The capital and largest city of Uruguay, Montevideo is a Spanish-colonial town that revolves around the Plaza Independencia (Independence Square) and was once a Spanish citadel. The plaza leads to the charming streets of the Ciudad Vieja (Old City), lined with colonial homes, art deco buildings, and inviting restaurant and shops.
• The city faces the Plata River, the widest river in the world.
• Montevideo is the southernmost national capital city in the Americas, even though it’s on the north side of the Plata River, while Buenos Aires is on its south side, and the river flows eastward.
• Montevideo has been rated as having the highest quality of life of any Latin American city (according to Mercer) for every year in the past 10 years.
• Visit Montevideo during its 40-day long Carnival festivals, the longest in the world, or hold a special function at the city’s Carnival Museum.
• The Mercado del Puerto is an old port market in the historic city center with many steakhouses where one can enjoy local cuisine.
• Walk la rambla, a lovely 21 km. (13-mile) long promenade that goes all along the coast, passing charming piers and parks.
