Montevideo
This is one of Latin America’s most charming capitals. Uruguayans are refreshingly unpretentious and egalitarian by nature.
how
To Get There
The Carrasco International Airport is about 12 miles from downtown Montevideo and a taxi ride costs about $20.
where
To Stay
The Sheraton Montevideo (Victor Solino 349, tel: 598-2-710-2121) is 10 minutes from the city’s business district. Its rooms have spectacular views of the River Plate. Rates range from $175-$800 plus 14% tax. Visit ww.sheraton.com/montevideo or e-mail: sheraton.montevideo@sheraton.com.
The Radisson Montevideo Victoria Plaza Hotel (Plaza Independencia 759, tel: 598-2-902-0111) is an old style hotel in the heart of the commercial and financial district. Guest rooms offer great views of the bay and the city. Room rates range from $119-$220. Visit www.radisson.com or
e-mail: radisson@adinet.com.uy.
Belmont House Hotel (Avenida Rivera 6512, tel: 598-2-600-0430) is a boutique hotel with just 24 rooms and four suites, all with garden views. It is located in the Carrasco residential quarter, a short distance from downtown Montevideo but far enough from the city to avoid its bustle. Room rates range from $120-$220 plus a 14% tax. Visit www.belmonthouse.com.uy or e-mail: belmonthouse@belmont.com.uy.
To Eat
Doña Flor (Boulevard Artigas 1034, tel: 708-5751) is a first-rate French restaurant housed in a 100-year-old mansion. Spaghetti Notte (Boulevard España 2295, tel: 400-9710) and Panini´s (26 de Marzo 3586, Pocitos, tel: 622-1232) both serve good Italian food.
La Casa Violeta (Rambla Armena 3667, tel: 628-7626) overlooks the yacht club and serves classic Uruguayan food, notably top-quality grilled beef. Another option for good steaks is El Abasto (Peatonal Bacacay 1309, Ciudad Viejo, tel: 916-9026).
To Drink
The Bridge Bar in the Radisson Monte-video Victoria Plaza Hotel is a good place to meet for a cocktail. Then move on to Café Mysterious (Rivera y Costa Rica 1700, Carrasco) with its innovative décor and sushi. Alternatively, try Bar Tabard (San Martín 152, Punta Carrasco) an old fashioned bar recently refurbished as a live music venue.
To Unwind
The Fortaleza del Cerro, a fortress built by the Spanish, can be reached by ferry from the port of Montevideo.
The Ciudad Vieja is interesting for its antiques shops – on Saturdays, it becomes a vast antiques market – cafés, monuments and museums including the Museo Torres García, the National Museum of Fine Arts and the Museum of Natural History.
what
To Buy
Local crafts such as gaúcho knives, mate gourds with silver straws known as bombillas and alpaca wool products are all good items to bring home.