Montevideo gathers all the qualities of a great capital city, from the colonial charm to the modern urban appearance. Besides the friendliness of its people, the city provides a complete accommodation structure and services for all visitors. Essentially a riverside city, it features beautiful beaches and an inviting architectural style.
 
It lies 170 kilometers away from Colonia del Sacramento and 130 kilometers from the City of Punta del Este. Only a 3-hour voyage separates it from neighboring Buenos Aires (Argentina).
 
Well designed metropolis with wide and spacious boulevards, it is the biggest city in the country as well as the economic, cultural and administrative center.
 
Privileged geopolitical place at the Cono Sur, Montevideo is without a doubt the ideal destination to do business and of course, as a tourist option.
 
The city also has a fishing neighborhood, and most of the country’s international commerce goes through its port.
 
Though almost all travelers choose to stay and enjoy its beaches (a shore of more than 30 kilometers), any of the other attractions of Montevideo boasts itself to please you: the Ciudad Vieja (Old City) is an example.
 
Start the walk at Plaza of the Independence, where some of the most representative buildings of the city are situated: Solís Theatre and Salvo Palace; then cross the large gate of the Citadel and continue to Sarandí walkway up to the Port Market: a diverse environment place with several shops, excellent restaurants, craftsmen, ambulant musicians, painters, comical and all kind of visitors attracted by its peculiarity. There is a typical antiques fair close by.
 
Another of its out standing fairs are the Villa Biarritz, in the neighborhood of Punta Carretas, and the Tristán Narvaja, located in the street of the same name and 18 de Julio Avenue, in the central neighborhood of Cordón.
 
If we talk about downtown we have to mention the 18 de Julio Avenue, a long street that crosses the city from one side to the other where everything may be found, banks, tattoo shops, restaurants, galleries, souvenirs shops, etc. Amazing!
 
One of the most visited parks in Montevideo is the Rodó Park: 85 hectares of magnificent vegetation and gardens (including a waterfall) and also an amusement park is set in the main area. It includes a summer theatre and a musical area, and it has a children library which is inside a castle next to the artificial lake. Besides, you can appreciate here the monument to José Enrique Rodó and the work of art “Nuevos Rumbos”, both great examples of the worldwide known sculptor from Uruguay, José Belloni.
 
We still have to see its shopping malls, museums, theatres and cultural centers.
 
But a city with unvisited beaches in a sunny day is a contradiction in terms. The numerous beaches of Montevideo, which cross the different landscapes of the city, from the hill up to Carrasco's residential zone, are inviting you to the most complete relaxation and to enjoy of its enormous gastronomic offer.
 
The biggest and most popular festival of Montevideo is the Carnival, which takes place during February. It is the popular festival par excellence and it shows an important part of the culture from the country reflected on the 18 de Julio Avenue, the main Avenue of the city. You should also come to join the parade, if you are in the city by this time. It is a not to be missed celebration.