Weekend escape from Buenos Aires

After some time in busy Buenos Aires, we drove south to the most popular beach city in the region. The pleasant route in the middle of picturesque landscape of lagoons and cows leisurely feeding on grass took us to Mar del Plata. After 5 hours of driving, we very happy to finally be able to have a walk on the beach. In summer, the sandy beaches are full of sunbathing people on vacation. In winter, the cool breeze, fresh air and empty beaches give you an excellent opportunity to ‘just be’, relax and give your monkey mind a little break.

In winter or summer Mar del Plata will steal your heart

One late evening, not very much concerned by the piercing wind hitting our faces, we walked along the coast far far away from the hotel. We walked allowing the wind to comb our hair, enjoying the freshness of the salty air and the sounds of Atlantic. I could easily imagine this place in summer and despite my love for sun and warmth, I enjoyed the windy, cold winter in Mar del Plata.

Favourite travel resources:

• Booking.com for searching best prices on accommodation.
• Discover Cars is a great website as they search both local and international car hire services, so you can choose the best deal for yourself. Make sure though, that the company has a good reputation and reviews.
• Get Your Guide is my place to go for searching and booking tours and excursions, especially when I travel solo.
• World Nomads travel insurance. I like them because they have quite extensive coverage of different activities.
• Jack’s Flight Club is a service that can save you hundreds of dollars on flights, it works especially well in Europe.
• Trivago where you can search and save on hotels.
• Go City is a perfect site for booking bucket list experiences and attractions all in one to avoid paying for multiple tickets. Easy and saves money.
• Trip Advisor– amazing for good quality recommendations.
• Skyscanner is a perfect website for searching flight routes and comparing prices.

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By looking at the blue sky you probably don’t believe me that it was freezing cold there.  Cold, but sunny. The winter kind of cold I almost forgot after living in a desert for nearly a year now. My feet were getting paralyzed from the low temperatures and my hair tangled from the freezing winds in the evenings. Despite being a cold hater, the days we were passing outside. We were taking hours-long walk at the beach and in the city, admiring the calmness of the ocean during the day and beauty of the hiding sun in the evenings.

See also: 

Top 10 traditional coffee shops in Buenos Aires according to the locals

Wine, sun and art. Visiting Mendoza, Argentina.

7 short excursions from Buenos Aires

Visiting Teatro Colón in Buenos Aires.

9 reasons why you can’t avoid falling in love with Buenos Aires

Where to stay in Mar del Plata

• Posada Güemes Boutique-Posada Guemes Boutique offers a unique and intimate stay in Mar del Plata. Tucked away in the city center, this boutique hotel provides cozy accommodations, personalized service, and a charming ambiance.

• Hotel Costa Galana– Located on the waterfront, Hotel Costa Galana offers luxurious accommodations with breathtaking ocean views. Enjoy upscale amenities, fine dining options, and easy access to Mar del Plata’s beaches and attractions.
• Hotel Dos Reyes– Situated in the heart of Mar del Plata, Hotel Dos Reyes combines elegance with convenience. This boutique hotel offers comfortable rooms, personalized service, and proximity to shopping, dining, and entertainment options.

Mar del Plata known for the casinos

Those characteristic building are the casinos. The twin buildings designed by architect Alejandro Bustillo, who was inspired by one of the seafront hotels in Biarritz in France. While I was walking around this part of the city, I could imagine masses of people enjoying their summers at the beach. In the evenings elegantly dressed couples, men wearing suits and woman gracefully presenting their hats would  walk towards the casinos for an exciting gamble night.

Desserts to eat in Mar del Plata

Postre Balcarce

I was in love with this sponge cake stuffed with vanilla meringue, dulce de leche, whipped cream, apricots, pralines, and almond paste.  Originally this desert was known as Imperial, and its history goes a way back to the pastry shop called Paris that was owned by Guillermo Talou. Later the name of this heavenly cake was changed to postre balcarce due to its origins after it was sold to a company in Mar del Plata. These days, it is Mar del Plata associated with this desert.

Havanna

The famous brand of alfajores was founded in Mar del Plata in 1948. Nowadays they are much loved for this tasty invention- Havannet. When our feet could not take the cold anymore and our noses stopped feeling anything, we were enjoying the sweet temptations while sipping hot coffee or submarino in one of many excellent coffee places in Mar del Plata.

What to do in Mar del Plata

Museum of contemporary art

This museum (MAR) was inaugurated in 2013, so it is brand new. The massive gold sea-lion structure in front catches your eye. Unfortunately we did not manage to visit the museum inside, but many people (locals as well as foreigners) told me that it is worth a visit. The entrance is free and the exhibition is rather small at the moment but I guess it will continuously grow.

Calle Güemes

Every day would not be complete without a walk along the street Güemes. It is a long street full of shops, cafes, restaurants. All of them have their own character and it is difficult to choose where you want to rest, eat lunch or have a sweet treat.

You will need a lot of willpower to resist all the temptations. Cakes and ice cream look at you wherever you go. You can almost hear the whispers ‘come and eat me’. So, be prepared! I am not the biggest ice cream person, but certainly every time I travel to Argentina, that person does not get out of the plane. In Argentina I swallow tons of ice cream…and don’t even feel guilty. Not to mention the alfajores and cakes. I better not move there…

Mar del Plata is popular mainly among Argentinians, who escape there during summer holidays. Not many foreigners actually go there. If you are staying in Buenos Aires and have enough of the hustle and bustle of the big city and some time to spare, Mar del Plata is easy to reach for the weekend.

What do you think of Mar del Plata? Have you been to a beautiful place that is often omitted during travels? I would love to hear from you. Thank you for visiting. It’s lovely to have you here.

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