Things to See in Montevideo

No visitor should miss Montevideo's old port market building, at the foot of Pérez Castellano, whose impressive wrought-iron superstructure shelters a gaggle of reasonably priced parrillas (steak restaurants) Especially on Saturday afternoons, it's a lively, colorful place where the city's artists, craftspeople and street musicians hang out.

Plaza Independencia is at the heart of Montevideo's Ciudad Vieja (old city). This broad square, lined with palms, is dominated by a huge statue of José Artigas, Uruguay's greatest hero. You can pay your respects to Artigas at his underground tomb beneath the statue.

This museum showcases the work of 20th-century Uruguayan painter Torres García and has revolving exhibitions featuring other contemporary artists.