If you are in Montevideo by Feb 1, you've GOT to see the
Carnaval. The last day of the month long festival ends with the oldest component when the various competing groups
parade down the main street in a percusion extravaganza. The carnaval has the same roots as the one in Rio from the bad old days when slavery was one of the industries of South America supplying the USA with its grubby trade.
The "Old City" of Montevideo is just like Sydney's Rocks area. The architechture is very Parisian in style, constructed during the glory days of Uruguay. Very picturesqe and dotted with many boutique stores.
There's the
Mercado del Puerto ("Port's market", site is in spanish).
La Plaza de Independencia (Independance Square) is a very cosmopolitan square surrounded by a mix of old and modern architechture with an equally diverse mix of modest to very stylish shops and restaurants.
This is just a little taste of my birth place.
Alex.