Boutique Hotels in Montevideo, Uruguay

Named for its majestic mountains, Montevideo is the capital of Uruguay. Due to its location on the shoreline near Rio de la Plata (the ocean that separates Uruguay from Argentina), Montevideo has been known throughout history as an important port city for trade routes between Europe and South America.

The city was founded by Pedro de Mendoza in 1535 and became the first permanent European settlement on the continent, surviving attacks by indigenous peoples and pirates before becoming a center for trade with neighboring Argentina and Brazil. Montevideo suffered through periods of political unrest but remains one of South America's most visited cities thanks to its beautiful beaches, museums, restaurants and nightlife.

Plaza Independencia is the main square of Montevideo and the site of the first government buildings, the Cabildo (which is now a museum) and Cathedral. The Cathedral is now a museum as well and houses many paintings by Juan Manuel Blanes, Uruguay's most famous painter. In the plaza’s center stands a statue of military leader Josė Artigas, flanked by the underground Artigas Mausoleum which houses his remains in a protected urn.

A pedestrian-only thoroughfare, Rambla street is where you'll find most tourist attractions. You can shop at the Church of Santa Catalina and the National Museum of Visual Arts on one side, then walk across the street to check out the Old Town Hall (Edificio Cabildo) before grabbing a bite to eat at one of many restaurants along Rambla Pérez Castellano. After that, be sure to stop by the Casapueblo, a museum and residence declared a National Heritage Site by the National Ministry of Culture since 1992. It houses three museums: one dedicated to the works of Uruguayan painter Juan Manuel Blanes, another dedicated to local artists from the generation of 1950, and the Museum of Contemporary Art.

Art lovers and history buffs alike will love Montevideo’s Museo Historico Nacional. Located in Ciudad Vieja, it offers an excellent overview of the country's history along with works by world renowned artists Rodin, Gauguin, Toulouse-Lautrec and other European artists who traveled through Uruguay during its golden age.

The building itself has an interesting history—it was originally used as a customs house for Uruguayan president José Batlle y Ordóñez (who was also responsible for Montevideo's park system) from 1907 to 1943. The interior has been restored to reflect its former glory; you'll find neoclassical columns throughout with stained glass windows depicting scenes from Uruguayan history.

If you’re looking to bring a piece of Uruguay home with you, be sure to stop at Mercado del Puerta. Located in old town, this open air market has been open for over 120 years! You can find everything here, from local art and souvenirs to artisanal leather goods like wallets and bags, as well as fresh produce or meat. If you’re staying in old town, this market is walkable from boutique hotels in Montevideo.

Montevideo is rich in history, and there’s no better example of this than a stroll through one of its oldest neighborhoods, Barrio Reus al Norte. Founded in 1754, it was once home to a large population of Jews, its known for its bright, pastel colored buildings and arched doorways. Be sure to have your camera ready! Book your stay at Montevideo boutique hotels to explore all this and more, for a truly unique South American experience.

Don’t forget to visit our boutique hotels in Buenos Aires and Pinhais!