Top things to do

Gleaming white in the sun and cascading nine stories down a cliffside, Uruguayan artist Carlos Páez Vilaró’s exuberantly whimsical villa and art gallery sits atop Punta Ballena, a jutting headland 15km west of Punta…

Punta’s most famous landmark is this monster-sized sculpted hand protruding from the sands of Playa Brava. Constructed in iron and cement by Chilean artist Mario Irarrázabal, it won first prize in a monumental art c…

Rustic wood tables, exposed brick walls, retro decor, and tasty food at affordable prices make this one of the peninsula's most attractive lunch spots. Friendly young owners Luciana and Sebastian offer service with …

Even with early-bird discounts (20% to 40% depending on time of arrival) Lo de Tere is hard on the wallet, but you won't find finer food anywhere in Punta. The wide-ranging menu includes black crab ravioli, orange-s…

Sushi, grilled fish, fried squid and mejillones a la provenzal (mussels simmered in white wine, garlic, parsley and olive oil) are the specialties at this beachfront eatery. The outdoor terrace, directly overlooking…

Popular for its varied menu and moderate (by Punta standards) prices, Olivia serves tacos, pizza, salads, sandwiches and more substantial fish and meat dishes, along with caipirinhas, mojitos, sangria or fresh ginge…

Launched in 2015, Punta del Este's first artisanal brewpub serves up its own Capitán home brew along with craft beers from all over Uruguay. The classy, low-lit interior also makes a nice place to linger over reason…

For seafood, salads, pasta, panini or chivitos in one of Punta's prettiest waterfront settings, grab a spot on the beachside deck here, then enjoy watching the waiters try to look dignified as they cross the street …

Owned by a fishing buddy of local artist Carlos Páez Vilaró and decorated with some of his work, this is one of Punta’s premier restaurants. The culinary delights include gazpacho, paella, risotto, homemade pasta, f…

Montevideo-based Marcos earned its fame building chivitos (Uruguay's famous steak sandwich) to order. Choose from the 11 toppings and seven sauces, then try to balance the thing back to your table