Clock tower
At the centre.
rodoluca — CC BY-SA 3.0 · Mverocai — CC BY-SA 3.0 · Felipe Restrepo Acosta — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Ypsilon from Finland — CC0
A historic building opposite Montevideo's port, opened in 1868 as a city market, with a British-made iron frame, a lofty glass roof, a large clock tower at its centre and an ornate iron gateway on the street. Over time the market turned into a place of small restaurants, filled with wooden counters around charcoal grills, and became one of the city's best-known sights, drawing locals and visitors at midday. Outside, restaurants set tables on the pavement beside souvenir and craft shops. It is worth visiting for the ironwork under the bright roof, the clock tower and the lively scene inside, then strolling the square opposite, where street musicians sometimes play and artists show their work. The best time is weekend midday, when the place is at its liveliest. Montevideo is fairly calm, but watch your belongings in the old town at night and in crowded spots.
At the centre.
Natural light.
Ornate.
Opposite the port, western end of the Ciudad Vieja
Palacio Taranco (Museum of Decorative Arts)An elegant French-style palace in the old town, built between 1908 and 1910 for 4 minutes walk4.8
Ciudad Vieja (Old Town)Montevideo's oldest district, on a small peninsula between the bay and the wide 7 minutes walk
Teatro SolísUruguay's leading theatre and one of South America's oldest, opened in 1856, wit12 minutes walk4.7
Puerta de la CiudadelaA massive stone gateway, the last surviving piece of the Spanish citadel that gu12 minutes walk4.5
Plaza IndependenciaMontevideo's most important square, dividing the old town from the modern centre14 minutes walkMidday, especially at weekends, when it is liveliest; the building is free to enter.