Montevideo, Uruguay — Activities
Montevideo Culture
Montevideo has a rich cultural life, especially considering its size, but bear in mind that many performances are in Spanish only.
Opera, dance and concerts can be seen at Teatro Solís on Reonquista s/n (tel: (02) 1950 3323; website: www.teatrosolis.org.uy), which has been at the cultural heart of the city for over 150 years. Auditorio del Sodre on Avenida 18 de Julio (tel: (02) 900 3071) puts on an eclectic range of concerts, films and modern ballet performances.
Theater and comedy can be seen at Comedia Nacional, Peatonal Bacacay 1325 (tel: (02) 915 8819; website: www.comedianacional.com.uy).
Orquesta Filarmónica de Montevideo is the city’s very own Philharmonic Orchestra with a full program of concerts (tel: (02) 915 4167; website: www.filarmonica.org.uy).
On Sunday nights on Carlos Gardel Street in Barrio Sur, drummers and dancers of candombe (an African/Uruguayan rhythm) fill the street, where there is plenty of drinking too. For more information, contact the cultural center, CECUPI, Minas 1562 (tel: (02) 402 6391; website: www.geocities.com/cecupiuruguay).
El Milongón combines dinner with a show that blends candombe, tango and folklore. It is touristy but fun with tickets available through most travel agents, including Jetmar (tel: (02) 902 0793; website: www.jetmar.com.uy).
Montevideo Tours
City tours by car or bus (lasting three hours) take in both the old and the new city, including most of the main sights and streets in the center as well as the beach area. Walking tours tend to concentrate on the historical parts of Montevideo’s old city, visiting the colonial plazas and grand old buildings. English-speaking guides for all kinds of tours are usually available, but it is wise to book these in advance.
Jetmar (tel: (02) 902 0793; website: www.jetmar.com.uy) runs private or group tours twice every day of the week. They take in the key parts of the capital, plus some extras like Prado’s rose garden and the football stadium. City night tours and art excursions are also on offer. Aluruguay (website: www.aluruguay.com) also operates city tours visiting all the main highlights in Montevideo and some little-known gems.
