Montevideo

This city often takes travelers by surprise. It's the capital of Uruguay, but it frequently feels more like a sprawling, laid-back beach town with a serious dose of history. The vibe here is wonderfully unpretentious and tranquil; it's a city for wandering along the water, enjoying long lunches, and simply slowing down.

Montevideo stands out as one of South America's most underrated capitals. First, there's the Rambla, a nearly 14-mile coastal promenade that's the city's heart and soul. Travelers can spend hours just walking, people-watching, and seeing the city's life unfold against the backdrop of the Río de la Plata. The city also has a fascinating blend of crumbling colonial architecture and grand Art Deco buildings, especially in neighborhoods like Ciudad Vieja and Centro. The city's pace of life is a real clincher. It’s a major city where you don't feel rushed, where taking two hours for a coffee or sitting in a park with a book feels like the main event. Plus, the access to fantastic, grass-fed beef is a carnivore's dream.