Mar del Plata, Argentina

Capital City

With a population of 541,951, Mar del Plata is Argentina's second-largest city in Buenos Aires Province - but don't let the numbers fool you. This seaside resort town is a haven for tourists, not permanent residents. The bureaucracy is a persistent headache, and the changeable climate - ranging from sweltering summers to bone-chilling winters - can be a shock to the system. However, for those drawn to the city's vibrant cultural scene, world-class fishing, and European-inspired architecture, Mar del Plata may be worth weathering the challenges.