A Budget Traveller's Guide to Montevideo

Tour the museums

Montevideo’s collection of amazing museums is totally free. The city has more than 50 museums, showcasing local curiosities as well as internationally renowned fine art masterpieces. From remnants of Uruguay’s cowboy culture at Museo del Gaucho to world artifacts at the Intendencia’s Museo de la Historia del Arte, uncover some of the city’s historical gems without spending a dime.

Museo del Gaucho, Avenida 18 de Julio 998, Montevideo, Uruguay

Museo de la Historia del Arte, Ejido 1326, la Intendencia de Montevideo, Montevideo, Uruguay

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Wander the Rambla

Perhaps Montevideo’s most enduring draw, the Rambla is a meeting point, a sports track and a proposed UNESCO World Heritage site, all in one. Curving around the coast for miles, this sun-kissed promenade is perfect for people watching, cycling and mateando (sharing mate – Uruguay’s herbal answer to coffee – with friends). Pack a picnic, set out to find your favourite spot along the Rambla and watch the sun set beneath the horizon.

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Scan the city’s skyline

Montevideo at street level isn’t much to write home about, but look up and you’ll see some wonderful examples of colonial architecture alongside flamboyant Art Deco roofs. For a bird’s eye view, head to Palacio Salvo on Plaza Independencia and take an elevator to the top floor for free. You’ll be rewarded by dazzling views of the city’s chequered rooftops, from Ciudad Vieja to Barrio Sur and the Río de la Plata beyond.

Palacio Salvo, Plaza Independencia 848, Montevideo, Uruguay

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Join a street party

All year round there’s something going on in Montevideo’s streets. Late summer sees Carnaval dominate the city’s central barrios, lasting 40 days and nights, well into February. It’s a wildly vibrant celebration of African immigrant culture, soundtracked by candombe (a fantastical rhythm created by dancing and drums), as well as murga and tablados, and colourful street performances. In the depths of winter, stay up late on Montevideo’s La Noche de la Nostalgia, when bars and clubs play hits from days gone by until the wee small hours.

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La Pulpería

One of Uruguay’s cheapest and most delicious exports is its beef. Move over Argentina, this is the real deal. Head to La Pulpería for big portions of succulent asado, served with crispy fries and fresh salad. Beloved by locals, it’s one of the best value parrillas in the city. Get there early to beat the crowds – this tiny place doesn’t take reservations.

La Pulpería, Lagunillas 448, Montevideo, Uruguay, +598 2710 8657

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Pizzeria Trouville

Nestled down in pretty Punta Carretas, Pizzeria Trouville serves up some of Montevideo’s best slices at reasonable prices. Always packed with locals and holidaying Argentinians, this friendly joint’s menu is packed with Italian classics, sandwiches and local red wines. If you’re lucky, you’ll get a complimentary fainá – gooey, delicious chickpea bread.

Pizzeria Trouville, Francisco Vidal 650, Montevideo, Uruguay, +598 2710 3601

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Empanadas Carolina

Empanadas are a staple of Latin American cuisine. Tiny pasties stuffed with everything and the kitchen sink, they’re tasty, filling, cheap and available pretty much everywhere in the city. For some of the best, try Empanadas Carolina in Mercado del Puerto. At just 51 pesos for an empanada and 60 pesos for a chilled beer, you can make up a picnic to take to one of Montevideo’s leafy parks for next to nothing.

Empanadas Carolina, Piedras 237, Montevideo, Uruguay, +598 2916 6410

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El Viajero

If you’re raring to experience Montevideo’s nightlife, spend a night at El Viajero in the city’s Centro barrio. This party hostel has compact dorms, a lively terrace and its own mini supermarket. At the 24-hour reception, friendly staff will point you in the direction of the city’s best bars and clubs. With air con and live music throughout the summer, a bunk at around US$17 a night is not to be sniffed at – just don’t forget your ear plugs.

Dorm beds from US$16; private rooms from US$27.

El Viajero, Soriano 1073, Centro, Montevideo, Uruguay, +598 2908 2913

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Hotel Palacio

This charming hotel in Ciudad Vieja will transport you to another age. Influenced by European guest houses of old, Hotel Palacio is a tranquil, quaint retreat from the bustling city. With rooms starting at less than $50 a night, stunning views across the port and a central location, it’s a steal in the old city. Add warm service and some gorgeously restored antique features and even the modest price tag is all the more worth it.

Single rooms from $40; superior double rooms from US$45.

Hotel Palacio, Bartolomé Mitre 1364, Ciudad Vieja, Montevideo, Uruguay, +598 2916 3612

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Ukelele Hostel

This upmarket hostel combines uber-cool design with a friendly backpacker vibe. It’s the only hostel in Montevideo with a swimming pool out on its sun-drenched terrace. Complimentary lockers, breakfast and that all-important free WiFi, as well as a well-stocked, all-night kitchen and a piano for the musically inclined, make this hostel a cheap and cheerful place for a pitstop.

Dorm beds from US$14; private rooms from US$40.

Ukelele Hostel, Maldonado 1183,Barrio Sur, Montevideo, Uruguay, +598 2902 7844

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