A Budget Traveller's Guide To Montevideo

Montevideo has a reputation for being pricey. By South American standards, this enigmatic metropolis can make even Buenos Aires look like a budget destination. But that’s not to say there aren’t plenty of ways to get some bang for your buck. Here’s our budget traveller’s guide to Uruguay’s coolest city.

What to do and see

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

http://instagram.com/p/BQtdJR5lvvb/?taken-at=946803736&hl=en
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.

http://instagram.com/p/BRO8KG8A6t7/?taken-at=213105339&hl=en
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

http://instagram.com/p/BRQJW7zgTAw/?taken-at=235859765&hl=en
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.

http://instagram.com/p/BRDuUXAlmr7/

What to eat and drink

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

http://instagram.com/p/BP6NF3vBLWN/

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

http://instagram.com/p/qIco3JN4A8/?taken-at=9166060&hl=en
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

http://instagram.com/p/BLmByYWDDjN/?taken-at=48887681

Where to stay

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

http://instagram.com/p/BLTcAWBDjTY/

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

http://instagram.com/p/vnphU6EVgL/
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

http://instagram.com/p/BF3s_xnpK_4/?taken-at=19284028

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.