Vast, eclectic and full of intrigue, Montevideo is a fascinating city in South America with so much to offer visitors. From busy markets to delightful colonial architecture, must-see museums to sea views, the capital city of Uruguay is well worth exploring on a trip to this under-the-radar country.

Montevideo is a bustling port city on the Rio de la Plata that measures 20km from one side to the other, home to around half the country’s population – this really is the epicentre of Uruguay! This sprawling place packs in a wide variety of cityscapes, from the seemingly endless seafront promenade (known as the Rambla) where locals take in the sunset, to the slick financial centre, and many others in-between. For visitors, it is a treasure chest of colonial buildings, best explored on a city tour through the Old Town to witness the European-styled architecture, rubbing shoulders with a melange of Art Deco and Neoclassical gems.

Montevideo culture is interesting indeed. There are amazing markets where you can mingle with the locals and browse the tantalising food on show, before deciding which of the seafood restaurants you want to hit for lunch. You can also head to a traditional theatre for a world-class tango performance – Montevideo was another birthplace of the sultry dance, not just Buenos Aires! Finally, there’s no visiting Montevideo without pulling up a chair at a café on the plaza to watch the world go by, maybe even catching an outdoor dance show on the street while you sip a glass of velvety red wine.