Colonia del Sacramento
Uruguay's most visited historic site, and one of the best-preserved colonial towns in South America. Founded by the Portuguese in 1680, the Barrio Histórico is a UNESCO World Heritage Site of cobblestone streets, Portuguese-style houses, and crumbling walls. The lighthouse and the ruins of the Convento de San Francisco are the iconic images. It's easily reached by ferry from Buenos Aires, making it a popular day trip — though it rewards an overnight stay more than a quick pass-through. See Colonia del Sacramento.
Montevideo
The capital punches well above its weight. The Ciudad Vieja (Old Town) has a genuinely lived-in character — Art Deco buildings, the grand Mercado del Puerto, and the Plaza de la Independencia with its José Artigas mausoleum. The Rambla, an 22-km waterfront promenade, is where residents walk, jog, fish, and drink mate at all hours. Montevideo is consistently ranked among Latin America's most liveable cities. See Montevideo.
Punta del Este
Uruguay's most famous beach resort occupies a narrow peninsula about 140 km east of Montevideo. The western shore faces the calmer Río de la Plata; the eastern beaches are open Atlantic. In January and February the town fills with wealthy Argentines and Brazilians, prices spike, and the nightlife is relentless. Off-season it's quieter, cleaner, and considerably cheaper. The Casapueblo gallery-museum near the headland at Punta Ballena is worth the trip regardless of season. See Punta del Este.
Cabo Polonio
Accessible only by authorised 4WD trucks that haul visitors over the dunes, Cabo Polonio is a tiny village with no mains electricity, a lighthouse, and a large sea lion colony at the rocky point. It's intentionally hard to reach, and that's the point. Accommodation is basic — mostly cabins and hostels. In summer it attracts a bohemian crowd; outside peak season it can feel almost deserted. One of the more unusual experiences in South America.
Parque Nacional Santa Teresa
A forested coastal park near the Brazilian border with beaches, a historic fort, camping, and wildlife. It's one of Uruguay's few genuinely wild coastal areas, and far less crowded than Punta del Este. The fort itself dates from the 18th century and has been carefully restored. See Parque Santa Teresa.
Salto and the thermal spas
Uruguay's second city sits on the Río Uruguay near the Argentine border. The main attraction is the thermal hot spring complex at nearby Termas del Dayman, fed by geothermal waters. If you're travelling overland through the interior, Salto makes a good overnight stop. See Salto.