Welcome to Ushuaia! Before your expedition cruise to Antarctica starts, you'll likely have some time to explore the southernmost city in the world, and the gateway to Antarctica! Ushuaia is small, set in the stunning surroundings of Tierra del Fuego. With around 82,000 inhabitants, Ushuaia retains the cozy feel of a frontier town while offering a sense of coziness, splashes of culture, and the chance to sample local delicacies and snap up some souvenirs!
Our expedition team has put together a handy guide, sharing some of Ushuaia's best cafés, restaurants, and souvenir shops. So, get ready to explore the city known as 'the end of the world!'
CAFÉS & LOCAL FAVORITES
Ramos Generales – Café, Bakery & Restaurant
First up, we have a guest favorite and one of Ushuaia’s most atmospheric cafés. Ramos Generales is set in a historic building filled with antiques, old tools, books, and objects that create a warm, vintage, “frontier town” feel. It's perfect for a cozy break, especially if the weather takes a turn for the worse. They offer excellent coffee, hot chocolate, artisanal pastries, and hearty sandwiches, perfect for any polar explorer.
This is the ideal spot for relaxation, either before or after your expedition cruise to Antarctica or epic adventures in the Weddell Sea. It's photogenic, cozy, and relaxed. You can find Ramos Generales about a 10-minute walk from the port, on Maipú waterfront avenue.
El Mercado – Empanadas & local food
Known for the best empanadas in town, El Mercado is perfect for a casual, quick, and inexpensive meal, and for sampling some local delicacies! Expect freshly baked empanadas with a variety of fillings, including veggie options. This is an excellent option for takeaway if you're planning a walk around the city. El Mercado is located in the center of Ushuaia, at Av. San Martín 1488, Ushuaia.
Local grills (Parrillas) – Patagonian meat
If there's one thing Argentina is known for, it's the quality of grilled meat! There are several options in Ushuaia, but two of our expedition team's favorites are Casimiro Biguá Parilla and El Asador Steak House.
Both are classic Argentinian-style grill restaurants, offering roasted Patagonian lamb, a variety of steak and beef cuts, sausages, and mixed plates. Portions are generous, and you can expect a warm, rustic ambiance, typical of Fuegian parrillas!
International options – Main street (San Martín)
In addition to local delicacies, you can find international flavors on the main commercial street in the center of Ushuaia. You'll find a variety of international restaurants and fast-food options, from burgers, pizzas, and pasta to sandwich shops and casual cafés. These are great if you're on the go or want a taste of home!
King Crab (Centolla) – Local specialty
Many restaurants in Ushuaia serve King Crab, a signature dish of Tierra del Fuego. Several seafood restaurants in Ushuaia specialize in serving locally caught Patagonian king crab. It's often prepared either grilled or in a casserole. You can also enjoy whole king crab at your table, with local touches like garlic butter and au gratin options. Many seafood restaurants offer great waterfront views, making them especially popular around sunset.
You should expect higher prices than usual in Ushuaia, given the nature of the dish. However, if you want to try something very regional and unique, Patagonian king crab is it!
SOUVENIR SHOPS
If souvenir shopping is on your list of things to do before your Antarctic expedition cruise begins, the center of Ushuaia offers a mix of souvenir shops, artisan galleries, and specialty shops within walking distance. For general souvenirs, your best bet is San Martín Street - the main commercial street in Ushuaia.
Most souvenir shops are concentrated along the main street and offer a wide range of typical items at accessible prices. While many shops carry similar products, they are convenient and centralized, making souvenir shopping simple if your time is limited! All the usual suspects can be found here, including magnets, stickers and patches, hats, scarves and gloves, and plenty of wildlife-themed items, particularly penguins and sea lions.
You can pick up something more unique, such as mate cups and bombillas, as well as postcards, maps, travel accessories, and artisanal crafts.
Artisan Gallery – Local Handicrafts
Perhaps the usual tourist souvenirs aren't your thing. In that case, you can seek out handmade jewelry, wood carvings, knitted textiles, artworks, natural cosmetics, and other local products in this small indoor gallery that branches off San Martín street. This cozy passage, located at Feria de Artesanos, Plaza 25 de Mayo, is where local artisans sell handmade crafts. The items here are more unique and authentic than those in a typical souvenir shop.
This list isn't definitive! Ushuaia is full of eateries and shops, so explore at your leisure! Whether you find yourself with free time before your adventures in Antarctica, or with a mind full of memories after returning to civilization, Ushuaia is the perfect place to sample, seek out, and say hello to something new!
Thank you to Régis Perdriat for providing imagery and original text used in this blog.