Montevideo (and Uruguay as a whole) is really starting to gain a lot of attention. Once an underrated backpacking destination, more and more budget travelers are now venturing to the Uruguayan capital.
Uruguay now has dozens of great hostel options – so many that picking one can be challenging.
Which is exactly why we put together this list of the 20 best hostels in Montevideo.
In this guide to the best hostels in Montevideo, we’ve done the work so you don’t have to. We’ve taken the highest reviewed hostels in Montevideo and then organized the best hostels into different categories.
So whether you are looking to party up, or wind down. Traveling with an SO or looking to make some new mates – our epic guide to the best hostels in Montevideo will show you which hostel best suits your travel-needs, so you can book quickly and confidently explore this incredible South American country.
Let’s do it!
Quick answer: The Best Hostels in Montevideo
- Best Hostel for Solo Travellers in Montevideo – El Viajero
- Best Hostel for Couples in Montevideo – Mediomundo Hostel
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The 20 Best Hostels in Montevideo
Destino26 – Overall Best Hostel in Montevideo (2)
Another top hostel in Montevideo is Destino26. If you’re looking for a cosy, charming hostel in the heart of the Montevideo you’ll be chuffed with this little gem. The hostel building was built back in 1940 and feels homely and warm. This is an authentic Montevideo backpackers hostel with an open house kinda feel. If you wanna hang out with a beer at the bar, you can, or perhaps laze around in the living room swapping stories or playing the guitar. Travellers love Destino26 and make it their first port of call when they return to Montevideo, you surely will too!
El Viajero – Best Hostel for Solo Travellers in Montevideo
The best hostel for solo travellers in Montevideo is El Viajero. For solo travellers who just wanna have fun with a new crew, you’ll be made up with El Viajero. As the most popular hostel in Montevideo El Viajero is always buzzing. They have both dorms and private rooms available and there’s always a good crowd of people here. There is a super friendly and welcoming vibe to El Viajero and once the sun has set there’s a bit of a party vibe too. What better way to make travel memories than in a cracking hostel with new friends and a beer or two?! Main attractions like Agancha Square and Independencia Square are just around the corner.
MedioMundo Hostel – Best Hostel for Couples in Montevideo
The best hostel for couples in Montevideo is MedioMundo Hostel as they have some great private rooms and a real homely vibe. If you’re exploring Uruguay with your lover chances are you’re gonna want a private room but equally don’t want to miss out on those hostel feels, this is why MedioMundo is a top hostel in Montevideo. Perhaps you an bae can take a romantic stroll through Rodo Park? It’s just 200m away. The Montevideo city centre is a 15-minute walk away and in the MedioMundo neighbourhood of Juan Paullier 1004, you’ll find tonnes of local bars and handicraft shops.
Blanes Hostel – Best Hostel for Couples in Montevideo (2)
Blanes is a highly recommended hostel in Montevideo and is perfect for couples. If you and your lover don’t want to miss out on the opportunity to meet new people but also want a quiet and calm hostel to stay in you’ll be delighted with Blanes Hostel. The outdoor terrace is the perfect place to hang out of an afternoon with a book, or perhaps catch up on social media together making the most of the Blanes Hostel free WiFi, maybe even call your Mum! Private rooms do have shared bathrooms but they’re super clean and have hot showers year round.
Buenas Vibras – Overall Best Hostel in Montevideo
The overall best hostel in Montevideo is Buenas Vibras. They are easily the coolest hostel in Montevideo, not only do they offer a free breakfast and free WiFi but the good vibes are free too! Ha! Too cheesy?! Buenas Vibras is super popular and super chilled out hostel in Uruguay’s capital city. Everyone is welcome here; whatever your style of travel and wherever you’re from, you’ll find a home from home at Buenas Vibras. The hostel is set in a gorgeous old house and this too adds to the homely feel of the place. As the best hostel in Montevideo in 2021 Buenas Vibras is clean, spacious and bright. Their outdoor terrace is a great place to hang out and there’s even a guest BBQ area. You’ll feel like you’ve landed on your feet here at Buenas Vibras, they even won best hostel in Uruguay at the HostelWorld Hoscars in 2019.
Ukelele Hostel – Best Hostel for Solo Travellers in Montevideo (2)
Another great youth hostel in Montevideo for solo travellers is the much loved Ukelele Hostel. Featuring an outdoor swimming pool and bar, for solo travellers keen on making new friends you’ll be in good company at Ukelele. Just a few metres from Barrio Sur, Ukelele Hostel puts you at the heart of the action in Montevideo. If you’re looking for a hostel with a super chilled out vibe you’ll totally fall for Ukelele. There is a lot to see and do in Montevideo but make sure you allow time for a few hostel days when in the city to make the most of the swimming pool and the good company. It’s quite possibly the coolest hostel in Montevideo.
Willy Fogg – Best Cheap Hostel in Montevideo
Willy Fogg is the best cheap hostel in Montevideo, it’s nothing flashy but it’s perfect if you’re on a tight budget in the Uruguayan capital city. Willy Fogg is a simple youth hostel in Montevideo on Maldonado 977. The staff are what make Willy Fogg such a great place to stay. They’re cheery and welcoming and always more than happy to help where they can. Ultimately you get what you pay for, don’t go expecting 5-star luxury at Willy Fogg but you’ll certainly get a warm welcome and a comfy place to sleep.
Compay Hostel – Best Cheap Hostel in Montevideo (2)
The best budget hostel in Montevideo is Compay Hostel as they offer unrivalled value for money. Not only are Compay Hostel’s rates dead cheap but they also include free breakfast, free bed linen and free WiFi too. There are loads of communal spaces at Compay Hostel making it super easy to find new people to hang out with and explore. If you’re keen to experience more of Uruguay, have surf lessons, or just rent a bike for the day make sure you visit the Compay Hostel tours and travel desk and the team will hook you up in no time, for budget-friendly prices of course!
Ejidonia Hostel – Best Party Hostel in Montevideo
Ejidonia Hostel is the best party hostel in Montevideo if you’re up for a good time. Their rooftop terrace is the place to be, bypass your hostel and head to the roof when you arrive! The Ejidonia Hostel know what travellers are looking for in a party hostel and so lay it all on for you, everything from shisha nights to live music events, from pizza evenings to pumping parties hosted by their very own resident DJ. As for the dorm rooms, they are clean, comfy and super safe. Each room has an electronic lock system and each guest gets their own security locker.
Unplugged Hostel – Best Party Hostel in Montevideo (2)
Unplugged is a highly recommended hostel in Montevideo, especially for party lovers. If you come in the summer months you get a free beer on arrival! Where do we sign up?! As a top hostel in Montevideo Unplugged can be found in the heart of Pocitos which is Montevideo’s safest and most welcoming neighbourhood. There is a great atmosphere at Unplugged and you’ll feel instantly at ease. If you’re looking for a clean and safe party hostel in Montevideo you better get yourself to Unplugged ASAP!
Pocitos Hostel – Best Hostel for Digital Nomads in Montevideo
The best hostel for digital nomads in Montevideo is Pocitos Hostel. With its own cafe, free breakfast and great internet connection Pocitos is a top hostel in Montevideo for travellers who work on the road. Not only is Pocitos Hostel a great hostel to work in but it offers digital nomads plenty of opportunities to interact with fellow travellers once the working day is done! If you want a taste of authentic Uruguay don’t miss Poctios Hostels tango and candombe folk music show or their live music nights. Hostel Pocitos also has a guest kitchen and self-catering facilities essential for digital nomads.
Contraluz ArtHostel – Best Hostel for Digital Nomads in Montevideo (2)
Contraluz is another top hostel in Montevideo for digital nomads as they have a cute cafe that doubles as an office for remote workers. Contraluz was designed by creatives, for creatives. If you’re a digital nomad looking for an inspirational space in Montevideo you’ll be chuffed with this little gem. The dorm rooms at Contraluz are spacious and comfy and the vibe is super chilled. Located nearby restaurants and bars and a few little supermarkets too, Contraluz is perfect for digital nomads who are keen to hang about in Montevideo for more than just a couple of nights.
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It looks exactly like a normal belt except for a SECRET interior pocket perfectly designed to hide a wad of cash, a passport photocopy or anything else you may wish to hide. Never get caught with your pants down again! (Unless you want to…)
Hide Yo’ Money!More Best Hostels in Montevideo
Want to stay in the party district or maybe somewhere more laidback? Decide on where to stay in Montevideo before booking your hostel.
Che Lagarto
If you are well versed in travel in South America you’ll have surely heard of the Che Lagarto hostels. Che Lagarto Montevideo lives up to its good name offering guests free WiFi, free city maps and a cracking free breakfast too. If you’re seeking a sociable and friendly youth hostel in Montevideo be sure to check Che Lagarto out. They’re a highly recommended hostel in Montevideo and rightly so, Che Lagarto is just a few blocks from Tres Cruces Bus Station. So you don’t have far to walk after your long journey into the city, you can just flop!
Rambler Pocitos
Rambler Pocitos is a solid all-rounder, offering guests a top hostel experience and a great place to stay. Rambler Pocitos can be found in the safe and friendly neighbourhood of Pocitos in Montevideo where many other backpackers choose to base themselves. This Montevideo backpackers hostel has air conditioning in each room which is a real blessing, especially in the summer months. The dorms are super comfy and cosy, spacious too. If you’re looking for value for money, a good nights sleep and a good location check out Rambler Pocitos.
Rambler Punta Carretas
Rambler Punta Carretas is the nearly identical twin sister hostel of Rambler Pocitos, located in, you’ve guessed it, the Punta Carretas neighbourhood. Ideally located close to bus stops that take you Ciudad Viejo and other must-see sights in Montevideo Ciudad Viejo is a real gem. Each dorm and the private rooms have air conditioning and super comfy beds. The rooms are light, clean and give you plenty of space to spread out in. Their free breakfast is not to be missed, make sure you wake up in time!
Bo Hostel
Located in the neighbourhood known locally as ‘Barrio de las Artes’ lovers of culture, art and design will love Bo Hostel. They can’t be beaten on location, what makes Bo the coolest hostel in Montevideo is the fact that it’s just one block from the beach. You have everything you could need within walking distance of Bo Hostel’s front door. The dorm rooms are simple but comfy, clean and have air conditioning. The wooden floors give a real rustic charm to Bo Hostel and are in keeping with the quaint nature of Barrio de las Artes.
Caballo Loco
Caballo Loco is a top budget hostel in Montevideo and loved by all who stay. There is a real social vibe here and you’ll no doubt find a new crew within minutes of checking in. It’s true that staff can make or break a hostel and the Caballo Loco team really make the place the popular Montevideo backpackers hostel that it is. They are always happy to help when they can, including arranging airport shuttles, taxis and city tours.
Hostel Babilonia
Hostel Babilonia is a real home from home in Montevideo. This family-run hostel is filled with love and laughter and the company of hosts Ronel and Sonja, their kids and super cool dog too! There is a guest kitchen and BBQ area, if you’re keen on cooking you’ll love Hostel Babilonia! Ronel and Sonja have created a highly recommended hostel in Montevideo for travellers of all kinds. Solo travellers will make new friends here, groups of friends are made super welcome and although there are no private rooms, couples will love the family feel too.
Punto Berro
Hello, free breakfast AND free dinner! Foodies, you better book your bed at Punto Berro right now! Punto Berro is a top hostel in Montevideo, sharing authentic Uruguayan hospitality and culture with its guests. Located right next to Plaza Matriz and the National Cathedral Punto Berro puts you at the buzzing hub of Montevideo. This bright and artsy hostel is great for digital nomads as there are plenty of communal areas to work in and it’s quiet enough of a daytime to stay focused. In the evenings Punto Berro is a super sociable hostel ideal for those who want to connect with fellow travellers.
Planet Montevideo
Planet Montevideo is great youth hostel in Montevideo and is well worth considering. Planet Montevideo has both private rooms and open dorms, they cater for everyone and everyone leaves happy having has a good night’s sleep! What’s great about Planet Montevideo is that they have not one but two guest kitchens meaning there’s no bickering over the hob at dinner time! Be sure to join the rest of the Planet Montevideo crew for a traditional asado, Uruguayan BBQ. You can’t say you’ve been to Uruguay if you haven’t had an asado with locals!
What to Pack for your Montevideo Hostel
Pants, socks, underwear, soap?! Take it from me, packing for a hostel stay is not always quite as straightforward as it seems. Working out what to bring and what to leave at home is an art I have perfected over many years.
Ear Plugs
Snoring dorm-mates can ruin your nights rest and seriously damage the hostel experience. This is why I always travel with a pack of decent ear plugs.
Hanging Laundry Bag
Trust us, this is an absolute game changer. Super compact, a hanging mesh laundry bag stops your dirty clothes from stinking, you don’t know how much you need one of these… so just get it, thank us later.
Sea To Summit Micro Towel
Hostel towels are scummy and take forever to dry. Microfibre towels dry quickly, are compact, lightweight, and can be used as a blanket or yoga mat if need be.
Monopoly Deal
Forget about Poker! Monopoly Deal is the single best travel card game that we have ever played. Works with 2-5 players and guarantees happy days.
Grayl Geopress Water Bottle
Always travel with a water bottle! They save you money and reduce your plastic footprint on our planet. The Grayl Geopress acts as a purifier AND temperature regulator. Boom!
Check out our definitive Hostel Packing list for our top packing tips!
Why you should travel to Montevideo
While all of these hostels kick ass, you can only choose one! Which will it be?
Are you a solo traveler and going to book at El Viajero? Or are you an ultra budget traveler and going to book at Willy Fogg?
Can’t decide?!? Just go with our pick for best hostel in Montevideo for 2021 – Buenas Vibras!
FAQ about Hostels in Montevideo
Here are some questions backpackers ask about hostels in Montevideo.
How much does a hostel cost in Montevideo?
This all depends on whether you would prefer a private room with an ensuite bathroom, or a bed in a shared dorm. The average price starts at USD$13 for a bed in a shared dorm room, heading up to USD$18+ for a private room.
What are the best hostels in Montevideo for couples?
MedioMundo Hostel is our best hostel for couples in Montevideo. It has a homely vibe and is just a 15-minute walk from the Montevideo city centre.
What are the best hostels in Montevideo near the airport?
The Carrasco International Airport is quite far from Montevideo, so it is usually better to brave the journey into the city to find a place to stay. Once you’re in the city, I’d recommend Destino26, one of our top hostels in Montevideo, as it is a charming hostel in the heart of Montevideo.
Travel Safety Tips for Montevideo
ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.
They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.
SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!
Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.
More Epic Hostels in Uruguay and South America
Hopefully by now you’ve found the perfect hostel for your upcoming trip to Montevideo.
Planning an epic trip all across Uruguay or even South America itself?
Don’t worry – we’ve got you covered!
For more cool hostel guides around South America, check out:
- Best hostels in Buenos Aires
- Best hostels in Mendoza
- Best hostels in Sao Paulo
- Best hostels in Rio de Janeiro
- Best hostels in Santiago
Over to you
By now I hope our epic guide to the best hostels in Montevideo has helped you choose the perfect hostel for your adventure!
If you think we’ve missed anything or have any further thoughts, hit us up in the comments!
- Check out the best places to stay in Montevideo before you arrive.
- Prepare for your trip with our backpacking packing list.
- Get ready for your next destination with our ultimate South America backpacking guide.
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