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| Mar del Plata | ||
| province | Buenos Aires | |
|---|---|---|
| Residents | 593.337 (2010) | |
| height | 38 m, 15 m | |
no tourist info on Wikidata:  | ||
| location | ||
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Mar del Plata is the largest and most famous seaside resort Argentina, located on the Atlantic coast of the province of Buenos Aires. The constant population is 550,000, but in summer more than 3 million tourists visit the city, which then turns into a madhouse full of hype everywhere. If you are looking for peace and quiet, then you are usually definitely wrong, even nature lovers should avoid the city as every corner is built up with hotels and holiday complexes.
background
The importance of Mar del Plata is related to the fact that the city was the first place on the coast to be connected to the railway network. As a result, a flourishing tourist industry developed as early as the early 20th century, before cars and airplanes became popular. Initially an upper-class resort, holiday colonies were also built for the workers during the Peronist period (1946-55). After a crisis in the 90s when many Argentines went to the beaches in Brazil emigrated and Mar del Plata temporarily became the city with the highest unemployment in Argentina, it was able to recover well after the economic crisis of 2002.
In addition to tourism, fishing is also important, as the large fishing port proves. Furthermore, there is also industry, which, however, is hardly noticed by tourists because the corresponding areas are relatively far inland.
The climate in Mar del Plata is oceanic. In summer the temperatures reach an average of 24 ° C per day and are therefore actually rather fresh, but the weather is often sunny. The water temperature is between 17 ° C and 20 ° C. You can swim from the beginning of December to the beginning of April and, depending on the weather, until the end of April.
getting there
In the summer you should always book all public transport in advance, on the peak days (January 2-3, January 15 and February 1) up to a week in advance, since the start and end of holidays are there in almost all Argentine companies.
By plane
Mar del Plata has an airport that runs daily from Buenos Aires is flown from. There are only a few charter flights from other cities in the summer.
By train
There are several train connections to Buenos Aires every day (approx. 4:30 hours, much cheaper and just as fast as the bus). However, you should book in advance in summer, even though up to 15 trains per day are running then; one of them even has its own discotheque on board.
By bus
There are bus connections to all major cities in Argentina. Connections are particularly close to Buenos Aires (every 30 minutes in summer).
In the street
Mar del Plata is well connected to the Argentine road network. From Buenos Aires and the northeast of Argentina you drive on the comfortable four-lane expressway Ruta Provincial 2 in the city, otherwise the journey is usually about Bahía Blanca the cheapest.
mobility
There are several city buses in the city (numbered from 500 upwards, as is common in the province of Buenos Aires), most of which run along or parallel to the coast.
Tourist Attractions
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Churches
Castles, chateaux and palaces
- Torreon del Monje. Small castle with a tower at the south end of the center.
Buildings
- Rambla Casino. Monumental brick building in the most central part of the city. It houses a hotel and casino that was the largest in the world when it was built.
- Torre Tanque. Historic water tower from 1943. Visits are free of charge.
Monuments
Museums
Streets and squares
Parks
various
activities
Most of them will probably come to Mar del Plata for a swim. You can practice all kinds of water sports on the 20 km long beaches. In the south of Mar del Plata, a "gay beach" was set up in 2003 (which initially caused angry local protests).
However, there is also culture in the city. In March, at the end of the main season, the Mar del Plata Film Festival instead of.
shop
You can buy almost anything your heart desires in the city's pedestrian zone.
kitchen
In Mar del Plata you can choose from all kinds of restaurants. The fish restaurants are particularly recommended.
Cheap
There are several inexpensive pizzerias in the pedestrian zone.
medium
Upscale
nightlife
Mar del Plata has a reputation for having the best nightlife in the Argentine summer. The discotheques are usually relatively far away, with a particularly large number of them clustered around the Avenida Constitución approx. 3 km north of the center. But there are also spontaneous parties on the beach.
Cheap
medium
Upscale
accommodation
In Mar del Plata you have a lot of choice when it comes to hotels. You can find it even in the lowest price range; However, it is best to book in advance, especially between mid and late January the city can be almost fully booked.
Cheap
There are several campsites in Mar del Plata. However, they are very expensive compared to the inner-Argentina, are far away from the center and still offer hardly any nature.
medium
Upscale
Learn
- Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata
Work
During the season, with a bit of luck, you can get a short-term job, e.g. as a waiter. Foreign language skills, especially English, are always welcome. Outside the season, jobs are rare and unemployment in the city is relatively high.
security
As in all tourist resorts, you have to watch out for pickpockets. Robberies, on the other hand, are relatively rare.
health
There are many and good hospitals in the city.
Practical advice
Switchboards and internet cafes can be found on every corner.
trips
A popular and somewhat quieter seaside resort near Mar del Plata is Miramar about 30 km southwest. It is considered to be particularly family-friendly.
