Mar Del Plata Sights and Landmarks Guide, Argentina

Mar del Plata Sights - Welcome to ‘the happy city’

Mar del Plata lays on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean, and it is one of the most popular tourist destinations in all of Argentina. Only a few hours’ drive away from Buenos Aires, the beaches are popular with Argentineans. The city is has over 17 km of pristine beaches, beautiful colonial architecture, top-notch entertainment and a rich cultural life. It is the perfect vacationing spot for both tourists who want to relax away from the bustle of big cities, and for those in search of adventure. This Mar del Plata Sights guide hopes to give you a few useful tips for your holiday in one of Argentina’s most beautiful places.

Mar del Plata Sights - Beaches

Mar del Plata is no simple beach resort. Obviously, most tourists come here to swim and sunbathe, but even during the colder months, the beaches are worth visiting simply because of their natural beauty. La Perla is the favorite beach of the locals, and it is somewhat quieter than the popular tourist beaches. There are some beautiful panoramic views from the top of the hill. Playa Grande is also called the beach of the wealthy, because it hosts numerous restaurants and pubs. It is a great spot for beach-addicts, but also for mere observers who’d just like to admire the fine white sand and green waves.

Animal lovers are in for a treat, sea-lions can be frequently spotted from the piers at the Baquina de Pescadores the port’s charming wharf. If you’re an early-riser, the Mar del Plata Sights guide suggests that you visit the wharf in the morning when the fishing boats prepare to go out to the sea. If you get tired of the bustle of the beaches, head out to Laguna de los Padres, a beautiful lake 8 miles outside the city. Enjoy the natural beauty of the scenery, or try sport fishing for relaxation.

Mar del Plata Sights - Museums

The Museo del Mar shelters a wonderful seashell collection of over 6000 species from all over the world. If you like period photographs, you’ll love the Museo Archivo Histórico Municipal Roberto T Barili, famous for its collection of photos depicting Mar del Plata’s past. The local arts museum, Museo Municipal de Arte Juan Carlos Castagnino is a beautiful castle-like building which hosts an impressive collection of paintings and drawings by Argentinean artists.

Although it is not officially a museum, Mar del Plata’s ship graveyard is a place no tourist should miss. Not far from the sea-lion colony, the city’s old fishing boats lay rusting in the sun, half-sunken. Boat enthusiasts will love it, but its quiet charm will definitely appeal to any tourist who wants to escape the noisy beaches for a short while.

Mar del Plata might not have 400 year old cathedrals like Cordoba, but the Catedral de San Pedro is worth a look. This neo-gothic building dates back to the turn of the century and has beautiful stained glass windows and other decorations imported from Europe.