Somehow, in my adult life, I developed the belief that I needed money to have a good time. Here, there are so many public spaces, celebrations, and ways to socialize… all for little or no money. In fact the idea that the good things in life should be available to all is so important to Uruguayans that they dedicate a whole weekend to it every spring.
For that entire weekend to celebrate Dia de Patrimonio—Heritage Day , all public buildings, theaters, museums, and galleries are open to the public at no cost.
Just west of Ramirez beach is a free public roller-skating rink. To the east there are small fishing clubs. Across the street is Parque Rodo, a large park with trees, fountains, sculptures, pleasant avenues to stroll on and a pond.
When I do, I usually share it with walkers, cyclists, and rollerbladers. The rambla offers benches, too, for when you need a rest from all that activity… or just time to sit and watch the world go by. While it is common for friends in Montevideo to meet for lunch or coffee to socialize, it is also common to meet at the rambla, a plaza, or a park to chat and drink yerba mate.
This popular tea-like drink is associated with friendship. It is drunk from a hollow mate gourd with a metal straw called a bombilla. Meeting at the rambla, drinking yerba mate, and trading notes with friends is a very common and free way to spend an afternoon here. A fan of golf? That can be done for free in Montevideo, too.
