Location: Colonia del Sacramento
Top Things to do in Colonia del Sacramento
Top Restaurants in Colonia del Sacramento
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What to do and see in Colonia del Sacramento, Colonia Department: The Best Things to do Good for a Rainy Day
The historic quarter of Colonia del Sacramento, founded in 1680, evokes old Lisbon with its Portuguese-influenced architecture and winding streets. The area, located in southwestern Uruguay on the Rio de la Plata, was named a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1995. It's an easy day trip by ferry from Buenos Aires, making the beaches a popular Argentinean escape. Major sights include Iglesia Matriz, the country's oldest church, the Municipal Museum and a 17th-century port jutting into the river.
Restaurants in Colonia del Sacramento
1. The Wine Experience
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 27 reviews
The Wine Experience will be offering Wine Tours in Colonia that includes: All Transfers, Local Guide, Visit to a small local winery that includes grappa and wine tasting. Please click on the website for further details or contact Ryan via the email form. We know you work hard - some come and join us - you deserve it !!
2. El Abrazo
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 36 reviews
"El Abrazo" (The embrace) is a Cultural Shop aimed to spread uruguayan Culture through Music, Literature, Photography and Design. From this little spot we embrace those who make our lives more pleasant and we salute those who enjoy cluture in its different forms!
3. De La Plaza
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 35 reviews
4. Galeria de los Suspiros
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 532 reviews
Reviewed By jonahNJ - Pennington, United States
During our journey around Colonia del Sacramento, my wife and I visited this fascinating gallery located on the iconic La Calle de los Suspiros. Outside of the entrance is a sign that reads “Atelier”; this translates to studio or workshop. However, Galeria de Los Suspiros seems to be so much more than that. The historic building is constructed of stone and tile and fits in perfectly on La Calle de los Suspiros. Upon entering, the first space is large and a bit dark. But it is filled with gorgeous artwork of local artists and artisans. The paintings represent different styles in different styles and utilizing different materials—all of the artwork appeared to be on sale with a wide range of prices. As we walked to the back of the building, there were smaller rooms that seemed to be more like museum exhibits. They had vintage pieces that showed rooms as period pieces locked in a past century. Finally, there was a rear yard that had some paintings as well as interesting sculptures made from various metal items. There were also several café tables and chairs which were very inviting. I can imagine that artists sometimes paint outside with a small, appreciative audience. The staff were friendly and inviting with no pressure whatsoever to purchase anything.
5. Almacen La Carlota
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 77 reviews
Reviewed By midwaytoheaven - Midway, United States
BEST SHOP WE FOUND. This is not you normal china made junk stuff. They have loads of handmade artesian goods including artwork, ceramics, tin & copper made goods, clothing and pottery. All were cutely laid-out in the shop. You won't find these items in other souvenir shops. Very Unique. LOVED THIS VERY CUTE SHOP! BOTTOM LINE: Our favorite souvenir artesian shop in Colonia del Sacramento. What a breathe of fresh air after browsing normal souvenir stores. These items found here are the real deal. Pricing was a little higher but the value for one-of-a-kind products were well worth it I thought. Most things we saw, we did not see anywhere else. BOTTOM LINE: 10/10
6. El Tunel del Ayer
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 59 reviews
Reviewed By flywithlola - Central Argentina, Argentina
It was a rainy day in Colonia and close to the hotel we found "El Túnel del Ayer", a place where you choose costumes from the beginning of the 20th century and get a photoshoot. The costumes are original, complete (with hats, shoes, necklaces and more) and easy to put on. There are 3 or 4 different sets where you Will have your photoshoot. Then you look at them in a computer, select the ones you like and have them printed in sepia color at that same momento. We had so much fun!
7. Museo Portugues de Colonia del Sacramento
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 465 reviews
Portuguese history is the central feature of this cultural heritage museum.
Reviewed By GoGo2SlowGo - Denton, United States
On our tour of the historic district, our guide told us that the "white house" was a museum and we could purchase tickets. This is really a hidden jewel of the square and our guide didn’t promote it. For a fee of $50 Uruguayan Dollars or about $1.25 USD it allowed you to see eight museums in the area – all within walking distance. The person in the white house didn’t speak any English but she gave us a pamphlet and said 8 in English and she pointed, and we figured out that she meant - go outside to find the other 7 museums.
8. Iglesia Matriz
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 794 reviews
Strikingly stark and simple in design, this 17th-century church is one of the oldest in Uruguay.
Reviewed By jonahNJ - Pennington, United States
During a walking tour of Colonia del Sacramento, my wife and I visited this charming church in the heart of this historic city. During the tour, I learned that Iglesia Matriz is Uruguay’s oldest church which dates back to 1680. The church is relatively small, though the bright white interior and volume ceiling make it appear to be larger than it is. The church is very well maintained, though a couple of aged pillars in the rear of the church are reminders of the age of the church. The design of the church clearly shows the influence of the Portuguese who had colonized Uruguay. Admission to the church is free and well worth a brief visit.
9. Casa Carbajal Arte y Objetos
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 17 reviews
10. Granja Colonia
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 304 reviews
Eduardo Arenas has been collecting key chains, beverage cans, ashtrays, perfume bottles and pencils for nearly fifty years. This odd museum contains many thousands of these and other trinkets and gifts collected by Arenas and his family. Some farm animals roam out back.
Reviewed By GoGo2SlowGo - Denton, United States
Talk about a souvenir collector. The Arenas family has over 80,000 items spread over 4 large rooms. This museum has one of the largest pencil collections in the world. There are two large rooms with plenty of lead pencils everywhere. He also has an impressive collection of more than 36,000 key chains, 4,800 ashtrays, 3,600 perfume bottles, 10,000 matchboxes. It appears he is working on drink cans next. While famous for its collection of, tchotchkes, the Arenas family is known in the area for their delicious jams and jellies. Visitors will find the traditional fruit-flavored jams as well as some more unique flavors. We were simply blown away by the number of souvenirs. It usually is a stop for Viator tours of nearby Colonia del Sacramento.
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