Plaza Independencia

The city's central square linking the old town to downtown, dominated by the Artigas mausoleum and the striking Palacio Salvo. It's a monumental gathering point surrounded by landmark buildings and the Solís Theatre nearby.

Things to do

• Artigas Mausoleum — Descend beneath the equestrian statue to the underground marble mausoleum where an honor guard watches over the remains of national hero José Gervasio Artigas.
• Palacio Salvo — Admire the eclectic 1928 landmark that was once South America's tallest building, and visit its small museum to learn about its tango-linked history.
• Solís Theatre — Take a guided tour of Uruguay's grand 1856 opera house just off the square, or catch an evening performance.
• Puerta de la Ciudadela — Walk through the surviving stone gateway of the old colonial fortress that marks the entrance to Ciudad Vieja.
• Stroll Avenida 18 de Julio — Begin Montevideo's main downtown boulevard here, lined with shops, cafés and Art Deco architecture.
• People-watch on the square — Sit among the palms and monuments to observe locals crossing between the old town and modern downtown, especially lively at dusk.

Food to try

• Chivito — Uruguay's iconic steak sandwich piled with ham, cheese, egg, bacon and salad, found at cafés around the plaza.
• Café con medialunas — Enjoy strong coffee with sweet crescent pastries at a traditional confitería near the square.
• Asado — Sample wood-fired grilled beef, the heart of Uruguayan cuisine, at nearby parrillas.
• Mate — Watch locals sip the bitter yerba mate tea from gourds with metal straws, a constant companion in public spaces.
• Dulce de leche sweets — Try alfajores and pastries filled with the caramel-like dulce de leche at bakeries along 18 de Julio.

Local customs & good to know

• Respect the mausoleum — Speak quietly and remove hats inside the Artigas mausoleum, where soldiers stand in solemn guard.
• Carry your mate carefully — If you buy a gourd, note that Uruguayans never touch the straw's position and share the mate in turns.
• Watch your belongings — The plaza is safe by day but stay alert at night as it borders both tourist and quieter areas.
• Time the guard change — Aim to catch the ceremonial changing of the honor guard at the mausoleum for a memorable moment.

Nearby

• Teatro Solís — 0 km
• Museo Torres García — 0 km
• Ciudad Vieja (Old Town) — 0 km
• Mercado del Puerto — 1 km