La Puerta de la Ciudadela (The Door of the Citadel) is the most interesting way to enter the Ciudad Vieja (Old City), with its mix of architectural styles. The Plaza de la Constitucíon is the largest square in the old centre, flanked by the cathedral, the Cabildo (Town Hall) and the Museo Histórico Nacional (National Historical Museum).

A few blocks east, the Plaza Independencia sits between the old and the new city, dominated by a monument of revolutionary leader José Gervasio Artigas and the country's tallest building, the 26-storey Palacio Salvo (1928). Nearby is the Teatro Solís.

East again is the bustling Avenida 18 de Julio - home to most of the city's theatres, museums and art galleries, as well as the Palacio Municipal. Please note that although all the museums are free, most of them have erratic opening times.

Municipal Tourist Office
Explanada Municipal
Tel: 1950.
Website: www.montevideo.gub.uy

Offers information on the city, including free maps and leaflets, together with details of special events.

The Uruguay Tourism Ministry
Avenida Libertador 1409 at Colonia
Tel: (02) 908 9105.
Website: www.turismo.gub.uy

Provides tourist information for the whole country.

There are no city passes available in Montevideo.