Things To Do
in Mar del Plata
Mar del Plata is Argentina's iconic Atlantic coast city, famed for its wide beaches and lively urban life. It blends resort-style shoreline with a bustling cultural scene, from museums to theater and nightlife. The seafood-forward cuisine reflects its port town heritage, while historic architecture and modern promenades give the city a distinctive character.
Visitors can enjoy sun-kissed days, vibrant markets, and a lively arts calendar year-round.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a leisurely breakfast at a quaint café in the Historic Center, savoring delicious medialunas and freshly brewed coffee. After breakfast, embark on a walking tour of the city’s architectural gems, including the stunning Torre Tanque and the iconic Catedral de los Santos Pedro y Cecilia. Take your time to appreciate the intricate details and historical significance of each building as you immerse yourself in the local culture.
For lunch, treat yourself to a traditional Argentine parrilla at a local restaurant, enjoying succulent grilled meats and regional wines. Post-lunch, head over to Plaza Colón, where you can relax in the sun or even catch a local performance or art exhibition. Spend the afternoon visiting the Museo MAR, which showcases contemporary Argentine art against a backdrop of stunning coastal views.
As the sun sets, stroll along the picturesque streets, perhaps stopping for a gelato at a popular ice cream shop. For dinner, indulge in seafood at a waterfront restaurant, where you can enjoy fresh fish dishes while listening to the sound of the waves. Conclude your evening with a leisurely walk along the beach promenade, absorbing the vibrant atmosphere of Mar del Plata by night.
Begin your day with a hearty breakfast at your hotel or a nearby café, fueling up for a day of adventure. Head to Playa Varese, known for its calm waters, where you can rent a paddleboard or kayak to explore the coastline. Enjoy the refreshing sea breeze as you glide across the water, taking in the beautiful views of the city’s shoreline.
After some exciting water sports, take a break for lunch at a beachside café, indulging in fresh ceviche and local craft beers. Spend the afternoon relaxing on the soft sands of Playa Bristol, where you can soak up the sun or join a beach volleyball game with locals. If you're feeling adventurous, try your hand at windsurfing or join a surfing class with experienced instructors.
As the day winds down, enjoy a beachside dinner at a popular seafood shack, sampling the famous Argentine grilled octopus. Take a leisurely stroll along the beach, watching as the sun sets over the Atlantic Ocean, painting the sky in vibrant colors. Cap off the night with a visit to a local bar for a refreshing cocktail or a glass of Malbec as you soak in the lively beach atmosphere.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $8-15 |
| ☕Coffee or pastry | $2-5 |
| 🚶Local transit (one-way) | $0.5-1.5 |
| 🎟️Movie ticket or museum entry | $4-12 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel per night | $60-120 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Beautiful beaches and coastal scenery
- Vibrant seafood and Argentine cuisine
- Robust cultural scene and nightlife
- Accessible day trips to nature spots like Laguna de los Padres
- Peak-season crowds can be heavy
- Traffic can be challenging in the summer
- Some beachfront facilities and services vary by season
- "Hola" - Hello
- "Por favor" - Please
- "Gracias" - Thank you
- "¿Cuánto cuesta?" - How much does it cost?
- "¿Dónde está el baño?" - Where is the bathroom?
- "¿Habla inglés?" - Do you speak English?
Places to Visit in Mar del Plata
Visit one of these nice places.
Historic fortress perched on a rocky promontory with sweeping sea views and dramatic sunsets—an iconic photography spot.
Neoclassical plaza overlooking the harbor, framed by palm trees and sea breezes; great for architectural and candid shots.
Coastal lighthouse and cliffs with expansive ocean views ideal for landscape photography and dramatic skies.
Modern museum setting with contemporary art and ocean-facing terraces, offering creative city-sea photo opportunities.
Food in Mar del Plata
Mar del Plata Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A classic street-food sandwich with grilled chorizo on crusty bread, typically served with chimichurri or salsa criolla—lively and delicious along the coast.
Must-Try!
Fresh Atlantic fish, often grilled or baked with lemon and herbs, a staple in seaside restaurants.
Breaded beef cutlet topped with tomato sauce and melted cheese, a beloved Argentine dish widely available.
Artisanal ice cream in a variety of flavors, a beloved treat after a day at the beach.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A bustling market offering fresh seafood, regional produce, bakery goods, and prepared foods to sample or take away.
On and near the promenade, you’ll find stalls and casual eateries offering choripán, empanadas, and grilled seafood with ocean views.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Acknowledge arrivals with a warm greeting. Friendly, relaxed interactions are typical; a handshake or nod is common in formal settings, while friends may greet with a kiss on the cheek in informal circles.
If offered mate, participate politely or decline with a smile. When dining, wait for everyone to be served before starting and use shared dishes with utensils if provided.
Spanish is the primary language; learn a few basic phrases. Direct eye contact and a courteous tone go a long way in conversations.
Safety
Tipping in Mar del Plata
Ensure a smooth experience
In sit-down restaurants, a 10% tip is customary if service is not included. For bars and casual spots, rounding up the bill or leaving a small amount is common. Taxis typically do not expect tips beyond rounding up to the nearest peso or a small extra for good service.
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in urban areas; cash is handy for markets and small vendors. ATMs are common in city centers, and some places may still prefer cash for small purchases.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Peak tourist season with long days, warm to hot afternoons, and busy beaches. Bring sun protection, water, and a flexible schedule to chase outdoor events and concerts.
Shoulder season with milder weather and fewer crowds. Great for outdoor walks, museum visits, and dining al fresco without peak-season crowds.
Cool and occasionally windy; some beach facilities close, but the city shines with indoor culture, theater, and cozy cafes.
Warm-up period with blooming trees and pleasant sea breezes; ideal for coastal walks, photography, and early-season outdoor activities.
Mar del Plata at Night
Hiking in Mar del Plata
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Forested trails around a large freshwater lagoon with viewpoints and birdwatching opportunities, suitable for easy to moderate hikes.
Urban-forest trails near the city edge, offering shaded paths, easy loops, and a chance to escape the city for a bit.
Airports
How to reach Mar del Plata by plane.
Astor Piazzolla International Airport serves domestic and some international routes; located within reach of the city for quick arrivals.
Buenos Aires Ezeiza International Airport, a major hub for international flights; accessible by long-distance coach or domestic flight connections to MDQ.
Buenos Aires airport offering domestic flights and regional connections; convenient for quick hops to MDQ via air transport.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Families and retirees who enjoy the beaches and cultural amenities year-round.
Large summer influx of tourists seeking sun, seafood, and nightlife.
A mix of locals and visitors in urban areas with a growing dining and arts scene.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
A top coastal activity with waves along the Atlantic shore; popular among locals and visitors, with beachside schools and rentals.
A beloved national pastime; local matches and casual games are common in parks and arenas around the city.
There are courts and seasonal events; many public areas host casual tennis and beach tennis on the sand.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Mar del Plata.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Many restaurants can accommodate vegetarian diets with salads, vegetable pastas, grilled vegetables, and egg-based dishes. Ask for plant-based options or request no meat by saying 'sin carne' or 'opciones vegetarianas.'