Visiting or settling in South America, in the capital of Uruguay? Find out with us where to stay in Montevideo!
Are you finally fulfilling a long-held dream of going to Latin America and visitingUruguay? You’re there, plane ticket in hand, but you still need to find a place to stay in Montevideo! The capital of Uruguay and the country’s leading port city, Montevideo is located in the south of the country, on the estuary of the Rio de la Plata. The city symbolizes tango, mate, socialism, hospitality and tranquility in all its forms. With a population of 1,325,968, Montevideo is considered Latin America’s most liveable city, and ranks among the 30 safest cities in the world. Less popular than its Argentine neighbor Buenos Aires, Montevideo boasts superb beaches such as Pocitos, Buceo, Malvín, Playa de los Ingleses, Playa Verde, Punta Gorda and Carrasco. Founded by the Spanish in 1726, the city is home to many historic buildings, with tourism its main source of income.
Montevideo boasts numerous theaters, cultural venues, museums, cinematheques, concert halls and carnival shows, making it an attractive destination. The city has 62 neighborhoods, divided into 8 districts. Here’s where to stay in Montevideo.
Ciudad Vieja and Centro
Photo credit: Flickr – Marcelo Druck
The historic heart of the city, Ciudad Vieja is the district to the south of the harbor, with its unique blend of the old – dotted with colonial-era buildings – and the new – with designer boutiques and luxury stores – where most of the social life takes place. The Mercado del Puerto will delight the taste buds of those curious to discover local culinary specialties, amid museums and art galleries (Carnival Museum, Pre-Columbian and Indigenous Art Museum, National Historical Museum, Natural History Museum, etc.). If you choose to stay in the old town, you’ll be able to browse the bars and cultural sites, and wander through the cobbled, pedestrian streets that end in pleasant squares, towards Montevideo Cathedral or Independence Square: the best area to stay in Montevideo!
Punta Carretas
Photo credit: Flickr – Vince Alongi
Located on the southern tip of the city, Punta Carretas is home to the Rambla, a 22-kilometer long pedestrian and motorized coastal promenade, with beaches – Ramirez Beach – restaurants, bars and green spaces for sports – including the golf club and Uruguay’s Carnival Square. It’s a central, residential, commercial and pleasant area in which to stay in Montevideo.
Pocitos
Photo credit: Flickr – Jimmy Baikovicius
North of Punta Carretas lies one of Montevideo’s most highly regarded neighborhoods: Pocitos, with its eponymous beach. Pocitos beach offers a long stretch of fine sand that transforms into a volleyball and soccer field during the summer season. It’s a chic neighborhood, home to Montevideo’s affluent middle class, where you’ll still find plenty of bars and restaurants where you can party – how can you resist a little tango concert? – or sample the flavours of Uruguayan cuisine. If you want to stay in Montevideo without fear of violence, this is the place to go!
Parque Rodo
Photo credit: Wikipedia – Felipe Restrepo Acosta
If you’re young and/or a student, this is Montevideo’s student district. Located just above Punta Carretas, it’s home to several universities attracting young students, and offers a vibrant, lively yet tranquil social life. Party, visit the streets, museums – including, notably, the National Museum of Visual Arts – and buildings while relaxing in the enormous José Enrique Rodo Park, a 42-hectare green lung. Once again, this is one of the best areas to stay in Montevideo.
Map of hotels and accommodation – Montevideo,uy