Market in Montevideo

By Amanda Massello

Montevideo’s strong point is its cultural offerings: interesting modern architecture, excellent museums and unique markets. Eating a weekend parrillada at the open-aired, always bustling Mercado del Puerto usually tops the list of all travelers—the parrillada is inextricably linked to Uruguayan culture and is as much a pastime as it is a culinary delight. Haggling and conversing with the locals while shopping for souvenirs at any one of Montevideo’s markets is also a great way to get to know the city. While in Montevideo, no visitor can miss Palacio Salvo, that odd-looking building—once the tallest in South America—which sticks out like a sore thumb in the Ciudad Vieja skyline.