Including at least one day trip to Colonia del Sacramento in your itinerary is a must if you are traveling through Uruguay or Buenos Aires. And, due to the size of the destination, it’s possible to explore Colonia del Sacramento in just one day.
Spending one day in Colonia del Sacramento allows you to explore the most emblematic tourist attractions, appreciate the charming colonial architecture, stroll through cobblestone streets, and savor the delights of Uruguayan cuisine.
How to get to Colonia del Sacramento?
To get to Colonia del Sacramento, the main means of transportation are by 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 ways to reach the destination from Punta del Este, Montevideo, and Buenos Aires. But if you’re in the Argentine capital, check out the article on how to go from Buenos Aires to Colonia del Sacramento, with all the information to make the ferry crossing.
A brief itinerary for the day trip to Colonia del Sacramento
The Old Town is the main attraction of the city, so I recommend starting your day exploring the landmarks and streets of this area, as it features some of the best things to do in Colonia del Sacramento.
If you’ve arrived early, start your day by indulging in a good Uruguayan breakfast on Calle del Comercio (Commerce Street). The area offers excellent choices for enjoying a coffee while you contemplate the beauties 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 feel hungry, pause your tour and choose a good restaurant to enjoy a delicious Uruguayan lunch (check out our restaurant tips in Colonia del Sacramento). I suggest trying the Uruguayan parrilla (barbecue) or chivito (a typical Uruguayan sandwich), and to accompany your meal, there’s nothing better than traditional sangria or a good Uruguayan wine.
Still in the Old Town, be sure to visit the Lighthouse and the ruins of the Convento de São 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 looking to explore the surroundings of the old town, check out the Plaza de Toros (we didn’t find it very impressive, so I recommend it mainly for those staying longer). And if you enjoy shopping, you might be interested in visiting Colonia Shopping.
Suggested itinerary for the day trip to Colonia del Sacramento:
- 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 Convento de San Francisco Javier
*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
The Old Town of Colonia del Sacramento
The primary focus of tourist attractions, restaurants, and bars lies within the Old Town of Colonia del Sacramento. Therefore, this is the starting point for those embarking on a day trip to Colonia del Sacramento.
During your tour, be sure to pass through General Flores Avenue, Calle 18 de Julio, and Calle de Los Suspiros. Explore as many streets as you can, as most of them are beautiful.
Tip: Many of the streets in the Old Town are cobblestone. So, to ensure your comfort, I recommend wearing comfortable shoes.
Calle de los Suspiros
While walking through the Old Town, be sure to visit one of the oldest streets in the city, Calle de los Suspiros. 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.
BOOK WALKING TOUR
Portón de Campo
Located in the Old Town, Portón de Campo, or Puerta de la Ciudadela, is a monument of great historical importance to Colonia. Thus, the gate, which is next to a stone wall and a bridge, forming the Bastión de San Miguel, is one of the most visited tourist attractions in the destination.
BOOK WALKING TOUR
Museums of Colonia del Sacramento
Colonia del Sacramento is a historic city with over six museums open for visitation. So, if you’re someone who loves visiting museums, it’s worth adding at least one to your itinerary for a day trip to Colonia del Sacramento.
The main museums in Colonia del Sacramento are:
- Vivienda Portuguesa: Housed in an 18th-century stone building, it holds a rich collection of Portuguese colonial artifacts.
- Espacio Dr. B. Rebuffo: Showcasing the history and evolution of the city, from prehistoric times to the present day, through artworks and artifacts.
- 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: Bringing together archives and documents that tell the story of the destination.
- 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 Ruins of the Convento de San Francisco
The Colonia del Sacramento Lighthouse is nestled among the ruins of the Convent of San Francisco, making it one of the most visited tourist spots in the destination. 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 WALKING TOUR
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. This is a must-visit attraction and should not be missed on your day trip to Colonia del Sacramento.
Location: Paseo Gabriel y De San, De San Pedro, Colonia del Sacramento, Uruguay.
Casino del Estado
The Casino del Estado is a small casino located in the Old Town. 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.
If you’re a history and architecture enthusiast, it’s worth visiting the Basílica del Santíssimo Sacramento as you stroll through the Old Town. While not a must-see attraction, it is one of Uruguay’s oldest churches, with intriguing architecture that reflects the fusion of Portuguese and Spanish architectural techniques. Additionally, you can include a quick visit to the church in your day trip to Colonia del Sacramento.
Other tourist attractions in Colonia:
- 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. The venue also offers guided tours, which should be booked online or on-site (if available).
- Colonia Shopping: It’s small but can be a pleasant outing for shopping enthusiasts. Moreover, there’s a currency exchange inside.
Tips for restaurants and typical dishes of Colonia del Sacramento
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:
- If you’re planning to visit Montevideo, Buenos Aires, or any other city in Uruguay, be sure to consider the day trip to Colonia del Sacramento as a must-have experience (check out how to get to Colonia del Sacramento).
- To explore Colonia del Sacramento in one day, you’ll be doing quite a bit of walking, especially in the old town where the streets are cobblestone. So, don’t forget to wear comfortable shoes and clothing.
- Remember, this is our suggested itinerary for the day trip to Colonia del Sacramento, so feel free to adapt it to your personal preferences. For instance, if you’re not a fan of museums, swap that sightseeing point for another.
- For more information, be sure to check out our travel guide to Colonia del Sacramento, packed with must-know tips and hotels in Colonia del Sacramento with heated pool.
Read more: TOP 11 best hotels in Colonia del Sacramento.
