Colonia del Sacramento is a charming tourist town situated along the shores of the Río de la Plata (see how to get to Colonia del Sacramento). 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.
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.
1. Strolling through the charming streets of the city
The primary tourist attractions in Colonia del Sacramento are centered in the Old Town, including landmarks like the Lighthouse, Portón de Campo, and the city’s museums. In this area, you’ll discover historical buildings, charming cobblestone streets, and some of the best bars and restaurants in the destination. Taking a leisurely stroll through the streets of the old town, appreciating its architecture and beauty, is certainly one of the best things to do in Colonia del Sacramento.
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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 nestled within the ruins of the Convent of San Francisco, making it one of the most visited landmarks in the destination. The beauty arises from the harmonious blend of stone ruins with the lighthouse, creating a captivating scenery. Additionally, you can climb to the top of the lighthouse to enjoy a privileged view of the city and the Rio de la Plata. When strolling through the Old Town, make sure not to miss the Lighthouse, as taking in the view from above is one of the most captivating things to do in Colonia del Sacramento.
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4. To visit the Portón de Campo
The Portón de Campo, also known as Puerta de la Ciudadela, holds significant historical importance for Colonia del Sacramento, Uruguay. Thus, the gate, located next to a stone wall and a bridge forming the Bastión de San Miguel, is one of the most visited tourist spots in the destination. So, this is another of the best things to do in Colonia del Sacramento.
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.
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6. To taste the Uruguayan parrilla
Make the most of your visit to Colonia del Sacramento by trying the Uruguayan parrilla, a very typical barbecue in the country with various meats served with white rice and salad. To accompany your barbecue, we suggest Uruguayan wine or sangria/clericó (traditional beverages made from wine and fruit), which are popular drinks in the city.
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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.
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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 a worthwhile excursion. In the surroundings of Colonia, you’ll discover amazing vineyards. Therefore, if you’re staying more than a day in the destination, be sure to include the tour on your list of things to do in Colonia del Sacramento. Carmelo, about 1 hour away from Colonia, has beautiful wineries that can be visited independently, but having a car is necessary.
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.
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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.
BOOK BIKE TOUR IN COLONIAMore 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? Then, to keep organizing your trip, check out our recommendations for the best hotels in Colonia del Sacramento and hotels in Colonia del Sacramento with heated pool.
Read More: Buenos Aires to Colonia del Sacramento – How to Get and Prices.
