Ciudad Vieja (Old Town)

Ciudad Vieja

Montevideo's historic old quarter packed with colonial and art-deco architecture, museums, and lively squares. Visit for its atmospheric streets, the Mercado del Puerto, and weekend antique markets.

Things to do

• Mercado del Puerto — Wander this iron-framed 1868 market hall where parrillas grill meats over open coals amid a lively lunchtime buzz.
• Plaza Matriz — Relax in Ciudad Vieja's oldest square, ringed by the Cabildo and the Metropolitan Cathedral, and browse the weekend antiques market.
• Peatonal Sarandí stroll — Walk this pedestrian street lined with colonial facades, cafes, buskers, and craft vendors from Plaza Independencia toward the port.
• Plaza Independencia and Palacio Salvo — Stand at the gateway between old and new city, dominated by the Artigas mausoleum and the landmark Palacio Salvo tower.
• Museo del Carnaval — Explore vibrant costumes, drums, and murga traditions of Uruguay's celebrated Carnival near the port.
• Teatro Solís — Tour or catch a performance at Uruguay's premier 1856 neoclassical theatre just off Plaza Independencia.
• Rambla and port views — Follow the waterfront promenade around the peninsula for sea breezes and views of the working port.

Food to try

• Asado at the Mercado del Puerto — Beef ribs, chorizo, and sweetbreads grilled over wood coals are the market's signature feast.
• Chivito — Uruguay's massive steak sandwich piled with ham, cheese, egg, and salad, found in countless Ciudad Vieja eateries.
• Medio y medio — A refreshing blend of sparkling white wine and sweet wine, traditionally sipped alongside a Mercado del Puerto lunch.
• Empanadas and chivito al plato — Grab savory baked empanadas or the plated version of chivito at casual peninsula cafes.
• Dulce de leche sweets — Try alfajores and pastries filled with Uruguay's beloved caramel spread at local bakeries.
• Espresso at a historic cafe — Pause at a Sarandí street cafe for strong coffee and people-watching.

Local customs & good to know

• Carry a mate gourd like the locals — Uruguayans sip yerba mate everywhere, toting a thermos of hot water and a gourd through the streets.
• Visit on weekends for markets — Antique and flea markets fill Plaza Matriz and nearby streets on Saturdays and Sundays.
• Stay alert after dark — Ciudad Vieja bustles by day but empties at night, so stick to lit main streets and keep valuables discreet.
• Lunch early at the Mercado — The port market is busiest at midday and quieter or closed by evening, so plan your parrilla feast for lunch.

Nearby

• Museo Torres García — 0 km
• Teatro Solís — 0 km
• Plaza Independencia — 0 km
• Mercado del Puerto — 1 km