Top 15 Attractions and Activities in La Plata, Argentina

Affectionately referred to as the little sister of Buenos Aires, the city of La Plata is situated merely one hour away from its bustling counterpart. As South America’s inaugural planned city, La Plata features a sophisticated grid system, including diagonal streets that enhance navigation amidst intricate intersections, earning it the title of “The City of Diagonals.” This vibrant university town boasts a population exceeding 700,000 residents, and it is possible to traverse its expanse in less than an hour, stopping along the way at trendy craft beer establishments, local music venues, and exceptional dining options.

Notably, La Plata serves as the administrative capital of the Buenos Aires province, showcasing an array of ornate government buildings set within its verdant plazas, imbuing the city with a relaxed yet dynamic atmosphere.

Here are the top attractions and activities in La Plata:

1. Museo de La Plata

The Museo de La Plata is recognized as one of the premier natural history museums globally, and consequently, it stands as one of the city’s most visited attractions.

Established in a neoclassical edifice constructed in 1888, the museum’s collection encompasses Egyptian artifacts, Jesuit ruins, fossils, mummies, taxidermied specimens, insects, and life-sized dinosaur reconstructions.

Its exhibits traverse subjects such as biology, zoology, paleontology, cultural ethnography, and the cosmic origins.

Additionally, temporary exhibitions have showcased themes like Pre-Columbian cuisine and Charles Darwin’s evolutionary theories.

The museum is spread across 23 rooms over two levels and includes a small shop and café, along with a ten-foot armadillo display.

Visitors can comfortably spend several hours here, with guided tours conducted in English available.

2. Catedral de La Plata

Situated in the heart of the city, directly facing Plaza Moreno, this Neo-Gothic cathedral is a remarkable architectural achievement.

Dedicated to the Immaculate Conception and inspired by cathedrals from Germany and France, its construction commenced in 1884 and was completed in 1932. It is both grand and aesthetically pleasing, allowing visitors to enter and ascend one of the church’s towers for breathtaking 360-degree city views.

The cathedral also contains a crypt where the city’s founder and his spouse are interred, as well as an ecclesiastical museum dedicated to the church’s builders.

Guided tours are available for those interested in further insights! While visiting, do take some time to stroll through the adjacent Plaza Moreno.

3. Paseo del Bosque

As the largest green space within the city, this expansive 60-hectare area was once marshland.

Today, it hosts the Museo de La Plata, a zoo, an observatory, an open-air theater, and an array of plant species within its botanical gardens.

A lake allows visitors to rent boats, while numerous trails cater to walking enthusiasts, and a cave offers exploration opportunities.

While certain facilities are in need of better maintenance, it remains an ideal setting for picnics, where one can enjoy a choripán (a traditional sausage sandwich) from nearby budget-friendly food stalls or sip on mate, Argentina’s signature hot herbal drink, while basking in the sun.

4. Teatro Argentino

Conveniently located on Avenida 51, the Teatro Argentino stands as the second-most significant opera house in the nation, following the renowned Teatro Colón in Buenos Aires. The original Italian lyric opera house located here was consumed by fire in 1977. While the newly erected colossal concrete structure might not be universally appreciated for its brutalist design, its acoustics are acclaimed.

The principal venue, Ginastera Hall, boasts 2,000 seats arranged in the traditional European horseshoe format.

Attending a performance is highly recommended, as tickets are surprisingly affordable, with a diverse program encompassing operas, ballets, concerts, and orchestral showcases.

5. Casa Curutchet

For architecture enthusiasts, a visit to this former residence, now designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is essential.

Designed by Le Corbusier, the renowned Swiss-French architect who significantly influenced modern architecture, this house is his only completed project in South America.

Casa Curutchet formerly served as the private residence and medical office of Dr. Pedro Curutchet, ingeniously constructed around a tree that remains within its interior.

While it may appear unremarkable today, this home was built in 1953 when modern architecture was relatively uncommon, and brick was the prevalent building material.

Now housing the Province of Buenos Aires Association of Architects, it is open to the public for tours.

6. Listen to Some Live Indie Rock

La Plata has earned the reputation of being the Indie Rock capital of Argentina, and therefore, catching a performance by local bands is highly recommended during your visit.

Thanks to the numerous universities in the area, a vibrant student population contributes to a thriving local music scene, producing many of Argentina’s most distinguished groups.

On weekends, numerous venues host free performances, providing an excellent opportunity to experience quality Argentine rock music without breaking the bank.

Be sure to explore who is performing at Bar Imperio, El Rincón de los Amigos, and Ciudad Vieja.

7. Explore La Plata’s Craft Beer Scene

While Argentina typically evokes images of red wine, La Plata has emerged as a trendy hub for craft beer.

In addition to enjoying Malbec, visitors should also check out some of the city’s stylish bars, beer gardens, and artisanal breweries.

Start your exploration at La Posta del Angel, Argentina’s oldest craft brewery, where you can enjoy a pizza alongside picadas, snacks comprising meats, olives, and cheeses. Alternative venues include Chicha, which features 15 rotating beers on tap, or Falkner, which boasts an on-site brewery.

For a casual ambiance, consider Molly’s Beer House, known for its open-air courtyard within a beautifully restored historic residence.

8. Go Hang Gliding

Located near La Plata, a hang gliding training facility offers the chance to soar through the skies, whether you are seasoned or a novice flyer.

Tandem flights accompanied by experienced instructors enable you to enjoy the breathtaking views while gliding over the expansive pampas below.

At Fly Ranch, a diverse selection of hang gliders is available to accommodate all experience levels, along with a restaurant, bar, and swimming pool for relaxation after your adventure.

With no mountains in the vicinity, they utilize aerotowing with a plane to facilitate take-offs.

You may choose to enroll in a course to learn independent flying or simply relish a tandem experience for great photographs!

9. La República de los Niños

Situated just outside the city, La República de los Niños, a theme park known as the “City of the Children,” is an intriguing blend of amusement and whimsy.

Established in 1951, it was notably one of Eva Perón’s initiatives and is reportedly Latin America’s earliest theme park.

The park is designed to emulate a miniature town run by children, furnished with the essential amenities for their adventure.

Attractions include a petting zoo, a children’s radio station, replicas of Argentine governmental structures, a diminutive Taj Mahal, a small cinema, and even a miniature prison.

Although it may not rival Disneyland, the park does feature a modest train, a roller coaster, and boating options, along with various dining opportunities.

Though somewhat dated, the park guarantees entertainment for any children accompanying you.

10. Centro Cultural Islas Malvinas

Visit Plaza Islas Malvinas, where you can explore exhibits commemorating the 1982 conflict between the United Kingdom and Argentina over the Falkland Islands, referred to as “Las Malvinas” by Argentines.

This area was previously utilized by an Argentine Army regiment, but it has since transformed into a cultural center featuring photographs honoring fallen veterans.

The Centro Cultural Islas Malvinas hosts various historical exhibitions, artistic displays, and a pleasant outdoor plaza with a restaurant serving snacks, coffee, or beer post-browsing.

11. Feria Artesanal de Plaza Italia

Located in Plaza Italia, this artisan market, popularly known as the “hippie fair,” operates every Saturday, Sunday, and public holiday.

Both locals and tourists frequent the area during market hours, as it presents an excellent opportunity to discover unique items, along with traditional Argentine souvenirs such as mate gourds.

Other offerings include leather goods, silver jewelry, textiles, ceramics, local artwork, and artisan crafts.

Having existed for 35 years, the market often features live music performances and food provided by street vendors.

Numerous young people and families are drawn to the area to enjoy food and relax on the grass nearby.

12. Eat Like an Argentine

Savoring Argentine cuisine is essential, particularly indulging in high-quality steak at the city’s well-known parrillas (steakhouses). Parrilla Los Discos provides slightly upscale dining, while Lo del Negro nearby offers exceptional beef cuts in a more relaxed setting.

Parilla Lo de Tato ranks among the city’s favorites, featuring grilled meats and sausages, complemented by generous sides of salads, fried potatoes, and other fare if desired.

And do not overlook the Malbec! Another beloved venue, Cervecería Modelo serves milanesa, empanadas, and beverages in a historic setting adorned with hanging hams, where patrons often toss peanut shells onto the floor.

13. Check out La Plata’s Art Museums

The prominent Italian-style edifice adjacent to Plaza San Martin houses the Museo de Arte Municipal (the Municipal Art Museum), the Museo de Arte Contemporáneo (Museum of Contemporary Art), and the Museo y Galería Fotográfica (Museum and Photographic Gallery). Featured artworks include both popular and emerging artists, with free admission.

The building also boasts a restaurant, reading room, and coffee bar, making it an ideal location for an engaging afternoon for those passionate about the arts.

The Museo Provincial de Bellas Artes Emilio Pettoruti, located nearby, possesses a small but significant collection of fine arts.

There, visitors can appreciate works by notable Argentine artists, encompassing paintings, prints, sculptures, and drawings.

14. La Plata’s Government Buildings

As La Plata is the capital of Buenos Aires province, it is home to all governmental structures of the province.

Most of these buildings are found around Plaza San Martin.

The Palacio de la Legislatura, an impressive example of German Renaissance architecture, resides on one side of the square.

Remarkably, visitors can enter and appreciate the building’s stunning architecture and decor, potentially even witnessing a legislative session if interested.

On the square’s opposite side lies the Casa de Gobierno, constructed in Flemish Renaissance style.

The governor’s residence aligns alongside the plaza, and guided tours are occasionally offered, revealing the magnificent interior (though the governor does not reside there). One of the most awe-inspiring structures in La Plata is the Palacio Municipal, also designed in German Renaissance style and situated adjacent to Plaza Moreno in the city’s geographical center.

This grandiose structure is both imposing and beautiful, inviting numerous photographs.

15. Pereyra Iraola Park

This expansive nature reserve, situated a short distance from the city, offers an abundance of trails, streams, birdwatching opportunities, and camping sites.

Visiting on Sundays allows guests to experience two bustling markets featuring clothing, food, and assorted trinkets for sale.

Bicycles and boats are available for rent, providing options for exploration, leisurely walks, and even horseback riding across 600 hectares of land.

Vendors offer snacks, and ample areas are designated for picnicking or lounging, though locals often carry their own meats and charcoal to enjoy an asado (Argentine barbecue). While the area could benefit from improved maintenance, it remains a splendid open green space—just ensure to bring insect repellent!