Montevideo Shopping

Woollen textiles and wood crafts are good buys that also reflect Uruguay's rural heritage. The shops around Plaza Independencia sell all types of leather, including rabbit, but do check the quality of both the material and the workmanship.

Manos del Uruguay is a not-for-profit cooperative with outlets throughout the city. It combines contemporary design with traditional craftsmanship.

Punta Carretas Shopping at José Ellauri 350 was once a prison but is now the city's largest shopping centre. It houses fashionable shops, a multiplex cinema and restaurants.

Montevideo Shopping Centre on Avenida Luis Alberto de Herrera was the city's first shopping mall, with 180 shops to suit most tastes and budgets.

The Villa Biarritz Fair, on Saturdays until 1500 in Parque Zorilla de San Martín-Ellauri, is an atmospheric market selling local produce and handicrafts. Mercado de los Artesanos, at San José 1312, is another decent crafts market, open most days except Sunday.

Small shops tend to close at lunch and even on Saturdays. Larger shopping malls are usually open all week, including evenings. Shops are generally open Monday to Friday 0900/0930-1800/1900 and Saturday 0900-1200.