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Montevideo, the capital of Uruguay
Flag of Uruguay Capital of Uruguay

Montevideo

Montevideo is the capital and largest city of Uruguay, situated on the southern coast along the northeastern bank of the Río de la Plata. Home to nearly 37% of Uruguay's population, this vibrant coastal city is a cultural hub known for its festivals, gaucho heritage, and lively atmosphere.

Photo: Eduardo Ruggieri (CC BY-SA 3.0)

Quick facts

Population
1,302,954 (city)
Currency
Uruguayan peso (UYU)
Language
Spanish
Timezone
-03 (UTC-3)
Local time now
17:58:52

Hotels in Montevideo

Montevideo offers a range of hotel accommodation options for visitors to Uruguay's capital city. Whether you're looking for established venues like Hotel Aramaya, Balmoral Plaza Hotel, or Austral Hotel, you'll find various places to stay throughout the city. See all hotels →

Airports in Montevideo

Montevideo is served by several airports and aviation facilities, including Aeropuerto Internacional de Carrasco, the main international gateway, as well as Base Aérea Capitán Juan Manuel Boisso Lanza, Aeropuerto Internacional Ángel S. Adami, Progreso Aeroservicios, and Cumbres de Carrasco. See all airports →

Base Aérea Capitán Juan Manuel Boisso Lanza
10.8 km from centre
Aeropuerto Internacional Ángel S. Adami
14.7 km from centre
Aeropuerto Internacional de Carrasco
17.2 km from centre

Car Hire in Montevideo

Montevideo offers a range of car hire options to explore the capital and beyond. Major rental companies including Multicar, Snappy, Global Rent a Car, Dollar, and AS Rent a Car operate in the city, providing convenient vehicle rental for visitors and residents. See all car hire →

Multicar
197 m from centre
Snappy
634 m from centre
Global Rent a Car
688 m from centre
Dollar
725 m from centre

Things to Do in Montevideo

Montevideo offers a rich variety of attractions for visitors to explore. Browse local crafts at Mercado de los Artesanos, visit cultural institutions like Ateneo and Museo Pedagógico José Pedro Varela, or discover architectural landmarks such as Edificio London París and Fuente de los Candados. See all things to do →

Mercado de los Artesanos
53 m from centre
Ateneo
77 m from centre
Museo Pedagógico José Pedro Varela
82 m from centre
Edificio London París
194 m from centre
Fuente de los Candados
197 m from centre
Museo del Automóvil Club del Uruguay
250 m from centre

Restaurants in Montevideo

We're still gathering restaurants listings for Montevideo — check back soon.

Swimming Pools in Montevideo

We're still gathering swimming pools listings for Montevideo — check back soon.

Spas in Montevideo

We're still gathering spas listings for Montevideo — check back soon.

Nightlife in Montevideo

Montevideo offers a dynamic nightlife scene with a diverse array of venues catering to every taste. From energetic clubs like Cloud 7, Brava Club, and RIO to intimate bars such as La Vaca Azul and Doña Marta, the city comes alive after sunset with music, dancing, and social atmosphere. See all nightlife →

Cloud 7
1.4 km from centre
La Vaca Azul
1.5 km from centre
Doña Marta
1.7 km from centre

Bars in Montevideo

Montevideo's bar scene offers a mix of traditional and modern venues where locals and visitors alike gather to socialise. From classic establishments like Centro Bar and Bar Mercantil to contemporary spots such as COLD Music Bar, the city provides diverse options for an evening out. See all bars →

Centro Bar
96 m from centre
Bar Mercantil
226 m from centre
Bar Montevideo
299 m from centre

Cafes in Montevideo

We're still gathering cafes listings for Montevideo — check back soon.

Shopping in Montevideo

Montevideo offers diverse shopping experiences across several major centers. Visitors can explore Punta Carretas Shopping, Shopping Tres Cruces, Nuevocentro Shopping, and Montevideo Shopping, alongside local retail options like Tiendas Montevideo. See all shopping →

Tiendas Montevideo
1.2 km from centre
Shopping Tres Cruces
2.6 km from centre
Punta Carretas Shopping
3.6 km from centre

Nature & Wildlife in Montevideo

Montevideo offers several natural gathering spaces where visitors can experience the city's outdoor character. Plazas such as Plaza de Cagancha, Plaza Alfredo Zitarrosa, and Plazoleta Doctor Tomas G. Brena provide peaceful environments to enjoy the surrounding landscape. See all nature & wildlife →

Plaza de Cagancha
11 m from centre
Plazoleta Doctor Tomas G. Brena
262 m from centre
Plazoleta Lorenzo Justiniano Pérez
596 m from centre
Plaza Alfredo Zitarrosa
741 m from centre
Plazuela Cristóbal Echevarriarza
876 m from centre
Plazoleta de la Contraescarpa
1.0 km from centre

Climate snapshot

Montevideo experiences a temperate maritime climate with mild winters and warm summers. The city enjoys a pleasantly moderate climate throughout the year, with seasonal variations typical of its location on the South Atlantic coast.

Interesting Facts About Montevideo — Weird & Wonderful

  • Montevideo's Carnival is one of the longest and most elaborate in the world, with preparation beginning as early as December.
  • The 'Desfile de las Llamadas' ('Parade of the Calls') is a grand united parade held on the south part of downtown, reviving a common ritual from the early 20th century.
  • During carnival, 'Tablados' (popular scenes, both fixed and movable) are erected throughout the entire city for performances and competitions.
  • Montevideo hosts a Gaucho festival where people ride through the streets on horseback in traditional gaucho gear.

Events & Festivals Not to Miss in Montevideo

Montevideo Carnival
The major annual festival celebrated throughout Uruguay with central activities in Montevideo. It features open-air stage performances, competitions, vibrantly decorated streets and houses, and 'Tablados' (popular scenes) erected throughout the city. The 'Desfile de las Llamadas' ('Parade of the Calls') is a grand united parade held on the south part of downtown.
Gaucho Festival
A festival where people ride through the streets on horseback in traditional gaucho gear, celebrating Uruguay's gaucho heritage.

Frequently Asked Questions About Montevideo

What is the population of Montevideo?

As of the 2023 census, Montevideo's city proper has a population of approximately 1,287,452, making up about 36.8% of Uruguay's total population.

Where is Montevideo located?

Montevideo is situated on the southern coast of Uruguay, on the northeastern bank of the Río de la Plata, in an area of 201 square kilometers (78 square miles).

What is the main festival in Montevideo?

The Montevideo Carnival is the major annual festival, part of the national Carnival Week celebration. The official public holiday lasts for Carnival Monday and Shrove Tuesday preceding Ash Wednesday, though most businesses close for the entire week.

What currency is used in Montevideo?

As the capital of Uruguay, Montevideo uses the Uruguayan Peso as its currency.

What language is spoken in Montevideo?

Spanish is the primary language spoken in Montevideo and throughout Uruguay.

Map of Montevideo

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