Your Travel Experience with South American Tours DMC
Your excursion today starts with a drive along the Rambla, a 22 km long coastal road on the edge of the Rio de la Plata, in the direction of Carrasco. On the way, you will see the Pittamiglio Castle, which was designed by an alchemist. Then visit the Plaza Virgilio, where there is a memorial to the fallen marines. From here you have an excellent view of the city, perfect for taking unique souvenir photos.
The tour then continues to the elegant residential district of Carrasco, today one of the most exclusive areas of Montevideo. There you will be able to admire huge villas and gardens that are reminiscent of the time when the area was an elegant seaside resort.
Next, drive to the Parque Battle y Ordoñez with its monument “La Carreta” (the covered wagon), then past the Centenario soccer stadium, where the first World Cup final was played. The journey continues to the Mercado Agrícola, an old fruit and vegetable market located in an old building that was opened in 1913 and has recently been restored. The large selection of different products makes the visit worthwhile: there are numerous stores, restaurants and stalls selling food or local and international cuisine. The tour continues to the Palacio Legislativo, the seat of the Uruguayan Parliament, which can be visited from the outside. The impressive government building is Uruguay's pride and joy, built between 1908 and 1925 from marble in 52 different colors and 12 different types of wood. To round off the tour, you will explore the old town (Ciudad Vieja) of Montevideo on foot and marvel at the architecture and art of the 19th and 20th centuries. You start at the “Independence Square” with the former presidential palace (built in 1842) and the Palacio Salvo (built in 1922), which was the tallest building in South America at the time of its inauguration. Not far away is the Solis Theater, which was built in 1856. Since its renovation, the theater has been restored to its former glory.
The next stop is the Plaza Matriz (Constitution Square). Here you will find the best-preserved buildings from the period of Spanish colonial rule, such as the old town hall (Cabildo) from 1804 and the Spanish neoclassical cathedral. An Italian influence in the architecture cannot be overlooked here either, such as the water fountain by Gianni Ferrari. The last stop is the market at the harbor (Mercado del Puerto), an impressive old market hall; a lively place full of life where local artists and street musicians show off their skills. There are also numerous parrilladas vying for customers with excellent grilled meat.
Afterwards, transfer to the hotel or opportunity for an individual stroll through the city. Montevideo's beautiful old town is a wonderful place to explore on foot: there are many interesting museums, artists exhibiting their work, cozy cafés and restaurants. Lunch at the Mercado del Puerto is definitely recommended!
The afternoon is at leisure.