Travel destinations: Montevideo, Uruguay

Montevideo, the capital city of Uruguay offers travelers sun, culture, shopping and nightlife without charging a fortune. Here are some highlights about this hidden gem of a destination:

When to go: The southern hemisphere offers a bit of sun when its chilly up north. Careful, the Uruguayan summer months can get hot and muggy. Choose Jan – March for the mildest beach bathing weather.

How to get there: The airport is about 15 minutes outside of town and is easily accessible by cab. If you are traveling to other Uruguayan cities, the BuqueBus boat system may also be an option. In early 2009, the cheapest fares from the US were offered by AmericanAirlines at ~$800 US.

Where to stay: This author recommends the “Hotel Tryp Montevideo”. Situated close to beaches, shopping and the bus station, this hotel boasts a rooftop deck where you can watch the sun go down over the city. The staff are friendly and will offer you a special Uruguayan drink of white wine and champage upon arrival.

History: Montevideo has an “Old town” section and a “New Town” section. Visit the Old town section for tours of the pier and other historical happenings. In short, Montevideo got its start as a strategic military post in the early 1700s and has grown into an important cultural center and seaport over the centuries. Compared to Argentina or Rome, Montevideo lacks historical tourist points, but a solid day can be spent learning about the beginnings of this busy city.

Shopping: Antique dealers pedal their wares in various sqares throughout the city. The Mercado del Puerto also offers handicrafts of the region along with little restaurants for snacking and picking up meals on the go.

Nightlife: The city offers dancing throughout the night at several locations. This author recommend the “W” – a three story building with both and interior and exterior section. They are well secured and play all types of music. We danced the night away until the club closed at 5am. The club opens at midnight, so head across the street to the small restaurants there for a great pizza and a pitcher of Sangria!

Walking: Take walking tours whenever you can! This town is very easily traversed with a good pair of walking shoes. This author recommends both TripAdvisor and Lonely Planet suggested tours. Watch out for dog poop – the city has quite a population of homeless dogs who havent learned to use the public restrooms.

Beaches: As you drive into town, you will notice every kind of beach activity from volleyball