You're Going to Love Montevideo
Montevideo is set along the banks of the Río de la Plata. Visitors will be struck by the historic architecture of Ciudad Vieja (Old Town), striking mountains, and the Spanish and Portuguese influences. For views of the entire city, check out the Fortaleza del Cerro, stroll through the Plaza Independencia, or go for a swim in the Carrasco neighborhood.
Top 5 Reasons to Visit Montevideo
1. The Rambla
The Rambla is a 17-mile-long boardwalk along the coast. Enjoy the fresh breeze while sipping a "mate", herbal tea poured into a hollow gourd for sweetness.
2. Go Back in Time in Ciudad Vieja
Spend an entire day rummaging old bookshops and antique stores, and then hit the Mercado del Puerto around lunchtime for grilled meats, stews, and market fare.
3. Dinner and a Dance
Watch a tango show on Fridays and Saturdays, or participate in a milonga, a group that tangos just for fun.
4. Scour the Flea Markets
Latin America's largest flea market, the Feria de Tristán Narvaja, runs on Sundays and sells everything from tortas fritas to old cameras and furniture.
5. Come for Carnaval
Carnaval runs for a week in February, which begins with the main "llamadas" in the south part of downtown Montevideo. Take in the colorful folk performances, live dioramas, and nighttime celebrations of Murgas.
When to Visit Montevideo
Estimated hotel price
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Summertime (from mid-November to mid-March) is pleasant, and temperatures can get up to 86 degrees. Though it can get cold, temperatures rarely go below 33 degrees.
How to Get to Montevideo
Plane
The Carrasco International Airport (CVD) is 9 miles east of the city center. From here, you can take a local bus for U$51, or a coach to the central Tres Cruces bus terminal downtown for U$134.
Car
The fastest way to reach Montevideo from cities like Porto Alegre, Brazil, is to take route route BR-116 and cross at Jaguarão. There are plenty of tolls along the route so carry Uruguayan currency.
Bus
The main bus station that services buses coming in from Brazil, Paraguay, Argentina, and Chile is the Tres Cruces terminal.
Airlines serving Montevideo
Where to Stay in Montevideo
For an indulgent time, check in at the Sofitel Montevideo Casino Carrasco and Spa. The Alma Histórica Boutique Hotel in Ciudad Vieja has its own charm and comfortable rooms. The Casa Sarandi, also in Ciudad Vieja, is easiest on the pocket.
Popular Neighborhoods in Montevideo
Carrasco - this "barrio" is its own trendy haven of shops with an upscale main street, local restaurants, and an extensive beach.
Ciudad Vieja - situated right on the Rambla, Ciudad Vieja was the only part of Montevideo for a long time. It is historic, with tons of beautiful architecture, theaters, and cafes, and live music in the square.
Centro - this is the downtown area with very affordable hotels along the Rambla and Avenida 18 de Julio, Plaza Independencia, and the Art Deco-inspired Palacio Salvo.
Most popular hotel in Montevideo by neighbourhood
Where to stay in popular areas of Montevideo
Most booked hotels in Montevideo
How to Get Around Montevideo
Public Transportation
Montevideo is well connected by public transit. A single fare for the bus costs U$26 and lasts for an hour. You can also use the rechargeable Tarjeta STM cards.
Taxi
There are lots of taxis but they are steep in price. The flat rate starts at U$35.81 and it is U$33.53 per mile after that.
Car
Montevideo is easily navigable, and you can rent cars starting at U$1,000 from Avis. From Monday to Friday, 10 am to 6 pm, there is a tariff for parking. Pay the fee at the closest Abitab office.
Car rental agencies in Montevideo
The Cost of Living in Montevideo
Shopping Streets
Check out the Tres Cruces Terminal shopping mall, Portones Shopping in Carrasco, or the Mercado del Puerto, which is a covered, outdoor marketplace.
Groceries and Other
A quart of milk costs U$25.56, you'll find Tienda Inglesa supermarkets near the waterfront.
Where to Eat in Montevideo
Enjoy a scrumptious but inexpensive meal at Café Bacacay for U$400. Or check out Cru for authentic and innovative Uruguayan cuisine, where two can dine for around U$2,400.