Montevideo Sightseeing: Plazas and Palaces

October 20, 2026

Montevideo’s main sights cluster around Plaza Independencia and the old town, with a handful of viewpoints and waterfront stops further out. Prices are in Uruguayan pesos (UYU), and opening hours shift, so confirm before you go. Street crime exists in the capital. The UK government advises against walking downtown or around the port alone, especially at night and at weekends, so see the old town by day and take a taxi at night.

Plaza Independencia

The square is where the old and new cities meet. The Palacio Salvo, designed by Mario Palanti and completed in 1928, is about 100 m high and was briefly the tallest building in South America. The tango La Cumparsita, composed in 1916 by Gerardo Matos Rodriguez, is linked to the Cafe La Giralda that stood on the site. Palacio Salvo tours are sold through RedTickets. Secondary reports give about 45 to 60 minutes and roughly UYU 400, on weekdays and Saturdays, with the Tango Museum and a viewpoint. The meeting point is the lobby at door 848. Beside it stand the Torre Ejecutiva and the Palacio Estevez.

Under the equestrian statue in the square lies the Mausoleo de Artigas, the crypt of the national hero Jose Gervasio Artigas, guarded by the Blandengues de Artigas regiment. Entry is free and opening hours are limited, so check locally. Lower your voice and take photographs with care.

Ciudad Vieja

From the square, the Puerta de la Ciudadela leads onto the pedestrian Peatonal Sarandi. Plaza Matriz, dating from 1726, is the oldest square, and the Catedral Metropolitana on it is free, with modest dress expected. The Cabildo at Juan Carlos Gomez 1362, on the corner of Sarandi, houses the city history museum. Guides say it is free, and its hours vary by source.

Views

The Mirador Panoramico de la Intendencia is on the 22nd floor, almost 80 m up, at Soriano 1372. Guides say it is free, and hours vary between sources. The tower has an information centre, a cafe and binocular hire. The Palacio Legislativo, inaugurated in 1925, offers guided visits, but price and hours are not confirmed, so check with the parliament before you go.

Fortaleza del Cerro

The Fortaleza General Artigas stands on the Cerro, a hill about 134 m high. Building began in 1809 and finished later. It houses a military museum. Hours and prices are not confirmed, so check first. Go by taxi or ride-hailing car to the gate, and do not walk the surrounding streets after dark. The tourist bus does not go to the Cerro. A second “Montevideo” sign stands here.

Waterfront landmarks

The Letras de Montevideo sign stands on the Pocitos Rambla near the beach, and the Faro de Punta Carretas dates from 1876. The Teatro Solis at Buenos Aires 678 runs guided tours on most days, free on Wednesdays, and you can read more on its information page . The Intendencia’s visitor guide covers the main sights.

A solemn stop: the Holocaust Memorial

The Memorial al Holocausto del Pueblo Judio stands on the Rambla Presidente Wilson where it meets Bulevar Artigas in Punta Carretas. It opened in 1994 and was designed by Gaston Boero, Fernando Fabiano and Sylvia Perossio, with landscaping by Carlos Pellegrino. About 120 m of pink granite runs toward a central window that looks out to the river, and rail tracks mark the approach. It is outdoors and free, with no gate. Visit quietly. It is a place of remembrance and not a backdrop for photographs.

Tours

Organised sightseeing tours are listed on GetYourGuide .