The 20 Best Things to do in Mendoza Argentina
There are so many things to do in Mendoza, from sipping wine to watching nightly fountain shows and drinking great cocktails.
Mendoza is the capital of the Mendoza province on the western side of Argentina. It is most well-known as Argentina’s best wine-growing region, in Maipu and Lujan de Cuyo. There are amazing things to do within the region of Mendoza, but if you have a couple of days to spend in the city center, you will not get bored.
I spent two weeks in the city of Mendoza and I enjoyed it quite a bit. I found the city to be calm, quiet, and clean. However, there are definitely party areas if that is what you’re looking for. I liked the slower pace and lifestyle in Mendoza.
In this blog post, I will discuss all the things to do in Mendoza, as well as where to eat and where to stay.
Where is Mendoza?
Mendoza is the capital city of the Mendoza province in western Argentina. Santiago, Chile is just on the other side of the Andes Mountains and the Argentina/Chile border. Many people take the overnight bus from Mendoza to Santiago. I flew over the Andes to Santiago and they were some of the most beautiful views I’ve seen from a plane.
How to Get to Mendoza
The two main ways to reach Mendoza are by bus or plane. If you are flying from Buenos Aires, you will probably leave from the Jorge Newberry airport (domestic airport).
There are several overnight buses between Mendoza and other major cities within Argentina. Check BusBud for the prices and schedules.
The three main airlines that fly to Mendoza from other cities are FlyBondi, JetSmart, and Aerolineas Argentinas. The latter is the most reliable. The two former airlines are both budget airlines that often experience delays or have cancellations.
Things to do in Mendoza
Mendoza is a very easily walkable city and every activity can be done on foot (except getting to the Cacheuta Spa and Maipu). If you want to use public transport, however, it’s super easy. They use the same SUBE card as Buenos Aires for both the bus and the train.
Things to Do in Mendoza City Center
Mendoza tends to take a backseat to its big brother, Buenos Aires, who always gets fame and notoriety. But Mendoza has a lot to offer a traveler, especially one looking to escape the chaos and noise of the capital city. Here I will offer you the top 20 things to do in Mendoza—both in the city center, and the outskirts.
Plazas
The city of Mendoza was completely destroyed by an earthquake in 1861. When the city was ready to rebuild, they moved the city center further south and created a grid system. The main city center now revolves around the grouping of 5 plazas. There is one main plaza in the center and a smaller plaza one city block from each corner.
1. Plaza Independencia
This plaza is the largest of the 5 plazas, set right in the center of town. On the weekends, you can find the park lined with market tents selling jewelry, knives, clothing, etc. Right in the middle of the plaza is a fountain. On most evenings around 8 pm, there is a dancing fountain show synced to lights and music.
2. Plaza España
This plaza will transport you to Sevilla, with its blue tile work and Spanish benches. This park has fountains and statues, and it’s a great place to relax and read a book. On weekends there are market tents, and it’s also a space for evening events.
3. Plaza Chile
Of all the plazas, this seems to be the most forgotten about. There is a fountain in the center with no water. The grass around it seems to be dying. I did see several people walking their dogs through here or reading the newspaper on a shady bench. There are statues honoring the relationship between Chile and Argentina.
4. Plaza Italia
At Plaza Italia, you can find a recently renovated fountain dedicated to Dante Alighieri and Beatrice. There are a lot of trees and shady spots if you want to relax in a less populated space. In addition to the fountain, there are statues dedicated to Italy.
5. Plaza San Martin
This park is very calm and relaxing. People are walking their dogs and sitting in the shade. It feels clean and safe. The contemporary art space is just across the street.
Nature
Mendoza is a very green city and you don’t have to look too far to find nature.
6. Parque Central
This “Central Park” is not so central to the new city of Mendoza, it was more central pre-earthquake, when the city center was further up north. It is a large grassy park with exercise equipment, several jungle gyms and playgrounds, and a rectangular lake in the center with alternating fountains.
The park is a little out of the way, but it’s worth the trip if you want to take a relaxing stroll. Several buses go there from more central areas.
7. Parque San Martin
This is a massive park on the west side of the city. Near the east end, you can find an oblong-shaped lake. There are several paths throughout the park, as well as a rose garden, and large green spaces for relaxing.
8. Cerro de la Gloria
Technically, this park is inside the Parque San Martin, though it does not feel that way when you’re there. If you look at Google Maps, it will appear as if you can climb this small peak right from the park. This is not the case. To reach the summit, you must enter the parking lot near the Ecoparque.
That means you’ll need to spend a lot of time walking along the main avenues to get there. It’s not as much ‘nature’ as I had hoped on the way up. Don’t want to walk? That’s okay, you can take a taxi from the city center, and it is also a stop on the Mendoza City Bus Tour.
When you reach the peak, you’ll climb several steps that lead you to a massive statue of General San Martin and his Andean army. Luckily there is a fresh fruit juice stand at the bottom of the hill which is perfect to energize you for the walk back to town.
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Museums
Mendoza has several museums that you can easily walk to.
9. Museo del Área Fundacional
This museum is found in the old center, pre-earthquake. It’s about a 30-minute walk from Plaza Independencia and is also a stop on the Mendoza City Bus Tour. All information in this museum is in Spanish. It tells the history of the city, and you can see the foundation of the old Cabildo which was destroyed in the earthquake.
10. Espacio Contemporáneo de Arte “Eliana Molinelli”
This contemporary art space is on the corner just across the street from Plaza San Martin. It is closed on Sundays. Unfortunately, it was closed every time I attempted to go, as they were switching the exhibits. However, the reviews on Google speak very highly of this museum.
11. MMAMM
This is Mendoza’s modern art museum. The entry is totally free. It can easily be found in the center of the Plaza de Independencia. You just need to walk down the stairs to reach it, and there are entries on both sides. This was a really interesting and well-curated museum of contemporary works from paintings, drawings, sculptures, and multi-media installations.
12. Museo del Pasado Cuyano
Unfortunately, this museum was closed when I tried to go (even though it was open according to Google). Foreigners pay 1000 pesos, while Argentinians pay 500 pesos. It was previously the home of Mendoza’s governors Francisco and Emilio Civit. The museum shows a look into Mendoza’s history.
Eating/Going Out in Mendoza City Center
While Mendoza is a pretty chill city, there are definitely places to go out for a night.
13. Avenida Arístides Villanueva
This street stretches from Parque San Martin to Avenida Belgrano. It is a street full of restaurants and cafes. A very happening place to go out at night, or find lunch or dinner. The street never seems to sleep. Even on Sunday mornings, you can hear the sounds of Reggaeton.
If you’re looking for a peaceful place, this is not it. Also, if you like to sleep without interruptions, I highly advise against finding accommodation on this street. If you do, get yourself some good earplugs.
14. Avenida Juan B. Justo
About 7 blocks to the north of Avenida Arístides you’ll find the Avenida Juan B. Justo. It’s known for its cheap food options and nightlife. Here you can find a ton of restaurants and cafes. It’s totally dead on Sundays though, so don’t bother. There is a bar called El Container that hosts language meet-ups for foreigners every Tuesday night.
15. Paseo La Alameda
This is a tree-lined road with restaurants, bars, and cafes. During the day, this area is quite dead. But at night, it really comes alive.
16. Mercado Central
This is a standard central market in Argentina, but it was interesting to walk around in. It is full of fiambre options (cut meat and cheese), a ton of different hanging meats, and other treats. There are a few places to eat lunch in the back.
17. Sarmiento Street
This is a peatonal (pedestrian only) street. It is just three blocks long, starting from the east side of Plaza Independencia until Avenida San Martin. There are a ton of restaurants and great cafes along this pedestrian street.
18. La Central Vermuteria
This corner restaurant/bar makes fantastic drinks. I highly recommend making a stop here for the merienda hour. Get a drink and an appetizer and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere at the outside seating area. I ordered the stracciatella and a perfect vermouth cocktail with bitters, and highly recommend both!
Outside the Mendoza City Center
You can easily reach some great wineries or spas within an hour outside of the city center.
19. The Cacheuta Thermal Baths
There are two options for Cacheuta: The hotel/spa (more exclusive) and the water park (public). The thermal baths are about one hour outside of the city. It’s very easy to get there and is a very relaxing day. I went to the Cacheuta Water Park and really enjoyed it. If I were to do it again, I would go to the spa.
20. Wineries in Maipu
There are two main wine areas in Mendoza: Lujan de Cuyo and Maipu. I went to Maipu.
It is incredibly easy to reach Maipu from the city center of Mendoza. You just need to take the red train south for 30 minutes, and you can even use your same SUBE card from Buenos Aires.
There are a ton of bodegas both inside the city center, as well as outside. You definitely cannot walk to all of them so I suggest renting a car (but don’t drink too much), renting a bike like I did, or doing a tour.
Tours In and Around Mendoza
If you don’t have a car, it can sometimes be complicated to see all the things you want to see. If you don’t want to rent a car, the next best option is to do a tour. That way you don’t have to worry about driving or sorting out logistics, and you can meet great people. Here are a few of the best tours in the region:
When to Visit Mendoza Argentina
I stayed in Mendoza for the last two weeks of November. The weather was starting to get hot and humid. I wore shorts during the day and a light jacket in the evenings. It never rained while I was there.
The hottest months of the year in Mendoza will undoubtedly be January and February. These will also be the busiest months as students have these two months off and most Argentines take holiday during this time. If you come in the summer, make sure to book ahead to get the best prices and deals.
The coldest months are July and August, which is winter in Mendoza. You can expect light snowfall during these months due to Mendoza’s proximity to the mountains. Make sure to pack winter clothes.
Overall, Mendoza has great weather and sees over 300 sunny days per year.
Where to Stay in Mendoza
Mendoza has all types of accommodation options to offer a traveler.
Gorilla Hostel
This is one of the most popular hostels in Mendoza. It seemed that everyone I met was staying here. It’s a very social hostel in a hip part of town. A great place to meet other travelers.
BOOK NOW to stay in this popular Mendoza Hostel
Chill Inn Hostel
This hostel is RIGHT on Aristides Street, which is the most popular street for going out. If you’re into nightlife and like to be around all the action, this is the perfect place to stay.
Stay up all night at this party hostel, BOOK NOW
Villaggio Hotel Boutique
This Boutique Hotel is right in the center of town, just one block from Plaza Independencia (where you can see the fountain show). There is a small outdoor pool and a free breakfast every morning.
BOOK NOW to stay in this cozy boutique hotel
Hotel Nutibara
This hotel is also just one block from Plaza Independencia, which is super central. Free parking is available, as well as free breakfast, a fitness center, and a swimming pool.
Stay in this centrally located hotel in Mendoza
Posada Cavieres Wine Farm
If you like the idea of sleeping where wine is made, this could be the place for you. A breakfast buffet is included. If you don’t have a car, transportation can be arranged for a small fee to reach this destination. On the property, you can find a garden, vineyard, and olive grove.
BOOK NOW for a relaxing stay at a winery
Traveling in Mendoza Final Thoughts
There is a reason everyone suggests a visit to Mendoza when you come to Argentina. Listen to their advice, and check out this beautiful, and relaxing city at the base of the Andes. There is something for everyone – good food, good drinks, nature, relaxation, and even party streets!
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