Uruguay's capital city is an essential stop for travellers to the small South American country. While the city is home to only around 1.3 million people, nearly half of Uruguay's population, it still holds many treasures and places of interest to explore. To inspire your travels in Uruguay, here are 10 attractions in Montevideo that you should definitely visit.

[caption id="attachment_8182" align="aligncenter" width="610"]A plaza in Ciudad Vieja | Attractions in Montevideo Walk around the historical Ciudad Vieja - Montevideo's Old City / Source[/caption]

1. Ciudad Vieja

The Old City of Montevideo is, naturally, the oldest part of the city. Besides boasting some incredible architecture and historical buildings, it is also home to the city's most important port. It has also become the nightlife hub of the city, making it a lively place to explore.

[caption id="attachment_8179" align="aligncenter" width="610"]People walking along the Rambla in Montevideo Take a stroll along the Rambla / Source[/caption]

2. The Rambla

Lining the entire coast of Montevideo is the Rambla, a coastal boardwalk. Over 22 km in length, the Rambla is popular for strolling, jogging, biking, sunbathing, fishing and enjoying a mate while enjoying the view of the beach. Many neighbourhoods, such as Pocitos, also have a number of restaurants and cafés you can enjoy on one side of the Rambla, and, of course, the beaches on the other side.

[caption id="attachment_8177" align="aligncenter" width="610"]People sitting down to eat in Mercado del Puerto Eating an asado at Mercado del Puerto is a must in Montevideo / Source[/caption]

3. Mercado del Puerto

Made famous by Anthony Bourdain's visit here, this market is a food lover's heaven. Situated on the edge of Ciudad Vieja, this old port market holds many eateries and stalls. The star of the show here are the parrillas (grills), where you can get some of the best meat in the country, cooked on the fire in front of you.

[caption id="attachment_8172" align="aligncenter" width="610"]Plaza Independencia in Montevideo Plaza Independencia is home to many of Montevideo's top attractions / Source[/caption]

4. Plaza Independencia

The city's most important plaza sits between downtown Montevideo and Ciudad Vieja. The beautiful plaza is home to many attractions in Montevideo, including the Gateway to the Citadel, Teatro Solis, Palacio Salvo, and the Artigas Masoleum.

[caption id="attachment_8173" align="aligncenter" width="610"]The Legislative Palace with the Uruguayan flag out front See the impressive Italian architecture of Palacio Legislativo / Source[/caption]

5. Palacio Legislativo

Montevideo's Legislative Palace is where Uruguay's parliament meets. The building itself is impressive, designed by Italian architects and is a National Historic Landmark. Besides its political and architectural importance, the building also houses many sculptures and artwork. You can visit with a Legislative Palace Tour.

[caption id="attachment_8174" align="aligncenter" width="610"]The exterior of the revamped Mercado Agricola building Mercado Agrícola is a fruit and vegetable market like no other / Source[/caption]

6. Mercado Agrícola

This historical fruit and vegetable market was revamped in 2013, highlighting the architectural beauty of the place. Close to the Legislative Palace, Mercado Agrícola is full of stands selling fresh fruits, vegetables, meat, spices, chocolate and artisanal beer. There are also places to sit and have a meal here.

[caption id="attachment_8175" align="aligncenter" width="610"]Teatro Solis in Montevideo Visit Uruguay's oldest theatre, Teatro Solis / Source[/caption]

7. Teatro Solis

The Solis Theatre is the oldest theatre in Uruguay, completed in 1856. The grand theatre hosts everything from opera galas to Carnival Balls. Attend a show or take a guided tour of the building, available from Tuesday to Sunday. This tour is free on Wednesdays.

[caption id="attachment_8178" align="aligncenter" width="610"]Las Llamadas during Carnival in Montevideo Learn more about Montevideo's Carnival at the Carnival Museum / Source[/caption]

8. Museo del Carnaval

While Carnival in Uruguay is not as well-known as Brazil's, it is still very impressive. The Carnival in Montevideo is actually the longest Carnival celebration in the world, stretching from January to March. Learn more about the interesting background of this Carnival, with its African influences, at the Carnival Museum, located in the Ciudad Vieja.

[caption id="attachment_8181" align="aligncenter" width="610"]Looking down from the stands of Estadio Centenario Watch a football game at the legendary Estádio Centenário / Source[/caption]

9. Estádio Centenário

Uruguay may only have 3 million people, but they sure know how to produce football players. The country has a great record in International Football, and won the first ever FIFA World Cup. See the famous stadium where this cup was played: Estadio Centenario. This classic stadium was declared a historical monument of World Football by FIFA. Catch a game here or take a football tour to get a glimpse of the passion and history for the sport in Uruguay.

[caption id="attachment_8184" align="aligncenter" width="610"]A winery close to Montevideo There are many beautiful wineries close to the city for wine tasting / Source[/caption]

10. Montevideo's Wineries

You can't visit the land of tannat without enjoying a proper wine tasting. There are many bodegas (wineries) a short drive from Montevideo. Many wineries are close enough to reach by cab. Alternatively, you can take a winery tour from Montevideo.

If you are in Buenos Aires and like to visit Montevideo in one day click here Book this Montevideo city tour

Looking for more things to do in Montevideo and the rest of Uruguay? Check out Daytours4u for the best tours and activities in Uruguay.

By: Nicole Eberhard