This actually might be my best day in Buenos Aires. The day I crossed the border into Uruguay, on a day trip to capital Montevideo. Coming off the boat, it’s easy to start the exploring in the old town, at the square by which, probably tourist destination number one, Mercado del Puerto (mercadodelpuerto.com.uy), lies. An overpriced food market that serves you lunch, if you decide to sit down, at what I perceived as very touristy, and not particularly captivating. Needless to say, I passed! After popping in and out of the small shops around, and walking the cobblestoned streets lined with beautiful buildings, I soon started to wonder if this was it, and what I was to do with the plenty of time I had left until the ferry was leaving. A little googling, and I ended up at the very unimpressive Plaza Zabala… Despite being plain, it saved the day. Because here I found a city information board with suggested walking itineraries. That’s how I found my way to Constitution Square and Independence Square. The former, the oldest plaza in the city, and a very busy one, with a handicraft market, the Montevideo Metropolitan Cathedral, and regular big city businesses – got some big city shopping done 🙂 From here it was a very short walk to almost abandoned, in comparison, Constitution Square, which separates the old town from downtown Montevideo. Enter through the Gateway of the Citadel, a remaining part of the old town/citadel wall, and you are met by the, in my opinion, extraordinary Salvo Palace (featured image), across the square. Also, if you’re lucky, like me, you’ll get to experience a small celebratory parade. The occasion I have no idea in regards to, but it was cool still. In an attempt to redirect back to the harbour, but not wanting to backtrack my steps, I turned towards the only water I could see, and I arrived at a waterfront promenade at the southern edge of the city. A quiet place to sit down and relax a bit, before heading back into the busier old town streets for lunch, for dessert, for going back home to Argentina.
After a little bit back and forth, I decided to do this trip as a day trip. There are several travel options on Buquebus, and probably through others, but I went for the most time saving, and not very cheap, option – independently travelling by ferry from the Buenos Aires terminal to the Montevideo terminal. Off on the first ferry of the day, back on the second to last, giving me almost 8 hrs in town – not including the 2 hours prior to departure you are recommended to be at both terminals. Being at the North Dock Terminal (Darsena Norte Terminal) in Puerto Madero in Buenos Aires at 05:30 in the morning is a stretch, but the sunrise is gorgeous! In reality you might not have to be there this early, others came in later. No cafes etc are open, so it’s simply sitting and waiting until lights are turned on and check-in opens. As at an airport, you line up to check in. After that you continue to the second floor for emigration and immigration. Yes, both at the same place, just different booths and lines. For a foreigner not the easiest system to figure out, but the officers point you in the right direction when you go wrong: Mira, por ahi 🙂 Just note, no need to approach the booth on the first floor marked Immigration. After papers have been stamped, you just wait for boarding to be opened, and enter, and depart, in provided shoe covers… The ferry is nice and comfy with free seating. Didn’t explore the facilities, but did spot a tax-free shop. The sailing is 2 hours only, so plenty of activities not needed. Window seat not needed either, not possible to see much through saltwater covered glass. Upon arriving at the dock in Montevideo, no further transportation is necessary, if you’re there to walk around the old town. Just cross the parking lot, pass through the fence opening, cross the street, and you’re there. Same procedure on returning.
Website: montevideo.gub.uy/areas-tematicas/turismo
Mercado del Puerto and around:
The streets of old town:
Plaza Zabala:
Constitution Square:
Independence Square:
Waterfront promenade:
Going to and from Montevideo:
