The Best Hostels in Montevideo, Uruguay

A stone’s throw from Parque Rodó and boho Barrio Sur, Charruas makes for a well-located off-center base. The rooms include female-only and male-only dorms, as well as doubles, while shared spaces include an ample garden terrace and a buzzy bar serving craft beer. Guests with a penchant for protein can turn to Uruguay’s favorite pastime, preparing a parrilla (barbecue) on the terrace.

Dating back to 1920, Blanes Hostel in Montevideo’s Cordón neighborhood has been lovingly refurbished and retains many original features, such as perfectly laid tile flooring and a glorious stained glass ceiling. Dorms accommodate between four and eight people, and guests can pluck herbs and veggies from the organic garden before making use of the well-equipped kitchen.

From the potted plants to the doorways, many corners of this early 20th-century mansion have been given a fresh identity at the hands of photographers and artists in the laid-back, residential Parque Rodó area. Just one block from the Río de la Plata promenade and a stone’s throw from the park, the hostel is a short walk from key Montevideo neighborhoods, such as Barrio Sur and Ciudad Vieja.

For an authentic Ciudad Vieja experience that’s a hop from the river and a skip from Plaza Matriz, reserve a bed at Circus Hostel. Book a private double room or space in a dorm for up to six in this refurbished mansion. Communal spaces include an elegant living room with a Chesterfield-style sofa and rooftop deck complete with parrilla (barbecue) and city views.

Conveniently located a few minutes’ walk from the beach and promenade, 20 minutes from the bus station and 15 minutes to the city center, this hostel is at the heart of the city. You’ll share a large house with a huge backyard and barbecue, a kitchen, an inner garden and two cozy fireplaces. The staff are always ready to suggest things to do, whether day or night, and its central position means there will always be something new to discover.

This hostel offers beautiful rooms in the modern neighborhood of Buceo. Meander past the large houses and tall skyscrapers, and don’t miss out on the promenade that leads to the beach for one of the most stunning views in the city. The hostel is an old refurbished house with an outdoor terrace, and offers a lot of instruments and games to share with other guests. The outdoor deck is also very cozy; it’s a great place to enjoy the sun during the day, and drink with other guests at night.

This is a refurbished house originally built in the 1940s, with a delicious combination of old and modern styles. Every night here provides a different experience, including theme nights with delicious homemade dinners that encourage guests to get together and share their travel stories. The hostel also organizes trips to other cities and other excursions. You can rent a bike to tour the city, which should include the beautiful neighborhood where this hostel is located.

The rooms at MedioMundo are spacious, clean and bright. Guests usually meet up in the common area to play their musical instruments by the fireplace. The hostel sits in one of the best neighborhoods in the city in terms of things to see and do: there are design shops, markets, handicraft shops, museums, cafés, bars and restaurants around every corner. It is a university area, so the nightlife is buzzing, and there are options for all tastes. You can choose between an array of nightclubs, Irish pubs, bars hosting live music and restaurants. A fun option is to go barhopping – bars and clubs are open until anytime between 4am and 9am.

This hostel sits in the city center, six blocks away from the bus station, so you can experience life in the busiest part of the city. There is a shared kitchen and a terrace, which is a nice place to relax or meet other guests. Daily transfer services and excursions are offered so that you don’t miss anything the city has to offer, and you can also get excellent advice from the staff on good places to go. Che Lagarto is part of the largest chain of private hostels in South America, so if you’re traveling around the country or the continent, the staff can also help you make plans for your next destination.