Bordered by 17km of golden beaches on the Atlantic Coast, it's no wonder Mar del Plata is a firm favourite with travellers to Argentina. You can try fresh seafood at one of the many restaurants on the coast, make the most of the warm climate on the sands or get out on the water with a surfing lesson. With museums to explore, nature nearby and lively nightlife, there are plenty of new experiences to be had in this bustling city.
Get a view of the city at a Mar del Plata hostel that has balconies in some of its dorm rooms. For a warm welcome, try an art hostel that has a resident dog or stay close to the sea at a hostel by the beach. Mar del Plata hostels that include breakfast mean you can fill up in the morning and save some money for a drink later. You can meet other travellers at a hostel that has a bar, and it's easy to keep in touch with friends back home as most options have free Wi-Fi.
The Centro neighbourhood of Mar del Plata is where you'll find the biggest beaches as well as plenty of seafood restaurants and local bars. For a flavour of the city's history, head to Los Troncos, a district lined with early-20th-century houses – some of which are now museums. Want to get close to nature? Visit a village in Sierra de los Padres, a series of hills with forest trails.
When in Mar del Plata, the most popular thing to do is hit the beach. Head to Playa Grande for a surfing lesson or try Punta Mogotes, which has a calmer vibe. Look out over the city after a climb up Torre Tanque, the old water tower. If you need to cool off, visit one of the water parks where you can go on slides, wave machines and zip lines. Diagonal de los Artesanos is a craft fair where you can find handmade jewellery and leather goods. Avenida Constitución is the place to go for music and cocktails at night.
Astor Piazzolla International Airport is a 20-minute taxi journey from the centre of Mar del Plata. If you're travelling by bus, you'll arrive at the Estación Terminal de Ómnibus, the main bus station. Regular trains run to the Mar del Plata railway station from Buenos Aires too. To get around town, there's an extensive bus system.
