How To Spend 2 Days In Montevideo, Uruguay Travel Itinerary Arriving At The International Airport, Short History, 10 Things To Do

May 9, 2026

Spend two days in Montevideo, Uruguay, experiencing a blend of colonial history, coastal relaxation, and vibrant culture. Arrive at Carrasco International Airport (MVD), explore the Ciudad Vieja (Old Town), dine at the Mercado del Puerto, stroll the Rambla waterfront, and visit local wine bodegas. Focus on districts like Pocitos, Cordón, and Parque Rodó for a true taste of the local, relaxed lifestyle.

Short History
Founded between 1724 and 1730 by the Spanish to counter Portuguese expansion from Brazil, Montevideo began as a small fortified city. It became the capital of Uruguay upon independence in the 1820s. Throughout the 19th and 20th centuries, it grew into a major port and cultural hub, heavily influenced by European immigration, which is reflected in its eclectic, neoclassical, and Art Deco architecture.

2-Day Montevideo Itinerary

Day 1: Historic Heart & Culture
- Morning: Start in Plaza Independencia, viewing the Palacio Salvo, the Statue of General Artigas, and the Mausoleum.
- Lunch: Walk down the pedestrian street Sarandí to the Mercado del Puerto (Port Market) for a traditional Uruguayan asado (grilled meat).
- Afternoon: Visit the Carnival Museum nearby or explore the colonial buildings of Ciudad Vieja, including the Metropolitan Cathedral.
- Evening: Enjoy a tango show or dinner at a local restaurant in the Old Town.
Day 2: Coastal Views & Neighborhoods
- Morning: Take a taxi or bus to the Pocitos neighborhood and walk along the Rambla, the city’s stunning coastline.
- Lunch: Explore the Mercado Agrícola de Montevideo (MAM), a renovated market offering local products and casual dining.
- Afternoon: Relax in Parque Rodó or visit the National Museum of Visual Arts.
- Evening: Take a taxi to a nearby bodega (like Bodega Bouza) for wine tasting or have dinner in the upscale Punta Carretas neighborhood.

Top 10 Things to Do in Montevideo

Activity	Description
Plaza Independencia	The main square separating the old and new city.
Mercado del Puerto	Historic port market, perfect for asado and wine.
Rambla of Montevideo	The 22km coastal promenade popular for walking.
Palacio Salvo	An iconic Art Deco building in the city center.
Ciudad Vieja (Old Town)	Area with colonial architecture and street art.
Teatro Solís	The most prestigious theater in Uruguay.
Bodega Bouza	A high-quality, family-run winery nearby.
Parque Rodó	Large, beautiful park with a lake and museums.
Mercado Agrícola (MAM)	A market with local food and handicrafts.
Pocitos Beach	A popular city beach in an upscale neighborhood.

10 Examples of Local Experiences

Drink Mate: See locals carrying thermos flasks and drinking tea in the parks.
Try a Chivito: Eat a traditional Uruguayan steak sandwich.
Drink Medio y Medio: Sip the local white wine/sparkling wine blend at the Port Market.
Watch Candombe: Listen to drumming practices, especially in Barrio Sur and Palermo.
Visit during Carnival: Experience the longest Carnival in the world (if visiting in Jan/Feb).
Walk Calle Sarandí: Stroll the pedestrianized, artsy street of the old city.
See the Teatro Solís: Take a guided tour to see the interior of the theater.
Visit the Andes 1972 Museum: Learn the story of the plane crash survivor story.
Shop at Feria de Tristán Narvaja: Explore the massive Sunday street market (if timing aligns).
Explore Palace Offices: Visit the Palacio Taranco for decorative arts.

Getting to the City from the Airport

Taxi/Remise: Pre-paid taxis or private cars are available immediately upon leaving the customs area.
Bus: Public buses (e.g., Copsa, COT) run frequently to the city center (Centro).

Note: We do use YouTube Video’s under the “Fair Use” Act under the Copyright Law:

“Fair use is a doctrine in the United States copyright law codified in Section 107 of the Copyright Act of 1976.¹ It provides for the legal, non-licensed citation or incorporation of copyrighted material in another author’s work without requiring permission from the rights holders, such as for commentary, criticism, news reporting, research, teaching or scholarship.⁰¹ The U.S. Copyright Office Fair Use Index should prove helpful in understanding what courts have to date considered to be fair or not fair but it is not a substitute for legal advice.²“