Due to its colonial beginnings, the city's layout is different from the majority of Uruguayan cities. Its cobbled streets and houses alternate with small bars, excellent restaurants, art and craft shops, museums and a large yacht harbour. Many old cars still line the streets where little traffic passes. A magnicicent view of the Rio de plata can be seen from the top of the lighthouse, and if you know where to look you can just make out the sky-scrapers of Buenos Airies on the horizon.

The bull ring in nearby Real de San Carlos, was built in 1910 and saw only 8 bullfights before bullfighting was prohibited in 1912. The bullring was part of an huge complex inclduding a jai alai court, a hotel and racecourse. Only the racecourse is still functioning.