what is the best location to stay in montevideo, uruguay?

Where is the best place to stay in Montevideo?

By Carles Barcelo. Updated October 27, 2023

Montevideo is a place of traditions and is one that doesn’t like to change with the Uruguayan capital city even been coined South America’s “Paris” as the layout of streets and architecture is similar to that of the popular European city. The pace of Montevideo is something that is highly praised as it is slow and tranquil, which is particularly interesting for a capital city. There are numerous historic buildings, informative museums, various art galleries, important squares, brilliant shopping and a diverse nightlife.

The best areas to stay in Montevideo are Pocitos and Punta Carretas as they are some of the most tourist friendly neighbourhoods in the city and are located in the prettiest part of Montevideo. Both areas are both found along the Rambla, which is a waterside roadway, where people love to walk, bike and drink along it. Both Pocitos and Punta Carretas are upscale neighbourhoods that are close to beaches, historical attractions, shopping, restaurants, nightlife and top quality hotels with some overlooking the beaches. These districts are also well connected to the city and aren’t far from the city centre as well as easily accessed from the airport and other main public transport stations.If you are interested in where to stay in Montevideo, you may also be interested in where to stay in Punta del Este, where to stay in Buenos Aires, Swhere to stay in Santiago or where to stay in Asuncion.

Pocitos and Punta Carreras, the best areas to stay in Montevideo

Pocitos

Pocitos is only ten minutes from the city centre, which make it an ideal place to stay in and is a very popular tourist neighbourhood due to it being the safest area in the city and has some of the most luxurious hotels in the city that line the waterfront overlooking the fabulous crescent-shaped beach, Playa Pocitos.

The beach is a favourite with locals and tourists alike with its golden sand and clean waters and is where you will find a whole host of activities going on from football, volleyball, banana boating, parasailing, jet-skiing, sailing, surfing and of course swimming. There are also regular events like concerts and festivals that are held on the beach too and all around the beach is the Rambla, which is the ultra long promenade that goes on for over 20 kms down the coast. This part of the Rambla around the beach has many fancy restaurants, cafes and shops, which bring in people from miles around and even as far as Argentina and Brazil.

On the weekends, there is a market that takes place along the promenade and is where you can buy all sorts of products like clothes, jewellery, food, art and much more and furthermore is a place where you can bargain. If you prefer a shopping mall, then there is no better place than Montevideo Shopping Mall, which is a large and modern shopping centre that contains a massive selection of Uruguayan brands as well as some international ones and there is also a food court.

Hotels in Pocitos

Punta Carretas

Punta Carretas is adjacent to Pocitos and along with its neighbour, it is one of the most upscale districts in Montevideo, where many large and famous hotel chains are located like Hotel Sheraton, which dominates the horizon. This is another very popular tourist district due to the amount of things to see and do and again is well known for its safety, which is why Punta Carretas is a very wise place to stay in.

The neighbourhood includes part of the main central park in the city called Parque Rodo, which has a strong French influence and commemorates the famous Uruguayan writer, Jose Rodo, and there is a monument of him in the south of the park. The park includes an amusement park, the Faculty of Engineering, a golf club, a lake, a summer theatre, the National Museum of Visual Arts and a busy street market that takes place on Sundays. Other things in the neighbourhood include the Juan Zorrilla de San Martin museum, which is dedicated to the poet of the same name and consists of his personal belongings.

The lighthouse found in the east of the district is worth a look too as it has excellent vista over the ocean, which has a height of 21 metres and sends out light 15 miles away and is open to the public. Perhaps the main attraction in Punta Carretas is the huge shopping mall that is named after the neighbourhood and not because it’s the most upscale mall in the country but because before it was where the city’s main prison was located in the 1970s.

Hotels in Punta Carretas

Other areas to stay in Montevideo

Centro

Centro is the heart of Montevideo, Uruguay’s capital city. It’s a bustling area that is perfect for travelers who want to be close to the city’s main attractions. Centro is the central business district of Montevideo, and it’s filled with historic buildings, museums, theaters, and shops. This area is home to many of Montevideo’s most famous landmarks, including the Palacio Salvo, the Solis Theatre, and the Plaza Independencia.

There are plenty of accommodation options in Centro, ranging from luxury hotels to budget-friendly hostels. Staying in Centro means you’ll have easy access to the city’s excellent public transportation system, which can take you to other neighborhoods, such as Pocitos or Ciudad Vieja. Centro is also a great area for foodies, with plenty of restaurants serving traditional Uruguayan cuisine, as well as international dishes. The Mercado del Puerto, one of Montevideo’s most popular tourist attractions, is located in the nearby Ciudad Vieja neighborhood and is a must-visit for anyone who loves good food.

Overall, Centro is a great area to stay in Montevideo, as it offers a convenient location, plenty of things to do, and easy access to the rest of the city.

Hotels in Montevideo Centro