La Plata Travel Guide
Discover the cultural and natural attractions, food and drink scene, best accommodations, and transportation options in La Plata, Argentina with our comprehensive travel guide.
- Introduction to La Plata
- List of Places to Visit in La Plata
- Hiking/Biking Routes of La Plata
- Best Things to Do in La Plata: Activities and Tours
- Week-Long Itinerary for La Plata
- Day 1: Museum Day
- Day 2: Outdoor Adventure Day
- Day 3: Historical Tour
- Day 4: Cultural Excursion
- Day 5: Food Tour
- Day 6: Tango Lesson and Football Game
- Day 7: Relax and Shop
- Food and Drink Scene of La Plata
- Where to Stay in La Plata: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
- What to Buy in La Plata: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
- Local Culture and Customs of La Plata
- Best Time to Visit La Plata
- Do’s and Don’ts of La Plata
- Safety and Health
- Getting to La Plata: Transportation Options and Logistics
- How to Get Around in La Plata
- Where to Go Next from La Plata: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
- Conclusion
Introduction to La Plata
La Plata is a vibrant city located in the Buenos Aires province of Argentina. Known for its impressive museums, scenic outdoor areas, and rich cultural heritage, La Plata offers visitors a unique experience. As the provincial capital, La Plata plays a vital role in the country’s history, culture, and economy. This travel guide will provide you with an in-depth look at La Plata’s most popular attractions and local culture, as well as tips on accommodation, transportation, and safety.
List of Places to Visit in La Plata
Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places
- La Plata Cathedral
- Museum of Natural Sciences
- La Plata Museum of Fine Arts
- La Plata Astronomical Observatory
- Dardo Rocha Cultural Center
- Rogelio Yrurtia Museum of Sculpture
- Hispalis Ruins
- Teatro Argentino de La Plata
Natural Attractions of La Plata: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views
- Paseo del Bosque
- The República de los Niños
- Tierra de Animales
- The Stream, City Park
- Juan Carlos Castagnino Pedestrian Boulevard
Hiking/Biking Routes of La Plata
If you’re an outdoor enthusiast looking for some adventure and fresh air, La Plata won’t disappoint. Some of the top hiking and biking routes in and around La Plata include:
- Hermenegildo Sábat Porch and Park
- Dique Roggero
- El Paraíso Country Club
- Canning Creek Linear Park and Bike Trail
- Sierra de la Ventana
Best Things to Do in La Plata: Activities and Tours
- Take a Bicibus Tour
- Visit the local markets
- Go on a food tour and try the local cuisine
- Take a tango lesson
- Attend a football game
Week-Long Itinerary for La Plata
Here’s a sample week-long itinerary for La Plata:
Day 1: Museum Day
- La Plata Museum of Fine Arts
- Museum of Natural Sciences
- Rogelio Yrurtia Museum of Sculpture
Day 2: Outdoor Adventure Day
- Paseo del Bosque
- The Stream, City Park
- Tierra de Animales
Day 3: Historical Tour
- La Plata Cathedral
- Hispalis Ruins
- The República de los Niños
Day 4: Cultural Excursion
- Dardo Rocha Cultural Center
- Teatro Argentino de La Plata
- La Plata Astronomical Observatory
Day 5: Food Tour
- Visit local markets and food stalls
- Have lunch at a traditional Argentine restaurant
- Take a cooking class
Day 6: Tango Lesson and Football Game
- Take a tango lesson in the city center
- Attend a football game at Estadio Único de La Plata
Day 7: Relax and Shop
- Visit the Juan Carlos Castagnino Pedestrian Boulevard
- Shop for souvenirs and local products
Food and Drink Scene of La Plata
Must-Try Dishes
- Asado - grilled meat
- Empanadas - pastry filled with meat or vegetables
- Milanesa - breaded and fried meat
- Provoleta - grilled cheese
- Carbonada - beef stew
Local Beverages
- Mate - traditional Argentine tea
- Fernet - a bitter liquor served with Coca-Cola
- Malbec - red wine from the Mendoza region
Where to Stay in La Plata: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
Some of the top options for accommodation in La Plata include:
- Grand Brizo La Plata
- Hotel Benevento La Plata
- Hotel del Sol La Plata
- Hostel La Plata
What to Buy in La Plata: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
- Dulce de Leche
- Leather goods
- Argentine wine
- Mate cups and straws
- Handmade ceramics
Local Culture and Customs of La Plata
The people of La Plata are known for their love of football and tango. Argentine Spanish is the official language, and the local currency is the Argentine peso. Tipping is expected in restaurants and cafes. In terms of dress code, business attire is typical for formal events and traditional Argentine gaucho apparel is popular for cultural celebrations.
Best Time to Visit La Plata
The best time to visit La Plata is during the spring (September to December) and fall (March to June) months when temperatures are mild, and there’s less chance of rain.
Do’s and Don’ts of La Plata
Do:
- Learn a few basic Spanish phrases
- Try the local cuisine
- Attend a football game
- Take a tango lesson
Don’t:
- Wear revealing clothing in public
- Ignore safety precautions
- Overstay your visa
- Leave valuable items unattended
Safety and Health
Safety in La Plata
La Plata is a safe city, but it’s important to take precautions such as avoiding unlit or deserted areas at night. Pickpocketing and petty theft can occur in tourist areas, so travelers should keep an eye on their belongings.
Health in La Plata
Travelers should ensure that they have up-to-date vaccinations before visiting La Plata. It’s recommended to carry insect repellent and wear long sleeves and pants to prevent mosquito bites, which can transmit diseases such as dengue fever.
Getting to La Plata: Transportation Options and Logistics
Airports Near La Plata
The closest airport to La Plata is Ministro Pistarini International Airport, also known as Ezeiza Airport, which is located approximately 50 kilometers away.
Bus Stations Near La Plata
La Plata’s main bus station is located downtown and offers frequent connections to other cities in Argentina.
Other Options
Taxis and car rentals are also available for transportation around La Plata and nearby areas.
How to Get Around in La Plata
Several transportation options are available in La Plata, including the local bus system, taxis, and bike rentals. Walking is also a popular option for exploring the city center.
Where to Go Next from La Plata: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
- Buenos Aires - Argentina’s cosmopolitan capital city
- Mar del Plata - a popular beach destination
- Tigre - known for its tranquil canals and river delta
Conclusion
La Plata is a city that offers visitors a unique blend of history, culture, and outdoor adventure. From exploring the city’s museums and historical landmarks to experiencing the local cuisine and customs, there’s something for everyone in La Plata. Use this comprehensive travel guide to plan your next trip to Argentina’s provincial capital.
