Ciudad Vieja
The historic peninsula where the city began, packed with colonial and Art Deco buildings, Constitution Square, a cathedral, and museums, ideal for a day of walking.
The Old Town occupies the peninsula that juts west into the Río de la Plata. The Spanish founded Montevideo here in 1724. Although the walls have been torn down, the grid of streets and many buildings from the 19th and early 20th centuries remain. The recommended walking route starts at Plaza Independencia, passes through the Citadel Gate, and heads west along the pedestrian street Sarandí, lined with street performers, bookshops, and cafés. You'll reach Plaza Matriz (Constitution Square), the city's oldest square. On one side is the Metropolitan Cathedral, built in the 1790s. On the other is the Cabildo, the colonial town hall and prison, now a museum. Nearby, the Torres García Museum displays works by Uruguayan modernist masters. Further west are the Carnival Museum, the Port Market, and the Customs House. The waterfront boulevard along the Old Town's south side offers river views and sunsets. Many colonial houses have been converted into galleries, boutique hotels, and restaurants. Most museums are free or very cheap, and many close on Mondays. Note that the Old Town is lively by day, but some streets are quiet at night. Go in a group or take a taxi, and keep valuables out of sight. The coordinates point to Constitution Square.
Opening hours
All day (most museums Tue–Sun 10:00–18:00)
Nearby sights
- Catedral Metropolitana de Montevideo
- Museo Gurvich
- Museo Andes 1972
- Museo Torres García
- Solís Theatre
- Plaza Independencia
- Palacio Taranco
- Palacio Salvo