La Maestranza

As a traveler who just returned from Montevideo, I can't wait to share with you my wonderful experience in this charming Uruguayan capital. The charm of this city far exceeded my expectations and made me fall in love with everything here. Below, I will introduce my trip to Montevideo from two aspects: food and attractions. Food: 1. Barbecue (Asado): How can you come to Uruguay and not taste their proud barbecue? I enjoyed an unforgettable barbecue feast at La Maestranza restaurant in Mercado del Puerto (Port Market). The grilled steak there is tender and juicy, with excellent taste, which is definitely a paradise for meat lovers. 2. Fried meat pie (Chivito): This is the national food of Uruguay. I tried this delicacy at the La Pasiva chain. It is stuffed with beef, ham, cheese and eggs, and the taste is rich and very satisfying. 3. Mate tea (Mate): Although it is not a food, this traditional drink can be found everywhere in Uruguay. While strolling along the Rambla, I bought a set of yerba mate tea sets and tasted this unique bitter tea with the locals to experience the local culture. 4. Seafood: As a coastal city, Montevideo also has excellent seafood. I tasted fresh grilled fish at El Pescadito restaurant in Ciudad Vieja (Old Town), which was delicious and memorable. Attractions: 1. Plaza Independencia: This is the first stop on my itinerary. The equestrian statue of General Artigas in the center of the square is magnificent, and the surrounding neoclassical buildings are also spectacular. I also visited the Salvo Palace in a corner of the square and learned about the history of Uruguay. 2. Ciudad Vieja: Walking along the cobblestone streets of the old town, I felt like I was traveling back to the colonial period. The architectural styles here are diverse, ranging from Baroque to neoclassical. I especially like the gorgeous exteriors of the San Felipe and Santiago churches. 3. Rambla: This is a 22-kilometer seaside avenue. I rented a bicycle and rode along the avenue to enjoy the beautiful sea view. Here, I saw the leisurely life of locals sunbathing, fishing and drinking mate tea. 4. Teatro Solís: As one of the oldest theaters in South America, its architectural beauty amazed me. I took a guided tour to learn about the history and architectural features of the theater. 5. Museo del Fútbol: As a football fan, how could I miss this museum located in the Centennial Stadium? It displays the glorious football history of Uruguay and gave me a deeper understanding of this football powerhouse. 6. Playa Carrasco: In the east of the city, I found this relatively quiet beach. The golden sand and blue water are a good place to relax. I spent a pleasant afternoon here. Overall, Montevideo is a charming city that perfectly blends history and modernity, leisure and vitality. Whether it is food, architecture, or natural scenery, I was deeply impressed. If you want to experience a different South American city, Montevideo is definitely a destination worth considering. I have already started planning my next trip to Montevideo!