Last week, we found ourselves in the Barrio de los Judios in Montevideo doing a bit of shopping for bits and pieces for our Hotel in La Paloma.  I hadn’t really thought of it as a destination in its own right before, but to be honest, if you have a spare day in Montevideo, it could be interesting, especially if you are looking for some bargains!

So, what will you find here as far as shopping goes?  Well really, where do I start?  We found light fittings, ideas for staff uniforms, material, kitchenware and tools – just to name a few.  There is so much in clothes and shoes – I wouldn’t even begin to know where to look!  Close to Christmas and New Year, this is the place to go to get your supply of fireworks.  Also, around any “themed event” you will find all you need.  Now for example, the shops are full of Halloween supplies and decorations.  A lot of the shops advertise that they sell “por mayor” or “por menor” – so either wholesale or retail.  Some sell both, whereas some are purely wholesale.  Don’t be scared off by the “por mayor” shops, because we found that the quantities you need to buy to get the deals aren’t all that high.  One shop we bought a few things from, had a minimum purchase of $60 (Uruguayan pesos) per item, which is around U$S 3, so it really isn’t a big deal.

Now, don’t come here looking for designer clothes and shoes, or top quality items.  This is a place where you can find a true bargain.  Stock up on socks, sheets or towels, get your party supplies, footballs (soccer balls) or some bargain clothes or shoes.  Don’t come here if you are short on time in Montevideo, only if you have a spare day, and don’t mind hunting out a bargain.

And, while you are here, check out this little street of cutely painted houses.  It is like Montevideo’s own minature version of La Boca (Buenos Aires) without the tourists, fame and all that goes on over there.

Barrio de los Judios in Montevideo

Hasta pronto!