What will we visit?
A three-hour tour through the tourist spots of the capital, exploring the Montevideo Cathedral, built in the 1740s, located in the old town of the city, where you will also get to know the "Plaza Constitución," also known as "Plaza Matríz." Next, you will visit "Plaza Independencia," the place where the "Puerta de la Ciudadela" stands, known as the main gate of Montevideo's old town.
We'll pass by the "Teatro Solis" (1856) and the "Palacio Salvo" (Built in 1922 by the Salvo brothers), famous for being the place where "La Cumparsita," Uruguay's first and most important tango, was played for the first time. Facing Plaza Independencia stands the current Government Palace, also called the Executive Tower (the President's workplace), along with the former palace known as the Estevez Palace. Another significant building facing the square is the Radisson Victoria Plaza Hotel, where most presidents stay during their visit to the country. Descending the square's stairs, where the monument to General Artigas is located, you can visit the Procer's Mausoleum.
At Plaza Independencia, named in honor of the Declaration of Independence (August 25, 1825), begins Avenida 18 de Julio, the main avenue in the city, named after the First Constitution (July 18, 1830). We'll continue along the same avenue until we reach the "Fuente de los Candados" (The Locks Fountain). Legend says that if you place a padlock with the initials of two people in the fountain, they will remain together forever.
Continuing our journey, we'll arrive at the Palacio Legislativo, also known as the National Congress, inaugurated on August 25, 1925, precisely 100 years after the declaration of independence. There you will find the chambers of Senators (33) and Deputies (66).
Our tour will continue to the MAM (Mercado Agricola de Montevideo), where you'll have free time to explore and purchase souvenirs. Then, we'll take the city's main avenue (Avenida General Artigas) to reach the Centenario Stadium, where the first World Cup was inaugurated in 1930. Not only can you visit the stadium and the football museum, but you can also see the "Monumento a la Carreta" (Cart Monument) created by Uruguayan sculptor José Belloni, inaugurated on October 14, 1934. It represents the classic means of transportation and cargo used by the country's countryside dwellers.
Next, we'll head to the Pocitos and Punta Carretas boardwalks, the two main residential neighborhoods of the city, until we reach the Montevideo Sign, offering a beautiful panoramic view of the capital's bay and the main beach.
Finally, we'll visit the Mercado del Puerto, the city's main gastronomic hub. A tourist spot with a wide variety of restaurants and barbecue places.
