A Waterfront Playground of Beaches and Parks: One of the World’s Longest Sidewalks in South America

Uruguay, the South American destination that Anthony Bourdain dubbed the world’s most underrated, often surprises first-time visitors. Not only does the country boast some of the most stunning, yet overlooked beaches in South America, but it also features one of the world’s longest sidewalks. La Rambla, found in Montevideo, runs for nearly 14 miles along the Río de la Plata, providing access to the capital city’s neighborhoods, beaches, and recreational areas.

Beginning near the Mercado del Puerto, a bustling market known for its traditional Uruguayan cuisine, the sidewalk takes pedestrians by amusement parks, green spaces, museums, and popular beaches. On the eastern side of Rambla, there are sporty beaches with hotspots for kitesurfing and surfing, waterfront plazas, and vibrant food markets. To thoroughly enjoy La Rambla, it’s best to explore it over several days, allowing yourself ample time to enjoy everything it offers at your own pace. You can walk, rollerblade, or rent a bike through local shops like Orange Bike.

To reach Montevideo, most visitors fly into Carrasco International Airport, located about 12 miles from the city center. From the airport, you can take a taxi, rent a car, or hop on a public bus to get to the famous walkway, with a trip time that generally runs between 45 minutes to an hour.

A good starting point on the western side of La Rambla is the Mercado de Puerto, or Port Market. Built in the mid-1800s, the vibrant market is now known for its fresh seafood and meat-centric restaurants. Moving east on the promenade, you’ll find one of the area’s most popular beaches, Playa Ramírez. While you may not see that many people swimming, the location makes it ideal to spend time at, especially for families, as it’s right next to a roller skating rink and one of the city’s most frequented and largest parks, Parque Rodó. There’s also a small amusement park that has been here since 1968, though it now has modern attractions, like bumper cars and pendulum rides. And be sure to check out the National Museum of Visual Arts, which displays the country’s largest collection of paintings.

Further east on La Rambla is Playa de los Pocitos, which is suitable for taking a dip and soaking in the local vibes. The white sands stretch for over a mile in this affluent neighborhood, and sports like volleyball and soccer are almost always being played here. This is also a great spot for a bite to eat, as you’ll find many seaside restaurants, from retro-looking hamburger stands to kiosks selling snacks like fried calamari.

For something more upscale, take a short 10-minute stroll to the Buceo Port Pier. Here, you’ll find an authentic seafood restaurant called El Italiano, where you can dine with Montevideans. As the day unwinds, you can catch the sunset at the nearby yacht club and pier, ending your day exploring La Rambla.