Private Walking Tour Montevideo: Salvo Palace & Old City History

Four landmark buildings, one guide, the history that shaped a city

A private walking tour of Montevideo's historic center with a certified guide in English or Spanish, covering the Port Market, Salvo Palace, Solís Theatre, Gateway of the Citadel and the city's first plaza. The tour runs 2.5 hours and includes a guide who explains how each landmark connects to Montevideo's past — from the trans-Atlantic trade that built the palace to the defensive role of the citadel gate. Pickup is included.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Montevideo's historic city center

• Meet guide at Port Market
• Learn Port Market history
• Discover origin of first plaza
• Hear story of palace builders
• Visit Montevideo's first presidential residence
• See fountain and surrounding buildings
• Approach Solís Theatre
• Learn about Artigas' importance
• Explore Gateway of the Citadel
• Discover Salvo Palace mysteries

The Experience

The Port Market is where the tour begins. Your guide explains how it started as a working harbor and became the gastronomic center it is today, then walks you through the old city's first plaza and shows you the relationship between the colonial administration building, the main church and the fountain in the middle — the architecture itself tells the story of how Montevideo was organized. You'll hear about the brothers who built Salvo Palace from their trans-Atlantic trade fortune, and what it was like to approach the Solís Theatre in its heyday when the building still commanded the city's cultural life.

The Gateway of the Citadel was built for both defense and commerce, and your guide walks you through what that dual purpose meant for the city's layout and survival. Salvo Palace stands as one of Montevideo's most mysterious and emblematic buildings — the guide explains why it matters so much to how locals see their city. You'll also learn about Artigas and why he's so revered in Uruguay, and hear the story of Montevideo's first presidential residence. The whole route is wheelchair accessible, and the pace suits all fitness levels.

What’s included

• Certified guide in English or Spanish.
• pickup included.
• 2.5-hour walk through the old city covering Salvo Palace, Solís Theatre, Gateway of the Citadel, Port Market and Montevideo's first plaza.

Good to know

Easy physical levelWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by Ciudad Vieja Walking Tours

Is this one for you?Book this tour if you want the stories behind Montevideo's landmarks told by someone who knows them, rather than reading a map alone. A private guide means the pace stays yours and the questions get answered as they come up.

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Top questions

What is the Salvo Palace and why does it matter to Montevideo?

Salvo Palace was built by two brothers using wealth from their trans-Atlantic trade business, and it stands as one of the city's most emblematic and mysterious buildings. Your guide explains its significance to how Montevideans understand their own city's identity.

How long is the walking tour and what's included?

The tour runs 2.5 hours and includes a certified guide in English or Spanish, plus pickup. The route covers four major landmarks and the old city's first plaza, with all areas wheelchair accessible.

What was the Gateway of the Citadel originally used for?

The Gateway of the Citadel served both defensive and commercial purposes when it was built, and your guide explains how that dual role shaped the city's layout and early survival.

Does the tour include the Port Market?

Yes. The Port Market is the starting point, and your guide explains how it transformed from a working harbor into the gastronomic center it is today.

Is this tour accessible for people using wheelchairs or strollers?

The entire tour is wheelchair accessible, and infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller. All areas and surfaces along the route are accessible, and service animals are allowed.