11 Best Places to Shop in Montevideo, Uruguay

Background Illustration for Shopping

Let's face it: Montevideans head to Buenos Aires when they want to go on an extra-special shopping excursion. But quality and selection are decent here, and prices often are lower than in Argentina. Stores in Centro, along Avenida 18 de Julio, offer the standard selection of urban merchandise. The truly fun shopping experience is to be found in the city's markets, which are vibrant and numerous.

Feria Tristán Narvaja

Centro Fodor's choice

Started in the early 1900s by Italian immigrants, Feria Tristán Narvaja is Montevideo's top attraction on Sunday and one of the city's largest and most popular fairs. (It operates only on Sunday, a day when all other markets, and much of the city, are closed. Hours run about 9–3.) The fair, a 5- to 10-minute walk from the Old City and in the Centro district, is plentifully stocked with secondhand goods and antiques.

Manos del Uruguay

Centro Fodor's choice

With six locations total in Montevideo and Punta del Este, Manos del Uruguay stock a wide selection of woolen wear and locally produced ceramics crafted by women's artisan cooperatives around the country.

Punta Carretas Shopping

Fodor's choice

Housed in a former prison, Punta Carretas Shopping is the city's largest and most upscale mall, measuring in at around 200 stores mixing local and international brands. It's in a pleasant residential area near the Sheraton Montevideo, a 10-minute cab ride from the Old City.

Recommended Fodor's Video

El Mercado de la Abundancia

Centro

Dating back to 1836, El Mercado de la Abundancia is a fun indoor market in Centro, a few blocks from the Palacio Municipal. Inside are a tango dance center, a handful of good choices for a lunchtime parrillada, and a crafts fair.

San José 1312, and Aquiles Lanza, Montevideo, 11300, Uruguay
2901–5902

Louvre

Ciudad Vieja

This antiques store is the only source for handmade and painted trinket boxes—the perfect recuerdos (souvenirs). It also offers an impressive selection of jewelry and silver.

Mercado de los Artesanos

Centro

Don't let the kitsch turn you away, this shop also sells well-crafted jewelry and other objects by local designers that are elegant and eye-catching. You can also pick up the typical souvenir for your relative who loves that stuff. Given the Centro location, the prices are quite fair.

Montevideo Shopping

There are three major shopping centers in Montevideo, offering everything from designer clothing to gourmet foods to art supplies. Montevideo Shopping is the oldest along the Rio de la Plata and has more than 175 stores and entertainment options including a movie theater.

Parque Villa Biarritz

The Saturday morning market at Parque Villa Biarritz in the neighborhood of Pocitos sells crafts, clothes, and some antiques. You can find some vendors set up other days of the week, as well. The small park also has a recreational center, Club Biguá, with tennis courts and other sports facilities.

José Vazquéz de Ledesma, Punta Carretas, 11300, Uruguay

Pecarí

Ciudad Vieja

Contemporary women's clothing store specializing in knitwear, shoes, and the place to buy your leather pants. 

Plaza Cagancha

Between Avenida 18 de Julio and Calle Rondeau in Centro, Plaza Cagancha regularly has vendors set up in the area at all hours selling trinkets and crafts.

Av. 18 de Julio between Av. Gral Rondeau and Pasaje de los Derechos Humanos, Punta Carretas, Uruguay

Portones Shopping

Carrasco

Adjacent to the Portones terminal, Portones Shopping is an indoor mall with more than 130 stores and a movie theater.

Not finding what you're looking for?

We've got a few suggestions for nearby spots.
Punta del Este

Feria Artesanal70.8 miles away

Plaza Artigas, Punta del Este, Maldonado, Uruguay
We recommend 1 Shopping in Punta del Este