Historic place, imposing buildings, museums and theatres nearby, safe to make walks around. The Centre of Montevideo has a lot to offer to the vacationer, the proximity between the sights help too to enjoy every minute in this wonderful place. Just a very important detail, do not think that the place is cheap, try to save, but do not get into the neutral of being making conversion between real and Uruguayan pesos all the time. I will give a tip of gold to save a little in relation to travel to distant cities like Cologne, Punta del'este and others. Go to the three-cross road terminal and catch a bus. The cost is very low and the trip is super quiet. The same I recommend to get to the airport, from the center of Montevideo to the airport the travel rates are: taxi ( 1400,00 pesos / R$215,00) Uber (870,00 pesos / R$133,00) and bus (500,00 pesos / R$77,00 two people, that is, the unit value will be R$38,50) Go by bus that is cheap and safe.

In our walk around downtown Montevideo we came across the large Independence Square. In the middle of the square in the statue of General Jose Gervasio de Artigas who is considered to be the “Father of Uruguay.” There is a Mausoleum you can view of the General. Follow the stairs down. Viewing the guarded Mausoleum is free. On one side of the square is a reconstructed “Gateway of the Cidadel.” The gateway is quite impressive and used to be part of the city walls, now gone. The original Gateway was built in 1745 and torn down in 1829. Not far away is the Solis Theater. Tours can be arranged to see theater which was established in 1856. There are a number of government buildings—like the President’s office-- that surround the Square. Also, quite impressive is an apartment building with each room having its own air-conditioner. It makes for a good photo. If you found this review of any value, please press the icon “thumbs-up” to let me know

The original 1905 square at the site of the former Montevideo citadel, was a garden with flower beds and vegetation designed by Carlos Thays. However during the 1920s a enormous statue of Artigas was erected in the middle, ruining the scenic character of the place. The situation worsened when ugly highrise buildings (perhaps with exception of the Salvo tower) were erected around the square. During the military dictatorship in the 1970s the ashes of Artigas were placed in a subterreanian mausoleum structure near the colossal statue to underscore the 'true' nationalism of the junta. I did not find the overall outcome positive. For me it is a rather gloomy place, especially after dark. No terraces, or performances of artists, but many homeless people, while other locals increase their pace to get away as soon as possible.

We were staying in Montevideo and enjoyed a walk through the old town, including this main square of Plaza Indepencia. It has many other sights nearby, so it's likely that you'll see it if you're in the old town area. We especially enjoyed seeing the old city wall / Puerta de la Ciudadela and also going down to the mausoleum underneath the status that dominates the center of the square. The Palacio Salvo building towers above it; we didn't enter the building but enjoyed seeing the exterior, as well as that of the nearby Theatre Solis. Overall a very nice central square and worth walking through as you explore the city.

There is so much to see and visit in this area and the city centre in general. The main square, free museums, the main cathedral, solis theater, etc. great to walk around a good couple of hours.

We visited Independence Plaza while in port with a cruise line. This is the heart of the old town and where the presidential offices are located. By all means start your day here as a tourist. If you are cruising you can walk from here back to the port.