The 5 best neighborhoods to stay

Where to stay in Montevideo? There’s not much wrong with answering this question. Although half of the country’s population lives in the Uruguayan capital, for tourists the city is small.

That’s why, The question is whether you prefer to stay in the center of Montevideo or whether you think it’s better to stay on the city’s waterfront.

Where to stay in Montevideo: center or waterfront?

Center or edge? I have already tested both possibilities and I guarantee: The best area to stay in Montevideo is on the coast, between the neighborhoods of Pocitos, Buceo and Punta Carretas. Stay there and you’ll tend to enjoy the trip a lot more.

Edge? Yes, Montevideo is a beach city. Or almost so. Instead of the Atlantic Ocean, the coastline is marked by 67 kilometers of the eastern bank of the River Plate, which also borders neighboring Buenos Aires.

But, truth be told, the Uruguayan capital has a much more beachy feel than the Argentinean one.

Montevideo waterfront

Where to stay in Montevideo: best neighborhoods

Below I will talk in detail about five neighborhoods, or regions, where most of the accommodation options in Montevideo are concentrated:

• Wells
• Punta Carretas
• Dive
• center
• Carrasco

Hotels in Pocitos, Montevideo

Stay on the edge of Montevideo and with a promenade to call your own. This middle-class neighborhood is full of good restaurants and popular bars.

Is quiet region and with accommodation options for the most diverse budgets, from backpackers to those looking for luxury.

To go to the center and the Old Town you will need to take a taxi or Uber – you can also go by bus or, for those who are not sedentary, even cycle along the promenade, which ends at Mercado del Puerto.

3 accommodation options in Pocitos:

• Destino26 – Perhaps the best hostel in Pocitos. It is in an almost century-old building, but recently renovated. Highly praised for its location and a traditional choice also among couples – they have private rooms.
• Hotel Costanero – View, good location and the hotel for a special trip.
• Hyatt Centric Montevideo – Luxury/comfortable option. It is on Pocitos beach, overlooking the river.

See accommodation options in Pocitos

Hotels in Punta Carretas, Montevideo

Residential neighborhood that faces the Rio da Prata and close to the Parque Rodó, one of the most important in the city.

Staying there, you will be able to take walks on the Ramblas, large coastal avenues, and there will be good restaurants and bars nearby – in addition to being more pleasant, Pocitos and Punta Carretas are great options for nightlife.

I’ve stayed there before and loved it. Some suggestions for accommodation in Punta Carretas:

• Hotel Gema – This is where I stayed. It’s a good hotel, 200 meters from the seafront and close to bars and restaurants. It has a good rating on Booking and stands out for its value for money.
• Mercure – On the waterfront, facing the river – and with a view! It has a very good rating and prices that are a little higher, but can be affordable.
• BIT Design Hotel – Well rated, with emphasis on the location, which is great.
• Intercity Montevideo – Very good value for money option.
• Esplendor by Wyndham Montevideo – Another alternative on the waterfront. It has a swimming pool and is close to a shopping mall.

See more options in Punta Carretas

Hotels in Buceo, Montevideo

If on one side of Pocitos is Punta Carretas, on the other is Buceo, another residential neighborhood along the banks of the Rio de la Plata. It’s also a great location and you’ll be able to get to neighboring neighborhoods walking along the waterfront promenade.

Three accommodation options in Buceo:

See more accommodation options in Buceo

Central Montevideo hotels (cheap)

Many people don’t like staying in the capital city center, but there are certain advantages, such as the ease of using public transport and cheaper prices. It’s no different with Montevideo.

Stay in the central region of the city – that is, close to Avenida 18 de Julio – means that you will walk to many tourist attractions and have a large shopping area around you. It also means that the region will be busy during the week, but empty at nightfall or on weekends and holidays.

The center is home to the largest range of hostels and cheap hotels in Montevideo, which ends up making this a stronghold for budget travelers and backpackers.

I stayed there on my first visit to the city. I liked it, but the experience in Pocitos/Punta Carretas, five years later, was much better. Stay there if you need to save money or if more central accommodation is your thing.

Some suggestions for accommodation in the center of Montevideo:

• El Viajero Downtown Hostel & Suites – In a historic mansion, one of the best backpacker options in the center. It also has private rooms. That’s where I stayed in 2014.
• Hotel Casablanca Montevideo – One of the most booked hotels in the city. It is 100 meters from 18 de Julho, Montevideo’s main avenue.
• Hotel Hispano – It is three blocks from the city’s most important square, the seat of executive power.
• Oxford Hotel – It is also one block from 18 de Julho. It has very good reviews from guests.

See more options in downtown Montevideo

Hotels in Carrasco, Montevideo

If all you want is to escape the big city atmosphere, Carrasco could be an option. This is one of the most upscale neighborhoods in Montevideo, a stronghold of the wealthy population.

It is also a neighborhood close to the waterfront – just pass through Puenta Carretas, Pocitos, Buceo and follow a little further and you will get there. It is a 30-minute drive to the center and about 20 to Pocitos/Punta Carretas.

Staying in Carrasco can increase spending on Uber If you don’t have a rental car, after all, you will often have to travel to see the tourist attractions.

On the other hand, Carrasco is close to the airport, making it a great alternative for those who will only be in the city for a short time. and you want to get to your hotel quickly as soon as your flight lands. It is also good for those who want luxury, but paying less.

• Hotel Bahamas – Good prices and a cute hotel, two blocks from the beach.
• Hotel Lago Carrasco – The beautiful pool and the view of the lake are two highlights of this hotel. It is 4km from the airport.
• Sofitel Montevideo Casino Carrasco & Spa – Perhaps the most luxurious accommodation in Montevideo. It is also a spa. It has an indoor and outdoor pool.
• Le Bibló – Well-rated hotel with comfortable double rooms.

See accommodation options in Carrasco

Prefer Airbnb? 5 apartment options in Montevideo

Staying in an apartment can be more economical and still bring a taste of home to your trip – you will feel, for a few days, like you live in Montevideo. I selected five very good apartments, spread across the city.

But hurry, because this type of accommodation tends to sell out much more quickly – you can’t book at the last minute.

The links are to the Booking website, which also works with seasonal apartments, in the best Airbnb style.

See more apartment options in Montevideo

How many days to stay in Montevideo?

Stay at least three days in the city.

And more time, if you want to get to know the surroundings of Montevideo and take short trips to the dozens of wineries that surround the Uruguayan capital.

Travel insurance for Uruguay

Travel insurance is not mandatory to pass through Uruguayan immigration, but it is recommended by the Brazilian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as “Uruguayan hospitals only serve local citizens free of charge”.

Health insurance for Uruguay is not expensive – less than R$10 per day of travel. Affinity, Travel Ace and Assist Card are some companies that offer competitive prices. See our article on the best insurance for South America.

It is not necessary to have a valid passport to visit Uruguay – Brazilian tourists can disembark there with just their ID, as long as it is in good condition and has a current photo. If you only go with your identity card, you must fill out a specific form at the time of immigration, which is waived for those who show up with a passport.

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