Palacio Salvo Montevideo - a large building with a lot of windows on top of it
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Palacio Salvo Montevideo

4.5
·4k reviews·Montevideo, Uruguay

An iconic Art Deco skyscraper offering breathtaking city views, a fascinating Tango Museum, and a glimpse into Montevideo's rich history.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Late afternoon tours

Sunset views with a drink

CrowdMedium
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Palacio Salvo Montevideo - a large building with a lot of windows on top of it

Palacio Salvo Montevideo

Best Time

Late afternoon tours

Sunset views with a drink

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

An iconic Art Deco skyscraper offering breathtaking city views, a fascinating Tango Museum, and a glimpse into Montevideo's rich history.

4.5
(4k reviews)

"This historic building not only offers incredible architecture but also provides one of the best views of Montevideo from its rooftop."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎟️ Buy Tickets in Person

Tickets for tours and the Tango Museum are only sold on-site. Arrive early to guarantee your spot!

👻 Ghost Stories

Some visitors report spooky encounters on the 7th floor, adding a unique thrill to the visit.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Panoramic Rooftop Views

Panoramic Rooftop Views

Rooftop

Breathtaking 360-degree views of Montevideo and the Rio de la Plata. A must-see for any visitor.

Tango Museum

Tango Museum

Inside Palacio Salvo

Explore the rich history and cultural significance of tango music in the region. Educational and entertaining.

Historic Elevator Ride

Historic Elevator Ride

Inside Palacio Salvo

Experience a charming ride in the building's original, historic elevator. A nostalgic journey.

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Planning Your Visit

Book Your Tour in Advance

Guided tours are the best way to experience Palacio Salvo, but tickets are only available in person. Arrive early to secure your spot, especially for English tours. Some tours offer sunset views with a drink, a popular choice for visitors.

Accessibility and Costs

Palacio Salvo is not wheelchair accessible. The combined entry fee for the building and Tango Museum can be pricey compared to other local attractions. Consider if the panoramic views and historical insights justify the cost for your budget.

Best Times

When
Late afternoon tours
Why
Sunset views with a drink
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, better photos
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

8 IMPERDIBLES MONTEVIDEO 🇺🇾 Montevideo tiene muchísimas cosas para conocer. En esta oportunidad les dejo algunas de las que más me gustaron (Al Palacio Salvo ya lo mostré en el video anterior) 1- Librería Puro Verso (@maspuroverso ): Esta es probablemente la librería más linda de la ciudad. Se encuentra en lo que alguna vez fue una óptica y además de vender libros ofrece en su primer piso cafeter...
@vivamosba
29.1K likes • 584.4K views

🎟️ Buy Tickets in Person

Tickets for tours and the Tango Museum are only sold on-site. Arrive early to guarantee your spot! Reddit

👻 Ghost Stories

Some visitors report spooky encounters on the 7th floor, adding a unique thrill to the visit. TikTok

Respuesta a @MEL Muchos de ustedes me dijeron que hay fantasmas en el Palacio Salvo así que esta vez decidí quedarme en el piso 7. El piso donde, dicen, aparece cada tanto “Don Pedro” el fantasma del edificio. Ig:_xhiooo_ #palaciosalvo #montevideo #uruguay #terror #tourpalaciosalvo #fantasmas #hotelembrujado #embrujado #uruguay🇺🇾 #espiritus #hotel #hoteles #ciudadvieja #ciudadela #misterio #terr...
@xhioo_
8.3K likes • 185.5K views
reddit.com

Palacio Salvo in Montevideo, Uruguay

📸 Rooftop Photo Ops

The panoramic views from the rooftop are incredible for photography. Don't miss this! Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Guided Tour Essential

Tours are highly recommended for understanding the building's history and accessing key areas. Reddit

reddit.com

Palacio Salvo, Montevideo, Uruguay. Once the tallest building in Latin America.

Tips

from all over the internet

🎟️ Buy Tickets in Person

Tickets for tours and the Tango Museum are only sold on-site. Arrive early to guarantee your spot! Reddit

👻 Ghost Stories

Some visitors report spooky encounters on the 7th floor, adding a unique thrill to the visit. TikTok

📸 Rooftop Photo Ops

The panoramic views from the rooftop are incredible for photography. Don't miss this! Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Guided Tour Essential

Tours are highly recommended for understanding the building's history and accessing key areas. Reddit

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

You'll be doing a fair bit of walking and standing during the tour. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.5
(4k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Palacio Salvo is lauded for its stunning architecture, incredible rooftop views of Montevideo, and the insightful Tango Museum. Visitors appreciate the passionate guides and the unique experience of riding the historic elevator. However, some find the entry fee to be quite expensive, and the building's lack of wheelchair accessibility is a notable drawback.

"Another beautiful building where you can also rent flats. I had a great time visiting this building! It has some stunning views over montevideo!"

Isabela

"Palacio Salvo is an iconic landmark in Montevideo and a must-visit destination for anyone interested in exploring the rich history of the city. This historic building not only offers incredible architecture but also provides one of the best views of Montevideo from its rooftop. The experience of seeing the city from such a high vantage point is truly breathtaking.

The building organizes guided tours during the day, each lasting around 45 minutes. Some tours are conducted in English, which is convenient for international visitors. However, tickets for these tours are only available in person, so you’ll need to show up to secure your spot. The tour takes you through the most significant floors of the building and ends with a visit to the rooftop, where the panoramic views are worth every moment.

One of the highlights of the tour is the Tango Museum located inside Palacio Salvo. It's fascinating to delve into the history of tango music and its cultural significance in the region. The museum adds an extra layer of depth to the visit, making it both educational and entertaining.

Overall, Palacio Salvo is a historical gem that combines stunning architecture, cultural enrichment, and spectacular views. It’s an experience that captures the essence of Montevideo and is highly recommended for history and culture enthusiasts alike."

Jonna Nevins

"Good place to stay when visiting as a tourist. It might be pretty dated, but it's iconic and has good tours."

Ice White

What People Like

Spectacular rooftop views
Historic architecture
Passionate guides

What People Dislike

Expensive entry fee
Not wheelchair accessible

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Palacio Salvo is centrally located in Montevideo, making it easily accessible by public transport or a short taxi/ride-share from most tourist areas. Many visitors walk to it from the Ciudad Vieja (Old City) or the Rambla. TikTok

Yes, it's in a prime location, close to many other historical sites and the waterfront. It's a great starting point for exploring the city center. TikTok

There are parking garages nearby, but driving in the city center can be challenging. Public transport or walking is often more convenient. Reddit

The building is best viewed from Plaza Independencia or the surrounding streets. Its grand facade is impressive from street level. Instagram

Numerous bus lines stop near Plaza Independencia, which is just a short walk from Palacio Salvo. TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

The entry fee for the building and the Tango Museum is approximately 550 UYU pesos. This price can be considered expensive by some visitors compared to other museums. Reddit

Tickets are only available for purchase in person at the building. It's recommended to buy them upon arrival to secure your spot. Reddit

Tours are typically organized during the day. It's best to check on-site for the most current tour schedules, especially for English-language tours. Reddit

While you can't book in advance online, arriving early on the day of your visit is crucial to ensure you get a ticket for your preferred tour time. Reddit

Yes, there are special evening tours that often include a drink and offer sunset views, which are very popular. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Inside, you'll find offices, residences, the Tango Museum, and access to the rooftop for stunning city views. The historic elevator is also a highlight. Reddit

No, Palacio Salvo is not accessible for wheelchairs. Visitors with mobility issues should be aware of this limitation. Reddit

A guided tour of Palacio Salvo usually lasts around 45 minutes, covering the most significant floors and ending at the rooftop. Reddit

Yes, some tours are conducted in English, which is convenient for international visitors. It's advisable to inquire about availability upon arrival. Reddit

The 7th floor is rumored to be haunted by a ghost named 'Don Pedro,' adding a layer of local folklore and intrigue to the building's history. TikTok

📸 📸 Photography

The rooftop offers unparalleled panoramic views of Montevideo. The building's exterior architecture from Plaza Independencia is also very photogenic. Reddit

Photography is generally allowed inside the public areas and during the tour, especially for capturing the architecture and views. Instagram

There is no separate fee for personal photography during the standard tours, but professional shoots might require special arrangements. Reddit

Late afternoon for sunset views from the rooftop is highly recommended. Weekday mornings can offer fewer crowds for clearer shots. Reddit

Drone photography is generally not permitted in urban areas like this without special permits. Always check local regulations. TikTok

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

While Palacio Salvo offers historical and cultural insights, it may not be the most engaging for very young children. The guided tours, lasting about 45 minutes, require a certain level of attention. The Tango Museum might be more interesting for older children who can appreciate the cultural context. The main draw for families could be the impressive rooftop views, which often captivate younger visitors. However, be aware that the building is not wheelchair accessible, which could be a consideration for families with strollers or mobility aids. Reddit

Consider a late afternoon tour to potentially catch the sunset, which can be a visually stimulating experience for kids. The historic elevator ride also adds a touch of novelty. If your children have a keen interest in history or architecture, this could be a rewarding visit. Reddit

💰 Budget Travelers

Palacio Salvo's combined entry fee of 550 UYU pesos might be a significant expense for budget-conscious travelers, especially when compared to other museums in Montevideo. While the views and historical significance are praised, it's worth weighing the cost against other attractions. Reddit

If you're on a tight budget, you might opt to admire the building's exterior architecture from Plaza Independencia and skip the paid tour and museum. However, if the panoramic views and the unique history are a priority, consider it a worthwhile splurge. Look out for potential discounts or package deals if available, though tickets are primarily sold in person. Reddit

❤️ Couples

Palacio Salvo offers a unique and romantic experience, especially with its special evening tours that often include a drink and a stunning sunset view over the Rio de la Plata. The panoramic vistas from the rooftop provide a beautiful backdrop for memorable moments. Reddit

Exploring the historic building together, learning about its past, and enjoying the city lights from above can be a very intimate and engaging date. The Tango Museum also adds a touch of cultural romance, delving into a dance known for its passion and connection. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Architectural Marvel and History

Palacio Salvo, once the tallest building in Latin America, is a testament to early 20th-century architectural ambition. Designed by Italian architect Mario Palanti, it shares a striking resemblance to its twin, Palacio Barolo, across the Rio de la Plata in Buenos Aires. This iconic landmark, completed in 1928, was envisioned as a grand residential and commercial complex, reflecting the era's optimism and growth. Its distinctive Art Deco style, with ornate detailing and a commanding presence, makes it a significant part of Montevideo's skyline. Reddit

The building's history is as rich as its design. It has housed offices, residences, and now, importantly, the Tango Museum. The stories within its walls range from the mundane to the extraordinary, with some visitors even sharing tales of paranormal encounters on its upper floors, adding a layer of mystique to its already captivating narrative. TikTok

Visiting Palacio Salvo offers a glimpse into Montevideo's past and its enduring architectural heritage. The guided tours provide context and access to areas not typically seen by the public, making it an enriching experience for history buffs and architecture enthusiasts alike. Reddit

The Tango Museum Experience

Nestled within the historic Palacio Salvo, the Tango Museum offers a captivating journey into the heart of Argentina and Uruguay's most iconic dance and music genre. This museum is more than just a collection of artifacts; it's an immersion into the soul of tango, exploring its origins, evolution, and profound cultural impact. Visitors can learn about the legendary figures who shaped tango, from composers and musicians to dancers and poets. Reddit

The exhibits often feature historical photographs, vintage instruments, costumes, and interactive displays that bring the vibrant world of tango to life. It's a chance to understand the passion, drama, and social context that make tango a globally recognized art form. The museum's location within Palacio Salvo adds to the atmosphere, connecting the art form to the very fabric of the city's history. Reddit

For anyone interested in Latin American culture, the Tango Museum is a highly recommended stop. It provides valuable insights that complement the architectural and scenic attractions of Palacio Salvo, offering a well-rounded cultural experience. Reddit

Capturing Montevideo's Essence from Above

The undisputed highlight for many visitors to Palacio Salvo is the breathtaking panoramic view from its rooftop. Ascending to this vantage point offers an unparalleled perspective of Montevideo, stretching from the bustling city center to the expansive Rio de la Plata. It's a moment where the city's layout, its historical districts, and its modern developments unfold before your eyes. Reddit

This elevated viewpoint is perfect for photography enthusiasts, providing ample opportunities to capture stunning vistas. Whether it's the golden hour light casting a warm glow over the city or the vast expanse of the river meeting the horizon, the rooftop delivers memorable shots. Many visitors describe the view as truly breathtaking and worth the visit alone. Reddit

Special evening tours that include a drink and sunset viewing are particularly popular, offering a romantic and picturesque experience. It’s a chance to see Montevideo transform as day turns into night, creating a magical atmosphere. Reddit

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