Stand on the promenade at dusk, with the Casino's floodlit facade on one side and the Atlantic on the other, and you'll understand why Argentinians have been coming to Mar del Plata for generations. The city runs along more than 28 km of coastline, and its character shifts with it: downtown beaches packed with umbrellas, quieter sand to the south, a working fishing port, and streets of Victorian summer houses behind it all.
It suits beach-goers, museum visitors, theatre audiences and anyone who wants a seaside city with a working life of its own. This guide covers the sights and experiences worth your time, plus a plan for a single day.
Top things to do in Mar del Plata
1. The beach
The coastline extends for over 28 km, and the most popular beaches for visitors are those in the south of the city and downtown. Get there early to beat the crowds, and do not be offended by the Argentinian tradition of kicking sand on your blanket.
For a more relaxed environment than Punta Iglesia or Playa Grande, make the trek to Waikiki beach on the outskirts of town, where there is enough room to spread out and an excellent surf school. The 221 bus runs south of the city to some of the nicest beaches, such as Playa Serena.
2. The Casino and the coastal promenade
The seaside Casino complex, designed by architect Alejandro Bustillo, opened in 1939. Even if you do not like gambling, the building is beautiful and from a different era.
The nice promenade along the coast is a great place for exercising or just enjoying a view of the sea and the city. As you walk it you will find the Casino and the very traditional Hotel Provincial.
3. Teatro Colón
Tango shows at Teatro Colón are fantastic, and at only 15 pesos for Buenos Aires dance companies they are a steal. Mar del Plata has a wide range of theatre shows to offer, so get your tickets as soon as you arrive, because they run out fast.
4. Museo MAR
Museo MAR is on Av Felix U. Camet e/Lopez de Gomara y F.Acosta. It is open Monday, Tuesday and Thursday 10:00-18:00 and Friday to Sunday and holidays 10:00-20:00, and is closed on Wednesday. Entrance is free.
5. Museo Municipal de Ciencias Naturales Lorenzo Scaglia
This natural science museum and aquarium featuring local sea life is on Av. Libertad 3099, at Plaza España. It is open Monday to Friday 09:00-17:00 and Saturday, Sunday and holidays 16:00-20:00.
6. Banquina de Pescadores
The Banquina de Pescadores is part of the port area, where the main activities are fishing, oil ships and grains. The port also has a new passenger terminal for cruise ships and a naval submarine base.
7. Historic homes
Mar del Plata is full of Victorian summer homes, including some very eclectic choices in design and materials. Try strolling around Barrio La Perla or the waterfront Patricio Peralta Ramos Boulevard.
8. Güemes
Go window shopping on Güemes. You will find the trendiest fashion and some nice cafés to sit and sip coffee while you rest your feet.
9. Aquarium Mar del Plata
The Aquarium Mar del Plata is on Av. Martinez de Hoz 5600. It is one of the city's family attractions, and you can call +54 223 467–0700 for details.
10. Zoológico El Paraíso
Zoológico El Paraíso is on Ruta 226 km. 16, on the access road to Sierra de los Padres. Around 300 species of exotic and domestic animals roam free, with a few exceptions, over an 8-hectare nature park, and night and day tours are available.
11. Museo del Hombre del Puerto Cleto Ciocchini
The Museo del Hombre del Puerto Cleto Ciocchini is another of the city's museums, and it pairs naturally with time around the port and the Banquina de Pescadores.
12. Museo Archivo Histórico
The Museo Archivo Histórico is among the city's museums and is worth adding to a museum day if you want more of the city's history.
13. Capurro Helado
Capurro Helado, near Punta Iglesia, is always great on a hot day after cooling off at the beach. Some of the best ice cream in the world.
14. Mate
Enjoy mate, the very bitter and caffeinated but addictive beverage. Buy a mate gourd, thermos and yerba, and ask for agua caliente almost anywhere. No one in Mar del Plata leaves home without their mate.
If you only have one day
Morning: Get to the beach early to beat the crowds, choosing one of the southern or downtown beaches. If you want more room and a surf school, head to Waikiki beach on the outskirts of town, or take the 221 bus south to Playa Serena.
Afternoon: Walk the coastal promenade, taking in the Casino and the traditional Hotel Provincial, then go window shopping on Güemes and rest your feet over coffee in one of its cafés. Stop at Capurro Helado near Punta Iglesia on a hot day.
Evening: See a tango show at Teatro Colón, and buy your ticket as soon as you arrive, because they run out fast.
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time of day to go to the beach?
Get to the beach early to beat the crowds. Be aware that kicking sand on your blanket and face is an Argentinian tradition, so do not take offence.
Which beaches are best if I want more space?
Waikiki beach on the outskirts of town is more relaxed than Punta Iglesia or Playa Grande and provides enough room to spread out. You can also take the 221 bus south of the city to beaches such as Playa Serena.
Do I need to book theatre tickets in advance?
Get your tickets as soon as you arrive, because they run out fast. Tango shows at Teatro Colón are a particular draw.
Where can I find the city's museums?
Museo MAR is on Av Felix U. Camet e/Lopez de Gomara y F.Acosta, and the Museo Municipal de Ciencias Naturales Lorenzo Scaglia is on Av. Libertad 3099 at Plaza España. Museo MAR has free entrance and is closed on Wednesday.
Decide your dates, pick your beach, and start planning your trip to Mar del Plata.