What to do in Uruguay? Discover the main tourist attractions 

What to do in Uruguay is a question that makes a lot of sense.

Not because there is a lack of options, but because there are so many tourist attractions that it can be difficult to put together a clear travel itinerary. 

And, the truth is that Uruguay is such a culturally rich country that it is practically a mandatory destination for travelers.

But, which places to visit in the country? Are there good beaches? What about Uruguayan cuisine?

These questions are common to first-time tourists, and can be answered throughout the following content.

That said, if you want to put together a good travel itinerary, don't waste time and continue reading! 

Uruguay: a beautiful country in South America! 

When we talk about South America, Uruguay is certainly one of the first countries mentioned.

This is because its proximity to Brazil makes its culture admired and generates a lot of curiosity among Brazilians.

As a result, every year many tourists seek out Uruguay in order to find an international destination that offers good experiences and lots of beauty.

And, if these are the criteria sought, Uruguay certainly delivers with flying colors! 

This is because the country is known for its natural beauty, which includes a lot of green area in the interior of the country, surrounded by a coastline full of beautiful beaches.

Furthermore, large metropolises can also be found in the country, especially when we talk about the capital, Montevideo, which offers striking architecture and varied commerce.

All these points make this an ideal country for tourism, especially for lovers of Latin America.

Therefore, Uruguay is a country very well prepared for tourism, with beautiful spots for visits and entertainment, and unmissable accommodation and food options.

Therefore, if you are looking for a complete destination, this country should certainly be on your list! 

Later we will see what to do in Uruguay for those who want to go for the first time! 

What to do in Uruguay?

By now you already understand that Uruguay is an excellent destination option in Latin America.

This is especially true for those looking for a country with a more neutral culture, as the state there is secular.

But, if you are looking for joy and receptivity, the Uruguayan people tend to be very friendly towards Brazilians.

Therefore, when visiting the country it will not be difficult to have good experiences with commerce, restaurants and accommodation options.

This is especially true for those who want to stay in the metropolitan region, where the tourist attractions are concentrated.

In these areas the population is well accustomed to tourists, which will help you in the first few days.

But Uruguay is not just about big buildings and restaurants, because, as we said, the country has nature as its strong point.

Therefore, beautiful beaches, beautiful museums and historic cities are unmissable options.

We will now see in detail which destinations and/or experiences you cannot miss when visiting Uruguay for the first time.

So, now is the time to discover what to do in Uruguay! 

Visit Mercado del Puerto

For those who want to discover the essence of Uruguay, Mercado del Puerto is the right place.

This is because, although the name refers to a commercial region, this is actually an emblematic restaurant in Montevideo.

There you have access to important elements of Uruguayan culture, especially when it comes to food.

For those who want to learn more about local products, Mercado del Puerto has a range of dishes focusing on local cuisine.

Fruits, cheeses, wines, sausages and much more can be found on the menu there.

However, the strong point of the house is certainly the famous Uruguayan parrilla.

With this, you have access to the famous Uruguayan barbecue, with a more refined presentation.

But we don't just have barbecue there, as a variety of cultural dishes are also very popular.

So, if you want to have an immersive experience in Uruguayan culture, this is a great option for what to do in Uruguay! 

It is worth mentioning that you can also buy local products there, at the small stalls located inside the establishment.

This is a great way to take a souvenir from Uruguay! 

It is worth mentioning that before visiting you need to make a reservation, as this is a tourist spot that gets crowded easily.

Beautiful beaches in Punta del Este 

We've already talked a lot about Uruguayan gastronomy, so you know a good place to visit with this theme.

But, do you remember we said that Uruguay is very famous for its coastline?

In fact, its coastal strip draws a lot of attention, especially when we talk about the beaches in Punta del Este.

The Punta del Este region has more than 10 beaches, which are divided between the side bathed by the Atlantic Ocean and the side bathed by the River Plate.

The beaches in the Rio da Prata region have calmer water, without as many waves, but less crystal clear.

This is the ideal region to take children, especially in summer, when the water is warmer.

The beaches in the region bathed by the Atlantic have a unique look, as the waters are crystal clear and take on the blue tone of the sky.

This is the ideal region for those who enjoy rougher seas, as waves are frequent.

In general, Punta del Este has good beach options, which are well prepared for tourism.

Therefore, whatever beach you choose, the region in which it is located will define the experience.

But, in terms of comfort, Uruguay is a country with a temperate climate, where the seasons are well defined.

Therefore, when choosing summer, you will have access to warm, soft sand and warm waters.

Finally, it is worth doing more in-depth research on the beaches in Punta del Este, in order to choose the ones that best suit your traveler profile.

Overall, this is a destination that cannot be left off the list of things to do in Uruguay.

Colonia del Sacramento: a Uruguayan treasure 

If you enjoy history and like to delve deeper into local culture, Colônia do Sacramento is a must-see destination.

This is because this is considered a historic city in Uruguay, which preserves 19th century architecture.

Colonia do Sacramento is a city that preserves many elements from the colonization period.

Furthermore, it is the ideal destination for those looking for a privileged view of the Rio da Prata.

There you can visit many historic neighborhoods, as well as tourist attractions with unique architecture.

Many tourists choose to stay in the region, thanks to the peaceful climate.

And there is no shortage of infrastructure, as there are good accommodation options and unmissable restaurants.

It's worth separating a day from your trip to visit the city, but we've already said that you run a serious risk of wanting to stay longer! 

So, this is certainly a good option to determine what to do in Uruguay! 

Set aside a day for museums 

And finally, one of the tourist attractions that deserve the most attention in Uruguay are the museums.

There are varied options across the country, especially in the capital, Montevideo.

The options have varied themes, ranging from local nature to Uruguay's historical past.

Beautiful artistic exhibits can also be located when visiting the country's museums.

Among the main options, we can mention:

• Museum of the Sea;
• The Football Museum;
• Torres Garcia Museum;
• The Ralli Museum in Punta del Este;
• Among other options.

It's worth doing some research to find the museums that best suit your taste.

This way, you can have fun while learning more about Uruguay's current and historical culture! 

These are the options for defining what to do in Uruguay, so finalize your itinerary and go find a ticket, because you certainly won't regret choosing this destination! 

Roberta Published on September 11, 2023