Uruguay Shopping and nightlife

Shopping in Uruguay

Montevideo, Punta del Este and Colonia del Sacramento are the best places for shopping. Special purchases include leather goods, suede jackets, woollens and amethyst jewellery. On Sunday mornings Montevideo's Tristan Narvaja Market is famous for its antiques, books and countless other items sold from stalls spread over several blocks. Equally eclectic and worthwhile is the Saturday Flea Market held in Plaza Constitucion in Montevideo's Old Town. There are also many antique shops in the Old Town. Uruguayan handicrafts are on display at Montevideo's port and also the Ferias Artesanales (artisanal fairs) in Punta del Este and Colonia del Sacramento. The Manos de Uruguay cooperative sells fine woollens at its stores in Montevideo, Punta del Este and Colonia del Sacramento.

Shopping hours

Mon-Fri 0900-1200 and 1400-1900; Sat 0900-1230. Large shopping malls are open daily 1000-2200.

Nightlife in Uruguay

Theatre, ballet and symphonic concerts are staged in Montevideo from March to January. Tango is nearly as popular as in Argentina. Top venues for live performances include Teatro Solís and Sala Zitarrosa. There are discos in downtown Montevideo and coastal suburbs such as Pocitos and Carrasco, as well as a plethora of summer-only nightclubs in Punta del Este. Large Montevideo hotels have good bars, and there are several dinner-dance places. When there is music for dancing, the price of drinks increases considerably. There are also casinos in Montevideo, Punta del Este and Colonia del Sacramento.