Mercado del Puerto (Port Market), Montevideo (must see)

The Port Market of Montevideo is thought to be the ultimate gastronomic watering hole in the port of Montevideo. One thing to note, however. The market is not a market. It was once a real market, but that was a long time ago. Now it is an iron commercial palace, home to several restaurants having "the best meat in Uruguay."

The Port Market is located in the Old City section of town, right in front of the port. It was created in 1865 and built of iron, like many similar fashionable buildings in Europe at that time. Construction took nearly three years. The facility was inaugurated by the President of Uruguay, Lorenzo Batlle.

At present, the Market is a Mecca for carnivores. Uruguayans, it is said, love meat. They believe tourists feel the same way. Unforgettable dining experiences can be found in restaurants like La Chacra del Puerto, which features a Uruguayan meat grill. Then there is La Parrillada el Quarto, El Peregrino, and La Parrillada la Maestranza.

This unique market has a colonial appearance with a modern feel to it. The Port Market is open Monday to Sunday. Sundays are the busiest times.