Montevideo has stunning architecture. I always tell people to take a walk along the main avenue, 18 de julio — not for the street itself but to keep looking up — the architecture is Belle Epoque, Art Deco, modernist.
Even the Montevideo police HQ is an absolute Art Deco gem!
Free guide to architectural sights in Montevideo
The translation into English is a bit clunky – well, it was not helped by the fact that the original text is heavy-going, academic terms and phrases abound- but the maps and building descriptions are concise and easy to follow.
There’s useful historic background, dates, and gorgeous photography. There such good detail you could even use it as your guide for visiting the various neighbourhoods in Montevideo throughout your stay.
Get your copy of the Architectural and Urban Guide to Montevideo here.
Check out the architecture of Montevideo
Montevideo is a city made for B&W Stunning black and white shots by resident Mark Villeneuve
Montevideo: Art deco capital of South America
Montevideo landmarks and architecture on Wikipedia Quite a good starting point for any visitor. I would recommend them all except for the World Trade Centre (really? Come on…) and Parque Batlle (unless you are going to Parque Centenario Football Stadium, the park itself is not particularly attractive). Parque Rodo and El Prado are much lovelier parks.

The iconic Palacio Salvo on Montevideo’s Plaza Independencia in the Old City © Mark Villeneuve
* The guide was produced by the Municipality of Montevideo (the IMM) and the southern Spanish state of Andalusia, together with the Faculty of Architecture of the UDELAR, the public university. The first edition dates from 1992.
Thanks to Mark Villeneuve for allowing me to use his photos.
[Article published: Mar 16, 2015, Last updated at the date above]
Related articles
Those unmistakable rural schools in Uruguay
In the 1960s, a philanthropist and an engineer set about replacing “school shacks” in the poorest, most remote parts of Uruguay. They went on to build 228.
...Uruguay has a new UNESCO World Heritage Site
This modest church built entirely of brick has been called “a marvel of modern architecture”—and received the world’s greatest cultural recognition.
...The extraordinary murals of 25 de agosto
The sleepiest little towns in Uruguay can be full of surprises. This one just an hour from Montevideo is home to over 100 murals by a French artist.
...Hotel Solís – historic, coastal B&B
Be a part of history. One of the best hotels in Uruguay—and British spy HQ!— nestling by Maldonado beaches and wineries, is being lovingly restored.
...The sunset from Casapueblo – a Punta classic
An artist’s cliff-hugging summer house literally grew and grew as he expanded it to host friends such as Brigitte Bardot.
...Private walking tour of the Old City
Climb the iconic Palacio Salvo, get a feel for carnival and learn juicy facts about the history and architecture. All the while sipping ‘mate’ like a local.
...Get THE architecture guide to Montevideo
A perfect traveller & photographer resource, I unearthed this little gem buried on a gov’t website. Montevideo is a feast for the eyes and the soul.
...Colonia, Uruguay’s UNESCO World Heritage site
Essential information so that your stay in Colonia del Sacramento fits into your travel schedule as you travel between Buenos Aires and Montevideo.
...Peñarol – “New Manchester” of Uruguay
Montevideo things to do see, Peñarol Industrial Heritage Centre is recommended for history & architecture buffs, railway enthusiasts & football fans.
...The bell tower in the middle of nowhere
Looking for unique things to do in Uruguay? Be one of the only overseas travelers ever to climb to the top of this carillon in remote Cerro Colorado.
...Montevideo’s Prado neighbourhood
Minutes from downtown, Montevideo’s leafy El Prado district is a photographer’s paradise of ghostly mansions, stately art galleries and tangled greenery.
...Why we love Montevideo
Montevideo is often overshadowed by Buenos Aires. Three well-travelled bloggers tell what made them fall in love with South America’s off-the-radar capital.
...
Bonjour Karen,
Thank you for the link to the architecture guide. Would you know of a tour guide operator similar to Graffitimundo in BA or suggest an area where we would be more likely to see these?
Michel
Hi Michel, there is street art all over Montevideo so you will be able to see it anywhere and everywhere. However there is a tour. I have been planning to go on it and check it out in the next few weeks. If you sign up for updates, you’ll see when I write about it! http://www.mvdtour.com/#!street-art-tour/c9. All the best – Karen
Hello again, it turns out this tour is no longer offered. I am talking to a great tour operator and encouraging her to start something. I’ll post here as soon as there is news!