Mercado del Puerto
Cultural heritage monument of Uruguay. Historic market hall in the port with restaurants and crafts.
🌐 mercadodelpuerto.com.uy🕒 Mo-Su 09:30-17:00
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Port Market
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Landmark
The Mercado del Puerto (Port Market) is a spirited center for gastronomy and culture in Montevideo's Old Town (Ciudad Vieja), near the harbor. Opened on October 10, 1868, it is famous for its numerous 'parrillas,' traditional Uruguayan barbecue restaurants. The market's impressive metal structure was prefabricated in the workshops of T. B. Stewart in Liverpool, England, and shipped to Montevideo. Originally conceived as a fruit, vegetable, and meat market, it evolved over time into a popular gathering spot for locals and tourists alike. The atmosphere is defined by the sizzle of meat on the grills, the buzz of visitors, and the sounds of street musicians. Here, one can sample authentic Uruguayan dishes like 'asado' (barbecued beef), 'morcilla' (blood sausage), and the typical drink 'Medio y Medio'. The market is more than just a place to eat; it is a living symbol of Uruguayan culture and sociability.
- Location: Uruguay
- Top sights: Mercado del Puerto · Museo de Carnaval · Graf Spee Rangefinder
- Nearby: Las Piedras (12 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Mar, Nov, Dec.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 23 | 23 | 21 | 18 | 15 | 12 | 10 | 12 | 13 | 16 | 19 | 21 |
| Rain mm | 102 | 106 | 118 | 114 | 84 | 98 | 92 | 89 | 96 | 103 | 96 | 86 |
📋 Practical info
Visiting
The historic iron-framed market hall is joyfully open to all incoming visitors, consistently offering a wonderfully bustling atmosphere thoroughly packed with traditional barbecue restaurants and animated local culture.
Typical hours
The lively market is primarily active and booming during lunchtime and early afternoon hours, with many of the famously traditional grill restaurants completely closing their kitchens well before the late evening.
Photography
The highly energetic environment, the massive traditional grills heavily laden with sizzling meat, and the intricately beautiful 19th-century ironwork collectively make this a highly photogenic spot for capturing local life.
Time needed
Definitely plan to spend at least one to two highly enjoyable hours here, especially if you genuinely intend to sit down at one of the lively counter bars and slowly savor a hearty, traditional Uruguayan barbecue meal.
Combine with
It unequivocally serves as an excellent starting or ending point for a comprehensive walking tour straight through the adjacent Ciudad Vieja (Old City), fully exploring its pleasant colonial architecture and diverse museums.
Getting there
Conveniently located right near the main port entrance at the extreme edge of the Old City, the market is effortlessly accessible on foot from most central downtown locations or via a remarkably short and easy taxi ride.
Insider tip
To thoroughly experience the market at its absolute liveliest, purposefully plan your visit for a Saturday afternoon when the atmosphere is highly energetic, very frequently featuring local street musicians playing outside.
Geography
Facts
- Opened: October 10, 1868
- Specialty: Parrillas (barbecue restaurants)
- Structure manufactured in: Liverpool, England
- Location: Ciudad Vieja, Montevideo
- Typical drink: Medio y Medio
- Declared a National Historic Monument
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Port Market (10)
Museo de Carnaval🏛 museum
Museum in Montevideo, Uruguay. Exhibition on the history of Uruguayan carnival.
🌐 museodelcarnaval.org🕒 We-Su 11:00-17:00
Old Dockyard Crane
Old port crane in Montevideo. Historic industrial monument at the harbor.
Parroquia San Francisco de Asís
Church in Montevideo. Catholic parish in the historic center.
Museo del Gaucho y la Moneda🏛 museum
Museum in Uruguay. Exhibition on gaucho culture and coin history.
Plaza Zabala🌳 park
Urban square in Montevideo, Uruguay. Historic square with monument and trees.
Recreo Ciudad Vieja
Theatre in Montevideo. Cultural venue in the old town.
Galería de las Misiones
Gallery in Montevideo. Exhibition space for contemporary art.
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
What should one eat at the Mercado del Puerto?
Definitely try the Uruguayan grilled meat (Asado).
Port Market: where is it located?
Port Market is located in Uruguay.
Port Market: what is there to see?
Highlights include Mercado del Puerto, Museo de Carnaval, Graf Spee Rangefinder.
Port Market: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Mar, Nov, Dec.
Port Market: why is it worth visiting?
The Mercado del Puerto (Port Market) is a spirited center for gastronomy and culture in Montevideo's Old Town (Ciudad Vieja), near the harbor.
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History & landmarks
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An elegant French-style palace in the Old City that houses the Museum of Decorative Arts.
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The main Catholic church in Montevideo, located on the Plaza de la Constitución.
Solís Theatre
The oldest theatre in Uruguay, playing an important role in the cultural life of Montevideo.
Mausoleum of José Gervasio Artigas
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Palacio Salvo
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Santos Palace
The headquarters of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Uruguay, an impressive historic building in Montevideo.
Telecommunications Tower
A modern skyscraper and the tallest building in Uruguay, used by Antel.
Legislative Palace
The monumental seat of the General Assembly of Uruguay, known for its neoclassical architecture.
More places
Port Market
A historical market hall in Montevideo from 1868 with an impressive iron structure.
Taranco Palace
A magnificent palace of French architecture in Montevideo, which now houses the Museum of Decorative Arts.
House of Fructuoso Rivera
The former residence of the first president of Uruguay, now an important branch of the National Historical Museum.
Montevideo Free Port
A special customs zone within the Port of Montevideo allowing logistics and goods handling without import taxes.
Port of Montevideo
Uruguay's largest seaport, handling the majority of its foreign trade.
Lavalleja's House
The colonial residence of Juan Antonio Lavalleja, a national hero of Uruguay, which now serves as a museum.
Cabildo of Montevideo
The historic city hall where the first constitution of Uruguay was signed in 1830.
Solís Theatre
The oldest and most important theater in Uruguay, opened in 1856 with classical architecture.