If you plan to travel to Uruguay or Buenos Aires, taking at least a one-day getaway to the charming city of Colonia is almost a must. And because it’s a small destination, it’s possible to visit its attractions on a day trip to Colonia del Sacramento.
When visiting Colonia del Sacramento in one day, you can explore the most iconic tourist spots, appreciate the charming colonial architecture, stroll through the cobblestone streets, and enjoy the delights of Uruguayan cuisine.
How to get to Colonia del Sacramento?
To get to Colonia del Sacramento, the main means of transportation include car, bus, and ferry. However, the best way to reach the destination will depend on your starting point.
For more information, check out our article on how to get to Colonia del Sacramento, where we discuss the various ways to reach the destination from Punta del Este, Montevideo, and Buenos Aires.
A brief itinerary for the day trip to Colonia del Sacramento
The Old Town is the main attraction of the city. So, I recommend that you start the day exploring the tourist spots and streets in this area, as it offers some of the best things to do in Colonia del Sacramento.
If you arrive early, begin your day by enjoying a delicious Uruguayan breakfast on Calle del Comercio (Commerce Street). The area has excellent establishments to enjoy a coffee while you take in the beauty of the old town.
Afterward, explore the landmarks of the Old Town, visit a museum, discover Calle de los Suspiros, stroll through the charming cobblestone streets and Bastión de San Pedro, and explore Portón de Campo and Bastión de San Miguel.
When you start to feel hungry, pause your tour and choose a good restaurant to enjoy a delicious Uruguayan lunch. I suggest you try the Uruguayan parrilla (barbecue) or the chivito (a typical Uruguayan sandwich), and to accompany it, there’s nothing better than the traditional sangria or a fine Uruguayan wine.
Still in the Old Town, be sure to visit the Lighthouse and the ruins of the Convento de San Francisco (Convent of San Francisco). If the day is sunny, I recommend visiting the lighthouse at sunset, as the view becomes even more beautiful. And if you enjoy visiting casinos or are curious, it’s worth checking out the Casino del Estado (State Casino).
For those who wish to explore the surroundings of the Old Town, visit the Plaza de Toros (we didn’t find it very impressive, so I recommend it only for those staying more than one day). And if you enjoy shopping, you might be interested in visiting Colonia Shopping.
A possible schedule for the day trip to Colonia del Sacramento is as follows:
- Breakfast
- Old Town
- Calle de los Suspiros
- Portón de Campo
- Visit a museum
- Have lunch
- Explore Bastión de San Pedro
- Visit the Casino del Estado
- Lighthouse and the Ruins of the Convent of San Francisco
*It’s worth noting that this is just a suggested itinerary for a day trip to Colonia del Sacramento, so you should adapt it to your personal preferences and availability. The tourist attractions in the old town are close to each other, so don’t feel obligated to follow a specific order to explore the attractions.
What to do in one day in Colonia del Sacramento: A detailed itinerary
Colonia del Sacramento’s Old Town
The Old Town of Colonia del Sacramento is where the main tourist attractions, restaurants, and bars are concentrated. As a result, this is where visitors who are going to Colonia del Sacramento for the day should start.
Make sure you visit General Flores Avenue and Calle 18 de Julio while on your tour. Explore as many streets as you can, as most of them are beautiful.
Tip: Many of the streets in the Old Town are cobblestone. To ensure your comfort, I recommend wearing comfortable shoes.
Book a private tour of Colonia del Sacramento.
Calle de los Suspiros
When exploring Old Town, a visit to Calle de los Suspiros, one of the oldest streets in the city, is highly recommended. It’s a small cobblestone street with beautiful colonial houses, walls covered in flowers, and an intriguing legend to make everything more interesting. It’s an ideal attraction to include in a one-day itinerary in Colonia del Sacramento.
Portón de Campo
Located in the Old Town, the Portón de Campo, or Puerta de la Ciudadela is a monument of great historical importance to Colonia. The gateway, along with a stone wall and a bridge, forms the Bastión de San Miguel, and it is one of the most visited tourist attractions in the destination.
Book a private tour of Colonia del Sacramento.
Museums of Colonia del Sacramento
Colonia del Sacramento is a historic city with more than six museums open to visitors. Therefore, if you love visiting museums, it’s worth including at least one in your Colonia del Sacramento itinerary for a day.
The main museums in Colonia del Sacramento, Uruguay, are:
- Vivienda Portuguesa: Housed in an 18th-century stone building, it holds a rich collection of Portuguese colonial artifacts.
- Espacio Dr. B. Rebuffo: Using artwork and artifacts, the museum showcases the history and development of the city from prehistoric times to the present.
- Espacio del Azulejo: It boasts an impressive collection of decorative tiles spanning from historical to contemporary, crafted using a diverse range of techniques.
- Espacio Indígena: Dedicated to preserving and showcasing the culture and history of indigenous peoples, the museum features an exhibition filled with indigenous artifacts.
- Archivo Histórico Regional: Compiling records and archives that provide context for the place of interest.
- Espacio Español: Its exhibits narrate the daily life and history of Colonia in the mid-19th century, when the population was predominantly of Spanish origin.
Lighthouse and the San Francisco Convent Ruins
One of the most popular tourist destinations in the area is the Colonia del Sacramento Lighthouse, which is tucked away among the Convent of San Francisco’s ruins. The backdrop of stone ruins blending with the lighthouse is breathtaking. In addition to its external beauty, you can climb the lighthouse to enjoy a privileged view of the city and the Río de la Plata.
Book a private tour of Colonia del Sacramento.
Bastión de San Pedro
The Bastión de San Pedro is located on the banks of the Rio de la Plata, making it one of the best spots to catch the sunset in Colonia del Sacramento. In addition to the beautiful river view, you’ll find a large Uruguayan flag, one of the city’s iconic landmarks. On your day trip to Colonia del Sacramento, you should not skip this must-see attraction.
Location: Paseo Gabriel y De San, De San Pedro, Colonia del Sacramento, Uruguay.
Casino del Estado
Situated in the Old Town is a small casino called Casino del Estado. It is owned by the Radisson Hotel and features gaming machines, a currency exchange, a bar, and an ATM.
Location: Rivadavia 297, 70000 Colonia del Sacramento, Uruguay.
Other Colonia del Sacramento tourist attractions include:
- Plaza de Toros: The attraction underwent restoration and refurbishment between 2019 and 2021, becoming a cultural arena that hosts a variety of shows and performances. Guided tours are also available at the venue; reservations should be made online or, if available, on-site.
- Colonia Shopping: Although it is small, shoppers may enjoy a fun day trip there. Moreover, there’s a currency exchange inside.
- Basílica del Santísimo Sacramento: if you’re a lover of history and architecture, it’s worth visiting the Basilica while walking through the Old Town. It is one of Uruguay’s oldest churches and has some interesting architecture, combining Spanish and Portuguese architectural styles, though it might not be a must-see sight. Additionally, it’s possible to include a quick visit to the church in a one-day itinerary for Colonia del Sacramento.
Colonia del Sacramento restaurant recommendations and local cuisine
On your day trip to Colonia del Sacramento, don’t miss the chance to savor the most typical foods of Uruguay. Make the most of your trip by trying the popular chivito, the delicious parrilla, and enjoying a glass of Uruguayan wine or sangria. And don’t forget to taste the Uruguayan alfajor, which is a delight.
Curious about Uruguay’s traditional dishes and restaurant tips? Check out the article on the best restaurants in Colonia del Sacramento, featuring recommendations for fantastic establishments and must-try local dishes at each spot.
Tips for your one-day itinerary in Colonia del Sacramento
For your day trip to Colonia del Sacramento, check out the rest of our tips:
- The one-day itinerary is ideal for those planning a day trip to Colonia del Sacramento, whether coming from Montevideo, Buenos Aires, or another Uruguayan city (find out how to get to Colonia del Sacramento).
- If you’re planning just a day trip from Buenos Aires, there’s no need to exchange money. In addition to Uruguayan pesos, most establishments at the destination accept dollars, euros, Argentine pesos, and cards.
- To explore Colonia del Sacramento in one day, you’ll be walking a lot, especially in the Old Town, where the streets are cobblestone. So, don’t forget to wear comfortable shoes and clothing.
- Remember that this is our suggested one-day itinerary for Colonia del Sacramento, but you can adapt it to your personal preferences. For example, if you’re not into museums, swap that tourist spot for another.
- For more information, don’t miss our travel guide to Colonia del Sacramento, which is full of great tips.
If you’re planning to stay longer, check out our tips on where to stay in Colonia del Sacramento.
PLAN YOUR TRIP TO URUGUAY
Book your hotel in Uruguay in advance
To ensure the best stay in Uruguay, we recommend using Booking or Hotels.com, reservation sites we trust for all our trips. With a wide selection of hotels and the best available rates, you will find the perfect option for your stay, ensuring an incredible and economical travel experience. Our favorite hotels in Uruguay are:
- The Grand Hotel (Punta del Este)
- Charco Hotel (Colonia del Sacramento)
- Leading Hotels of the World (Montevideo)
For greater convenience, rent a car in Uruguay
Uruguay is a wonderful country to explore by car, offering stunning landscapes and charming cities. If your plan is to explore more than one city and maximize your comfort and freedom, renting a car is the ideal choice. The companies we recommend for car rentals are Discover Cars and Rental Cars.
Book your tours and experiences
Planning your tours in advance can save you a lot of time during your trip. Imagine being able to book all your activities directly from the comfort of your home and even pay with your credit card. The companies we use and recommend for booking tours and buying tickets are Viator, Civitatis, and Get Your Guide.
