Montevideo has a rich cultural life, especially considering its size, but bear in mind that many performances are in Spanish only.

Opera, dance and concerts can be seen at Teatro Solís on Reonquista s/n (tel: (02) 1950 3323; website: www.teatrosolis.org.uy), which has been at the cultural heart of the city for over 150 years. Auditorio del Sodre on Avenida 18 de Julio (tel: (02) 900 3071) puts on an eclectic range of concerts, films and modern ballet performances.

Theatre and comedy can be seen at Comedia Nacional, Peatonal Bacacay 1325 (tel: (02) 915 8819; website: www.comedianacional.com.uy).

Orquesta Filarmónica de Montevideo is the city's very own Philharmonic Orchestra with a full programme of concerts (tel: (02) 915 4167; website: www.filarmonica.org.uy).

On Sunday nights on Carlos Gardel Street in Barrio Sur, drummers and dancers of candombe (an African/Uruguayan rhythm) fill the street, where there is plenty of drinking too. For more information, contact the cultural centre, CECUPI, Minas 1562 (tel: (02) 402 6391; website: www.geocities.com/cecupiuruguay).

El Milongón combines dinner with a show that blends candombe, tango and folklore. It is touristy but fun with tickets available through most travel agents, including Jetmar (tel: (02) 902 0793; website: www.jetmar.com.uy).