Guru'Guay Guide to Montevideo, The

Guru'Guay Guide to Montevideo, The

<p>The Guru’Guay Guide to Montevideo is the first REAL insider’s guide to Montevideo, capital of Uruguay, and still one of South America’s off-the-radar destinations. Up until now it's been virtually impossible to find a good guidebook on Uruguay. Why? Because they are written by people who fly in for a week and then leave. This guide is by a Spanish-speaking Brit, resident since 2000. While the guide focuses on Montevideo, it's indispensable for anyone visiting Uruguay.</p> <p>Features in-depth information on:</p> <p>LOGISTICS</p> <ul> <li><b>flying into Uruguay</b>, including a candid look at airlines to avoid</li> <li><b>getting to (or from) Montevideo from Buenos Aires</b> The fastest, cheapest and most leisurely routes</li> <li><b>best time to visit and how long to stay</b> Insights only a long-term resident can give</li> <li><b>public holidays</b> when Montevideo pretty much shuts down, so it's essential to know when they are and <b> festivals you must not miss</b>, like the mysterious Sea Goddess celebrations</li> <li><b>best neighbourhoods to stay</b> based on your personal preferences</li> <li><b>architecturally-lovely accommodation</b> Options for all pockets</li> <li><b>personal safety</b> Dispelling myths and tips specific to neighbourhoods</li> <li><b>getting around on public transport</b> like a local</li> <li><b>driving and car rental</b> The logic in seemingly erratic traffic patterns and driving habits</li> <li><b>tipping demystified</b> eg why you don't tip taxi drivers but do tip street parking attendants</li> <li><b>money exchange</b> including troubleshooting ATM withdrawals</li> </ul> <p>THINGS TO DO</p> <ul> <li><b>guided tours</b> to wine, marijuana, soccer, carnival and more</li> <li><b>great day trips</b>, from UNESCO heritage site Colonia de Sacramento, to glitzy Punta del Este, to the Santa Lucia wetlands</li> <li><b>architectural highlights </b>in possibly the city with the biggest concentration of Art-deco after New York</li> <li><b>art museums </b>and underground art coops</li> <li><strong>beaches </strong>including which of the 10 is best for children, windsurf and boat rental, etc</li> <li><b>shopping and buying original gifts</b> Really. Ever heard of a guidebook that helps you with this thankless task?</li> <li><b>shopping for wine-lovers</b> Wow, right? Where to go to get expert advice and dah goods</li> <li><b>why Carnival in Montevideo is so unique</b> and where and when to track down the best (and worst) of carnival, even off-season</li> <li><b>tango </b>Here tango is something the locals do, it's not “for export”. One milonga, or dance salon, even takes place in a living room.</li> <li><b>the best live music and live acts that Montevideo has to offer</b> Tiny Uruguay has a huge share of highly talented musicians. Pay under 10 USD to see a world-class band in a tiny cafe.</li> <li><b>gay Montevideo </b>has a small but charming scene</li> </ul> <p>FOOD & DRINK</p> <ul> <li><b>what time the locals eat</b> and how Uruguayans survive through to a 10pm dinnertime</li> <li><b>street food</b></li> <li><b>wine and craft beer </b>from Uruguay are winning prizes internationally. The guide points you to which to try and why</li> <li><b>restaurants </b>for people desperate for <b>gourmet and veggie options</b></li> <li><b>restaurants for wine-lovers</b></li> <li><b>historic cafes</b> The most charming, and the grittiest</li> </ul> <p>SOCIETY & CULTURE</p> <ul> <li><b>history</b> How did this tiny country get to be so progressive? Your burning questions answered.</li> <li><b>the Uruguayan character</b>, a chapter of entirely personal anecdotes that illustrate that Uruguayans (from presidents to petty thieves) are friendly and down-to-earth</li> <li><b>expressions EVERYONE uses on the street </b>and what they mean</li> <li><b>films </b>to watch, <b>albums </b>to listen to and <b>books </b>to read before you come</li> </ul>