Uruguay Things to Do

  harbor
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  • harbor
      harbor
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  •   Ciudad Vieja
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  • Architectural detail of the hotel
      Architectural detail of the hotel
    by fred98115
  • Pedestrian street leading to the square
      Pedestrian street leading to the square
    by fred98115
  • Making a rest stop on a square bench
      Making a rest stop on a square bench
    by fred98115
 

Most Viewed Things to Do in Uruguay

1.

Plaza Independencia   Montevideo

Plaza Independencia, Montevideo

 24 Reviews  We paused here while walking about the city and enjoyed the fascinating architecture of some of the surrounding buildings. Photographers, be sure to have your zoom lens so you can capture the width of... 

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2.

Things to see walking around   Montevideo

Things to see walking around, Montevideo

 29 Reviews  Peatonal Sarandi is the principle walking street of the city. There are lots of cafes, boutique shops, hotels, etc. along this inviting street. The street connects many of the old districts... 

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3.

Street fairs/markets   Montevideo

Street fairs/markets, Montevideo

 9 Reviews  Markets are integrating places for any community, and it is so in Montevideo. We stopped in here while on a walking tour of the city. Photographers will see many possible subjects including stalls of... 

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4.

Ciudad Vieja   Montevideo

Ciudad Vieja, Montevideo

 18 Reviews  Located on a peninsula with the northern side making up the Port, the Ciudad Vieja is the historical center of the City and was once surrounded by protective walls. Argentine forces under Juan Manuel... 

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5.

Teatro Solis   Montevideo

Teatro Solis, Montevideo

 13 Reviews  While on a walking tour of the city with a group from our cruise ship, we visited this theater and were fascinated by the tiers of boxes in the hall. Photographers: my general rule is to not use flash... 

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6.

Palcio Salvo   Montevideo

Palcio Salvo, Montevideo

 9 Reviews  Often referred to as the symbol of Montevideo, the Salvo Palace was once the tallest building in South America. Although its 26 stories might not impress you, it was once the city's tallest structure.... 

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7.

Museo Torres García   Montevideo

Museo Torres García, Montevideo

 8 Reviews  Torres Garcia is probably the best known Uruguayan artist and this museum displays many of his works and tells the story of his life. He spent many years living in Europe, and worked with many famous... 

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Reviews from VirtualTourist Members

Sunset ceremony

by kyoub

Casapueblo has the workshop of well known Uruguayan artist, Carlos Paez Vilaro.His collection has paintings, sculptures, and pottery.The workshop is open daily and entrance is free of charge.Plan to arrive around 5pm, you will be directed to view a film of the artists life. Then you can have a look around all 3 floors of the museum. There are t-shirts, books and reprints of his painting for sale. Do not miss the sunset ceremony. There is a bar where you may have tea or a cocktail. Then as the sun begins to set, everyone migrates out on the terraces to look out over the ocean.Just magical.

Workshop entrance
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Argentino Hotel

by kyoub

The founding father of Piriapolis was fond of all things Italian so it was no wonder that this hotel was inspired by Italian palaces. It was the largest hotel/casino in South America when it was built in 1930. It is 400 feet long x 200 feet wide and has 350 rooms.In 1942 it was purchased from the Piria descendents by the Uruguayan government and refurbished.The halls are still lined with pictures of past guests and activities, there is memorabilia on display, and original decor.The restaurants are open to the public and so is the casino.

Italian inspired
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Getting and coming home....

by schurlif

This is supposed to be a DIFFERENT "what to do" tip.... one most of us "forget" even though this is a major part of any trip..... Going back , going home......Just as getting there is exciting and a reason to be pleasantly anxious , returning home can and should be too.... If you were just on a tourist trip ( and didn't necessarily emigrate....) you'll be heading home after 2 or 3 or 4 weeks or so.... full with new impressions, knowledge , endured small or big adventures, having survived endless monologues of tour guides and , probably , every once in a while , diarrhea , new experiences with strange cultures and culinary..... and so on.... then going back to the old routine can be soothing , smoothing , comforting , even exciting. Depending on where you live it could of course also be a pain in the neck confronting the cold weather , the job routine , you know what I mean..... And,...

one more brick (t-shirt) in the wall (closet).
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Estancia plus activities for children

by ramarito

Hello!There is a beautiful place where you can take your children and enjoy not only typical estacia life but also very interesting activities. The place is called "La Vigna" and you will be received by a young couple with two small children. It is about 75 miles from Montevideo. Look for more info at: www.lavigna.com.ar.Regards and have a nice stay in our country.Mario

visit cabo de polonia

by hanspeter_W.

Cabo Polonio is not in outer space; it is in Uruguay. It is a small, secluded town in a small, South American country. In fact, I hesitate to even call Cabo Polonio a town. Instead, it looks and feels like the final outpost on the edge of a rugged frontier. And it is. Cabo Polonio is surrounded by rugged frontiers. Cabo Polonio sits on the tip of a moon-sliver peninsula that sticks out into the Atlantic Ocean. On the back side, powerful waves relentlessly knock.

at cabo polonia
Daytrip to Park Salus

by kyoub

Park Salus is where the bottled water of Uruguay is bottled and distrubuted throughout the country. It is located just outside of the city of Mines.Mines City is 75 miles northeast of Montevideo or one hour from Piriapolis. The city was founded in 1783 and named for the surrounding mines. You will find hills and forests there which is unusual in most parts of Uruguay.Park Salus has nature trails, you can picnic among giant trees, flowers, and birds.On your drive to Mines it is very flat so what you will see on your way there and return is cows, horses, sheep, and now and then a house. It would be a great place to REALLY get away.

Entrance to park
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The eagle

by kyoub

Atlantida is a beach town between Piriapolis and Montevideo. It has pretty beaches and is very popular with Uruguayan vacationers.We didn't go there to see the town or the beach, we went there to see El Aguilla-THE EAGLE.In 1945, a millionaire named Natalio Michelizzel hired a contractor named Juan Torres to build him a place on the beach where he could paint, read, and entertain. Torres built the structure and on a whim added an eagle on the top. The eagle was covered in stones that looked like feathers.It is open to the public with no admission fee.We went inside the eagle where there are 2 small rooms on the main floor and 2 rooms plus bath on the second floor. On the side there are steps down to the water/beach.It is worth a stop if you are in the area.

Casa del Aguila
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White sandy beaches

by kyoub

There is no lack of beaches around Piriapolis.Its beaches occupy a 25-kilometer strip along the coast. All of them feature white sandy beaches and clear waters. Whether you enjoy sunbathing, surfing, swimming, or fishing, there is a beach to satisfy. Take your pick from San Francisco, Punta Colorado, Solis, Playa Verde, Bella Vista, Playa Colorado, Playa Granda, Playa Hermosa and Las Flores.

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Cerro del Torro

by kyoub

Cerro del Toro or Bull's Hill is the second highest hill surrounding Piriapolis.If you have always wanted to be see a BIG bull up close then don't miss this sight.From the parking area you can see this bronze bull spouting water, like a waterfall.If you walk up a few steps you will be able to touch it, ride it, or get a drink.This is a 3000 kg statue shipped there from Paris.If you are feeling entergetic then climb up the remaining stairs for a better view of the surroundings. You will also see a statue of a big cat.There are camping sites nearby.

El Torro
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Piria's castle

by kyoub

Castillo de Piria or Piria's Castle was the private residence of Piriapolis founder Francisco Piria.The castle was completed in 1897.It is constructed in red brick and has 2 floors plus a basement.The upstairs is furnished much the way it was when Piria lived there. The major difference is the marble flooring in the parlor has been removed.The grounds of the castle are quite pretty with many palm tress scattered about.It is not uncommon to see artists sitting about painting.The castle is open daily except Mondays. The entrance and guided tours are free of charge.If you do not have your own transport then you can arrange for a tour from the tourist office, next to the casino.

Piria's Castle
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Top 3 Hotels in Uruguay

Hotel Palacio  Montevideo

 1 Review and 93 Opinions  I fell in love with this nice hotel, in the heart of Montevideo. It's located right behind la plaza... 

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Radisson Hotel Colonia del Sacramento  Colonia del Sacramento

 1 Review and 74 Opinions  It is situated at the waterfront, not far from the historical part of town and very close to the... 

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Hotel L'Auberge  Punta del Este

 2 Reviews and 108 Opinions  There are so many words to describe this hotel. Romantic. Peaceful. Serene. Pristine. Quaint. ... 

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Uruguay Things to Do

Reviews and photos of Uruguay things to do posted by real travelers and locals. The best tips for Uruguay sightseeing.
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