Making the most of Mar del Plata
Use these notes to shape a realistic day ashore, then confirm any time-sensitive information for the date of your call.
Arriving at the port
The port is close enough to walk to town.
Bring a printable map with you.
Mar del Plata, or Mardel, is 400km, two hundred and thirty miles, south of Buenos Aires and Argentina's leading beach resort. Around three million domestic visitors come each summer for busy beaches and lively entertainment. Spend idle days people-watching on the sand or seek culture in the city's small galleries. The bustling port has colourful traditional fishing boats and a noisy sea-lion colony.
Taxis are cheap, abundant and fairly honest. Mar del Plata is also ideal for walking or cycling.
Getting around
At the Municipal Tourist Office on Blvd Marítimo, Emtur runs free organised tours called Paseos Para Gente Inquieta to a range of city sights.
Food and shopping
Mar del Plata has excellent bars and restaurants, plus continuous nightlife at summer's height. Some visitors prefer outside the Christmas peak for shorter restaurant queues. Even in winter, the city remains open because half a million people live there permanently as residents.
Nightlife centres on the world's largest casino, mostly roulette, where black tie is de rigueur.
Money
The Argentina Peso can be volatile.
Exchange guidance for Agentina.
Staying connected
Spanish is spoken.