PORTS OF CALL - South America
Montevideo, Uruguay
Uruguay's capital city and one of the Americas' most important seaports, Montevideo draws travelers from all over the world. Narrow streets and varied architectural styles ranging from colonial to Art Deco reveal this vibrant city's strong Spanish, Portuguese, French and British influences. And while most of its historic sites can be visited within a few hours, walking through the port area and exploring old neighborhoods is the best way to discover the true allure of Montevideo.
Don't Miss
After you've paid your respects at the tomb of Uruguay's greatest hero, José Artigas, pay a visit to the Barrio Sur. This neighborhood's predominantly African community offers unique cultural events not found anywhere else in Montevideo. And the best part is, they're open to locals and travelers alike!
Sporting Adventures
Something that should not be underestimated is Uruguay's passion for football. With two World Cup Championships and several Olympic medals to their country's credit, montevideanos take pride in their strong football heritage, which means you're likely to find people of all ages playing pick-up games around the city. If you decide to partake, don't worry if you don't speak Spanish. Just make sure you're fluent in football.
Shopping for Bargains
Montevideo offers a great variety of fairs and markets and malls. Spend a Saturday checking out the handicrafts, antiques, books, flowers and produce at the Villa Biarritz fair. Or hit the Cordon neighborhood for Tristán Narvaja, the city's Sunday flea market, started 50 years ago by Italian immigrants. Looking for hipper shopping and entertainment options? The seaside neighborhood, Pocitos, is your best bet.
Local Flavours
If there's one thing montevideanos love, it's their beef. Whether it's served in a stew, hot off the grill or inside an empanada, you'll get an authentic sampling of Uruguay's unique flavor. If you decide to hit the Mercado del Puerto for a steak, you'll want to go with an empty stomach - they tend to be quite big. We're talking "Fred Flintstone's ribs" big.
Currency
The Uruguayan Peso (Ur$) is the official currency of Montevideo. Most downtown banks have ATMs, but it is always a good idea to bring along travelers' checks.