Tours in Montevideo... To do or not to do?

When planning a trip, one must ask:

Do I want to be a tourist or a traveler?

The difference is significant…

Here is an overview of the types of tours available to enjoy Montevideo.

There are classic tours and others…

…that offer a different kind of experience.

In Montevideo, as in any city in the world, there are two types of tours:

Private Tours or Free Tours.

Let's start with private tours. These can be booked through various websites such as Viator.com, TripAdvisor.com, Tangol.com, Denomades.com, etc.

There is a wide variety of options, with different costs depending on the experience—whether it is a walking tour or by vehicle, using buses, in groups, or as a private tour.

Among the private tours, the following stand out:

Visits to the "Cerro de Montevideo"

This 134-meter hill, located on the coast of Montevideo Bay, offers an unparalleled view of the port and the city.

You will also find the Montevideo sign, perfect for capturing stunning photos. Additionally, there is an old military fortress, which today houses the José Gervasio Artigas Museum, dedicated to Uruguay's greatest national hero.

Visit to the "Prado" neighborhood and Japanese Gardens

A different kind of tour, as Prado is one of the most emblematic neighborhoods due to its history, architecture, and natural beauty. It is home to El Rosedal, the Botanical Garden, the Juan Manuel Blanes Museum, and the Japanese Garden.

Private Car Tour of the City's Highlights

Explore the most emblematic spots of the city from the comfort of a car while a passionate guide explains each stop in detail. The interesting aspect of this tour is that it can be customized and adapted to your preferences and interests. I even found an option on Viator.com where the tour includes a "countryside option", allowing you to take the tour on horseback... interesting!

Wine Tourism

Exploring Uruguay’s wine routes is a perfect tour through the country’s most renowned wineries, featuring tastings and, in some cases, countryside lunches. It’s undoubtedly an unforgettable experience, where expert winemakers will explain everything you need to know about wine tasting and the art of winemaking.

It’s worth mentioning that Uruguay’s signature wine is Tannat. This grape variety originates from southwestern France and is now considered Uruguay’s "national grape." In terms of flavor, it is bold and intense, with high tannins, some astringency, and a delicate blackberry taste that surpasses the intensity of Cabernet Sauvignon. It has a perfect balance between acidity and fruit. There is also Tannat liqueur, which is exquisite for pairing with desserts or enjoying after a meal.

I highly recommend not leaving Uruguay without trying an authentic Tannat wine, such as those from Bodegas Bouza, Bodegas Garzón, Bodegas Carrau, among others.

Private Tours with Professional Photographers

Without a doubt, this is a great opportunity for photography enthusiasts to capture the best shots themselves… with a little help.

City Tour by Bicycle

Montevideo is a very bike-friendly city for this type of tour. It’s an excellent way to combine the fun of cycling with discovering the city’s best spots alongside a professional guide. This option covers more places than a walking tour while also being dynamic and enjoyable.

And finally, we arrive at Free Tours

What are they?

These are tours that do not have a mandatory cost, but that doesn’t mean they are free.

The idea is to leave a tip for the guide based on the experience received.

It’s important to highlight that this "tip" is the guide’s only compensation. Additionally, to be listed on free tour websites, guides must pay a commission to promote their service, meaning the tour itself comes at a cost for them. This is something to keep in mind when tipping—especially if you enjoyed the experience.

Generally, tips range from around $5–$10 per person, and leaving a little extra helps balance out those who give little or nothing… because, well, there’s all kinds of people out there!

Among the Free Tours, we have the website Guruwalk, which offers approximately 15 different free tour options to choose from. Local guides and city enthusiasts take you on a journey, sharing stories, architecture, culture, and more.

There are also other websites such as civitatis.com, curiosofreetour.com.uy, and freetour.com.

Among the most notable Free Tours are:

"Ciudad Vieja" – A historical tour through the oldest part of the city.

"Artistic, Cultural, and Historical Tour"

"Prado Garden Neighborhood" – We've already talked about this one above.

"Sunset Tour"

Without a doubt, one of my favorite activities in Uruguay is relaxing and savoring the Montevideo sunset—feeling the day's last warmth on my face, closing my eyes, and bidding farewell to the sun with applause…

It's worth mentioning that Montevideo's sunsets have incredible colors, and even more so when enjoyed with mate and bizcochos—a truly Uruguayan tradition, perfect for blending in with the locals.

For the best sunset spots, I personally recommend these three:

• On the Rambla, near Punta Carretas

• At Parque Rodó, on Playa Ramírez

• In Punta Gorda, near Playa de los Ingleses

I hope I’ve been helpful,

and that you enjoy Montevideo like a local traveler!

Best regards!

Katherine