Budget/Backpacker Travel Guide: Montevideo

Accommodation

$12-35 per night

Dorm beds in hostels, shared rooms in budget guesthouses, basic private rooms with shared bathrooms

Food & Dining

$15-35 per day

Street food, local markets, empanadas from bakeries, self-catering, neighborhood parrillas, lunch menus at local spots

Transportation

$3-12 per day

Public buses, walking, occasional shared taxis, city bike rentals

Activities

$5-25 per day

Free walking tours, public beaches, city parks, occasional museum entries, self-guided neighborhood exploration

Eat lunch at local parrillas during weekday lunch hours for set menus typically 40-60% cheaper than dinner prices

Use public buses instead of taxis - typically saves 70-80% on transportation costs throughout the city

Stay in neighborhoods like Cordón or Barrio Sur instead of touristy Pocitos for accommodation savings of 30-50%

Buy groceries at local supermarkets rather than convenience stores for 40-60% savings on snacks and basics

Take advantage of free cultural activities like outdoor concerts and art exhibitions, especially during summer months

Book accommodation 2-3 months in advance for potential savings of 20-40% during peak season

Eat empanadas and chivitos from neighborhood spots rather than tourist areas for typically 50-70% lower prices

Taking taxis everywhere instead of learning the efficient public bus system - can triple your transportation costs

Eating exclusively in Pocitos waterfront restaurants instead of exploring local neighborhoods - typically 100-150% markup in tourist zones

Not factoring in Uruguay's high tax rates on services - many prices don't include 22% VAT which significantly impacts budgets