Things to do & places to visit in Colonia Department, Uruguay

Colonia Department #3 destination in Uruguay 2023. The average rating score is 4.33 based on 35.6k traveler reviews, of 87 attractions. Timezone: America/Montevideo, current date and time: Sunday, May 12, 2024, 7:03.

Top things to do (26)

Top places to visit (30 attractions) view more »

5.0 Bodega Boutique El Legado (449 reviews)
- Romantic Wine Retreat!
Sunday: 11:00 AM - 8:00 PM Wineries & Vineyards

We had a wonderful stay at Bernardo’s new Posada off the beaten track in Carmelo. They make delicious silky round wines and offer a very intimate experience. You feel like you are catching up with old friends. The Posada offers bicycles, so you can cycle to neighboring wineries close by. Enjoy a sunset drink on the roof of the Posada overlooking the vineyards! Muchas gracias Bernardo. Volvemos! Abrazo. Ryan - Owner of The Wine Experience See more..
5.0 Antik Objetos con Alma (37 reviews)
- Fantastic, Beautiful Hidden Gem
Sunday: 11:00 AM - 7:30 PM Speciality & Gift Shops • Art Galleries • Antique Shops

The most notorious picture that will catch your eye about Antik is that it is situated outside the main tour.The owners of this antiques and furniture shop decided to establish themselves at Riachuelo, a charming town 12 Km away from Colonia city. After a wonder through, you will be tempted to enjoy the surroundings and a coffee with cakes and home made cookies. See more..
5.0 Museo Cars (33 reviews)
- Más que un museo
Sunday: 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums

Nos sorprendió gratamente, sin duda un museo excelente no sólo de autos tiene una estación de servicio antigua distintos sectores super bien ambientado cómo una barbería, farmacia, etc. El dueño siempre está a disposición y amablemente nos contó algunas historias sobre los objetos expuestos. Un museo sin duda de nivel internacional, muy recomendable. See more..
5.0 Museo del Origami (20 reviews)
- Excellent and unique museum
Sunday: 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM, 3:00 PM - 7:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Speciality Museums • Art Museums

Museo del Origami in Colonia del Sacramento is the first museum of paperfolding in the Americas and only the second one in the Western Hemisphere. The exhibition features artwork from the most important origami artists from all over the world. As opposed to a tradicional fine arts museum, here there is a crossroads between science and art. Many artists come from fields such as mathematics, astronomy or biology and they use the science of folding in their research and developments. The museum has a history room, contemporary artwork, a library and a gift shop. See more..
4.5 Barrio Historico (8.616 reviews)
- Picturesque old town
Neighborhoods • Historic Walking Areas

This historic section of town takes you back to the 17th and 18th centuries, with an array of interesting museums, an historic lighthouse and Uruguay’s oldest church. See more..
4.5 Faro de Colonia del Sacramento (4.950 reviews)
- Beautifully Restored Lighthouse. RECOMMENDED SEEING
Sunday: 10:00 AM - 6:30 PM Lighthouses

Ascend to the top of this still-operating 1857 lighthouse for a lovely view of the city. See more..
4.5 La Calle de los Suspiros (4.094 reviews)
- Kinda Wish I Had a Guide…
Points of Interest & Landmarks

Perhaps I should commit to a 2023 travel resolution of utilizing more tour guides when I travel, because I do believe I could’ve gotten more out of this street if I had its history explained to me. It was beautiful in its history and architecture nonetheless. I encourage travelers to visit and spend time learning about it, preferably with a guide. For wheelchair users, like most of the city, this pathway is bumpy and uneven! And for everyone, enjoy your time here. See more..
4.5 Puerta de la Ciudadela (2.402 reviews)
- The gateway to historical Colonia del Sacramento
Sunday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Bridges

This drawbridge over a moat was built in 1745 as the only entrance to the city. See more..
4.5 Rio de la Plata (2.156 reviews)
- Water, water everywhere
Bodies of Water

During our visit to Colonia del Sacramento, it was impossible to escape the vastness of the Rio de la Plata. From the ferry ride from Buenos Aires to exploring the waterfront in Colonia del Sacramento, the river was expansive but calm. For the best views of the river and a nearby tiny island head over to the Mirador Panoramico. This terrace is free to visit and is a great place to really appreciate the vastness of the Rio de la Plata. See more..
4.5 Rambla de Colonia (1.038 reviews)
- Peaceful and Contemplative
Spent 1-2 hours Scenic Walking Areas

This waterfront promenade is a must when exploring Colonia’s old town, especially when the sun sets. When I was there, I could indulge in the fact that my fellow tourist brethren were few and far between—like, only two other people around. If you can go when it’s less crowded, I highly suggest it. Colonia is blessed to contain these river vistas! See more..
4.5 Muelle del Puerto de Yates (569 reviews)
- Nice views
Spent 1-2 hours Points of Interest & Landmarks • Piers & Boardwalks

Very nice views with the river and a panoramic aspect of what Colonia is like. A very nice promenade. See more..
4.5 Galeria de los Suspiros (533 reviews)
- Nice shop
Points of Interest & Landmarks

Nice shop in authentic Portuguese stone house. Nicely landscaped yard in back. Not a must see, but drop in if you are in the area. See more..
4.5 Paseo de San Gabriel (334 reviews)
- Nice point to see the river
Spent 1-2 hours Piers & Boardwalks

This is a nice point to see the river and to take pictures with the river. A very pleasant walk to do. See more..
4.5 Bodega Familia Irurtia (168 reviews)
- Great visit
Sunday: 10:00 AM - 7:00 AM Spent 1-2 hours Wineries & Vineyards

Bodega Familia Irurtia is a familiar winery you can visit every day very near Carmelo. Uruguay is knew in the world of wine for the Tannat variety, a very tannic and full body red wine, you can taste in our cava. Come for wine and a great moment of conviviality. Please contact us to reserve your guided tour and tasting. See more..
4.5 Bodega Los Cerros De San Juan (113 reviews)
- Picturesque winery with great staff
Sunday: 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Wineries & Vineyards

Los Cerros de San Juan, the oldest winery of Uruguay, is located a few kilometers from the city of Colonia and Carmelo. The only winery in Uruguay has a village within the establishment, with a rural school in operation and very many story to tell ... See more..
4.5 Cabalgatas en Uruguay - Riding Tours (73 reviews)
- Colonia quiet beaches on horseback
Equestrian Trails

Sandra and her husband are very welcoming and easy going persons. Making the appointment & booking the tour via WhatsApp was super easy. Their horses are all in a very good shape, well trained and handsome. I had a great ride on horseback to the beach including riding in the river! It was a special moment, nobody else there, only us and some birds Sidenotes: the Gaucho Style is a different Style from riding in Germany (but they will help & teach u) Think about the right trousers to wear (; shorts wouldn’t be the best... ever saw a rider in shorts?! Even not when u really want to ride on horseback (; Thanks for the adventure! See more..
4.5 Carmelo Golf (29 reviews)
- Beautiful
Golf Courses

Ubicada dentro del Club de Campo Carmelo Golf, es considerada la mejor cancha de golf de Uruguay y una de las mejores de America del sur. Disenada por Randy Thompson y Kelly Moran, bajo normas U.S.G.A., son 18 hoyos que representan uno de los mas puros y verdaderos desafios para los golfistas de todas las categorias. See more..
4.5 Museo de Madera - Escultor Jose Castro (29 reviews)
- Absolute Must See!
Sunday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Art Galleries

Our Museum will take you on a journey of infinite sensations, art can be breathed among so much carved work, come to spend a different time See more..
4.5 Playa Santa Ana (22 reviews)
- Balneario Santa Ana
Beaches

Muy tranquilo para toda la familia. Buenos servicios. Cerca de Colonia. Muy buen lugar para descansar todo el año. See more..
4.0 Avenida General Flores (921 reviews)
- Get your SIM and money exchange here!!
Points of Interest & Landmarks

Situated within a walking distance from the ferry terminal, head here straight to get your Uruguayan pesos if you have just crossed the river from Buenos Aires. DO NOT change at the ferry terminal - the rate there was very bad! You can find afew Cambios along this main street which offer much better rate than the terminal. Also, if you are looking for SIM cards, there is a CLARO along the street, which only needs your passport to get your local SIM cards. There are also many restaurants here, but we didn't have any meals here. See more..
4.0 Iglesia Matriz (798 reviews)
- Uruguay’s oldest church
Churches & Cathedrals

Strikingly stark and simple in design, this 17th-century church is one of the oldest in Uruguay. See more..
4.0 Basilica De Santisimo Sacramento (694 reviews)
- Look for the twin towers
Churches & Cathedrals

During a walking tour of Colonia del Sacramento, my wife and I visited this Basilica. I learned that the Basilica dates back to 1810. Its twin towers make it easily identifiable and easy to locate when exploring this historic city. It is located in the center of the Barrio Historico, near Plaza Mayor and other historical sites. While the white exterior is not as bright as it may have been, the Basilica is well maintained and is a must see when exploring Colonia del Sacramento. See more..
4.0 Museo Portugués de Colonia del Sacramento (468 reviews)
- Great value for your investment
History Museums

Portuguese history is the central feature of this cultural heritage museum. See more..
4.0 Plaza Mayor (442 reviews)
- A green square in the center of Colonia del Sacramento
Spent < 1 hour Neighborhoods • Historic Walking Areas

Whenever I visit cities/urban areas around the world, I quite enjoy stopping by the “green spaces” in those areas. This included the time my wife and I spent in Colonia del Sacramento. During our exploration of this historic city, we took a brief break to slow down and people watch. While there is nothing much to see in Plaza Mayor, it is a nice place to gather bearings and decide what other places to explore. There are also cafes and historical sites within a short walking distance once visitors are ready to continue walking around Colonia del Sacramento. See more..
4.0 Museo del Ferrocarril (357 reviews)
- its a must to visit in colonia and its all free
Sunday: 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Speciality Museums

PRIVATE COLLECTION Railroad Museum: Colonia, Uruguay is the major Railway museum. Station, Signal Box and the Warehouse, have been constructed as a true copy of original railway buildings. The wagons that are parked in front of her, are Railway Heritage Uruguay landmarks. All, without exception, have been restored to its original state, following the drawings. With period details. Through each one of them is a trip to the past century, is to revive our history. Like the great museums of the world, each wagon is a valuable piece of history. Historical items inside the station: Bigger textEverything in the station is original, benchs, the hood, the truck to carry the packages, and announcements... Inside the boss room, is an exposition of valuable pieces that has been collected over the past five years. The first ones had been obtained in the borders of AFE (State Railways Administration). Others, who were in private hands, were acquired for the safety of railway heritage. So we can all enjoy this great show of transport that has united all the towns: The Railroad. See more..
4.0 Granja Colonia (316 reviews)
- Awesome Stop
Speciality Museums

Eduardo Arenas has been collecting key chains, beverage cans, ashtrays, perfume bottles and pencils for nearly fifty years. This odd museum contains many thousands of these and other trinkets and gifts collected by Arenas and his family. Some farm animals roam out back. See more..
4.0 Playa Sere (315 reviews)
- Eucalyptus at the beach
Beaches

Carmelo is the hidden gem from Uruguay and this beach says it all, slow paced, river front, many trees in the sand and birds flying around, i cycled there and meditated under a tree, the water is clean and being a river that feels like a lake, has a different feel and appeal to it. I just love this part of Uruguay, so close to Argentina as well! will definitely come back. See more..
4.0 Centro Cultural Bastion Del Carmen (301 reviews)
- Be aware with the open hours
Spent < 1 hour Points of Interest & Landmarks

The place is beautiful, but the first time that me and my wife tried to get there it was closed. So I’d recommend that you try to check early if it’s open especially if you’re gonna stay only one night at town. This is also important for the other public museums, they were also closed that Sunday. See more..
4.0 Playa Ferrando (274 reviews)
- Nice beach in Colonia
Beaches

I stayed on full day at Ferrando, definitely a recommended spot if you like the beach. Fresh river, wide beach, comfy. Aprox 20 minute bike ride. Best: Quiet, at least in November, better suited for couples. Not so good: If you can take your own food and drinks, the bar is nice but far from the beach. You won't have to go through the trouble of walking in hot sand + you will save $$. See more..
4.0 Puente Giratorio (249 reviews)
- Historic Bridge Across the River Inlet
Points of Interest & Landmarks

This historic swing bridge connects the town of Carmelo to the river parkland and beaches plus resort hotels. If you are lucky you might catch it when it is in action mostly in the summer months. See more..