a common ritual from the early 20th century.
Gaucho Festival
A festival where people ride through the streets on horseback in traditional gaucho gear.

Frequently Asked Questions About Montevideo

What is the currency used in Montevideo?

Uruguayan peso (UYU) is the official currency used in Montevideo and throughout Uruguay.

What language is spoken in Montevideo?

Spanish is the primary language spoken in Montevideo and throughout Uruguay.

Where is Montevideo located?

Montevideo is situated on the southern coast of Uruguay, on the northeastern bank of the Río de la Plata, a major river estuary.

How many people live in Montevideo?

Montevideo has a population of approximately 1.3 million people, making up about 36.8% of Uruguay's total population.

What is Montevideo known for?

Montevideo is known for its vibrant annual Carnival, traditional Gaucho festivals, and its role as Uruguay's cultural and economic capital.

Map of Montevideo

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