Getting There from Buenos Aires
One of the easiest ways to travel from Buenos Aires to Montevideo is by ferry. There are two main options:
- Direct ferry – Takes about 2.5 to 3.5 hours and is typically more expensive.
- Ferry + Bus combo – You take a one-hour ferry to Colonia del Sacramento, a charming colonial town with cobblestone streets. From there, you board a bus for a two-hour ride to Montevideo. This route is often cheaper and can be booked as one ticket.
Note: When I booked the second option, it wasn’t clearly explained that a bus was included. Only at the ferry terminal did I realize I had a second ticket for the bus. Be sure to check your ticket and arrive early, as you’ll go through customs before boarding. Even during the less busy October season, the ticket and customs lines took some time. On the bright side — yes, you still get a passport stamp!
The ferry terminal has a comfortable waiting area with a café and restrooms. The ferry itself is spacious, with food, drinks, and bathrooms onboard. If you’re taking the bus afterward, I recommend using the bathroom on the ferry just in case. Once you arrive, things can feel a little chaotic — but look for your bus (the company name should be on your ticket) and follow the crowd.
You also have the option to stop and explore Colonia del Sacramento before continuing to Montevideo. Though I didn’t do this, many people recommend spending a few hours or a night there.
The bus ride to Montevideo is scenic, with views of the Uruguayan countryside and farmlands. You’ll arrive at Tres Cruces bus terminal in the city center, where you can easily catch a taxi or Uber to your accommodation. Taxis in Uruguay were surprisingly affordable and reliable — and often just as fair-priced as Uber or Cabify. The station also offers free Wi-Fi.
First Impressions of Uruguay
Montevideo was refreshingly mellow. What struck me most was the lack of extremes — no towering skyscrapers, no glaring corporate logos, and no visible divides between wealth and poverty. Even during an election season, conversations were calm and respectful.
The neighborhoods each had their own vibe, but everything felt cohesive and grounded. It’s a city with personality, without the chaos. The people were friendly and welcoming, and I got the sense this would be a really pleasant place to live.
Food Highlights
1. Mercado del Puerto
This market in the Old Town is a must-visit for traditional Uruguayan parrilla (barbecue). You’ll find sizzling wood-fired grills with everything from juicy steaks to ribs, blood sausage, and even intestines. The energy is contagious, and sitting at the bar gives you a front-row seat to the action. The meat is perfectly cooked and seasoned, served with flavorful chimichurri. Don’t miss this spot.
2. El Tinkal
If you want to try the famous Uruguayan sandwich, the Chivito, head to El Tinkal. It’s a simple restaurant with amazing service and a reputation for making one of the best Chivitos in the city. We arrived early and snagged a seat before the crowd rolled in. It’s clearly a local favorite, and the menu offers other tasty dishes, but the Chivito is a must-try.
Things to Do in Montevideo
1. Explore the Street Markets
Throughout the week, Montevideo has vibrant street and farmers markets where you’ll find everything from thrift clothes and antiques to fresh produce and vinyl records.
- Feria de Villa Biarritz – Held Tuesdays and Saturdays in Villa Biarritz Park. It wraps around the park and features a mix of art, clothing, produce, and antiques.
- Feria de Tristán Narvaja – Every Sunday. One of the most popular markets, offering everything from produce and food to books, clothes, and vintage finds.
- Mercado del Puerto – While more food-focused, there are a few vendors and shops in addition to the parrilla restaurants.
2. Walk or Bike the Rambla
Montevideo’s Rambla is a 13.5-mile (22 km) coastal path stretching from the port to Carrasco. It’s perfect for walking, biking, or simply watching the sunrise or sunset. We walked from the Old Town to El Tinkal and then continued on to a nearby park with a Saturday market. The park itself was lively and relaxing, filled with locals enjoying sunshine and conversation.
3. Visit the Museo Andes 1972
This powerful museum honors the survivors of Flight 571, famously known from the story “Alive.” It’s a self-guided experience with real artifacts and detailed, emotional storytelling. Exhibits are in both Spanish and English, and the visit takes about 1–2 hours. Very worth it — and your ticket supports its upkeep.
4. Explore Local Neighborhoods
After walking the Rambla, we wandered through side streets and unexpectedly found a shopping mall with a large supermarket — one of my favorite things to do when visiting new countries. Browsing local food, snacks, and even candy is always fun, especially if you’re staying in an Airbnb and want to cook.
During a sudden rainstorm, we took cover near a taxi line. A kind older woman overheard us speaking English and recommended a local bus that ended up saving us time and money. Little unexpected moments like that really added to the adventure.
5. Hit the Gym
Staying active while traveling is a priority for me, and I always enjoy checking out gyms in new places. In Montevideo, we went to Momentum Fitness Club CV in Ciudad Vieja. It was clean, spacious, and well-equipped with machines for both cardio and lifting. Day passes were affordable, and the vibe was welcoming.
Montevideo left me with such a good feeling — it’s not flashy, but it’s full of quiet charm, kind people, and laid-back energy. If you’re looking for a city that’s culturally rich without being overwhelming, Montevideo is a gem worth exploring.
