Historic, atmospheric and wonderfully compact, Colonia del Sacramento is one of the easiest and most rewarding day trips from Buenos Aires. Sitting on the banks of the Río de la Plata, this UNESCO-listed town is perfect for a slow, unstructured day of wandering.
Chapters
Founded by the Portuguese in 1680 and later contested by Spain, Colonia’s historic quarter is a rare mix of colonial influences, with cobblestone streets, low stone houses and irregular lanes that feel very different from typical Spanish-built cities.
How to get there
TThe fastest way to reach Colonia is by ferry from Buenos Aires, with the crossing taking just over an hour.
We booked our tickets the day before departure and found some time slots were already full. We ended up on the 12:15 pm ferry, which worked perfectly for a relaxed afternoon exploring the town.
Ferry tips
- Arrive 2 hours early for immigration and security (although it was quiet when we went)
- Two ferry companies operate this route:
- Buquebus: Larger ferries with cafés, bars and a surprisingly extensive duty-free section
- Colonia Express: Slightly faster and cheaper, with fewer onboard amenities
Arriving
Once you exit the ferry terminal, turn left and follow the path past the AFE Cultural Centre. This walk leads straight into the historic quarter.
Good to know: Argentinian SIM cards don’t work in Uruguay. Download offline maps or be ready to explore phone-free.
How to Spend One Day in Colonia del Sacramento
Colonia is small enough that you don’t need a strict itinerary. Everything is walkable and best experienced at a slow pace.
1. Explore the UNESCO Historic Quarter
The historic quarter is the heart of Colonia and its biggest highlight. Cobblestone streets wind past Portuguese stone houses, Spanish plazas and remnants of the old defensive walls.
Unlike many colonial cities, Colonia’s streets weren’t laid out in a grid, which makes wandering feel more organic — and more interesting.
2. Visit Centro Cultural Bastión del Carmen
Around the back of the cultural center is an open green space looking out over the Rio de la Plata. The old buildings in this complex were gorgeous. The building was originally built as a fortification — part of Colonia del Sacramento’s defensive walls. In the late 1800s, the bastión area was repurposed. It became an industrial complex: it housed a soap factory, facilities for “cola” (possibly glue or resin), a wool washery, and a leather tannery.
This cultural centre is an easy stop while exploring the historic area.
- Free entry
- Rotating art and design exhibitions
- Historic buildings originally part of Colonia’s fortifications
Around the back, there’s a small green space overlooking the Río de la Plata — a great place for a quick break.
3. Walk Across Puerta de la Ciudadela
Puerta de la Ciudadela marks the old entrance to the city and dates back to 1745.
Crossing the drawbridge is a simple but memorable moment, and it’s one of the best photo spots in Colonia.
4. Wander Without a Plan
One of the best things to do in Colonia is simply walk:
- Follow quiet side streets
- Stop in small plazas
- Walk down to the river at sunset
Colonia rewards wandering — the town’s charm is in its details rather than its landmarks.
5. Relax in Lineal AFE Park
If you have time before heading back, walk through Lineal AFE Park, a linear green space created from old railway infrastructure.
It’s ideal for:
- A quiet walk
- Birdwatching
- Waiting for your return ferry
We spent our final hour here soaking up the calm atmosphere before heading back to Buenos Aires.
Is One Day in Colonia del Sacramento Enough?
Yes — one day is perfect.
Colonia isn’t about ticking off attractions. It’s about slowing down, wandering cobblestone streets, and experiencing a different rhythm of life across the river from Buenos Aires.
It’s an easy, beautiful escape — and proof that you don’t need a packed itinerary to have a memorable travel day.