If you are looking for a place to play sports, tan, or swim, look no further than Playa Pocitos, or Pocitos Beach. Cast along the Rambla, an avenue that goes along the coastline of Uruguay, it is occupied by mostly the youth culture of Uruguay. Pocitos Beach is always bustling with life as soccer, volleyball, and other nautical events consistently take place. With the Rambla so conveniently tucked beside it, it is easy for tourists and inhabitants alike to sleep lazily in the sun in the morning and then later go for a jog or walk along the avenue in the afternoon or evening.
Nevertheless, if you thirst for live entertainment, the Teatro Solis, and Solis Theatre, will formidably quench you. Varying between plays, musicals, and philharmonic orchestras, Solis Theatre is the most renowned theatre of the arts throughout Uruguay. A relic to Uruguayan theatre and music, the theatre was first opened in 1856 and premiered the first work of Uruguayan opera in history, Tomás Giribaldi's La Parisina, in 1878. Solis Theatre is conveniently located in Ciudad Vieja, next to the Plaza Independencia.
Ciudad Vieja, however, is a trip in itself. With many nightclubs and shops within the Plaza Independencia, Montevideo's oldest town has easily become the most up-to-date. Throughout the historic city of Ciudad Vieja lays sparkling cathedrals, such as the Metropolitan Cathedral, and dazzling government buildings that truly capture the essence of the Uruguayan colonial era. Whether you are looking for fresh foods alongside the Mercado del Puerto to exploring museums of Uruguayan history at the Museo Torres García, there is something for everyone in Ciudad Vieja.
For those who want to experience a more peaceful setting in Montevideo, the city holds a multitude of parks where one can sit, walk, and socialize with locals. Both a barrio, or neighborhood district, and park, Parque Prado, or Prado Park, are important venues to its inhabitants. Along the residential streets of the neighborhood, it provides peaceful, suburban scenery with trees lined along it. The park itself has been noted to be quite gorgeous, with a rose garden, fountains, and monuments scattered throughout. The Miguelete Creek flows through the park and into the Rio de la Plata. Other significant parks include Parque Rodo, La Plaza Fabini o Plaza del Entrevero, and Parque Lecocq.
Local tours that last a few hours can be a great way to explore Montevideo. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:
- Private & Exclusive Montevideo Tailor made Tour with a local for $140 details
- Montevideo Electric Bicycle Tour for $45 details
- Tour and tasting at Bodega Santa Rosa for $26 details