The best of Mar del Plata, Argentina: Beaches, bars and attractions

Mar del Plata is Argentina’s most popular beach resort. As the country’s second most visited city after Buenos Aires, Mar del Plata Argentina perfectly marries a seaside escape with a lively city break. The city also has plenty to offer those who love the great outdoors; Mar del Plata boasts 30km of Atlantic coastline that plays host to a whole range of water sports. Here, we run down some of the best of Argentina’s favorite seaside town, from beaches to culture, to drinking and dancing.

The Atlantic coast: Beaches, clubs, and watersports

No matter what your perfect day at the beach entails, Mar del Plata Argentina has it all. For those looking to sunbathe and paddle, head to La Perla. Here, holidaymakers can bask in the sun adjacent to all the city’s amenities. If you prefer getting closer to nature, Playa Varese is a good call. The peaceful cove offers a more relaxed location with a great range of watersports including surfing and sailing. However, if you’re looking to hit the beach clubs, Playa Grande is the place to go. In the summer months (December – February) the beaches are lined with revelers enjoying the sun and sand.

Culture and sightseeing in Mar del Plata Argentina

Mar del Plata has a developed tourist infrastructure, so there’s plenty to see and do. To take in some culture, head to The Juan Carlos Castagnino Municipal Art Museum. This extensive museum houses more than 450 works of art in a historic French-style manor. Other interesting cultural venues include Centro Cultural Villa Victoria Ocampo, which was the former holiday retreat of celebrated Argentinian writer Victoria Ocampo. Now, the New England-style house hosts exhibitions, concerts and theatre productions.

If you’re looking to keep the kids entertained, Mar del Plata has loads on offer. The Aquasol water park has a whole range of slides, rides, and pools appropriate for every age group. However, Mar del Plata’s aquatic fun doesn’t stop at the waterpark; the city also has an extensive aquarium and large sea lion reserve.

Eating and drinking

Mar del Plata Argentina is home to some of the country’s best seafood. The city’s proximity to the ocean means many restaurants serve delicious fresh fish straight from the boat. For the most reasonably priced seafood, head to the port. At the Banquina de Pescadores, diners can enjoy the catch of the day direct from fishermen. In addition to an excellent selection of fish restaurants, there are also lots of places to sample Argentina’s national dish – steak. Well-reviewed steakhouses include Los Toldos Viejos and La Guapa, which boast some of the tenderest steaks in the city. For those looking to keep things cheap and cheerful, Taberna Baska is a restaurant which serves delicious simple Spanish fare.

For the widest selection of bars, head towards the Avenida Martinez de Hoy. Argentinians are also famous for their craft beer, so there’s plenty of interesting brews to try. However, if a cocktail is more your thing, head to the Tiki Bar Mar del Plata. This fun, tropical-themed bar serves a tasty selection of cocktails with a lively atmosphere. For those looking to take the party into the night, Mar del Plata is also famous for its superclubs, or boliches. Famous venues include Chocolate and Trentto, where partygoers can dance until the wee hours of the morning.