Location: Fray Bentos
Top Things to do in Fray Bentos
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7 Things to Do in Fray Bentos That You Shouldn't Miss
Fray Bentos (Spanish pronunciation: [fɾai̯ ˈbentos]) is the capital city of the Río Negro Department, in south-western Uruguay. Its port on the Uruguay River is one of the nation's most important harbours. The city hosts the first campus of the Technological University, beside the historically relevant industrial complex Anglo, a World Heritage site. One of the biggest pulp mills in the world is situated close to Fray Bentos and the Libertador General San Martín Bridge, and it was the center of the largest political dispute between Uruguay and Argentina during the 21st century.
Restaurants in Fray Bentos
1. Balneario Las Canas
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 157 reviews
Reviewed By Qldgirl1 - Biloela, Australia
Went for a drive to this area whilst staying in Fray Bentos, We enjoyed it so much we have considered living in Las Canas. Walked along the dock area and just enjoyed the peace. The sand beach looked nice.
2. Museum Of The Industrial Revolution (El Anglo )
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 117 reviews
Visitors can tour this once-famous meat-packing factory, which fed German troops in World War I and the Allies in World War II.
Reviewed By Gene J - Silver Spring, Maryland
We walked 2.5km along the shoreline from our Gran Hotel to this large factory complex. Our goal was the museum’s 10AM multilingual tour. After buying our tickets(120 Up each), we were pointed downstairs to the meeting spot, where we discovered the tour was only in Spanish this holiday week. Fortunately an English speaking engineer associate gave us a brochure in English and a proper tour introduction in the museum, then on to the power room, control room, and finally upstairs to the office.
We joined the 90 minute scheduled tour in progress for a walk through the factory, entering several of the processing buildings. Our understanding was supplemented by numerous wall photos and drawings along the way. We were exposed to much information; the investment, construction steel, machinery, coal and engineers were transported from England, 150+ products were exported mainly to Europe, and the 5000 workers came from 54 countries, settling Barrio Anglo and Fray Bentos.
We stopped to view Casa Grande, the first manager’s house built in 1868 in the back of the factory behind trees, then walked through the Barrio with hospital and school on our return to our Gran Hotel.
All in all, a wonderful 3 hour visit to this 2015 UNESCO site.
3. Fray Bentos Rambla
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 72 reviews
Reviewed By Rod W - Fairfax, Virginia
Just returned from Uruguay....my personal best thing was the factory at Fray Bentos. It's a meat processing plant that operated from the mid 1800s to mid 1900s. At its peak it slaughtered 1000 cows per day and employed thousands of workers. It's a completely stand alone facility...they slaughter, butcher, freeze, cook, can....they did everything. They produced the first electricity in Uruguay. If you like old industrial equipment and the chance to get up close to everything, this place is fantastic. Probably the key is that the whole place in still intact...its aging, but nothing has been removed. Even my wife, who isn't really into industrial things, liked it.
Only downside is location. It's a 4+ hour drive from Montevideo. I did it by going to Colonia first and then Fray Bentos. This left us with a 5 hrs drive back to Montevideo. If you are in Uruguay and have any inclination towards this sort of thing, make time for it. I've never seen anything like this
4. Museo de la Revolucion Industrial
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 62 reviews
Reviewed By kelly2010 - London
we were staying in Carmello, hired a car, about an hour drive, roads are diserted. When you come into town look for Barrio Angelo Patrimonio Historico Nacional the Museo de la Revolucion some locals very helpful and there is an information point in centre of town lady was so lovely, not a single word of english, but used the map and signs to try and show her what we wanted.
the museum is like going back in time, as if someone walked out leaving everything intact.
it is possible to see the machinery that was used, posters and see employees names and the vast numer of different nationalities that were employed there.
during the 19th and 20th centuries coinciding with war and helping the soldiers. Leibigs salt factory was a major exporter of beef using the deep sea port was able to recieve even deep sea vessals.
try and find someone to help you we were given a 'hand out' and lots of Corned Beef labels
BEWARE- when we went they suddenly closed at 2pm so get there early ( not sure when they open though)
5. Plaza Constitucion
Overall Ratings
4 based on 44 reviews
Reviewed By TravellerRoy - Buenos Aires
In the center of Fray Bentos is the Plaza Constitucion on 18 de Julio Avenue where the residents meet and gather on the warm summer evenings. The bandshell often houses local entertainers and there are several small local restaurants on the side streets around the Plaza. The historic architecture around the Plaza is some of the earlier classic Spanish buildings from the town's early days. This is a pleasant place to enjoy the greenery and flowers and meet some of the friendly local residents.
6. Teatro Miguel Young
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 14 reviews
Reviewed By Caffie - Oxford, UK
Charming small theatre, friendly staff happy to show you around. No shows during the summer but we caught the municipal band practising. Lovely interior, nicely restored to its former glory.
7. Museo Solari
Overall Ratings
4 based on 20 reviews
Reviewed By Caffie - Oxford, UK
One decent sized room with a good selection of works by Solari. Free to enter, and with helpful, interested staff. Housed in one of the older buildings of the town which has been used for various purposes over the years.
