11 best things to do in Colonia del Sacramento

Colonia del Sacramento is a charming tourist town situated along the shores of the Rio de la Plata. This destination, located near Montevideo and Buenos Aires, attracts many travelers from both Uruguay and Argentina. Despite its size, there is no shortage of things to do in Colonia del Sacramento.

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Discover the attractions of Colonia del Sacramento

The main attractions of Colonia del Sacramento are located in the Old Town, and it is possible to visit them in a single-day trip.

Outside the Old Town, there are some very interesting attractions, such as visiting a winery with wine tasting. That’s why we think it’s worth staying more than one day at the destination.

To explore the Old Town and surrounding areas on your own, I recommend renting a bicycle or buggy.

To fully immerse yourself in the history of the destination, hire a guided tour.

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The best things to do in Colonia del Sacramento

Discover our tips for the best things to do in Colonia del Sacramento, Uruguay, with an unmissable selection of tours, attractions, and landmarks that will make your trip unforgettable (see how to get to Colonia del Sacramento).

1. Strolling through the charming streets of the city

The Old Town of Colonia del Sacramento is where the main tourist attractions are located, such as the Lighthouse, the City Gate, and the city’s museums. In this area, you will find historic buildings, charming cobblestone streets, and some of the best bars and restaurants in the destination. Walking leisurely through the streets of the Old Town and admiring its buildings and beauty is one of the best things to do in Colonia del Sacramento.

BOOK A PRIVATE TOUR IN COLONIA.

2. Visit the beautiful Calle de los Suspiros

Calle de los Suspiros is one of the oldest and most beautiful streets in Colonia. It’s a narrow cobblestone street with lovely colonial houses that perfectly showcase the blend of Spanish and Portuguese architecture. Moreover, the history of this charming street is filled with many legends.

3. Explore the Colonia del Sacramento Lighthouse

The Colonia Lighthouse is located amidst the Ruins of the San Francisco Convent, being one of the most visited tourist attractions in the destination. The scene formed by the stone ruins blending with the lighthouse is very beautiful. You can climb the lighthouse to enjoy a privileged view of the city and the Rio de la Plata. While strolling through the Old Town, be sure to visit the Lighthouse, as admiring the view from the top is one of the most captivating things to do in Colonia del Sacramento. There is a charge of 50 Uruguayan pesos to climb the lighthouse, but the price may vary as it is symbolic.

4. To visit the Portón de Campo

The Portón de Campo, or Puerta de la Ciudadela, is a monument of great historical significance for Colonia del Sacramento, Uruguay. This gateway, located next to a stone wall and a bridge that form the Bastión de San Miguel, is also one of the most visited tourist attractions in the destination.

5. To visit a museum in Colonia

If you enjoy cultural outings, a museum should be on your list of things to do in Colonia del Sacramento. The destination boasts over six museums that narrate the history and culture of the city through their exhibits. Therefore, if you want to learn more about the origin, history, and influence of the Spanish and Portuguese in Colonia, make sure to visit at least one museum in the destination. The main museums in the city include the Vivienda Portuguesa, Espacio Dr. B. Rebuffo, Espacio del Azulejo, Espacio Indígena, Archivo Histórico Regional, and the Espacio Español.

6. To taste the Uruguayan parrilla

Take advantage of your visit to Colonia del Sacramento to try the Uruguayan parrilla, a traditional barbecue with a variety of meats, served with white rice and salad. To accompany your barbecue, we suggest a Uruguayan wine or a sangria/clericó (traditional beverages made from wine and fruit), both popular drinks in the city. Many restaurants in Colonia del Sacramento offer this typical dish.

7. To eat a delicious Chivito

Chivito is the most popular sandwich in Uruguay and one of the tastiest we’ve ever had, so be sure to try this traditional dish on your trip. After all, tasting the local cuisine should be part of your itinerary for the best things to do in Colonia del Sacramento. The chivito is made with beef (in the form of a steak), a fried egg, bacon, cheese, salad, and sauce, and it usually comes with french fries.

Check out a list of the best restaurants in Colonia del Sacramento with tips on where to eat chivito.

8. To admire the sunset

The sunset in Colonia del Sacramento is simply perfect. So, if your day is sunny during your trip, don’t miss out on appreciating this spectacle where the sun sets over the Río de La Plata, illuminating the ruins and monuments of the small town with its golden hues. We recommend two good places to watch the sunset in the city: the Bastión de San Pedro and the Bastión de San Miguel.

9. To visit a winery in Colonia

Uruguay produces excellent wines, so visiting a winery in the country is an experience worth adding to your list of things to do in Colonia del Sacramento. In the surrounding areas, you will find amazing wineries. Therefore, if you’re staying more than one day in the city, be sure to include this tour in your itinerary. Carmelo, located about an hour from Colonia, has beautiful wineries that can be visited on your own, but you will need a car. You can also book a tour to visit a winery.

10. To take a day trip in Carmelo

How about making the most of your trip to Colonia del Sacramento and exploring another charming destination in Uruguay? Carmelo is a small town, about a 1-hour drive from Colonia del Sacramento. It’s less frequented by tourists, but it’s a delightful destination with beautiful vineyards, lakes, and scenic landscapes. For a more convenient visit to the town, we suggest renting a car, but it’s also possible to get there by bus or by booking a tour.

11. To ride a bike in Colonia del Sacramento

One of the best things to do in Colonia del Sacramento is bike, as it allows you to explore more of the destination with ease. You can rent a bike on-site or join a bike tour, and some hotels also offer complimentary bikes for their guests.

More tips on what to do in Colonia del Sacramento

• Plaza de Toros (Toros Square): The attraction underwent restoration and refurbishment between 2019 and 2021, becoming a cultural arena that hosts a variety of shows and performances. The venue also offers guided tours, which should be booked online or on-site (if available).
• Colonia Shopping: It’s small, but it can be a pleasant outing for shopping enthusiasts. Additionally, it has a currency exchange office.
• Casino del Estado: A small casino located in Old Town. It belongs to the Radisson Hotel and features gaming machines, a currency exchange, a bar, and an ATM.
• Basílica del Santíssimo Sacramento (Basilica of the Holy Sacrament): One of the oldest churches in Uruguay, portraying the fusion of Portuguese and Spanish architectural techniques.

Liked our tips for the best things to do in Colonia del Sacramento? Ready to keep planning your adventure? Dive into our ultimate travel guide to Colonia del Sacramento and expert tips on the best places to stay.