Why Should I Visit Mar del Plata? A Guide for Visiting the Beach Area of Buenos Aires
There are so many incredible places to visit in Argentina! From the stunning Iguazu Falls to the grand Perito Moreno, there are a variety of landscapes that Argentinians are proud of. The beach actually isn't one of those. So you may be wondering -why should I visit Mar del Plata then?
While the beaches certainly don't compare to those in Brazil, this coastal city remains one of the most popular vacation destination for porteños. I'm not going to lie- I didn't have such high hopes for our weekend getaway, but I ended up falling in love with Mar del Plata, and the unique charm that it has to offer.
In this guide I'm going to share all of the hidden gems we found throughout the city, the best beaches to visit, and some fun places to eat and drink. You'll learn how to get there, how to get around, and everything else you'll need to know for visiting- so let's dive right in to Argentina's favorite beach town!
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📍 Where is Mar del Plata?
Mar del Plata is located on the east coast of Argentina in the province of Buenos Aires. It is a little over 400 km south of the capital, and is 4 1/2-5 hours away driving.
Mar del Plata is in the south of the province of Buenos Aires.
How to Get to Mar del Plata
Mar del Plata can be easily reached from Buenos Aires by flight, train, bus, or by renting a car.
✈️ Flying to Mar del Plata
The most convenient way to get to Mar del Plata is by hopping on a quick one-hour flight. Aerolineas Argentinas offers a few flights a day, and they leave conveniently out of AEP, which is the smaller airport located right inside the city.
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🚆 Trains to Mar del Plata
Another convenient option (and the cheapest) is to take the train from Buenos Aires to Mar del Plata. Tickets are 2,700 pesos and the ride is 5 1/2 hours leaving from Plaza Constitucion. This is a great option if you are traveling with a lot of things, or want to have a fun ride with a group of friends.
They sell food on the train, you can bring your bike, and they have AC onboard Just make sure to book your train tickets early, as they sell out far in advance.
If you take the train, make sure to confirm your trip between 48-72 hours before your trip.
🚌 Buses to Mar del Plata
Another cheap option for getting to Mar del Plata is by taking the bus, which is a 6-hour ride. It's actually more expensive than the train, but there are way more options for times, and you can also get seats that recline all the way down if you want to sleep.
Typically, we use Busbud to book our bus tickets around the world. However, in Argentina there is a local site which is much cheaper! Rather than finding a ticket for $35 USD, the local site sells the tickets starting at 11,000 pesos ($12.50 USD), with fully reclining seats for around 16,000 pesos ($18,50 USD).
We suggest checking the site beforehand to see if there are seats open, and go directly in person to pay in cash, as this is the overall cheapest option.
🚗 Renting a Car to Visit Mar del Plata
We honestly think the most fun way to visit Mar del Plata is by taking a road trip. At just 4 1/2 hours away, it's not too far, and there is also an iconic medialuna place along the way called Atalaya.
We used Fede's mom's car, but you can easily rent a car in the city of Buenos Aires, or at either of the airports.
Argentina Entry Requirements
One of the most important things to know before traveling somewhere new is what the requirements for entering the country are. Here are the entry requirements for Argentina in regards to visas and Covid,
🛂 Visa Entry Requirements for Argentina
Argentina is a pretty accepting country when it comes to tourism, and there are many countries that can visit visa-free for a period of up to 90 days. The nationalities from the Americas that can visit Argentina without a visa include Bolivia, Brazil, Canada, Colombia, Costa Rica, Chile, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Guyana, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, St Kitts, St Lucia, St Vincent & the Grenadines, Suriname, Trinidad & Tobago, Uruguay, and the USA.
European countries which can visit Argentina visa-free include Andorra, Armenia, Austria, Belarus, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Cyprus, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macedonia, Malta, Monaco, Montenegro, Norway, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, San Marino, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, United Kingdom, and Vatican City.
Other nationalities that can stay for up to 90 days in Argentina include Australia, Hong Kong, Israel, Japan, Mongolia, New Zealand, Singapore, South Africa, South Korea, Thailand, and the United Arab Emirates. Venezuelans can stay for a period of up to 60 days, and people from Grenada, Jamaica, Kazakhstan, and Malaysia can stay for a period of up to 30 days.
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Mar del Plata Local Adjustments
Whenever traveling to new cities or countries, there are certain things that may be different than home. These are what we like to call "local adjustments" and are something we include in all of our guides. Here are some of them that you should know about for when you visit Mar del Plata in Argentina.
🗣️ What Language Do They Speak in Argentina?
The official language in Mar del Plata is the same language as the rest of Argentina, which is Spanish.
💵 Currency in Argentina
The currency used in Argentinian peso. Currently (October 2023) the official exchange rate is 350 pesos for every USD. There are actually a lot of different exchange rates though, and if you bring USD, you can exchange your pesos at the blue dollar rate, which is 870 pesos.
Due to the insane inflation in Argentina, exchange rates change every day, and can be wildly different from the previous week, or from other exchange rates.
We suggest sticking to cash, as this is the best way to have affordable prices in Argentina.
🔌 Plug Types in Mar del Plata
Mar del Plata uses plug type I, which has three prongs- the bottom one which is vertical, and two above it that are slanted towards one another. Argentina runs on a 220 V supply voltage and 50 Hz.
There are very few countries that use this same plug type, two of them being Australia and New Zealand. If you are coming from any other country, you will need to get a travel adapter.
💦 Can You Drink the Tap Water in Mar del Plata?
The tap water in Mar del Plata is perfectly safe for drinking. We suggest asking for tap water in restaurants, and bringing a reusable water bottle to fill up for when you're at the beach or exploring.
💸 Tipping Culture in Mar del Plata
The tipping culture in Argentina is similar to many other countries around the world. While it is never actually mandatory, it is customary to leave an extra 10% tip on top of your bill while out to eat.
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Why Should I Visit Mar Del Plata?
Argentina certainly isn't known for its beaches, and there are so many incredible places to see! So why should you visit Mar del Plata?
Mar del Plata is the closest major beach area to the city of Buenos Aires, and it is a really cool mix of city and sea. It has gorgeous German architecture, fun nightlife, and is an easy getaway from the busy capital.
Mar del Plata has a great variety.
Things to Do in Mar del Plata
Now you know why you should visit Mar del Plata, but what exactly is there to do? Actually- there is much more to do than you may have thought! Although it's most popular for its beaches, there are plenty of ways to enjoy this great city.
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🏖️ Things to Do in Mar del Plata #1: Relax at the Beach Clubs
There are a ton of beaches to choose from in Mar del Plata, and many of them are super wide and long. On the biggest beaches such as Playa Grande for example, there are beach clubs lined up. They are super affordable, and you'll find people renting cabanas, or getting access to chairs, umbrellas, bathrooms, servers, and even pools.
If you're going with a group of friends, staying at a beach club is a great option as you'll have plenty of amenities, and room for keeping your belongings safe.
There are a ton of big beach clubs along Mar del Plata.
🏄🏼♂️ Things to Do in Mar del Plata #2: Take Surf Lessons
One of my favorite things to do in Mar del Plata is to surf! (Although I am truly awful at this sport). There are surf schools with some of the most affordable rates in the world, and they have all of the gear included. The instructors take small groups, and have personalized attention, making it perfect for beginners.
🦭 Things to Do in Mar del Plata #3: Visit the Sea Lions
One of the cutest things to experience while in Mar del Plata is the Sea Lion Reserve. It's a protected area where you can view the sea lions from behind the gate over the water.
Watch them cuddle, fight, and play in their natural habitat, for free of charge! Just remember a change of clothes for after, because the smell is definitely not something you'll want to take as a memory.
It's incredible to see the sea lions in their natural habitat.
🚶🏼 Things to Do in Mar del Plata #4: Walk Around the Port
Right by the Sea Lion Reserve is the port area of Mar del Plata. While it certainly has a distinct smell from the sea lions nearby, it definitely is a cute place to walk around and browse the restaurants and shops.
🎰 Things to Do in Mar del Plata #5: Check out the Casino Central
Casino Central is not just a gamblers' haven, but it is actually one of the most iconic buildings in the city. Dating back to 1939, the beautiful red casino is perched right in front of Bristol Beach, and visiting it is one of the top things to do in Mar del Plata.
📸 Things to Do in Mar del Plata #6: Snap a Photo With the Sea Lion Statues
Right in front of the casino is another attraction that brings visitors to Bristol Beach. Mar del Plata is known for its sea lions, and you can actually find several statues of them, the most popular ones being the ones facing the beach.
The Sea Lions are a symbol of the city of Mar del Plata.
🎠 Things to Do in Mar del Plata #7: Hang Out at Plaza Colon
Located just in front of Bristol Beach is Mar del Plata's most beloved public square. Plaza Colon is a wide green space with palm trees, statues, and a traditional carousel.
Plaza Colon has a traditional carousel in the corner.
⛪ Things to Do in Mar del Plata #8: Stop by Basilica de los Santos Pedro y Cecilia
If you're looking for some beautiful historical buildings in Mar del Plata, then make sure to head over to the incredible Basilica and admire its Neo-gothic style.
🛍️ Things to Do in Mar del Plata #9: Roam the Weekend Market
Another great reason for visiting the cathedral is for the weekend market that happens right in front of it. If you're looking for something special to take home with you, or to support locals, then this is a great place to stop by if you happen to be in town on a Saturday or Sunday.
There are markets open on the weekends in Mar del Plata.
🌊 Things to Do in Mar del Plata #10: Enjoy the Views from Plaza España
Plaza España is definitely not a crazy interesting square. However, it does have two paths you can follow along the sea towards the more northern beaches in town. You can walk along the water, or choose to walk on the road above from some nice views of the surrounding area.
🍴 Things to Do in Mar del Plata #11: Have a Bite at Torreon del Monje
While we do have a food & drink section in this article, we can't help but mention Torreon del Monje as a highlight for things to do in Mar del Plata.
This restaurant is perched right on a cliff over the water, and the building looks just like a small castle. It is a super iconic place, so definitely don't miss out on seeing it, and grabbing a bite there.
Torreon del Monje is one of the most iconic places in Mar del Plata.
🗼 Things to Do in Mar del Plata #12: Visit Torre Tanque
Torre Tanque is a medieval style water tower dating back to 1943. Not only is is beautiful on the outside, but you can go inside and get great views of the city!
⛪ Things to Do in Mar del Plata #13: Check Out Stella Maris Church
There's not too much to say about this one, except that it's another nice church. Stella Maris Church is just around the block from Torre Tanque, so definitely worth just popping in to see its beautiful gothic style.
🏠 Things to Do in Mar del Plata #14: Stop by Villa Normandy
When it comes to architecture, this is definitely one of the most beautiful pieces in the city. Villa Normandy has a German style, and dates back to over a century ago.
🎨 Things to Do in Mar del Plata #15: Explore the Juan Carlos Castagnino Municipal Art Museum
Another stunning architectural piece located right nearby Villa Normandy is the Juan Carlos Castagnino Municipal Art Museum. What was built in 1909 as a summer residence for a prominent Argentinian family, now houses fine art inside.
🏫 Things to Do in Mar del Plata #16: Swing By the Municipalidad de General Pueyrredon
The final building on our tour for you is the city hall. Located in the heart of Mar del Plata, this building is known for its clock tower.
🌅 Things to Do in Mar del Plata #17: Watch the Sunrise at Playa Punta Mogotes
When we told our friends that we were waking up for sunrise in Mar del Plata to shoot at the beach, they thought we were crazy!
Well, turns out that in the morning the tide is super low, creating stunning reflections in the sand at Punta Mogotes. If you go to bed early, or party all night long, we definitely suggest making it over here for a magical sunrise like we did.
Things to Do in Mar del Plata #18: Walk Along Playa los Acantilados
🏖️ When I told my local friends I wanted to go to the cliffs in Mar del Plata they looked at me like a crazy person.
As the sun was about to set we drove down the coast, and couldn't believe that there were in fact cliffs in the area! The large grassy area hangs over the beach, making it a truly unique place to experience in Mar del Plata.
We also loved that you can walk a windy path below to get down the beach, and the vies looking down towards it were really something else!
sunset at Playa de los Acantilados
🍽️ Things to Do in Mar del Plata #19: Have a Merienda at La Cabaña del Bosque
Looking for a truly unique dining experience in Mar del Plata? Well, head to the forest area and you'll find the cutest restaurant ever.
Full of hand carved wood and lush greenery, this is the perfect place for a "merienda", which is the snack between lunch and dinner for Argentineans. Have some tea or coffee and backed goods in the late afternoon and enjoy the incredible vibe of this hidden gem.
🚂 Things to Do in Mar del Plata #20: Ride the Tren de la Alegria
If you're with kids (or just want to bring the youth out in you) then definitely check out the Tree de Alegria AKA the Train of Happiness.
It's a train that goes around the city while playing music, and there are characters like Spiderman or other superheroes that ride along making it really something else.
Mar del Plata Local Food & Drink
Argentina is known for its great meat and wine. However, being located on the beach, you can also find some great seafood in Mar del Plata!
We've written a full guide for foods to try while in Argentina, which you can check out below.
🍽️ Favorite Restaurants & Bars in Mar del Plata
Here are a few of the places we tried and really recommend in Mar del Plata.
Torreon del Monje
This place is an absolute must while in Mar del Plata! (This is also why we mentioned it as a highlight). Torreon del Monje looks like a little castle, and has a beautiful restaurant inside, as well as a big terrace overlooking the sea. They are always super busy, so expect longer than usual waits, and make a reservation ahead if possible.
Torreon del Monje is the most iconic restaurant in Mar del Plata.
Tio Curzio
This is definitely one of the restaurants with the best food in Mar del Plata! Tio Curzio is a restaurant that is family-run and has delicious Italian-inspired dishes like homemade pastas and risottos. It's located right next to the water, and has both indoor and outdoor dining options.
La Cabaña del Bosque
This is the spot we mentioned before for merienda, and one that you can't miss out on! It's really a hidden gem of the area, and unlike any other place you'll visit in Mar del Plata.
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Getting Around Mar del Plata
Mar del Plata is actually much bigger than we thought! While we walked to most things within 15-25 minutes, there were certainly places that we needed transportation for. We loved having a car for some of the things that were a bit further away such as the cliff and forest area of the city.
If you are coming from Buenos Aires, have a group of people, or simply want to explore a lot in a little time, then having a rental car is a great idea (you can also rent a car in Mar del Plata). We'd try to stick walking around the center, and using the car just when necessary to avoid issues finding parking in the city center.
If you don't have a car but want to explore outside the city center, you can also get around by the public buses in Mar del Plata, or by getting cabs which are pretty easy to come by in the city center.
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Where to Stay in Mar del Plata
Mar del Plata has a variety of places to stay, and depending on what kind of trip you want to have will depend on your stay.
When Fede's friends visit Mar del Plata they often times rent big Airbnb's or rentals in the woods. This is great if you have a large group, and if someone has a car.
We stayed right in the heart of the city center, just a block away from the beach (Playa Bristol). We found this to be perfect as we were able to walk to the beach and top things to do in Mar del Plata, as well as have plenty of restaurants and bars within walking distance.
There are plenty of affordable places to stay right near the beaches of Mar del Plata.
🏨 Hotel Recommendations in Mar del Plata
Here are a variety of accommodation options in the center of Mar del Plata, for all different budgets:
Budget-Friendly Hotel Options in Mar del Plata (Approx. $15-35 USD/night)
- Barcelona Hostel: the cheapest hostel, located 600 meters from the beach
- Dion Hotel: basic option with breakfast included (this is where we stayed.)
- Estocolmo Hotel by Bund: 500 meters from the beach with breakfast included
Mid-Range Hotel Hotel Options in Mar del Plata (Approx. $40-80 USD/night)
- Hotel Versailles: 400 meters from the beach with a snack bar and common area
- Hotel del Paseo: spacious rooms with breakfast near both the beach and craft market
- Maison Apart Hotel: rooms 50 meters from the beach with kitchens
Luxury Hotel Options in Mar del Plata (Approx. $100-$270 USD/night)
- Hermitage Hotel: has an incredible spa and access to a private beach
- Corrientes Suites: big apartment for 6 people that is 350 meters from the beach
- Hotel Astor: 100 meters from Bristol Beach with a hot tub and a bar
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Is Mar del Plata Safe?
Argentina is certainly a country that has its issues in regards to safety, so it's always important to be careful while traveling. Mar del Plata has mostly petty crime similar to Buenos Aires such as theft.
We honestly felt very safe walking around at night, and didn't have any issues, but did hear from locals that it's best to watch out in the city center. Try to avoid wearing flashy things, walking around alone, or leaving your belongings out of sight.
It's really about just being a bit extra mindful, and trying to stick to groups rather than watering around solo.
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Other Things to Know About Visiting Mar del Plata
Now you know why you should visit Mar del Plata, and all of the cool things it has to offer. But don't go just yet! Here are a few other things to keep in mind.
🌤️ Weather in Mar del Plata
Mar del Plata experiences 4 seasons, having very hot and humid summers, and cold winters. It is typically hot and sunny from November to March, and has mild temperatures in April, May, September, and October.
📆 The Best Time to Visit Mar del Plata
The best time to visit Mar del Plata definitely depends on whether you want a wild and fun trip, or whether you want a relaxing beach getaway.
For the best parties and busiest time, the ideal time to visit Mar del Plata is during the summer, from December to February. If you want good weather but a bit quieter of a stay, then November and March are great months to visit Mar del Plata.
Mar del Plata is a popular summer destination.
🧳 Packing For a Trip to Mar del Plata
Here are some of the things we suggest bringing on a trip to Mar del Plata:
- Bathing suits
- Sunscreen
- Action Camera for surfing or water activities (we use the Insta 360 X3 because it's small & waterproof)
- Case Mate waterproof Phone Pouch (we use the Cafago Waterproof Phone Pouch)
- Zippered Bag or Backpack (to secure your belongings) - take a look at these backpacks for travelers!
- Power Bank (we use Anker power banks, as they are super long lasting and sturdy)
- Beach games
- Drone (You can get great shots from above. We use the Mavic Mini 4 Pro because it's super light and has great quality)
- Camera (we use the Sony A7Riii)
- Standard Lens for a dynamic range (we use the Sony GM 24-70)
- Wide Lens to capture great panoramas and the buildings (we use the Sony GM 14 F1.8)=
- Telephoto Lens to capture the landscapes up close (we use the Sony GM 70-200)
- Tripod to get pictures while no one is around or for multiple shots from far away (We use the JOBY Rangepod Tripod)
- Travel toiletries (our favorites are from Sheer Alternatives because they're all natural and 100ml)
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🤔 Is Mar del Plata Worth Visiting?
Mar del Plata has a bit of everything to offer! It has beautiful architecture, history, forests, and beaches to enjoy. It has great dining options, as well as fun nightlife, making it the perfect weekend getaway from Buenos Aires.
If you're on a short trip to Argentina, we would suggest first checking out places like Iguazu Falls or Perito Moreno in Calafate. However, if you have extra time and don't want to go far from Buenos Aires, Mar del Plata is a great option!
Mar del Plata is the perfect weekend getaway from Buenos Aires.
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Now you know why you should visit Mar del Plata, and all of the great ways to enjoy this beach city. We suggest spending a full weekend to get the most out this cool area of Buenos Aires Province.
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