Ten Things I Love About Montevideo

Posted on June 5, 2007
Filed Under Montevideo, Places | 10 Comments

I read another blogger’s post about the 10 things he loves and another one about the 10 things he hates about living in Uruguay and it inspired me. Since life in the interior is quite different from life in the capital, I thought it would be best to separate the two. So I’ll save what I like about Uruguay for another post. Also since there’s nothing I really hate about Uruguay, I’ll write instead about the things that I find puzzling. Without much further ado, here are the ten things I like most about Montevideo.

The Rambla. It stretches for so many kilometers and it is so charming that it is impossible to take it for granted. It is one the greatest assets of the city.

The beaches. Few large cities in the world have so many kilometers of usable sandy beaches freely accessible to all. The beaches in Montevideo are very democratic, open to anyone that can pay for a bus ride. In the summer, especially on weekends you see whole families from babies to 80 year olds together for a day at the beach. This is a treasure.

Trees and parks. Montevideo has an exceptionally large number of tall trees throughout the city. The shady streets are quite pleasant in the summer and offer changes in color and mood in the spring and fall. Many of these shady streets lead to a variety of parks and plazas, each with its own life.

Tranquil and safe. One can walk around in most areas without fear of being stabbed, shot or kidnapped. While crime does exist, it is manageable.

Walking. Montevideo is a walker’s city. One can easily live quite happily without a car. Just a short walk down a pleasant (flat) tree lined street gets you to the butcher, the baker, the market or the movies.

Small shops. Small businesses are sprinkled throughout the city and you can shop for 90% of what you need without needing to walk more than six blocks. The remaining 10%, they deliver, for free. In most other countries, the small shop system has virtually disappeared.

Bus system. Compared to other places, the buses are old. It is also true that fares are high by Uruguayan standards. However, they fulfill my criteria for good service: the buses run often, cover most of the city and are safe. This means that if I choose to take a bus I wont be waiting for twenty minutes like here in the US and I don’t run the chance of being robbed at gun point or burned alive like in some cities in Brazil.

Farmers’ markets. Montevideo has many farmers markets where one can buy inexpensive, fresh local produce.

Affordable restaurants. The city has many one-of-a-kind restaurants that are quite affordable. It is true that the Uruguayan cuisine has a narrow theme, but I happen to like it.

Seat of power. Uruguay’s power is concentrated in Montevideo. This means that those living there can go in person to whatever company or government institution that one may need to deal with.

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10 Responses to “Ten Things I Love About Montevideo”

Urufish on June 5th, 2007 8:54 am

This is an outstanding article. You are dead on.
Maria on June 5th, 2007 2:01 pm

People are burned alive in Brazil? Please tell me you are joking.
Brazzie on June 5th, 2007 2:21 pm

Unfortunately it is no joke. It has happened in Rio and in Sao Paulo. It was used as “tool” by organized crime to send a message to authorities to stop messing with them. Armed people entered a bus with guns, robbed people poured gasoline inside and shot at anyone that attempted to leave. Several people were burned alive. Others survived with severe burns. In other cases buses were shot at, killing people inside. It was to show who is in charge. And this was not the first time either. See link below (in Portuguese):
http://www.estadao.com.br/ultimas/cidades/noticias/2006/dez/29/85.htm

It was hard to watch the interview with the badly burned survivors and not choke up. It still haunts me.
Pio on June 5th, 2007 6:12 pm

Sadly I just read under crime LA BANDA DEL BOLETO, I should stop reading news! http://www.uruguaydailynews.com/
Ant on June 5th, 2007 6:56 pm

That article on Brazilian crime is shocking. Ive heard so many great things about Rio and Sao Paolo… I was considering a visit in summer… This got me thinking.

Brazzie, I would like to add some more points to your list

11. Apples. You get very cheap & high quality delicious apples in Montevideo.
12. Friendly people.
13. Night life

I havent been here long enough to experience summer here.
Brazzie on June 5th, 2007 7:29 pm

Pio, I just read the original article in ultimasnoticias.com.uy and it is worrisome. Until recently the few bus robberies were limited to getting the money from the collector. This same type of crime scared all the middle class away from the buses in the big cities in Brazil. Sad.

Ant, this barbarous crime I referred to is fortunately a very rare thing. However, robberies are a dime a dozen in Rio and Sao Paulo and are rarely reported, unless something gruesome happens. Both Rio and Sao Paulo are nice cities but I would not recommend going there unless you have a local guide with you or you are are in a tour group. I have been to both cities several times and find them relatively safe if you can blend in (in looks AND behavior). That however is very hard to do for most foreigners.

In the summer look out for:
14) Peaches
15) Figs
Futurexpat on June 5th, 2007 10:51 pm

I’ve been told that Uruguayans who visit the USA are particularly fond of Chicago.
After reading what you wrote about the Rambla and the beaches I can see why. Chicago’s Lake Shore Drive is very much like the Rambla, and the entire lakefront is public land with parks and numerous beaches.
Brazzie on June 6th, 2007 7:56 am

Now that you say it, I see the similarities. I’ve been to Chicago a few times and it is truly a lovely city.
Lisa on June 6th, 2007 8:59 am

Nice list Brazzie!

16) Empanadas & churros
17) Dog walkers & their bands of dogs!
Anonymous on June 24th, 2007 2:03 pm

18) The sidewalks. It has been a while since I’ve visited, but I recall that the dancing of gray on white is beautiful to watch as you drive through the city. Hopefully these are in Montevideo, and I am not confusing them with Punta del Este.

I have just discovered your blog and I, too, am Uruguay Dreaming…

Ten Things I Love About Montevideo

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