There are no impressive sights or first-class attractions in Colonia del Sacramento. There are no large convents, nor cathedrals. There are no old mansions or prominent civil buildings to keep in mind before traveling. I would even say that there is not a single building that reflects a distinctive urban, architectural or artistic identity. Almost any Latin American colonial city has more things to see and do than this picturesque little Uruguayan town.

However, Colonia is a charming city. Its location on the banks of the Río de la Plata, the quietness of its cobbled streets and the friendliness of the locals make the visit worthwhile. The atmosphere is laid back and there are plenty of good restaurants and high-end souvenir shops. The famous Calle de los Suspiros is indeed very photogenic; like the whole city, which is always impeccable.

Colonia is a historical crossroads, a changing frontier. First, between the Spanish and Portuguese empires; then, between Brazil and Uruguay. This is evident in the presence of some Portuguese and Spanish colonial style houses. However, the vast majority of the city's architecture belongs to the independent period (19th and 20th centuries), although it is harmoniously integrated into the original colonial landscape.

There are many museums in Colonia, but most only have a couple of rooms and very small collections. I recommend visiting the Museo Casa de Nacarello, the Museo de los Azulejos and the Museo Municipal. Altogether, they add up to two hours of visit and are enough to understand the nature and character of this site. At the tourist office, you can buy a pass that includes admission to most of the city's cultural spaces.

Colonia can be visited as a day trip from Buenos Aires, as it is an hour away by ferry. It is very easy to get Uruguayan currency in the main plaza and some places even accept Argentine pesos. It is worth bearing in mind that all prices are significantly higher in Uruguay than in Argentina.