South America’s southernmost capital city, Montevideo is easy to fall in love with — particularly if you visit during the pleasant Southern Hemisphere summer months, between November and February. Abounding with famous white-sand beaches like Playa de los Pocitos, Playa Buceo and Playa Ramírez, Uruguay’s capital city lures with a laid-back lifestyle, sophisticated dining scene, and historical sites and eclectic architecture to admire, too.

“As it is home to just 1.3 million people, Montevideo has the feel of a relaxed, arty second city rather than a metropolis,” said Hannah Easton of custom tour operator Audley Travel, which offers half- and full- day tours of Montevideo as well as longer itineraries in Uruguay.

“It’s an excellent choice for architecture lovers, with Belle Époque, Art Deco and Modernist buildings; and the old town is a great place to learn about the history of this often-overlooked country,” said Easton.

She also recommended spending a night or two in Colonia del Sacramento (a historic town and UNESCO World Heritage site two hours northwest of Montevideo) while you’re in Uruguay. If you choose to explore Montevideo on your own, launch your day in Ciudad Vieja (Montevideo’s old city), where points of interest include landmark buildings like the 19th-century Teatro Solis and Artigas Mausoleum — guarded by a statue of the country’s national hero, José Gervasio Artigas.

Mercado del Puerto parrilladas © Matyas Rehak | Dreamstime.com

No visit to Montevideo is complete without sitting for a meal and a glass (or más) of Medio y Medio (a mixture of dry white wine and sweet sparkling wine) at the city’s legendary waterfront Mercado del Puerto. The 19th-century market buzzes with life and asado restaurants specializing in parrilladas of specialty meats and fresh seafood. On weekend afternoons, live bands roam the market, adding a particularly festive atmosphere.

Make time to feel the pulse of local life, too, alongside the city’s residents out for a jog or Sunday stroll along La Rambla, a waterfront promenade stretching more than 13 miles along the Río de la Plata. This first taste will only tempt you to spend more time diving into everything Uruguay offers. Consider longer tours with luxury operator Red Savannah, whose relaxed itineraries from Punta del Este to Montevideo include visits to rural estancias for asado barbecues with gauchos as well as stops in charming coastal towns along the way.