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Montevideo, the capital of Uruguay
Flag of Uruguay Capital of Uruguay

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 over 1.2 million residents, it represents more than a third of the country's population and serves as the nation's cultural and political heart.

Photo: Eduardo Ruggieri (CC BY-SA 3.0)

Quick facts

Population
1,302,954 (city)
Currency
Uruguayan peso (UYU)
Language
Spanish
Timezone
-03 (UTC-3)
Local time now
05:03:01

Hotels in Montevideo

Montevideo offers a range of hotel options for visitors to Uruguay's capital city. From established properties like Hotel Aramaya and Balmoral Plaza Hotel to the Crystal Palace Hotel, there are accommodation choices available across the city. See all hotels →

Airports in Montevideo

Montevideo is served by several airports and aviation facilities, including Aeropuerto Internacional de Carrasco, the city's main international gateway. Additional airports and aeroservices such as Aeropuerto Internacional Ángel S. Adami and Progreso Aeroservicios provide additional flight options for travelers and aviation services in the region. 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 rental options to suit your travel needs. Major agencies including Multicar, Snappy, Global Rent a Car, Dollar, and AS Rent a Car operate throughout the city, providing convenient vehicle rental solutions for exploring the capital and surrounding areas of Uruguay. 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 a rich variety of attractions for visitors, from cultural institutions like the Museo Pedagógico José Pedro Varela and Ateneo to distinctive landmarks such as the Fuente de los Candados and the historic Edificio London París. The city also features the Mercado de los Artesanos, where you can browse local crafts and experience the creative spirit of Uruguay's capital. 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

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

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 offers something for every taste, from intimate bars to energetic clubs. Venues like Cloud 7, La Vaca Azul, Doña Marta, Brava Club, and RIO showcase the city's diverse entertainment scene where locals and visitors gather to enjoy the night. 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 vibrant bar scene with venues ranging from traditional spots like Centro Bar and Bar Mercantil to modern music bars such as COLD Music Bar. Whether you're looking for a casual drink or a night out, the city's bars provide a welcoming atmosphere to experience local culture and hospitality. See all bars →

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

Cafes in Montevideo

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

Shopping in Montevideo

Montevideo offers diverse shopping experiences across modern malls and independent retailers. Major shopping destinations include Punta Carretas Shopping, Shopping Tres Cruces, Nuevocentro Shopping, and Tiendas Montevideo, where visitors can find a wide range of local and international brands, dining options, and entertainment. 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 green spaces and plazas where visitors can experience nature and outdoor recreation. Notable areas include Plaza de Cagancha, Plaza Alfredo Zitarrosa, and other plazas scattered throughout the city that provide respite and connection to the natural environment. 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, making the city comfortable year-round for visitors.

Interesting Facts About Montevideo — Weird & Wonderful

  • Montevideo Carnival is so significant that most shops and businesses close for the entire week, despite the official public holiday lasting only two days.
  • The city hosts a Gaucho festival featuring people riding through streets on horseback in traditional gaucho gear.
  • The 'Desfile de las Llamadas' or 'Parade of the Calls' is a grand united parade held on the south part of downtown, reviving an early 20th century ritual.
  • During carnival, special movable and fixed structures called 'Tablados' (popular scenes) are erected throughout the entire city for performances and competitions.

Events & Festivals Not to Miss in Montevideo

Carnival Monday and Shrove Tuesday preceding Ash Wednesday
Montevideo Carnival
The major annual festival featuring open-air stage performances, competitions, and grand parades. The city is vibrantly decorated with streets and houses, and special 'Tablados' (popular scenes) are erected throughout. Preparation begins as early as December with elections of zonal beauty queens.
Desfile de las Llamadas
A grand united parade held on the south part of downtown 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 population of Montevideo?

As of the 2023 census, Montevideo city proper has a population of 1,287,452, accounting for about 36.8% of Uruguay's total population.

What currency is used in Montevideo?

The currency used in Montevideo is the Uruguayan Peso, as Montevideo is the capital of Uruguay.

What language is spoken in Montevideo?

Spanish is the primary language spoken in Montevideo, as it is the capital of Uruguay.

Where is Montevideo located?

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

When is Montevideo Carnival celebrated?

The Montevideo Carnival is part of Carnival Week, with the official public holiday lasting for Carnival Monday and Shrove Tuesday preceding Ash Wednesday, though most businesses close for the entire week.

What makes Montevideo's carnival unique?

Montevideo's carnival features open-air stage performances, vibrant street decorations, and notable displays like the 'Desfile de las Llamadas' parade, with carnival preparations beginning as early as December.

Map of Montevideo

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