Why visit
Montevideo is Uruguay's relaxed capital on the Rio de la Plata, with beaches, markets, tango and candombe roots, old-town streets, and one of South America's easiest waterfront walks.
How to use this result
Use it as a capital-city prompt
Montevideo is useful when you want a city-level starting point in Uruguay. Check whether the capital is the best arrival city, a practical transfer point, or mainly a geography and planning reference.
Check practical trip fit
Before planning around Montevideo, compare airport access, local transport, time zone, neighborhood choices, weather, safety guidance, and whether another city in Uruguay better matches the trip style.
Montevideo at a glance
City population
1.3 million
Elevation
34 m
112 ft
Time zone
UTC-3
America/Montevideo
Airport
MVD
Carrasco General Cesáreo L. Berisso International Airport
Uruguay at a glance
Country center
-33.0°, -56.0°
Coast
Has coastline
Country area
181,034 km²
69,898 mi²
Country population
3.4 million
19/km²
Subregion
South America
Currency
Uruguayan peso ($)
UYU
Dial
+598
Language
Spanish
Demonym
Uruguayan
Internet
.uy
UN
Member state
ISO code
UY / URY
Where in the world
-33.0° - -56.0°
Uruguay
Open in Google Maps
Click the map to open in Google Maps. Outline via svg-maps/world - CC BY 4.0
Did you know
- Montevideo's Rambla runs for kilometers along the Rio de la Plata waterfront.
- The city is closely tied to candombe, an Afro-Uruguayan drumming tradition.
- Montevideo's Estadio Centenario hosted the first football World Cup final in 1930, won by Uruguay.
- Uruguay was the first country to legalize marijuana nationwide (2013) and has one of the world's most liberal abortion laws.
- Uruguayans drink more mate (yerba mate infusion) per capita than anywhere else: about 8 kg per person per year.
Bordering Uruguay
Traveler notes
- Rambla promenade runs for kilometers along the coast
- Mercado del Puerto is the classic grilled-meat stop
- Ciudad Vieja preserves the historic core
Plan checks
- Choose a neighborhood first: many capitals have tourist centers that are not the best places to stay.
- Public transport passes usually beat taxis and rideshares for multi-day visits.
Explore more
Facts last reviewed June 2026 against GeoNames and national statistics sources. See the editorial policy for how destination data is maintained.
Frequently asked about Montevideo
What currency is used in Montevideo?
Montevideo uses the Uruguayan peso ($), ISO code UYU.
What languages are spoken in Uruguay?
The primary language is Spanish.
What is the international calling code for Uruguay?
The calling code is +598.
When is the best time to visit Montevideo?
Nov–Apr. Check current weather and local events before booking.
What airport serves Montevideo?
Carrasco General Cesáreo L. Berisso International Airport (IATA: MVD).
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