Montevideo, Uruguay

Montevideo is the largest city, the capital and chief port of Uruguay. It is situated on the east bank of the Rio de la Plata. It is known for its picturesque architecture, impressive buildings, white sandy beaches and its fabulous beach resorts along the Atlantic coast.

Attractions include Plaza Independencia, Ciudad Vieja, or Old City, Museo Histórico Nacional and Museo Municipal de Bellas Artes. On Saturdays, the Old City becomes a vast antique market offering fine silver, jewelry and art. The Mercado del Puerto, the city's port market, is always a big draw as it is packed with restaurants, clubs, bars and shops.

Nightlife in Montevideo is vibrant with plenty of discos and nightspots. Tango clubs are popular, especially since famous tango scores were penned and performed for the first time in this Uruguayan city.

Things to See & Do

* Ciudad Vieja — Montevideo's Old Town
* Plaza de Independecia — The square at the end of 18 de Julio Ave
* Palacio Salvo — Next to Plaza Independencia
* National History Museum
* The Rambla — waterside roadway along Montevideo's waterfront

Cruise Season - Jan - Dec
Currency - Uruguayan peso ($, UYU)
Language - Spanish
Population - 1,450,000 approx
Electricity - 2 perpendicular flat pins USA style
Time - GMT minus three hours
International Country Telephone Code - + 598

Port Location - Ships dock at Puerto de Montevideo. It is approximately 1 mile from the pier to the center of town.

Transport Links - The Montevideo Carrasco International Airport (IATA: MVD) is about 15km east of the city center. Buses depart right outside the airport to Terminal Tres Cruces, just north of many major sites downtown.

From nearby Buenos Aires you can take the high-speed ferry, operated by Buquebus . A one-way trip takes about 3 hours. There are several boats a day. The ferry arrives in the Ciudad Vieja district of Montevideo, situated very close to downtown.