Things to see in Montevideo

Housed in a 19th-century mansion near to the Plaza Independencia, this quirky little museum is devoted to cowboys and coins. It offers interesting displays relating to the gaucho (South American cowboy), including items of their distinctive clothing and the fine silverwork used to engrave mate (a South American caffeine drink) cups. There is also a collection of ancient South American coins and an exhibition on the history of Uruguay's currency. Most of the information is in Spanish, but guided are available in English if you contact the museum several weeks in advance.

Mon-Fri 1000-1700.

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Although prices on this historic market have been rising due to the influx of wealthy passengers from increasing numbers of cruise ships docking at the port close by, this elaborate iron structure, which was once the city's trains station, is still home to the most atmospheric area of Montevideo. Dating back to 1868, the market is filled with local crafts, food stalls and restaurants, and every afternoon and at weekends, musicians and other performers join the throng. Take a big appetite with you to savour one of the huge racks of barbecued meat offered by the market's Parilla restaurants, as you sit in comfort and watch the crowds flow by.

Daily 1100-2200

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As the centre of the city's power, Montevideo's main square is home to several of the city's most venerable buildings. Those worth visiting include the imposing, colonial-style Estevez Palace, which was owned by the Estevez family, before it was acquired by the government in the late 19th century, and the Artigas Mausoleum, the last resting place of Uruguayan hero Jose Artigas.

Daily 24 hours.

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An upmarket suburb bordering the green and pleasant Parque Rodo, the Pocitos barrio is renowned for its historic architecture as well as its wide swathe of sandy beaches, including the Playa Pocitos. The beach is a popular with the city's sport lovers who come to play football or participate in a range of nautical sports. Historic buildings of interest include the ornate Casa Darnaud, home to the Russian Embassy, and the Escuela Brasil school building. When the sun goes down, this bustling neighbourhood comes to life with its upscale bars, classy restaurants and lively nightlife.

Daily 24 hours.

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Montevideo's fun and feisty carnival, said to be one of the world's longest, only comes round once a year. Luckily, this museum gives an excellent overview of the colourful annual event, which is like a scaled down version of the crazy Rio Carnival. If you aren't lucky enough to join in the 40 days of festivities, this museum is jam-packed with costumes, masks, floats from past parades and an evocative photographic exhibition documenting the evolution of celebrations. This stop off provides an excellent and evocative tribute to the carnival, which has been running for more than 100 years.

Mon-Sun 1100-1700 (Jan-Mar); Wed-Mon 1100-1700 (Apr-Dec).

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Founded in 1930, this national art museum is dedicated to the work of realist painter Juan Manuel Blanes. An illustrator for one of the city's leading newspapers, Blanes began working as a portrait painter in the late 1850s and his depiction of celebrated personalities (including Argentine war hero General Jose de Saint Martin) as well as terrible national events, such as the Yellow fever epidemic in the 1870s, earned him nationwide acclaim. Housed in a 19th-century villa, the museum also displays work by other important Uruguayan artists.

Tues-Sun 1200-1800.

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Housed in an opulent merchant's residence built in 1830, this fascinating museum is the fitting site for an eclectic collection of artefacts that evoke the life and times of the local elite who lived here in the 19th and 20th centuries. Filled with period furnishings, clothes and personal effects of the city's high society, the Museo Romantico offers a fascinating insight into a time when Montevideo enjoyed a period of growth and expansion from 1830 and 1900.

Mon-Fri 1000-1430.

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