Guide to Visiting Uruguay and Buenos Aires, Argentina
What the Places Are
Buenos Aires and Uruguay offer a mix of historic landmarks, lively plazas, colonial architecture and cultural experiences. In Buenos Aires, the Obelisco is a prominent city symbol, while Plaza de Mayo is a historic and political center. Across the Río de la Plata, Colonia del Sacramento is known for its cobbled lanes, waterfront views and blend of Portuguese and Spanish heritage. It is easily reached by ferry from Buenos Aires.
For trip-planning information and updates, consult the official Buenos Aires Ciudad website and travel guides such as Wanderlust Photos Blog and Introducing Buenos Aires.
History
The Obelisco stands 67.5 meters tall at the intersection of Avenida 9 de Julio and Avenida Corrientes. Built in 1936 for Buenos Aires’ 400th anniversary, it commemorates key moments in Argentina’s colonial and independent history. It is now a focal point for city celebrations, protests and cultural events.
Plaza de Mayo’s roots date to the 16th century. It is best known for the May Revolution of 1810, which set Argentina on the path to independence. The square remains a symbol of public assembly and political expression, including that of the Mothers of the Plaza de Mayo.
Colonia del Sacramento was founded in 1680. Its Barrio Histórico, or Historic Quarter, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with Spanish and Portuguese architecture, cobbled paths and scenic river views.
What to See
Buenos Aires
- Obelisco Located in Plaza de la República, this outdoor monument is one of Buenos Aires’ most recognizable landmarks.
- Plaza de Mayo The historic and political nucleus of Buenos Aires, surrounded by the Casa Rosada, Metropolitan Cathedral and Cabildo.
- San Telmo Known for its historic streets and market; the Sunday Feria features tango and artisan stalls.
- La Boca Caminito Street is an open-access attraction, and La Bombonera is the local stadium.
- Recoleta Cemetery Notable for Eva Perón’s mausoleum. The Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes is adjacent.
- Palermo and Rosedal The Rose Garden is a popular green space.
- Teatro Colón Offers tours of the theater.
- Puerto Madero A year-round destination for dining and architecture; the Ecological Reserve is also nearby.
- Tango Tango Porteño and Madero Tango hold dinner shows. Milongas can be found in Almagro and other neighborhoods.
Uruguay
- Colonia del Sacramento The Historic Quarter is the main draw. Sites include the Lighthouse, Portón de Campo (City Gate), Basilica del Santísimo Sacramento and Calle de los Suspiros (Street of Sighs). The lighthouse has a maritime museum on site.
- Montevideo Ciudad Vieja landmarks, markets and plazas are among the attractions.
- Punta del Este Its beaches are open year-round.
- Cabo Polonio A rustic destination reached only by authorized 4x4s.
- Fray Bentos The Museo de la Revolución Industrial is a visitor attraction.
- Thermal baths near Salto A further option for visitors to Uruguay.
Practical Visiting Information
Buenos Aires
- Obelisco Freely accessible outdoors 24/7; entry inside the monument is generally not permitted. The area has wide sidewalks and ramps suitable for wheelchairs and strollers, with multiple metro and bus lines nearby.
- Plaza de Mayo Open 24/7 and free. The square is wheelchair accessible, with ramps and facilities available.
- Casa Rosada tours Tuesday–Sunday, 10:00 AM–6:00 PM; free, with advance booking required.
- Casa Rosada Museum Tuesday–Sunday, 10:00 AM–6:00 PM; free, with advance booking advised.
- Metropolitan Cathedral Daily, 7:00 AM–7:00 PM; free.
- Cabildo Tuesday–Sunday, 11:00 AM–5:00 PM; ARS 100.
- San Telmo Market Monday–Friday, 10:00 AM–8:00 PM; Sunday, 10:00 AM–5:00 PM. Some streets have cobblestones.
- La Boca Caminito Street is open at all times. La Bombonera stadium tours run Tuesday–Sunday, 10:00 AM–6:00 PM; ARS 500.
- Recoleta Cemetery Daily, 7:00 AM–7:00 PM; free entry.
- Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes Tuesday–Sunday, 11:00 AM–7:00 PM; free.
- Palermo and Rosedal The Rose Garden is open daily, 8:00 AM–8:00 PM; free and wheelchair accessible.
- Teatro Colón Tours run Tuesday–Saturday, 9:30 AM–5:00 PM; ARS 1,500. Tickets are available online or at the box office, and the site is accessible.
- Puerto Madero Open year-round. The Ecological Reserve is open from sunrise to sunset.
- Tango shows and milongas Ticket prices vary; book dinner shows ahead.
Uruguay
- Colonia del Sacramento The Historic Quarter is open at all times. The Lighthouse is listed as open 9:00 AM–6:00 PM, with tickets at approximately USD 2.50; children under 12 are free. A separate listing gives museums and lighthouse tours as UYU 100–200.
- Portón de Campo is open 24/7 and free.
- Basilica del Santísimo Sacramento is open 8:00 AM–7:00 PM and free.
- Calle de los Suspiros is open at all times and free.
- Montevideo Ciudad Vieja landmarks are listed as open 9:00 AM–5:00 PM. Markets and plazas have free entry.
- Fray Bentos Museo de la Revolución Industrial is open Tuesday–Sunday, 10:00 AM–6:00 PM; UYU 150.
- Thermal baths near Salto Typical hours are 9:00 AM–9:00 PM.
Ferries operate daily between Buenos Aires and Colonia del Sacramento, with a crossing time of 1 hour 15 minutes. Colonia is walkable, but cobblestones and uneven surfaces can be challenging. Montevideo is a 2-hour drive away from Colonia.
Guided walking and bike tours are available in Colonia. Guided walking tours are also offered in Buenos Aires. Virtual tours and high-quality maps are available at official tourism sites.
For further information about Buenos Aires, see Introducing Buenos Aires.
Tips
- Language Spanish is spoken; learning the basics is helpful. Many sites in Colonia have English-speaking staff.
- Currency ARS in Argentina and UYU in Uruguay.
- When to visit October–March is a recommended general period. Spring and fall are suggested for Colonia, with pleasant weather and fewer tourists. For Plaza de Mayo, spring is listed as September–November and fall as March–May.
- Transportation Ferries, buses and internal flights are available.
- Safety Standard city precautions apply. At Plaza de Mayo, watch for pickpockets.
- Photography Early morning or after sunset is suggested for Obelisco photos, especially when the monument is illuminated. Check local event calendars for light shows or cultural gatherings.
- Events Check local calendars for rallies and festivals at Plaza de Mayo.
- Cuisine and culture Try parrillas, asado, chivito and dulce de leche. Tango is associated with Buenos Aires, and candombe with Montevideo.
Nearby Places
- Near the Obelisco Avenida Corrientes has theaters, bookstores and cafés. Plaza de Mayo and the Casa Rosada are within walking distance.
- Near Plaza de Mayo Puerto Madero, with modern dining and architecture, is a 15-minute walk away. San Telmo offers tango, antiques and historic streets. Café Tortoni is described as the oldest café in Argentina.
- Beyond Colonia Montevideo is a 2-hour drive away and offers further attractions.
FAQ
Obelisco
- Can I go inside the Obelisco? Public access inside is not permitted.
- Is there a fee? No. Visiting is free.
- Is the area safe? Yes, but standard city precautions apply.
Colonia del Sacramento
- What is the best time to visit? Spring and fall, for pleasant weather and fewer tourists.
- Are guided tours available? Yes. Walking and bike tours are available.
- Is English spoken? Many sites have English-speaking staff, but basic Spanish helps.
Plaza de Mayo
- Is there a fee to visit? The plaza is free; some buildings have low-cost or free entry.
- Are tours available? Yes. Several companies offer guided walks.
- What is the best season to visit? Spring (September–November) and fall (March–May).
- Is it accessible? Yes, for most visitors.
- Can I photograph inside Casa Rosada? Generally yes, but check for restrictions.
