Top Things to Do in Colonia del Sacramento in 1 Day

A Charming Colonial Town with European Flair in Uruguay

Discover what to do in Colonia del Sacramento, Uruguay in 1 day—from historic sites and street cafes to markets and family-friendly attractions. Here’s everything we loved—and what you shouldn’t miss! 

Planning a day trip to Colonia del Sacramento? If you’ve researched Uruguay at all, Colonia del Sacramento typically comes up as the third most popular city to visit or live in, after Montevideo and Punta del Este. This picturesque city in Uruguay is one of the top travel destinations in the country, ideal for a short visit from Montevideo or Buenos Aires. What’s unique about this town is its European flair offering a mix of colonial architecture, cobblestone streets, and street cafe vibes. With its Spanish and Portuguese architecture and ruins dating back to 1680, I really did feel like I was in a small Spanish town straight out of Europe. Whether you’re looking for historical landmarks, riverside views, or just a peaceful stroll through a quaint old town, Colonia is easily a perfect one-day or half-day getaway.

How to Get to Colonia del Sacramento

Easy Access from Montevideo and Buenos Aires

Colonia del Sacramento is located on the Rio de la Plata, directly across the river from Buenos Aires, Argentina. The ferry ride to Buenos Aires from Colonia and vice versa is about an hour long. If you’re interested in crossing over, the ferry is operated by 2 companies: Buquebus and Colonia Express. 

For travelers driving from Montevideo, it’s an easy 2-hour drive on well-maintained highways or rutas that are nicely paved for a smooth ride. I personally like driving long distances, so clear signage and nice highways to drive on are everything to me. It’s mostly a 4 lane road until you get closer to town which converts into 2 lanes. Since the day I arrived in Uruguay, I’ve been impressed by how good the highways are here. It honestly feels like we are in the US driving and commuting on the rutas. If you’re driving there in a personal or rental car, be mindful that there are a couple of tolls you have to pass through. And speed trap cameras! I suggest using the Waze app on your phone at all times when driving around Uruguay so that it alerts you about the speed trap cameras.

Whether you’re arriving by car or ferry, Colonia del Sacramento is a walkable town and perfect for an easy and relaxing day trip.

Walking Around the Historic Quarter

Explore Cobblestone Streets and Colonial Architecture

Once you arrive, head straight to the UNESCO World Heritage Site that is Colonia’s Barrio Histórico. This area is filled with historic buildings, colorful facades, and charming alleys that are perfect for taking pics. I definitely spotted a couple of influencers out there on Calle de Los Suspiros. Colonia is a very walkable town, so I suggest wearing comfortable shoes. The first time we visited, it was during the fall and I wore these cute low-heeled boots – not the best idea to be walking around on those cobblestoned streets. I also learned, not great for pushing kids around in a stroller. But hey, they add to the town’s timeless charm! 

Throughout the historic quarter or barrio historico you’ll find cute cafés with outdoor seating, street-selling artisans, and riverfront views. This is where you’ll feel that unmistakable European charm in South America. If it’s high season (Dec-March), you’ll typically see the streets filled with tourists from Argentina & Brazil. We stopped for a beer at one of the street cafes in the historic quarter and the waitress we had told us that she uniquely serves groups of french and mexican tourists during their holiday/vacation schedules which vary from South America. I found it pretty cool and surprising to hear that the French and Mexican tourists are checking out Uruguay!

Family-Friendly Activities in Colonia del Sacramento

Kid-Approved Fun and Local Flavors

If you’re traveling with kids, Colonia del Sacramento offers family-friendly activities that everyone will enjoy:

• Heladería Arcoiris (Arcoiris Ice Cream): Self-proclaimed as the “Best Ice Cream in Colonia,” this local favorite is a must-visit. Even my 83 year old next door neighbor raves about how much she likes it and fondly remembers the ice cream from Arcoiris. It’s located right next to the fort ruins, you can’t miss it! 
• Modern Playground near Mercado Artesanal: Located next to the artisan market, this playground or placita is clean, shaded, and a hit with kids. Our daughter had such a great time playing, we spent almost an hour there!
• Sunday Farmer’s Market (Feria de Colonia): Visit on a Sunday to experience the weekly local Uruguayan culture, including fresh produce, handmade goods, and food trucks.
  • For a quick bite, try delicious arepas from the Mesón Venezolano Arepas Venezolanas food truck (@mesonvenezolano) where each arepa was made to order.  They were delicious, fresh, and better than the arepas I’ve tried so far in Montevideo.
  • For Colombian coffee & crepes, check out the Bohemia Liv Coffee’s (@bohemialivcoffee)  convertible bus—a cute Colombian coffee cart with a Southern California vibe! 

Cultural Experiences and Sightseeing

Lighthouse Views, Historical Walking Tours, and the Historic Plaza de Toros

History buffs will love the walking tours of Colonia’s historic center, which dive into its rich colonial past. You can climb the iconic Colonia Lighthouse (Faro de Colonia) for panoramic views of the old town and the river. Tours are available in English and Spanish, and they often include visits to Museo Portugués, Calle de los Suspiros, and the old city gate (Puerta de la Ciudadela). I suggest scheduling them ahead of time.

Discover the Historic Plaza de Toros – Reopened in December 2021 after an extensive renovation, the Plaza de Toros Real de San Carlos is a must-visit cultural attraction in Uruguay. As the only bullring of its kind in the country, this iconic landmark showcases the deep Spanish architectural influence in Colonia del Sacramento, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Today, the restored Plaza de Toros in Uruguay hosts a variety of events, including live concerts, sports events, and cultural festivals, making it a vibrant hub for both locals and tourists exploring Colonia del Sacramento attractions. It’s located about 10 minutes drive from the historic quarter. You can purchase your entry as a regular ticket entrance or the guided tour option at the on-site ticket counter or boletería or online at Red Tickets. 

Where to Shop for Local Souvenirs

Handmade Crafts and Artisan Goods

While visiting Colonia, you might as well leave with a cute, locally made souvenir. Explore the Mercado Artesanal de Colonia, a market run by the local city government or Intendencia, for handcrafted items, pottery, textiles, and unique gifts. It’s located right next to the kid’s playground I mentioned earlier. Street vendors throughout the historic quarter also sell charming souvenirs perfect for remembering your trip. Or you can also step into nice souvenir stores that are sprinkled around throughout the town.

Where to Eat in Colonia del Sacramento

Top Restaurants with Local Flavor and Scenic Views

Here are two restaurants I personally recommend in Colonia:

• Charco Bistro: Located in the heart of the barrio historico with beautiful riverfront views, this upscale eatery offers delicious local cuisine in a romantic setting. I’ll warn you, it does have great riverfront views, but the river water isn’t necessarily crystal clear so don’t get your hopes up on that. However, the restaurant has a romantic charm to it when you are able to eat great food and dine with waterfront views. Make reservations in advance, especially during peak season. We did not, and ended up having to wait about an hour to get seated for lunch. 
• El Otro Portón: Just a few blocks from the old town, this restaurant serves flavorful Uruguayan BBQ or parrilla, along with fresh seasonal salads. I found a really great salad here! If you’ve been dining around Uruguay, you know that a great hearty salad, at least by American standards, is hard to come by. It’s a perfect spot off the beaten path for a delicious lunch or dinner after sightseeing.

Visit Local Wineries Near Colonia del Sacramento

Wine Tasting and Vineyard Tours in Carmelo

For wine lovers like me, a visit to nearby Carmelo wine country is a must! Just a short drive from Colonia, Carmelo is home to boutique wineries or bodegas and vineyards offering tastings, tours, and even overnight stays. I suggest planning a separate 1-day or weekend trip to go wine tasting. If this interests you, my two top recommendations are:

• Bodega El Legado: Family-owned with wonderful hospitality, premium wines, and an elegant & comfortable on-site boutique hotel with a restaurant.
• Bodega Narbona: A luxury wine estate offering tastings, gourmet dining, and a relaxing countryside escape.

Final Thoughts

Why Colonia del Sacramento is the Perfect One-Day Getaway

Whether you’re coming from Montevideo or Buenos Aires, Colonia del Sacramento offers a peaceful, historic, and scenic escape that’s ideal for a one-day itinerary. With its European charm, riverside cafes, cultural attractions, and family-friendly activities, it’s easy to see why this small city continues to win over travelers from around the world.

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