Montevideo's Culture and History: A Self-Guided Audio Tour

Montevideo , Uruguay

Montevideo's Culture and History: A Self-Guided Audio Tour

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(1 reviews)

55m - 3h

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Take a self-guided GPS audio walk with Alberto Rodriguez, a historian from New York who'll tell the story of Montevideo's Old City. He'll uncover its most colourful decades, from the 1870s through to the roaring 1920s, when there was rapid development here, led by a diverse group of industrialists. Behind today's facades, you'll find bawdy entertainment, exciting sports and a cast of fascinating characters.

Available options

Montevideo's Culture and History: A Self-Guided Audio Tour

What's included

Lifetime access to this tour in English

VoiceMap App for Andriod and iOS

Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1 Pass by

Stop for a moment at the end of the street to have a look at the building across the road, the Teatro Solis. When the red lantern at the highest point of the facade is on, it means that there's a show that evening.

Stop 2 Pass by

Walk past the Plaza Independencia

Stop 3 Pass by

Feel free to browse the market.

Stop 4 Pass by

The tour ends near Palacio Salvo

Walk through the Plaza Matriz and stop at the fountain in the centre.

You'll walk through the Plaza Zabala and learn about its history

At the main entrance of this building is a plaque that reads, "La Casa del Vicario". The Vicar who lived here was a papal nuncio, which means he was the Pope's representative.

If you go inside the bookstore, you'll find a ceiling made of vaulted brick, called "bovedilla". This part of the house was used as a stable and warehouse. To right of the chairs in the back you'll find a grate in the floor. It leads to a chamber where water was stored for the horses or for household use.

What's not included

Smartphone and headphones

Transportation

Food and drink

Tickets or entrance fees to any museums or other attractions en route

Available languages

Audio guide

Reviews breakdown

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Important information

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Meeting point

Starts outside the Mercado del Puerto/Port Market. Before arrival, install the VoiceMap app and use the code provided on your ticket. This is a self-guided audio tour that you can start, pause, or restart any time and complete at your own pace. Directions to the starting point are in the app.

Important notes

VOICEMAP CODE
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Please check your email at the address you provided when you made this booking. VoiceMap has sent you an eight character code you'll need to redeem your tour.

This code can be used by every member of your party. If you've booked for three people, for example, three people can download this tour using the same code.

DOWNLOAD INSTRUCTIONS
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Once you've received your code, please follow these steps:

1. Install the VoiceMap Audio Tours mobile app
2. Create an account
3. Select Tour Codes from the menu, then select Enter Codes
4. Enter your code then select Download Now

PLEASE NOTE
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• You can download the tour at any time, before or after your booking date. It’s best to download the tour before you set off for the starting point.
• This tour follows a set route and includes turn-by-turn directions. It works best if you start it in the right place and follow the directions from one location to the next.
• When the download completes, you’ll see a screen with a photo of the starting point and directions to it. The red start button will become active when you are at the starting point.
• Remember to bring your own headphones, unless you have booked a driving tour.

SUPPORT
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For technical support and other queries, please email support@voicemap.me

About Montevideo

Montevideo, the vibrant capital of Uruguay, is a charming blend of historic architecture, modern urban life, and stunning coastal views. Known for its rich cultural scene, delicious local cuisine, and welcoming atmosphere, it offers a unique South American experience with a European touch.

Top Attractions

Plaza Independencia

The main square in the city, surrounded by historic buildings and the iconic Independence Monument.

Historical 1-2 hours Free

Pocitos Beach

A popular urban beach with a lively atmosphere, perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports.

Beach Half-day Free

Mercado del Puerto

A historic market and food court offering a variety of local cuisine, souvenirs, and cultural experiences.

Cultural 1-2 hours Free entry, food and souvenirs for purchase

Rambla de Montevideo

A beautiful coastal promenade stretching along the city's waterfront, offering stunning views and recreational activities.

Scenic Varies Free

Museo del Fútbol

A must-visit for football (soccer) fans, showcasing the history and culture of Uruguay's beloved sport.

Museum 1-2 hours Moderate (around USD 5)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Asado

A traditional Uruguayan barbecue featuring various cuts of beef, pork, and sausages, grilled to perfection.

Dinner Contains meat, not suitable for vegetarians or vegans.

Chivito

A classic Uruguayan sandwich filled with beef, ham, cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, and mayonnaise.

Dinner Contains meat and dairy, can be made vegetarian.

Dulce de Leche

A sweet, caramel-like spread made from milk and sugar, often used in desserts and pastries.

Dessert Vegetarian, contains dairy.

Milanesa

A breaded and fried cutlet of beef or chicken, similar to schnitzel, often served with mashed potatoes or salad.

Dinner Contains meat, can be made vegetarian with a different protein.

Popular Activities

Hiking Biking Water sports Beachgoing Spa treatments Sunbathing Museum visits Historical tours

Best Time to Visit

December to February (Summer)

This is the peak tourist season with warm weather, long daylight hours, and numerous outdoor activities. The city comes alive with festivals and events.

20°C to 30°C 68°F to 86°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Spanish
Widely spoken: Portuguese, English (to some extent)
English: Moderately spoken

Currency

Uruguayan Peso (UYU)

Time Zone

UTC-3

Electricity

220VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe, but exercise caution in certain areas

Montevideo is generally safe for tourists, but petty crime such as pickpocketing and bag snatching can occur, especially in crowded areas and on public transportation. Exercise caution and be aware of your surroundings.

Important Precautions:

• Avoid walking alone at night in less touristy areas.
• Keep valuables secure and out of sight.
• Use common sense and stay alert to your surroundings.

Getting there

By air

Carrasco International Airport • 20 km from city center

By bus

Terminal Tres Cruces, Terminal Baltasar Mendez

Getting around

Public transport

Affordable and efficient, with a wide range of routes. Buses are the primary mode of public transport.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, InDriver

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Ciudad Vieja (Old Town) Pocitos Carrasco Punta Carretas

Day trips

Colonia del Sacramento

180 km from Montevideo • Full day

A charming colonial town with cobblestone streets, historic buildings, and a picturesque waterfront. A UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Punta del Este

130 km from Montevideo • Full day

A glamorous beach resort town known for its stunning beaches, luxury hotels, and vibrant nightlife.

Carmelo

100 km from Montevideo • Full day

A picturesque town known for its wineries, historic architecture, and scenic landscapes.

Festivals

Carnaval de Montevideo • February Montevideo Jazz Festival • November Festival de Cine de Montevideo • October

Pro tips

Visit the Mercado del Puerto for an authentic taste of Uruguayan cuisine and culture.
Explore the city's street art scene with a guided tour or self-guided walk.
Try the local wine and beer, including Tannat wine and craft brews from Punta Carretas Brewery.
Take a day trip to Colonia del Sacramento to experience Uruguay's colonial past and scenic landscapes.
Learn a few basic Spanish phrases to enhance your cultural experience and connect with locals.