Travellingfoot

About Mercado del Puerto

Sandwich - Delicious Ingredient Seven

Situated a few meters away from the Montevideo port, this old and bustling market welcomes anyone interested in whiling away the hours and enjoying the decade-old warmth and mystique radiating from all the corners of this enchanting building. From kebabs to cruise ships, from coffee shops to an ancient clock, the past and the present mesh here for you to etch unforgettable memories in the deepest recesses of your mind. There is no going back so just go forward and walk the streets until you can walk no more. What's next? Good food and bargain shopping of course.

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Must See

The 128-year old clock in the central hall of the cast iron building
The street musicians
The artists with their paintings
The market building with wrought iron roof work, similar to ones seen in railway stations
Aggressive waiters vying with each other and trying to convince the incoming tourists that their place is the best

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How to reach

From the Tres Cruces terminal, by bus - 5 m ride (3 stops) Raincoop operator of the bus (Linea 222)

By taxi, Uber - 7 m ride

On foot - an hour's walk

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Tips

The restaurants inside the covered markets serve only lunch, which begins around noon. The restaurants outside serve dinner too.
Try eating at places that have crowds because the crowd clearly shows the quality of food served there, rather than those places that have huge advertisements.
Try visiting the place when the cruise ships aren't at the port, or you may find the place a lot more crowded.
Though close to a seaport, the main food here is meat, followed by fresh seafood. However there a variety of local dishes for vegetarians too.
Knowing a smattering of Spanish would help you a long way, especially in these markets where you can use it for saying "Please" and "Thank you".
Be very cautious with your valuables as you wander through the market.
Try to reach the place with an appetite, because the aroma of food is way too tempting.
Do not forget to finish off your meal with a dessert like the alfajores or the dulce leche.
Taking a taxi would be advisable if visiting this place in the evening.

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Visit Time

Sunday: 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Monday: 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Tuesday: 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Wednesday: 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Thursday: 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Friday: 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Saturday: 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

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