Colonia
South America · Uruguay
Did you know?
- The town was founded as a Portuguese colony in 1680.
- Ferry and bus terminals sit beside each other near the historic quarter.
- A climb up the lighthouse opens panoramic views over the historic center.
See also
Buenos Aires
Argentina34.60°S 58.38°W · 25 m
La Plata
Argentina34.92°S 57.95°W · 26 m
Carmelo
Uruguay34.00°S 58.28°W · 23 m
Overview
Colonia del Sacramento pairs cobblestone streets with Portuguese colonial heritage. Its UNESCO-listed historic district makes a convenient stop between Buenos Aires and Montevideo.
Languages: Spanish
Why go?
Colonia del Sacramento is a UNESCO World Heritage site with cobblestone streets and historic buildings. Founded in 1680 as a Portuguese colony, it is a popular weekend getaway from Buenos Aires and a convenient stop on the route between Buenos Aires and Montevideo.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Get around
The old city is compact and easily walkable in a day. Bicycles, scooters, cars, and golf carts are available for rent near the terminals. Streets, especially cobbled ones, can be uneven. The ferry and bus terminals are adjacent, about 500 m east of the historic quarter.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Where to stay
Accommodation is concentrated in the downtown and old city area, with some hotels along the beach to the north. Budget hostels include Hostel Colonial and Celestino Hostel, while mid-range options like Posada De la Ciudadela offer good value.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Food and drink
The old city is full of restaurants serving Italian and asado (barbecue), as well as Uruguayan specialties like chivitos and fresh ice cream. Waterfront dining offers great views but higher prices. Budget options are more common in the downtown area away from the historic core.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Things to do
The main attraction is the historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with Portuguese colonial buildings, cobblestone streets, and old city walls. Climb the lighthouse for panoramic views, visit the museums (combined ticket U$50), and enjoy the famous sunsets. The old bullfighting ring and quarry lakes are other sights. Independence Day (Aug 25) features horse racing.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Stay safe
Colonia is a safe tourist town with minimal harassment, but petty crime exists, especially on beaches—never leave belongings unattended. Stray dogs are common but generally not aggressive.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Connect
Free Ceibal WiFi is available in parts of the historic district. Some restaurants also offer Wi-Fi.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Day trips
Buenos Aires is just across the river, reachable by ferry. Other nearby destinations include Conchillas (English immigrant architecture), Fray Bentos (UNESCO meat-packing complex), Montevideo (capital), and Nueva Helvecia (Swiss-German heritage). Anchorena National Park (U$50 entry) offers nature tours.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Go next
From Colonia, onward travel to Buenos Aires, Montevideo, Conchillas, Fray Bentos, or Nueva Helvecia is easy via ferry or bus.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Field guide adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0. Text has been adapted and organized for this guide. About our sources.
Places to know
A few starting points from the guide. Check current hours and prices before you go.
- eat
Bocadesanto
Burger place with craft beers and a vegetarian option. Menu in Spanish and English.
Recorded price: U$450–600
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- eat
Buena Moza
Inexpensive empanadas and pizza with lots of options for fillings/toppings. Delivery available.
Recorded price: U$150–300
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- eat
Candela
Cozy restaurant, crowded on weekends, with inexpensive, generous servings. Two people can easily share a serving. Messages from customers are written all over the walls. Indoor and outdoor seating. Delivery available.
Recorded price: U$200-300
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- eat
Charco
Charming, stylish restaurant run by a hotel. Delicious food served on a heated patio right on the river with beautiful views. Indoor seating is also available. Reservations recommended but not required.
Recorded price: U$600+
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- eat
El Abuelo
Small shop selling slices of more than 40 types of pies, savory and sweet. Generous portions, especially of the sweet pies. Menu in Spanish and English, good vegetarian options. Takeout or delivery only.
Recorded price: Around U$100 for a slice
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- eat
El Drugstore
This restaurant is pretty artsy and colorful on the inside. Everything seems to be painted in different colors and there's a quirky assortment of paintings, posters, photos and trinkets decorating the walls. There is a small stage where local guitarists are playing. They have an extensive menu ranging from Uruguayan specialties (though their chivito is only served al plato) to Japanese vegetarian dishes. On the downside they charge a cover charge (like most restaurants in Uruguay). They have outdoor seating as well.
Recorded price: U$250–500
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- eat
El Torreón
If you always wanted to eat or have a glass in an old mill, you can do so at El Torreón. They also have outdoor seating. The food itself is nothing special, but it's right by the water so the views are lovely.
Recorded price: U$500+
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- eat
Irene's
Mostly vegetarian food, including vegan and gluten free options. Good for visitors hoping to try vegetarian versions of Uruguayan specialties like milanesas and chivitos, or looking for a respite from standard meat-heavy Uruguayan cuisine. Menu in Spanish and English. There is a health food store next door.
Recorded price: U$250–400
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
Before you go
Accommodation
Hostels and hotels concentrated in downtown and old city. Budget dorms from U$315.
Connectivity
Free Ceibal WiFi in historic district; some restaurants have Wi-Fi.
Food
Italian and asado specialties. Budget options are outside the old city.
Money
Many places accept US dollars, Argentinian pesos, and Brazilian reais. Check which currency is marked. Avoid banks with high exchange fees; use HSBC or Banco República.
Safety
Colonia is safe but petty crime occurs. Never leave belongings unattended on the beach.
Transport
Old town is walkable. Bicycles, scooters, cars, and golf carts available for rent.