rosario argentina travel

Shutterstock / Diego Grandi

Birthplace of the Argentine flag as well as two of the nation's most famous exports, Che Guevara and Lionel Messi, Rosario is still an important river port but has done a great job of regenerating its center. The derelict buildings of the long costanera have been converted into galleries, restaurants and skate parks, and river beaches and islands buzz with life in summer. The center – a curious mishmash of stunning early-20th-century buildings overshadowed by ugly apartments – has a comfortable, lived-in feel, and the down-to-earth rosarinos (people from Rosario) are a delight.

Attractions

Must-see attractions.

Promenade in Spain Park next to the Parana River in Rosario, Argentina.

Rosario’s most attractive feature is its waterfront, where the area that was once derelict warehouses and train tracks has been reclaimed for the fun of…

Museo Municipal de Bellas Artes

Museo Municipal de Bellas Artes

This gallery is worth a visit for its inventive displays of contemporary and 20th-century artworks from the MACRO collection, and its small collection of…

Paraná Delta

Paraná Delta

Rosario sits on the banks of the Río Paraná upper delta, a 60km-wide area of mostly uninhabited, subtropical islands and winding riachos (streams). It’s…

Costanera Sur

Costanera Sur

The grassy zone below downtown includes plenty of space for jogging and courting, as well as the Estación Fluvial building, where you can find eating and…

Museo de Arte Contemporáneo de Rosario

Museo de Arte Contemporáneo de Rosario

Housed in a brightly painted grain silo on the waterfront, this museum is part of Rosario’s impressive riverbank renewal. It features temporary…

Monumento Nacional a La Bandera

Monumento Nacional a La Bandera

Manuel Belgrano, who designed the Argentine flag, rests in a crypt beneath this colossal stone obelisk, built where the blue-and-white stripes were first…

Museo Histórico Provincial

Museo Histórico Provincial

The well-presented collection features plenty of post-independence exhibits plus excellent displays on indigenous cultures from many parts of Latin…

Museo de la Memoria

Museo de la Memoria

A former army HQ, not far from where police held, tortured and killed people during the Dirty War, this museum seeks to remember the violence and victims…

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Download GPX file for this article

  • 1.1 Weather
  • 2.1 By plane
  • 2.2 By train
  • 3.2 By bicycle
  • 3.3 By taxi
  • 4.1 Museums
  • 7.2 Mid-range
  • 7.3 Splurge
  • 7.4 Burgers
  • 7.5 Ice cream parlours
  • 11 Stay safe
  • 12.1 Consulates

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rosario argentina travel

Rosario is the third largest city in Argentina and the largest city in Santa Fe province, at the Paraná river. It is known for its rich architectural heritage and beautiful riverside scenery, and offers a vibrant cultural and night life.

The city itself has about 1.1 million inhabitants, but considering the suburbs it rivals Córdoba in importance, with about 1.6 million living in the metro area. Economically it is the second most important port of the country and an important industrial hub, with a large and renowned university. In modern times, it is also known as the hometown of famous Argentinian fútbol world champions Lionel Messi and Ángel Di María; there are numerous murals of them around the city. The local derby, Rosario Central vs Newell's Old Boys, is also one of the most iconic in South America, and indeed of world football.

The third most populated city of the country, Rosario is gradually becoming a tourism destination. The attractive city center has some of the finest art nouveau buildings in Argentina. Also, Rosario has developed a good skyline in the area near the river. There are lots of beautiful parks, good riverside beaches for the hot summer days, and many museums.

Rosario has a reputation for being one the most liberal and tolerant cities of the country. It has a vibrant LGBT scene and is governed by left-wing mayors since the 1980s.

Being located at a major drug-trafficking route, Rosario has a somewhat bad reputation for being a hub of crime - one of the nicknames is Little Chicago - but tourists normally won't get affected, as the problematic neighborhoods are well outside of the city center and the interesting areas for tourists are not more dangerous than in Buenos Aires or Córdoba.

Rosario has a temperate climate, and is known for changeable weather conditions. The average annual high is 23.4°C (74.1°F) and the low is 11.6°C (52.9°F). The annual rainfall is 1,038 mm (40.9 in). Summers are hot and humid with thunderstorms that can bring a lot of precipitation. However, sunny days are common. Spring and fall have pleasant weather, featuring warm days and cool nights. Winters are generally cool though occasional cold air masses from the south can cause temperatures to drop below freezing. However, sunny weather and warm days can also occur during winters.

There are daily flights (50 min) from Buenos Aires Aeroparque Airport and Ezeiza Airport , although still the more convenient way to get into the city is to hire transport at EZE Airport. It is a four hour trip. There are also flights from/to Brazil , Perú , Panama , and Uruguay .

Trenes Argentinos runs a daily train from Buenos Aires . After a renovation in 2015 the service is improving slowly, but compared to buses the train is still slower. Additionally, twice a week there are trains from Córdoba (via Villa María) and San Miguel de Tucumán (via Santiago del Estero). These trains are still very cheap, but slow and you must reserve your ticket well in advance. Train services from the provincial capital Santa Fe are still suspended.

Rosario has two railway stations, in general disembarking at Rosario North is preferable as it's closer to downtown.

Two freeways (autopistas) connect Rosario with Buenos Aires, Santa Fe, and to Cordoba. Locals take the bus, a remisse (a private taxi service), or hail one of the many taxis roaming the area.

The most cost-effective and convenient way of travelling in Argentina. Rosario is approximately a four hour bus journey from the capital Buenos Aires , and there are many buses departing daily from the Rosario bus station to almost every city in the country. It is also possible to travel by bus to southern Brazil , Chile , Peru , and Bolivia . EGA bus lines operates a daily bus direct to Montevideo , leaving at 23:50 and arriving in Montevideo at 08:30 next morning.

Map

The only forms of public transportation in Rosario are above ground: the bus system and a trolleybus line. As in other Argentine cities, there is a system with rechargeable prepaid cards.

Rosario is one of the most bicycle-friendly cities in Argentina. The cycleway network is almost as large as the Buenos Aires one, although the city is significantly smaller, and the flat topography makes the city ideal for using this kind of transport. There is a public bicycle renting system in the city centre, Tu Bici Mi Bici , with automatic stations.

Rosario has a plethora of very inexpensive taxis all over the city. In the city center and surrounding areas, you should have no problem finding a taxi at any hour of the day between 7:30am-midnight. On weekends, taxis are very easily accessible much later in the night. Due to their ease of accessibility and their relatively low cost, taxis are an excellent way to get to know the city.

rosario argentina travel

Historical journey through the boulevards, appreciating the city's architectural wealth

  • -32.942419 -60.642321 2 El Che Guevara birthplace house , corner of Urquiza St and Entre Rios St . The house where Ernesto Guevara was born. As of 2019, it's not open to the public. ( updated Sep 2019 )

It has a great variety of museums from art to science and natural history

Rosario is swimming with things to do for both tourists and locals. Providing an adventurous variety of services such as: kayaking, biking, skydiving, horseback riding, sailboating, Spanish classes, dance classes in both folklore and tango, guitar and drum classes, as well as capoeira and many others.

You can go to the beach at the river's edge, locally referred to as La Florida , to enjoy a cold drink on a summer's day, or cross the river to the island and spend a day at the beach. Either way you will find a wide variety of bars and restaurants with a spectacular view of the Parana !

Also known for their nightlife, which amazingly starts around 02:00 (with luck) and ends as the sun is coming up, Rosario counts on a large variety of night clubs and discos to dance the night away!

Rosario is also known as the Salsa Capital of Argentina. Wednesdays and Sundays are the most popular days at Willie Dixon's.

  • Polyglot Meetings . You can meet locals at a weekly gathering. The meetings are part of Language Exchange International and Polyglot Club.  
  • Islands . take a boat from passenger terminal near Flag Memorial ( updated Sep 2019 )
  • Acuario del Río Paraná , Av. Eduardo Carrasco S/N. Lots of cichlids on display, plus special attention to the Parana River ecosystem.

American travellers might be surprised to see that many of the goods sold in “el centro” (city centre / downtown), are much like that in any mall. Goods that might interest travellers, however, are the leather handbags, wallets, belts, and accessories. A must-see shop in that area is Raices, the perfect shop to pick up a purse or mate set.

Also note that, although the currency difference, apparel, shoes, handbags, etc., are not that much cheaper than in the US. If you're looking for a bargain, stick to the street vendors and artisans posted up around El Centro and the park surrounding the Argentine Flag Monument.

A great store not found in Buenos Aires (possibly anywhere in Argentina) is called Underworld . It is found in a number of locations in Rosario and stocks different and interesting t-shirts and other funky clothes and accessories for girls.

Alto Rosario is a shopping center that contains a large grocery store, clothing stores, electronics stores, convenience stores, a food court, and anything else you might imagine to be in a standard mall. The Alto Rosario is a great place to get all your shopping needs in one place. It is located at Junín 501.

  • -32.93976 -60.67021 1 Mercado del Patio , Cafferata 729 . Gastronomy market, where you can buy and eat any number of things. ( updated Jul 2021 )
  • Rincon Vegetarian Restaurant ( Mitre St between Córdoba St and Santa Fe St ). For ARS11 you get an all-you-can-eat buffet with all sorts of innovative vegetarian goodies. Good if you want a break from steak.  
  • -32.955976 -60.646625 1 Parrilla la Estancia , Av. Pellegrini 1510 ( Av Pellegrini and España St ), ☏ +54 341 449-8052 . Great asado, empanada, and wine dinner. ( updated May 2017 )

On Rosario there are various places where you can to eat burgers.

Ice cream parlours

The city of Rosario is known as the capital of handcrafted ice cream.

rosario argentina travel

  • -32.955499 -60.638161 2 Touche de Creme , Zeballos 953 , ☏ +54 341 679-1214 . 16:00-23:00 . ( updated Mar 2019 )
  • El Sallvador.

Rosario is known for having big nightclub nights all week long. Ask around to find out where the hip place is for the night you want to go out and don't plan to be home until the morning. It is also famous for having a disproportionately large woman/man ratio (more women). Craft beer is also becoming very popular among the locals, and many microbreweries are popping up around the city.

  • Rock & Feller's , Bv Oroño 106 , ☏ +54 341 423-4002 . Big, high-energy, rock-and-roll themed bar/restaurant. Very popular among the young and trendy crowd. Has great drink specials and bar food. Located on one of Rosario's busiest streets, the Oroño Boulevard.  
  • Cool Raul Hostel , 1670 San Lorenzo . A great hostel with a relaxed atmosphere and super friendly hosts right near the main shopping strip. A fun, chill place to meet people and hang out. Minihostels members receive a 10% discount.  
  • Hostel Allegro Piu , Crespo 978 ( Close to terminal ), ☏ +54 437-5972 , +54 430-0848 . Big, clean, good facilities and boring.  
  • Livin' Residence Rosario , 3 de Febrero 2505 , ☏ +54 341 5301717 , [email protected] . Offers guests ten apartment units.  

With some common sense, the average tourist should have no problem staying out of trouble in Rosario. While the city has gotten a somewhat bad reputation for gang violence in the past, this gang violence is very unlikely to affect travelers. One problem that does occasionally affect both locals and travelers, however, is theft, which has been on the rise over the last couple of years. Many locals and travelers have reported having their belongings such as wallets, phones and jewelry stolen by assailants, sometimes even in broad daylight. To avoid this, one should be extra vigilant when walking in places that are not too busy, especially at night. Try and make sure you only venture in crowded areas. Should you be the victim of a mugging, cooperate with the assailant's demands by handing over what he is requesting (refusing to cooperate can lead to further consequences), promptly leave the area, and report the incident to the police. While the police may be unlikely to help you recover your belongings and arrest the assailant, police in Rosario are generally friendly and willing to help.

One should also be extra careful to not venture into or around the slums, or "villas" as the locals call them. These villas are no place for a tourist, as they can sometimes be the hotbed for crime and house Rosario's most impoverished residents. They are usually scattered throughout the outskirts of the city, though there are some not too far from the city center such as the one in between streets Vera Mujica and Av. Francia Bis. in the north of the city not far from the Alto Rosario shopping center.

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Home » Travel Guides » Argentina » 25 Best Things to Do in Rosario (Argentina)

25 Best Things to Do in Rosario (Argentina)

Rosario is the third-largest city in Argentina, birthplace of Che Guevara and Lionel Messi, and home to artists and thousands of students. It’s just a 4-hour bus ride from Buenos Aires to this super livable and chilled out place full of friendly locals, known as Rosarinos, and warm, sunny weather.

Located along the Paraná River, the city has lots of green spaces and a few beaches where people love to congregate and socialize. Known for its neoclassical buildings, great food, and fantastic waterfront, here are several things to do in this patriotic city.

Let’s explore the best things to do in Rosario :

1. Monumento a la Bandera

Monumento A La Bandera

This monument to the national flag of Argentina is a great place to begin your exploration of Rosario.

The flag was first unveiled in Rosario after its design, and this is one of the city’s few real tourist attractions.

With wide open spaces, an enormous flag, and an eternal flame in memory of the armed forces, it’s quite impressive and patriotic.

You can climb to the top of the main tower for great views, or just take photos amongst the huge columns made out of stone from the Andes.

If you come in the morning, you can watch the raising of the flag at 8:15 AM each day.

2. Parque Urquiza

Parque Urquiza

After stopping by the flag memorial, have a wander through this waterfront park where you can snag a few churros from a nearby vendor or relax with some mate, the traditional, hot, tea-like drink you see Argentines sipping out of special gourds (also called mate) with a metal straw (or bombilla). Do some exercising on the trails and equipment here, or bring some snacks for a picnic.

There’s an amphitheater where occasional performers play and an astronomical observatory within the park.

There’s also a playground for children and lots of bars and restaurants on its edges.

3. Eat Ice Cream

Helado

Quite unexpectedly, Argentina’s ice cream is some of the best in the world.

And Rosario is actually the national capital of artisanal ice cream.

The helado here is more like Italian gelato than the ice cream in the States, and dulce de leche is a popular flavor.

There’s plenty of places to taste test it in the city – you’ll have your pick of over 100 heladerías – and plenty of parks to eat it in.

Each year in October there’s an artisanal ice cream festival where over 20 local makers pass out tastings of their delicious handmade products.

The rest of the year, try a couple of flavors at Heladerías Esther (reportedly the best), Yomo, or Touche de Crème.

4. Kayak or Cruise to Explore the Paraná River and Delta

Paraná River

Rosario is proud of its river location.

One of the best ways to see what the Paraná River and delta have to offer is to rent a kayak and get out on the water for the day.

Sure, the river might be a little brown (it’s just silt!), but it’s the second-longest in South America after the Amazon.

It widens around the city and has several islands set within its delta.

Paddle around the city’s waterfront and sandy beaches, or head out and stop for lunch on one of its islands.

Alternatively, you can take a motorboat tour or a cruise from Estacion Fluvial to see more of the canals, agriculture, and rural life just outside the city.

5. Eat Fresh Fish From the River

Pacu

Argentina might be known as the land of steak, but Rosario’s location on the Paraná means that you should eat some fresh river fish while you’re here.

There are four varieties of freshwater fish available  – Surubi, Pacu, Boga, and Dorado.

You can have yours cooked traditionally, over the embers of a wood fire, known simply as pescado a la parrilla.

Or you can have it grilled a little more elaborately, opened up and topped with a variety of accoutrements like vegetables and cheeses.

Pretty much everybody recommends Parilla Escauriza for its fantastic barbecued fish, but there are plenty of smaller fish restaurants in the beachy Florida area.

6. See the Birthplace and Statue of Che Guevara

Statue Of Che Guevara

Rosario is the birthplace of the famous Argentine revolutionary Ernesto “Che” Guevara, and you can walk past his former home within the city.

It’s located in a neoclassical building on Entre Rios 480, though it’s a private apartment now so you can’t go inside.

There’s also a 4-meter tall statue made from 75,000 pieces of donated bronze that was erected in his memory located along 27 de Febrero.

It’s set in a plaza named in his honor.

If that’s not enough for you, there are always plenty of the ubiquitous t-shirts with his likeness on them in Argentina.

7. Museo de Arte Contemporáneo

Museo De Arte Contemporáneo

Also known as the “MACRO,” this museum houses what’s possibly the most important collection of contemporary artwork in the country.

The museum itself is based in an old restored grain silo complex by the river – the creators wanted to preserve the original building.

The 8 silos have been painted different colors and there’s a glass elevator on the exterior that goes to the top.

The museum has 10 stories of artwork, much of it by local artists, and there are great views of the islands from the top floor of the building.

On the ground floor, the sleek riverside cafe Davis offers 180-degree views of the river and is great for drinks afterwards!

8. Visit Isla Espinillo

This is one of the places where locals spend their weekends, and you can get here by public ferry or private boat from the Estación Fluvial.

Arrange to spend the morning horseback riding on the island or trying some water sports like jet skiing or windsurfing.

Then have lunch or drinks at one of the restaurants or bars located there.

From light salads to a full Argentine asado (barbecue), you’ll have options because the island can get pretty lively with visitors.

It’s actually home to about 20 families who live there too.

After lounging in the sun all day, you can take the ferry back to the city in the evening.

9. Teatro El Círculo

Teatro El Círculo

Inaugurated in 1904, this historic theater was renovated in 2004 to celebrate its 100th anniversary.

It now functions as a cultural center and stage for many international performers from rock bands to operas.

It has room for 1,450 people within its five levels and the dome of the main room is painted with magnificent frescoes.

Even if you’re not seeing a show here, you can take a guided tour of this elegant theater, which includes a peek at the backstage area.

Rumor has it that the acoustics are great, and they sell champagne and empanadas during intermissions.

10. Parque de la Independencia

Parque De La Independencia

This is the city’s largest park, and it contains gardens, a lake where you can rent paddle boats or feed the ducks, and fountains that put on a great “dancing waters” show.

It’s also home to various food vendors, a history museum, a fine arts museum, and a children’s play area.

Also located within the boundaries of the park, you’ll find the fútbol stadium, Estadio Marcelo Bielsa, home to Newell’s Old Boys.

It has its own museum which you can wander inside, but it’s not open on match days.

11. Museo Municipal de Bellas Artes Juan B Castagnino

Museo Municipal De Bellas Artes Juan B Castagnino

Located in the Parque de la Independencia, this fine arts museum is named for one of the city’s most important art collectors.

It contains exhibits that change regularly in addition to permanent collections by European, Argentine, and local artists.

The museum has over 3,000 works spread across its 35 rooms, many of which were donated from the private collections of local aristocrats.

Some of the works date back to the 15th century, and the current collection includes paintings by famous artists like Goya, El Greco, and Ribera.

12. La Isla de los Inventos

La Isla De Los Inventos

This is THE place to visit if you have kids with you while traveling through Rosario.

“The Island of Inventions” is an old train station that’s been converted into a place for children to explore, learn, and investigate the sciences, arts, and technology.

There are shows, courses, presentations, and exhibits, but the most popular are the hands-on learning stations.

Kids can try paper making, clay throwing, sawing, soldering, and painting.

There’s also interactive wood-block printing, stargazing, and sand and slides to play on, so kids from very young to teenagers will be entertained.

13. Go to the Beach

La Florida

Spend an afternoon on one of the city’s sandy riverside beaches.

There’s Catalunya and the slightly nicer La Florida beach where you can lounge, rent chairs and umbrellas, and purchase snacks from vendors.

Or if you’re feeling exclusive, head to one of the nearby private clubs like the Rosario Yacht Club where, if you’re not with a member, you’ll need to pay for a visitor’s day pass.

With that you’ll get access to their bar, restaurant, and amazing swimming pool overlooking the river.

Walk along the water, have drinks at Mojito Beach Bar or Nenina Cocktails, or grab a meal at one of the many casual fish restaurants nearby.

14. Mercado de Pulgas del Bajo

Mercado De Pulgas Del Bajo

Every city needs a good flea market and Rosario is no exception! Started in 1982, the Mercado de Pulgas del Bajo is one of the oldest markets of its kind in the city.

Just next to the National Flag Memorial, visit on Saturdays and Sundays to see the stalls of more than 50 artisans and craftsmen.

They sell things like small handicrafts, leather goods, silver, candles, incense burners, and mate gourds.

Many of these artisans live solely off the sales of their works, and you’ll see things made from ceramics, metal, paper, and glass.

Grab a choripan (sausage sandwich) from a food cart and do some people-watching; this is a great place for a wander.

15. Explore Rosario’s Dining and Drinking Scene

El Cairo

Locals in Rosario love to go out, and the city itself has a burgeoning culinary scene, with great traditional Argentine fare like steak and Malbec at one of the many parillas in the city, as well as international options like Italian, Spanish, and sushi.

The streets of Avenida Carlos Pellegrini and Pichincha have tons of restaurants serving all types of cuisine.

For a bar with some history check out El Cairo, home to intellectuals and artists, which was written about by the famous cartoonist Roberto “Negro” Fontanarrosa.

Before dinnertime, be sure to try Rosario’s typical aperitif, the Amargo Obrero.

In April, the city hosts an international food festival, with all sorts of meats, wines, confections on offer, and it just recently held its first food truck festival.

16. Museo Histórico Provincial “Julio Marc”

Museo Histórico Provincial “Julio Marc”

Also located in the Parque de la Independencia, this museum is good for getting some background on local, regional, and national history.

Its collection includes artifacts from several South American cultures, with more than 30 rooms of things like textiles and tools from indigenous peoples, weapons, coins, medals, and Hispanic art.

There’s also a large display about mate and its accoutrements.

And you can learn more about the colonial times and Argentina’s struggle for independence.

17. Spend Time by the Waterfront

La Costanera

A favorite pastime of Rosarinos, spending time by the newly revamped riverside area is fabulous during the day or night.

La Costanera, as it’s called, is filled with grassy spots and sandy beaches where you can have an ice cream and catch some impromptu fútbol matches or street performers.

The promenade is great for a walk, and there are lots of restaurants and bars that line the shores of the river.

This 15-kilometer stretch used to be filled with run-down warehouses, but now it buzzes with establishments and crowds.

After a day out on the water, have some sunset drinks at one of the bars by Estación Fluvial or in the trendy area near the National Flag Memorial.

18. Museo de Arte Decorativo Firma y Odilo Estevéz

Museo De Arte Decorativo Firma Y Odilo Estevéz

Not your average museum, this was once a privately owned house that’s been donated to the city.

The Estevéz family lived here with the elegant and opulent decorations, art collections, and imported furniture and carpets that they accumulated throughout the years.

Along with pieces of Spanish and French furniture that date back centuries, there are many European paintings, sculptures, and works made of glass, ivory, porcelain, and jade.

Unfortunately, you can’t take photos inside, but this “house museum” will transport you to another time.

Check their schedule because they often host performers like flamenco dancers, guitarists, and singers.

19. Alto Rosario Shopping

Alto Rosario Shopping

For some shopping that’s not part of the outdoor market scene, venture to one of Rosario’s newest malls.

It’s been uniquely designed within the structure of a former factory that the English constructed while building the railroads in Argentina.

It has a variety of shops inside the modern building, from clothing to bookstores, with many restaurants and a supermarket too.

It’s a great place to have a look at all the Argentine brands.

There’s also a kids museum and movie theater in this complex.

20. Head Out For Some Nightlife

Madame

There’s no shortage of bars and clubs in Rosario, and just like the crowds in Buenos Aires, the locals do love their nightlife.

The large student population keeps the city cool, and you can usually just ask one of them to find out where the best party is that night.

For a serious club atmosphere, head to Madame – it’s (supposedly) one of the biggest nightclubs in South America – with multiple dance floors, a basement, and a huge outdoor patio and terrace.

They play a variety of music like cumbia and reggetón, and they have a stage for performances.

If you prefer a calmer bar or pub atmosphere, head to McNamara or Café de la Flor which now frequently host comedians on the weekends.

21. Mercado Retro La Huella

Mercado Retro La Huella

This “retro” outdoor Sunday market is great for antique collectors, window shoppers, or anyone interested in seeing some old and intriguing goods! The city requires that items sold here be at least 25 years old.

Each week, it draws hundreds of folks looking for treasure amongst things that look like they’ve been emptied from vendors’ attics.

Located along the waterfront near the contemporary art museum, you can find jewelry, clothing, European tableware, old records, cameras, and typewriters amongst the near 70 stalls here.

22. Basílica Catedral de Nuestra Señora del Rosario

Basílica Catedral De Nuestra Señora Del Rosario

A bit plain on the outside, this cathedral is ornate and beautiful on the inside.

As you’re wandering the streets of Rosario, head inside for a quick look (or attend a service if you like). The Italian marble altar is magnificent, as is the architecture of the domes, and the frescoes painted on the ceiling.

Located in the oldest part of the city, the tree-lined Plaza 25 de Mayo is right out front, and the church itself is just next to the municipal building, el Palacio de los Leones.

This area is part of the original settlement of the city, and the first parish was built here in 1731 when Rosario was just a tiny village on the river.

23. Play Golf

Rosario Golf Club

There are several great golf clubs and courses in the area, including the historic Rosario Golf Club, the English-style Jockey Club Rosario, and the Molinos Country Club.

They’re known for holding international tournaments and have fabulous facilities and challenging terrain.

Plus, their location along the Paraná River means that golfers will be accompanied by plenty of birdsong and fresh air.

24. Gamble at the City Center Casino

City Center Casino

Okay, it’s no Vegas, but the Hotel Pullman built a kind of oasis here for games and gambling.

There are over 3,000 slot machines, 80 table games like craps, blackjack, and roulette, plus a poker room with exclusive tables for Texas Hold ‘Em.

There’s also a bar with flat screen TVs and a restaurant with regular live music and shows.

They typically have taxis waiting outside to take you to the city or back to your own hotel.

The Pullman property also has a big swimming pool and tennis courts for guests of the hotel.

25. Rent a Bike to See the City

Rent A Bike

If you’ve already explored Rosario by water, then hop on a bike to see the rest of it! From the tree-lined streets and plazas to the neoclassical buildings, you can cruise the city center and the full 15 kilometers of the waterfront area.

It’s one of the most popular ways to explore the city, and this way you can see some of the outer neighborhoods and perhaps check out a viewpoint from one of the bridges.

Bike tours usually last around 3 hours and with a guide you’ll get to learn a little more about the culture and history of the city.

You can even arrange a kayak-and-bike tour of Rosario if you’re feeling really active.

25 Best Things to Do in Rosario (Argentina):

  • Monumento a la Bandera
  • Parque Urquiza
  • Eat Ice Cream
  • Kayak or Cruise to Explore the Paraná River and Delta
  • Eat Fresh Fish From the River
  • See the Birthplace and Statue of Che Guevara
  • Museo de Arte Contemporáneo
  • Visit Isla Espinillo
  • Teatro El Círculo
  • Parque de la Independencia
  • Museo Municipal de Bellas Artes Juan B Castagnino
  • La Isla de los Inventos
  • Go to the Beach
  • Mercado de Pulgas del Bajo
  • Explore Rosario’s Dining and Drinking Scene
  • Museo Histórico Provincial “Julio Marc”
  • Spend Time by the Waterfront
  • Museo de Arte Decorativo Firma y Odilo Estevéz
  • Alto Rosario Shopping
  • Head Out For Some Nightlife
  • Mercado Retro La Huella
  • Basílica Catedral de Nuestra Señora del Rosario
  • Gamble at the City Center Casino
  • Rent a Bike to See the City

Rosario: Pleasant, Authentic & Worth a Weekend

Rosario, in the province of Sante Fe, may not be a big-name tourist destination in Argentina, but it’s worth having a look at if you’re sick of the Buenos Aires grind, on the way to Cordoba or want to take a little detour on the way to Iguazu Falls.

Orono Boulevard, Rosario, Santa Fe

Rosario isn’t as gorgeous as Mendoza , nor will it take your breath away like Bariloche , but it vies with La Plata to be considered Argentina’s second city.

What Rosario does offer is culture, history and nightlife for fun-loving travelers or study abroad students .

Table of Contents

A Riverfront City

Argentina’s third largest city, with a population of over 1.3 million people. Rosario is a port city situated on the Paraña River. 

rosario argentina travel

The smallish population and position on the water ensure that the ‘ Rosarinos ,’ as the locals are known, are a bit more laid back and outdoorsy than their Buenos Aires counterparts.

There are some lovely walks along the Rosario’s 15k costanera , or riverfront, where visitors can get some exercise, sip some mate and gaze upon the water.

An important Rosario monument is the National Flag Memorial, with its ornate tower overlooking an expansive courtyard, all of which is easily accessible on foot and offers great photo opportunities, or just a nice place to mill around with the locals.

Monumento a la Bandera or Flag monument in Rosario, Argentina

The abundance of theaters and museums, including the fine arts museum, Museo de Bellas Artes Juan B. Castagnino. The colorful Museum of Contemporary Art of Rosario (MACRo) along the rambla in a converted silo.

The city is also the birth place to some Argentine luminaries such as painter, Antonio Berni, athlete, Lionel Messi, and revolutionary Ernesto ‘Che’ Guevara ( Lynch! ) .

On the activists’ tourist circuit is latter’s first home at Entre Rios 480 (cross street, Urquiza).

In 2008, in the aptly-named Plaza Che Guevara, the city also inaugurated a four meter bronze statue of him, made with the old keys of citizens from across the country.

The interior of a historic building, Rosario Argentina

Rosario is also known within Argentina as a fun party town, due to its young population and wide variety of bars and clubs.

Porteños from Buenos Aires will even hop over to Rosario on a weekend just to go clubbing for a night or two, although rising crime in recent years has caused internal tourism to slow.

The waterfront in Rosario, Argentina

The city on the river is also reputed to be the home to the best looking girls in Argentina — quite a claim considering many Argentines believe that their country has the ‘best looking women in the world.’

Men traveling with wives or girlfriends should probably just keep their eyes on the floor at all times (or wear dark sunglasses).

Getting There from Buenos Aires: Train, Bus & Car

A freight as seen from the pier of Rosario

Perfect for a four-day trip, or even a long weekend, Rosario is relatively close to Buenos Aires, and it’s inexpensive to get there.

A micro (long distances bus) ride from the Retiro station costs under US$10 for a semi-cama seat (reclines to 45 degrees), and a bit more for cama (fully reclinable) and takes between three to four hours.

There are a multitude of companies offering services at all hours of the day.

You can compare prices here and purchase tickets online, or head into the Retiro bus station in Buenos Aires (Av. Antártida Argentina and Calle 10) and ask around at the different company stands.

Train lovers will be happy to know it is once again it is possible to take the train to Rosario from Buenos Aires.

It costs under US$5 and also leaves from Retiro train station.

It takes a little longer than the bus, about six hours. Bring snacks as the train doesn’t have a reputation of being reliable.

A statue in downtown Rosario, Argentina

Where to Stay in Rosario

Rosario has hotels scattered throughout the city, including corporate chains, budget-friendly options, hostels, and family-owned hotels.

City Center

The city center features several corporate or chain hotels, often preferred by business travelers due to their amenities and proximity to the city’s commercial and financial districts.

Boutique hotels in the city center, which may offer a mix of comfort and personalized service.

Parque España Area

  • This area, located along the Paraná River, offers a mix of upscale and boutique hotels. These hotels often provide beautiful views of the river and easy access to Parque España, a scenic park.

For budget travelers, there are several well-known hostels to choose from in Rosario.

A tranquil option 15 minutes by foot from downtown is Posada Juan Ignacio , which has a garden with a pool and bar.

rosario argentina travel

La Casona de Don Jaime is a popular hostel with two locations to choose from.

Both are situated centrally, close to both the bus station and downtown area, as well as the more attractive tourist zones, with a bed in a 6-person dorm costing only about $6 a night.

They are also the only hostels in Rosario with the Hosteling International mark of approval.

A hip alternative is the nearby Cool Raúl Hostel .

Alternative being the operative word here – this ‘rockin” hostel is geared towards fun freewheelers looking for an escape from the everyday routine.

Another option further away from town, near Florida beach, is Soles Boutique Hostel .

It’s artfully decorated with antiques and has a nice garden.

For a private room at about twice the price Casa Be Suites is a slick option near Independence Park and Newell Old Boys’ with sustainable practices in place.

Those traveling by car should note they don’t have parking though.

A family or a group of friends might want to book a reasonably-priced apartment with a view of the river. from Parana

-Dan Colasimone

additional photos: Ramón La Casona de Don Jaime 2 San Lorenzo 1530 Rosario, Santa Fe Tel:  +54 (0341) 530-2020

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A Guide to Rosario: 48 hours in the birthplace of Messi

Five must-see places in the city..

The National Flag Memorial, the Independence Park, the Promenade and many other spots are ideal for a weekend tour of the city in the province of Santa Fe, 3 hours away from Buenos Aires. In the article below you will find five must-see places:

Climb the National Flag Memorial

A must-see, of course. Being the largest flag memorial in the world, it is an architectural and sculptural construction that amazes visitors and represents the Argentine Motherland cutting through the waters of eternity. True to its history, it was built on the banks of the Paraná River, precisely on the grounds where national hero Manuel Belgrano hoisted the Argentine Flag in 1812.

What can be done around here? Climb to the top of its 70-meter tower, which offers amazing views of the city of Rosario, such as the green National Flag Park, the Promenade, the blue Paraná River and, from afar, the province of Entre Ríos. Then, walk around the Civic Courtyard, which showcases the sculpture that represents the Motherland and also houses a large stage, usually the venue of events and concerts. Later, explore the Triumphal Propylaeum that cradles the famous votive flame 24 hours a day, in homage to the soldiers who gave their lives for Argentina.

Namely, the entire tour can take up to three hours!

Sail the Paraná from the River Station and taste the local food

Right across from the National Flag Memorial is the River Station. It is clear that sailing is the key word around here. You can either buy a ticket and enjoy the ride offered by Barco Ciudad de Rosario that goes along the coast, or visit one of the various islands that emerge from the river and allow you to purely relax. How do you get here? By ferry, private boats, taxi, or paddling a kayak... for the bravest only (and in top shape, of course).

Likewise, when it comes to beaches, it is not necessary to cross the Paraná River because both La Florida and Rambla Catalunya are two tourist water spots that offer great food places.

Of course, either summer or spring are the best seasons for this type of excursion since there are several small beaches and places to have fun under the sun and do sports such as kayaking or stand up paddling. Yet, the rest of the year also has its magic! In fact, there are paradores (beach bars) where you can taste a traditional Rosario dish: the famous grilled vogue. And for fish fans, there is also dorado and surubí , absolutely exquisite river fish.  

Ride a bike along the Promenade in Rosario at sunset

In case it was not clear, Rosario is a city that unfolds across from a river, the Paraná, a water stretch of such importance that it even separates the province of Santa Fe from its neighboring Entre Ríos. The promenade, therefore, is one of the main meeting points. It skirts the river bank for 15 kilometers and provides just enough room to enjoy a two-wheel ride. The ideal moment? Little before the sun comes down, to end the ride at sunset, which in Rosario is quite breathtaking! In addition, for those who want to enjoy sunset with a drink in their hands, the southern stretch of the promenade (Costanera Sur) offers restaurants and terraces with outstanding views. 

Tour the Independence Park

This is a huge green lung located at the heart of Rosario. It is, without doubt, the breather that any traveler will seek after a day exploring the Flag city. The plan is just to sit down, relax and enjoy. Simple, right? There are also those who like to go on a picnic with a mate in their hands in one of its beautiful gardens or eat in the restaurant area and, why not, rent a boat or water bike to enjoy the lake and nature. Postcards? Many, of course.

Now, what spots should be visited in this park designed by Carlos Thays? The lake is clearly the most renowned location. In fact, at sunset -from Wednesday to Sunday- there is a synchronized show of sound, lights and dancing waters that hypnotize any traveler.

In addition, there are four sectors that reminisce the main European communities of immigrants who arrived in Rosario. On the one hand, the French garden, which was inspired in the French palace gardens. On the other hand, the Spanish area has a rose garden of 7,500 roses and a stunning fountain with building materials donated by the crown itself. The Italian sector has a statue of Garibaldi and, finally, the British sector houses the Newell’s Old Boys Club and the racecourse (both classic activities of the English community at the time).

For those who enjoy museums, the Park houses the City Museum and the Marc Provincial History Museum. Crossing Pellegrini Avenue, the Municipal Museum of Fine Arts is worth a visit.

Enjoy the Pichincha neighborhood 

Although for some time it was a rather abandoned neighborhood near the central train station, today it has become one of the most developed nightlife areas, with plenty of bars and discos.

In addition, it is close to Bar El Cairo, one of the most important, traditional and famous bars in Argentina. Why? In the 70s it became a meeting point for the young intellectuals of the time, among them, the famous writer and humorist Roberto Fontanarrosa. It has a historical and cultural value and is the ideal location to order coffee and croissants, the classic Argentine breakfast.

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The Journey Seeker

The 14 BEST things to do in Rosario, Argentina

Jake

  • January 9, 2023
  • 14 Best Things

Introduction

Welcome to The Journey Seeker! Find out all about best things to do in Rosario, Argentina!

Atmosphere / Vibes

Silhouette of 2 Person Sitting on Beach Shore during Sunset

Weather throughout the year

Glaciar Perito Moreno

Why Rosario, Argentina is the best place to be

Brown Concrete Building Under Blue Sky in Rosario, Argentina.

Cost of Travel

Old Landmark Buildings in Buenos Aires Argentina in Rosario, Argentina.

Top 14 best things to do in Rosario, Argentina

City Skyline Under Orange and Gray Cloudy Sky during Sunset in Rosario, Argentina.

  • 1. Visit the Parque de la Independencia, a beautiful park located in the heart of the city, featuring a lake, a rose garden, and a variety of recreational activities.
  • 2. Check out the Museo de la Ciudad, a fascinating museum that tells the story of Rosario’s rich history and culture.
  • 3. Take a stroll along the Paseo de la Costa, a scenic walkway along the Paraná River, with breathtaking views of the city and the river.
  • 4. Sample some of the city’s famous Argentine cuisine, including empanadas, choripán, and asado.
  • 5. Visit the Monumento Nacional a la Bandera, a national monument dedicated to the Argentine flag, located in the city center.
  • 6. Go shopping at the Mercado Central, a bustling indoor market with a wide variety of local products.
  • 7. Take a tour of the Fundación Antonio Berni, a museum and cultural center dedicated to the work of Argentine artist Antonio Berni.
  • 8. Explore the Parque Nacional El Palmar, a beautiful national park located just outside of the city, featuring a variety of plant and animal species.
  • 9. Visit the Rosario Museum of Fine Arts, which houses a wide collection of Argentine and international artworks from the 19th and 20th centuries.
  • 10. Head to the Costanera Sur Ecological Reserve, a protected natural area with a variety of hiking trails, birdwatching opportunities, and picnic areas.
  • 11. Check out the Museo del Hombre y la Técnica, a museum dedicated to the history of science and technology, with a variety of interactive exhibits.
  • 12. Take a boat ride along the Paraná River, with breathtaking views of the city and the surrounding countryside.
  • 13. Go on a brewery tour and taste some of Rosario’s delicious craft beers.
  • 14. Visit the Planetario Galileo Galilei, a state-of-the-art planetarium with a variety of interactive exhibits and shows about the universe.

Map Illustration in Rosario, Argentina.

Have you thought about staying in Rosario for a little longer and working remotely? Here is another blog post about becoming a Digital Nomad in Rosario

Did you like this post? Have a look at our other blog posts about living in Argentina , such as Mendoza , Ushuaia or Buenos Aires .

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Top Things To Do And See In Rosario, Argentina

rosario argentina travel

Rosario, Argentina ‘s third largest city, is known to most as the birthplace of both Che Guevara and Lionel Messi. But Rosario also attracts thousands of students and young artists as well as growing numbers of tourists. Here’s our list of the top 10 things to do in the city.

Monumento nacional a la bandera, kayaking and cycling, museo histórico provincial.

Museum, Stadium

Entre Ríos 480

Museo de arte contemporáneo.

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Rosario’s Parks

In a busy city like Rosario, green parks make a much needed change from the crowds. Rosario is home to a number of parks where visitors can take some time out to go for a walk of just relax. Parque Independencia is the largest, with a lake, fountains, various gardens, follies, and food vendors. Visitors can rent a paddle boat to take out onto the lake, a perfect activity for a sunny afternoon. Also within the park are the football stadium and history museum, as well as a fun children’s play area (Jardín de los Niños). Parque de España is by the river, which makes for a pleasant walk, as does Parque Urquiza .

rosario argentina travel

Museo Municipal de Bellas Artes

Catalunya and la florida beaches.

In the northern part of Rosario is a surprising beach zone. Sandy beaches are unusual to find on a river, but given Rosario’s extremely pleasant temperatures from October to May the beach zone is a popular spot. Catalunya beach is perfectly acceptable while La Florida tends to be better – but both are home to plenty of restaurants (many serving freshly caught fish) and other amenities. The river may be brown, but from silt rather than pollution, and it is a safe area in which to swim for those who can get over the color of the water.

rosario argentina travel

Isla Espinillo

Catedral basílica santuario.

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Confident and stylish, with a vibrant cultural scene and a lively nightlife, Rosario dominates the whole region. With a little over 1.2 million inhabitants, it is Argentina’s third-biggest city – Córdoba just beats it to second place. However, Rosario likes to see itself as the most worthy rival to Buenos Aires , 300km southeast – in some ways it is a far smaller version of the capital, but without the hordes of foreign visitors or the political clout. It’s also the birthplace of two global superstars, football sensation Lionel Messi and revolutionary hero Che Guevara.

Places to visit in Rosario

Getting to rosario, getting around rosario, information and tours in rosario, where to eat in rosario, rosario nightlife, paseo del siglo and plaza san martín, plaza 25 de mayo, monumento a la bandera, the costanera, parque de la independencia, travel ideas for argentina, created by local experts.

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Geographically the comparison with Buenos Aires certainly holds: Rosario is a flattish riverside city and major port, lying at the heart of a vital agricultural region, its streets lined with shabby but handsome buildings and lilac-blossomed jacaranda trees. Unlike Buenos Aires, however, Rosario has always enjoyed a close relationship with its waterfront; the Río Paraná, which swells to an eye-popping 2km wide at this point, features an attractive riverfront that runs for 8km along the city’s eastern edge, flanked by high-rise condos, parks, bars and restaurants and, to the north, popular beaches. One of its main attractions is the splendidly unspoilt series of so-called “delta islands” with wide sandy beaches, just minutes away from the city by boat. You can also admire some of Argentina’s finest turn-of-the-century architecture here, with an eclectic spread of styles ranging from English chalets to Catalan Modernism. In addition to the Museo de Arte Contemporáneo, housed in a conspicuously converted grain silo on the riverside, the city’s most celebrated attraction, nationally at least, is the monolithic Monumento a la Bandera, a marble paean to Argentine independence.

Brief history of Rosario

Rosario lacks an official founding date, with the settlement slowly developing in the eighteenth century around a series of Catholic missions to the local Calchaquí tribes, military outposts and estancias in an area known as Pago de los Arroyos. In 1730 the parish was established with remnants of an old mission chapel dedicated to the Virgen del Rosario – the new church was completed in 1762 and gradually lent its name to the settlement, given formal status by the colonial authorities in 1823. Despite its strategic location as a port for goods from Córdoba and Santa Fe provinces, early growth was slow: it wasn’t until 1852, when river traffic was freed up, that Rosario was granted city status and finally set on course for expansion. The city’s population was boosted further when the Central Argentine Railway, owned and largely financed by the British, was completed in 1870, providing a link to Córdoba.

By 1895, Rosario was Argentina’s second city, with 91,000 inhabitants – many of them immigrants attracted by the promise of the by now flourishing port, giving the city its soubriquet, “Hija de los Barcos” (Daughter of the Ships). In the twentieth century the city became a major Peronist stronghold, and the Partido Socialista (Socialist Party) has won every election for mayor since 1989. In 2011 Mónica Fein became the first female Socialist candidate to be elected mayor in Argentine history, and was narrowly re-elected in 2015. Other rosarino celebrities include leading artists Antonio Berni and Lucio Fontana, three of Argentina’s most popular singers – Fito Páez, Juan Carlos Baglietto and Litto Nebbia – and the late cartoonist Roberto Fontanarrosa, whose most beloved creation was the hapless gaucho Inodoro Pereyra.

Getting to Rosario by plane

Rosario’s small airport, Aeropuerto Internacional de Rosario , lies around 15km west of the city centre, along RN- 9, with 1–6 daily flights to and from Buenos Aires and a handful of other destinations. From the airport, bus #115 runs every 30min into the centre along San Luis, two blocks south of Plaza 25 de Mayo. A faster, more comfortable alternative is the dedicated Aeromovi bus that runs to the centre (Dorrego and Santa Fe) in 40min (via the Terminal de Ómnibus) every hour or so – check the schedule online. Taxi rates are fixed according to the destination: it’s $420–460 to the centre ($370 to the Terminal de Ómnibus and $4250 to Santa Fe); they’ll probably use the meter on the way back. You’ll find the major car rental desks in the terminal, plus a Banco Santa Cruz ATM, though don’t count on it working (make sure you have pesos as there is nowhere to change money).

Getting to Rosario by bus

Long-distance buses arrive at Rosario’s clean and user-friendly Terminal de Ómnibus Mariano Moreno , 4km west of Plaza 25 de Mayo, at Santa Fe and Cafferata. An information kiosk can provide you with a list of hotels and a map, and there are also plenty of cafés, free wi-fi, Banco Municipal ATMs and left luggage facilities. To head into the centre, walk to the corner of Cafferata and Córdoba and catch bus #115, #116, #133 or #142. Otherwise, plenty of taxis pull up outside the front entrance ($100–150 to the centre).

Getting to Rosario by train

Trains currently shuttle between ultra-modern Rosario Norte station (Aristóbulo del Valle and Callao) and Retiro in Buenos Aires once a day in both directions, departing Buenos Aires at 4.40pm (arriving 11.05pm) and departing Rosario 12.15am (arriving in BA at 6.43am). Retiro to Tucumán trains and Retiro to Córdoba trains also stop at Rosario Norte station once daily in each direction. See the website for more information.

Getting to Rosario by boat

Passenger boats run to the various islands in the Paraná River throughout the week, with regular services Nov–March from 10am to dusk (1 or 2 departures daily; return $260–300); out of season, services are less frequent. All boats depart from the Estación Fluvial , at De los Inmigrantes 410 on the Costanera.

Getting around Rosario by bus

Rosario’s bus system is cheap and easy to use, with bus numbers clearly marked and route maps at most bus stops. Cash fares are $19.70, but you can only pay with $1 or $2 coins (no change). If you intend to use buses a lot, get a stored-value card (MOVI or tarjeta magnética ; minimum value $25; fares $18.28) – there’s a booth selling them at the bus terminal. You can also buy them at the Centro Municipal at Wheelwright 1486 and in the centre at Santa Fe 1055.

Getting around Rosario by taxi

Taxis are easy to hail on the street; the meter starts at $53, adding $2.65 every 100m (Mon–Sat 10pm–6am, and all day Sun/hols, the rate jumps to $60.56 plus $3 every 100m). Most trips across the centre should be no more than $150–200.

Getting around Rosario by bike

Tourists can use the Mi Bici Tu Bici bike share scheme (with stations all over the city) through the website or associated app. The daily rate is $23.63 but each trip is limited to 30min before you have to dock and check out again.

Rosario tourist information

There’s a helpful tourist information office down by the riverfront, at Belgrano and Buenos Aires. It produces an informative map covering most of the city. See also Rosaria Tipica .

Rosario river tours

One long-established river trip is a 2hr river cruise on the sightseeing boat, Ciudad de Rosario , while the more intimate Island Explorer dinghies do 2hr trips from the Estación Fluvial. Paseos en Lancha Rosario offers all sorts of boat and kayak tours along the Paraná.

Rosario has plenty of restaurants to suit all budgets, both in the city centre and along the Costanera. There are some excellent freshwater fish restaurants specialising in boga , dorado (not related to the saltwater fish) and catfish-like surubí , but look out also for the “Carlitos”. This toasted sandwich – invented here and mostly served in bars – is basically a combination of ham, cheese, olives and (crucially) ketchup, and it has a cult status among rosarinos .

Rosario is noted for its nightlife, la movida , but its clubs can be a little disappointing. In summer, when all the action moves to the Rambla Catalunya, you’re limited to one or two very popular but faceless mega-discos, whose names but not character change with the seasons. The city’s popular milongas offer a more authentic experience: Rosario has a hard core of tango enthusiasts – who dance a slightly showier version of the dance than Porteños – and most nights of the week there is something going on. The tourist office should have a list of current milongas .

Rosario’s premier shopping street is Paseo del Siglo (aka Av Córdoba), pedestrian-only from Paraguay to Plaza 25 de Mayo, and lined with some of the best examples of Rosario’s belle époque architecture. Towards its western end lies Plaza San Martín, a spacious park dominated by an equestrian statue of the independence hero. On the plaza’s west side lies the former Palacio Provincial de Justicia, completed in 1892 and now part of the Universidad Nacional de Rosario (UNR). On the north side of Plaza San Martín sits the former police headquarters, completed in 1916 and now the seat of the provincial government of Santa Fe – it’s known as Casa Gris (“Grey House”) after its stark German Neoclassical design. In the southwest corner of the plaza lies the Museo de la Memoria , commemorating the political violence of the 1970s and 1980s. Heading east on Paseo del Siglo, the Bolsa de Commercio, the Rosario Board of Trade, is a gorgeous beaux-arts landmark designed by Raúl Rivero in 1926, while the 1915 Jockey Club building at Córdoba and Maipú is one of Argentina’s finest Art Deco gems.

Constructed on the site of the first modest chapel built to venerate the Virgen del Rosario, Plaza 25 de Mayo is the historic heart of the city. Today the plaza is an elegantly shady space laid out very formally around its central marble column, the Monumento a la Independencia. On the southeast of the square, at Córdoba and Buenos Aires, lies the imposing Palacio del Correo (central post office), completed in 1938. On the northeast corner is the terracotta-coloured Palacio Municipal, also known as the Palacio de los Leones in reference to the majestic sculptured lions that flank the main entrance. It was completed around 1896 and still serves as the city government building.

Museo Estévez

Despite its relatively modest facade, the Museo Estévez is a real gem, a decorative arts museum housed in a fantastically ornate mansion. It’s crammed with artwork donated to the city in the 1960s by its former occupant, Firma Estévez, in memory of her Spanish husband Odilo (who emigrated to Rosario in the 1880s and made a fortune in Argentina by selling the “Yerba 43” mate brand). It’s a stunning display – every inch of the interior is furnished and ornamented with everything from Egyptian glassware and tiny Greek sculptures to Flemish tapestry and Limoges porcelain, via pre-Hispanic ceramics and Spanish ivory figures. There’s a small but impressive painting collection, too, including Portrait of a Gentleman by French Neoclassicist Jacques Louis David, and a Goya portrait, Doña María Teresa Ruiz Apodaca de Sesma , with strikingly piercing black eyes.

Rosario-argentina-shutterstock_86037049

Main tower of the Monumento a la Bandera located at Rosario city © Anibal Trejo/Shutterstock

Completed in 1957, Rosario’s premier historic sight is the Monumento a la Bandera , a vast monumental complex honouring the Argentine flag ( bandera ) and the heroes who have fought for it since independence. General Manuel Belgrano designed the flag in the city in 1812, lending Rosario the official title of “Cuna de la Bandera” (Birthplace of the Flag). The first section of the monument comprises a 70m tower guarding what was supposed to be Belgrano’s tomb (the general remains in Buenos Aires, as per his wishes), overlooking the river and adorned with sculptures; the whole thing is shaped like a ship’s prow, representing Argentina sailing towards a glorious future. The observation deck on top of the tower (“Mirador de la Torre”) affords stellar views of the river and city. Behind the tower, up the slope, is an amphitheatre-like space (Patio Cívico) leading to the “Propileo”, a Modernist Greek temple gateway containing an Eternal Flame (“Llama Votiva”) dedicated to those who lost their lives in the wars for independence. Beyond, the Pasaje Juramento, lined with dramatic marble figures and fountains by the great sculptor Lola Mora, links the monument to Plaza 25 de Mayo. The country’s major Flag Day celebrations are held at the monument on June 20 each year, but there’s a small flag-hoisting ceremony every day at 8.15am. Across the road from the main tower is the Cenotafio a los Caídos en Malvinas, completed in 2005 to honour veterans of the Falklands War.

Dolores Mora Vega de Hernández – better known as Lola Mora – was born on November 17, 1866, at El Tala, a tiny village in Salta Province very close to the Tucumán border. She completed her studies in Italy and took to working in marble, a medium used for much of her prolific oeuvre of statues and monuments. In addition to works in various towns and cities around the country, she is best known for her invaluable contribution to the Monumento a la Bandera in Rosario; the magnificent Nereidas fountain adorning the Costanera Sur in Buenos Aires; and the voluptuous set of allegorical figures – Peace, Progress, Justice, Freedom and Labour – intended for the National Congress building but never placed there, as they were considered too shocking. Instead the five naked forms can be admired at the Casa de Gobierno in Jujuy. Hailed as the country’s foremost sculptress, Lola had a tragic life, losing her parents at an early age, enduring a turbulent marriage and facing social rejection owing to her bohemian lifestyle and her predilection for portraying shapely female forms (leading to comparisons with Camille Claudel). Towards the end of her life, she suffered from ill health and psychological problems. She died in poverty, on June 7, 1936, shortly after reconciliation with her husband after seventeen years of estrangement and only a few months after the national government agreed to grant her a pension.

Stretching over 8km from north to south, Rosario’s Costanera, or riverfront, is one of the city’s most appealing features, offering numerous green spaces and views over the Río Paraná. Its most central park, the Parque Nacional de la Bandera , lies just to the east of the Monumento a la Bandera. At the southern end of the park is the Estación Fluvial from where regular boat services run to the river islands and cafés line the river. Every weekend there is a flea market selling crafts, antiques and books – the Mercado de Pulgas del Bajo – around Avenida Belgrano 500, which runs past the western edge of the park.

Dissected by various avenues and containing several museums, a football stadium and a racetrack, the Parque de la Independencia feels like a neighbourhood in itself. Newell’s Old Boys football club, Lionel Messi’s first pro team, was founded here in 1903 and named for Isaac Newell, an Englishman who emigrated to Rosario in his teens and went on to pioneer football in Argentina. The park itself was inaugurated in 1902 and is an attractively landscaped space with shady walkways and beautifully laid-out gardens such as the formal Jardín Francés, just west of the main entrance on Boulevard Oroño. The park can be reached on foot from the city centre via a particularly attractive walk along the Paseo del Siglo and Oroño, though it can be a hot slog in the summer – you could also take a taxi or a bus.

Monumento al Che Guevara

Acknowledgement of Rosario’s most famous son, the revolutionary Ernesto “Che” Guevara, was a long time in coming; compared with Cuba, where Che is a hero of gigantic proportions, the Argentine authorities have seemed rather embarrassed about him, and it took until 2008 for a monument to him to be erected in his hometown. The bronze statue was unveiled to commemorate what would have been his 80th birthday, but even then, it was funded by thousands of small donations from around the world rather than the government, though they did contribute the space – an out of the way, rather forlorn plaza on 27 de Febrero and Laprida, twelve blocks east of Parque de la Independencia. The statue itself depicts a larger-than-life though not, in truth, very lifelike Che striding purposefully, mounted on a concrete plinth covered in suitably socialist graffiti.

Top image: Panoramic view cityscape of the city of Rosario, Argentina © illpaxphotomatic/Shutterstock

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written by Andy Turner

updated 26.04.2021

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Albom Adventures

Albom Adventures

Capturing the essence of travel through photography

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Things to do in Rosario Argentina – Home to More than Just the Flag

Courtyard leading to flag monument, one of the best things to do in Rosario Argentina

Rosario is home to the first Argentinian flag, a claim to fame that put it on the map and one that draws thousands of visitors. While there are plenty of other things to do in Rosario, a visit to the Monumento a la Bandera (flag monument) is a must-do.

It’s Argentina’s third-largest city after Buenos Aires and Córdoba.

Rosario is the birthplace of Che Guevara (Argentine Marxist revolutionary and major figure of the Cuban Revolution) and Lionel Messi (footballer and captain of both the Spanish club Barcelona and the Argentina national team). 

For us, we found it to be a city for walking, people-watching, and hanging out with friends.

There are several pedestrian-only roads. While not well marked at the intersections, most people understand not to drive here. We only made the mistake once and then quickly learned the rules.

Be inspired . . .

Best things to do in Rosario Argentina: Historic centre and flag monument

Like so many visitors to the city, our first stop was the Monumento a la Bandera.

History tells us that Manuel Belgrano created Argentina’s national flag in 1872. The blue and white stripes represent the sky and clouds, while the sun is the ‘sol de mayo’. Interestingly, there are actually two official versions of the Argentinian flag – one with the sol de mayo (the sun) and one without it.

Belgrano hoisted the flag on Rosario’s cliffs overlooking the Paraná River. Monumento a la Bandera commemorates this event and provides a look at history, a memorial to the fallen, and fabulous views of the city from the top of the tower.

National Flag Memorial Tower in Rosario, Argentina. Photo copyright ©Sarah Albom 2016

What you will see at the historic centre and national flag memorial

There is a large courtyard, a reflecting pool (empty when we visited), many statues, plaques, and several other memorials at the site. The courtyard, as well as the stairs, seem to be a meeting and hang-out place for friends.

At the top of the stairs at one end of the courtyard is El Propileo, an eternal flame burning as a tribute to those who gave their lives for Argentina.

People hanging out on the steps facing the National Monument of the Flag in Rosario Argentina.

Views from the top of the monument

Our top recommendation is to enjoy the views from the top of the monument. The cost was only 50 pesos (1 USD), and this includes an elevator.

After entering through a turnstile, we walked up a short flight of stairs, turned a corner, and there was another. By the fourth flight, I questioned the elevator’s existence. However, just one more turn and there it was.

At the top, there are four small viewing areas, one on each side. They don’t feel overcrowded as they limit the number of people allowed up at a time.

Views of the National Monument of the Flag in Rosario Argentina from the tower

More things to do in Rosario Argentina

If you have limited time in the city, in addition to the flag monument, there are several other top things to do in Rosario Argentina.

Plaza 25 de Mayo

Just beyond the flag monument, we walked through the historic Plaza 25 de Mayo, the oldest part of the city. Here there are several historic buildings.

The city’s central cathedral, Basílica Santuario, dates back to the late 19th century. As we were there in the afternoon, the cathedral was closed for siesta. Therefore, we missed the ornate interior with its carved marble columns, frescoes painted on the ceiling, and stained-glass windows.

Sarah attended an Easter mass here a few years earlier and was able to capture a bit of the interior.

Statue in Plaza 25 de Mayo in Rosario

Costanera – waterfront walk

Walking along the waterfront didn’t seem as popular as I would have thought. We had read that both cycling and kayaking are popular here, but we saw almost no one doing either. There were plenty of people, but most of them were fishing or sharing maté with friends.

Perhaps we were in the wrong spot, as it’s a long river, or maybe it was the heat.

Fishing is one of the many things to do in Rosario Argentina

The market in Parque de España

The artisan craft market itself was smaller than we had expected, with only one strip of booths. What made this adventure great was the rest of Parque de España.

Here, we discovered the Memorial Islas Malvinas. The sign in front reads “Malvinas por siepre Argentinas” (Malvinas forever Argentinas). Best advice, never mention the Falklands (called Malvinas in Argentina) to an Argentinian.

Also, in the park, children’s playgrounds roared with laughter while street vendors touted their wares. We couldn’t resist a “super pancho”, a giant hot dog on a bun with mustard, mayonnaise, ketchup and potato chip slivers. 

Memorial Islas Malvinas in Rosario Argentina

Enjoy the architecture

We stayed in downtown Rosario at Hotel De La Cite and opted to walk just about everywhere we went, even though we had a vehicle. It was a fabulous opportunity to enjoy some of the city’s eclectic architecture and statues. Here are a few of my favourites:

The jockey club in Rosario Argentina

Even more things to do in Rosario Argentina

This section represents recommended things to do in Rosario that we didn’t get to.

  • Independence Park (Parque Independencia) is the city’s largest park. It is home to the football stadium and History Museum as well as being a great place for relaxing or picnicking around a lovely lake.
  • History Museum (Museo Histórico Provincial) is a regional history museum with exhibits from indigenous to modern-day.
  • La Florida Beach is often thought of as the best riverside beach in Rosario, and October to May features lovely beach weather. The second choice would be Catalunya Beach.
  • Modern Art Museum (Museo de Arte Contemporáneo) is filled with art, mostly from local young people. If you visit, don’t miss the city views from the deck at the top. It is often referred to as MACRO.
  • Fine Arts Museum (Museo Municipal de Bellas Artes), with over 4,000 works in the collection, is one of Argentina’s top fine arts museums.
  • Entre Ríos 480 is the birthplace of famous revolutionary Che Guevara. Although you can’t go in, you can snap a photo from outside.

Where to eat

We weren’t here long, but we didn’t have a bad meal. The generally recommended place to go is anywhere on Avenida Carlos Pellegrini or Avenida Pichincha. We didn’t make it to either, as we didn’t want to wait until 8 pm when most of the restaurants opened. 

  • Ice cream fans won’t want to miss Touche de Creme . This more than 100-year-old artisanal ice cream place is also a coeliac’s dream. This ice creamery is 100% coeliac-friendly and delicious.
  • If you are looking for a fun and casual meal, check out Rock and Feller. We had lunch here on our way through Rosario the first time. It’s a wanna-be Hard Rock cafe, complete with posters, music memorabilia and videos, although it was mostly the Rolling Stones, Beatles, Bob Marley and about four others. The burgers were great, and the atmosphere lively, so no complaints from us. 
  • El Cairo is a fairly big cafe, filled with locals even at off-hours. There were several round tables in the back where groups were playing cards or Rummikub. There was a variety of food options at affordable prices, and it was good, as one would expect from a large place filled with locals. We had selected it because it can do gluten-free meals and they were open at 6 pm when we were suddenly hungry. It turned out to be a great choice.

Our daughter visited Rosario while on an AFS student exchange

At the time of our most recent visit to Rosario, our then-18-year-old daughter, Sarah, travelled with us. Lucky for us, she is fluent in Spanish This was Sarah’s third visit to Rosario.

A few years earlier, Sarah participated in a year-long high school student exchange programme that had her living in Sante Fe City, the capital of Sante Fe province. Her host family took her to Rosario for Easter weekend. She also visited another AFS friend who was living in Rosario on a soybean farm . 

Sarah’s story

Here is what Sarah originally wrote about her visit with the family: 

I visited Rosario with my host family on Easter weekend for a family gathering. The first day we went to a q uinta , a small house in a more rural area. They’re quite common throughout Argentina to rent for a day or so, for a gathering.

This weekend was with my host father’s extended family. I love how large and close-knit the families are here in Argentina. We had a more traditional asado – outside, with an open fire. It was the first time I’d had a rib at an asado, and it was so good!

Asado meat isn’t cooked by directly touching the flames but rather by the cinders, so there was an open fire, and the cinders were then pushed underneath the metal grille beside it. The ribs were cooked by hanging off of a metal pole in the shape of a ‘T’ near the fire.

We stayed at the q uinta until past dinner, and by the end, I was really tired. I, along with many of my host cousins, took naps throughout the day. Siestas are an amazing part of the culture!

Road in Rosario, Agentina. Photo copyright ©Sarah Albom 2016

How to get to Rosario 

We rented a car in Buenos Aires and drove a triangle, first to Santa Fe, then to Cordoba , before returning to the nation’s capital.

If you are driving from Buenos Aires to either of these cities, you will pass through Rosario. If you don’t allocate time to stay here, visit the Flag Memorial as you pass through. 

Note that the roads are not that great, so if you want a smooth ride, we recommend upgrading to a better car than you normally get. With one exception, we used Rentalcars.com throughout South America and consistently had hassle-free transactions with them.  (You can see our entire South American itinerary )

Tips for visiting Rosario Argentina

  • This is a town that takes a siesta. It locks up pretty tightly from about 1 pm to 5 pm. Plan your day accordingly.
  • The currency in Argentina is the Argentinean Paseo, and credit cards are widely accepted. 
  • As we found throughout Argentina, dinner is eaten very late, with restaurants reaching their peak traffic at about 9.30 or 10 pm.
  • While many restaurants don’t open until 8 pm, there are a few good ones like Rock and Feller or El Cairo that are open through siesta and early evening.
  • If you’re planning your first visit to the country, don’t miss our travel guide for first-time visitors to Argentina .  

Save on your trip with these resources

These are our go-to companies when we travel. We believe this list to be the best in each category. You can’t go wrong using them on your trip too.

  • Flights : we use Expedia for the best and cheapest flight options.
  • Accommodations: we use Booking.com (hotels), VRBO (self-contained), or Hostelworld (budget).
  • Cars (gas or electric): we use RentalCars to search for deals and dealer ratings.
  • Motorcycles : we have heard good things about BikesBooking .
  • Campervans or Motorhomes : we use Campstar where Albom Adventures readers get a 3% discount.
  • Private guides : we often find the best option is to work with a private guide .
  • Travel Insurance: while not required, we always opt for travel insurance and start at InsureMyTrip to compare coverage plans.

Check out our travel resources page for more companies that we use when you travel.

Save for later

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Argentina flag monument tops any list of things to do in Rosario Argentina

Which of the things to do in Rosario will you try?

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About rhonda albom.

Capturing the essence of travel through photography, Rhonda Albom is the primary author and photographer at Albom Adventures. She is an American expat based in New Zealand. She travels the world with her husband.

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Reader Interactions

Bernie and Jess Watt

July 16, 2021 at 9:04 am

Love the sound of the ice creamery – I mean all the things – but it’s hot and I am now craving ice creams.

July 13, 2021 at 7:43 am

Love this post… so many great photos! I think the waterfront walk and getting in on some of that street market food will be my first stop! Thanks for sharing! – Linzey

July 13, 2021 at 2:09 am

Forever loving how big South American cities have the architecture of Europe! It’s the best of both worlds!

July 13, 2021 at 1:37 am

Great post on Rosario! I have never been to Argentina, but Rosario looks impressive. I love the architecture of this city, the cathedral and also the peaceful waterfronts. Siesta between 1-5 means it is a relaxed city! I like it. 🙂

July 12, 2021 at 7:17 am

Great post. Never been to Argentina, but Rosario sure looks like a place to include on any future itinerary.

July 11, 2021 at 10:28 pm

Great post with loads of fantastic insights and tips. I’d never even heard of Rosario but Argentina is very much on the list so if I ever manage to make it over there I will definitely pay Rosario a visit!

May 8, 2016 at 1:42 pm

Great post. I love all your pictures, but somehow I am always drawn to your photos of food!

Grey World Nomads

April 11, 2016 at 10:12 am

Hi Sarah, so great to read from Santa Fé. I’ll pass it further to my daughter, Sharon, who finished her Highschool in Argentina (in El Trebol). #Wkendtravelinspiration

April 11, 2016 at 2:57 am

What an adventure you’re experiencing. Your photography is amazing too,

Have a fabulous day. ☺

April 10, 2016 at 11:57 pm

Your pictures are superb! I really feel I’m there – and considering the amount of meat and chocolate the Argentinians eat, I would be a very happy camper living there! And naps sound pretty good to me too. lol My fave pic was “The National Flag Memorial Tower from within the propylaeum.” The pic is so perfectly geometric, artistic, and impressive! Thanks for sharing Argentina with us! 🙂

Alex J. Cavanaugh

April 10, 2016 at 11:52 pm

That memorial is beyond impressive. Glad you got a chance to visit it. And yes, old churches are so fascinating. What they were able to create with so little…

JazzFeathers

April 10, 2016 at 8:10 pm

That’s an impressive building. Beautiful. I love the art deco style 🙂

April 10, 2016 at 7:11 pm

Hi Sarah and Rhona – what a wonderful selection of photos of your three days – great reminders of so much to see … Wonderful to learn a little too – and now I know why the downing of the Belgrano in the Falklands War means so much to the Argentinians … I didn’t know who Belgrano was! Asado looks amazing … I’m glad I’m going out for a roast lunch – at least I’ll satisfy my desire for food – now!

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GlobetrotterGirls

Why Porteños escape to Rosario, Argentina (and why you should, too!)

Categories Argentina

Why Porteños escape to Rosario, Argentina (and why you should, too!)

Last Updated on February 1, 2023

With Buenos Aires, Patagonia and all that wine country, we understand that Rosario can be easily overlooked on a trip to Argentina. That’s why all the Porteños (locals in Buenos Aires) escape here during major holidays. Which we only learned because our visit coincided with Easter weekend, and all of the hotels in Rosario were completely booked. Oops.

To Porteños, Rosario is a ‘quaint’ city of just over 1 million inhabitants. Here they can shop in stores that aren’t crowded, sip coffee in quiet cafes and stroll for miles and miles along the Paraná river in peace.

Unlike his image plastered across T-shirts and magnets throughout the rest of the world, we couldn’t believe how absent Che Guevara’s image is in Argentina. Even here in his birthplace, we only happened to stumble across the apartment where he was born, on the street Entre Rios 480, which is still a private residence marked only by sign out front. (The Guevara family home in Cordoba where they moved shortly after his birth is now a museum.)

Snooping around a bit, we did find a large mural of him in a nearby plaza and local friends showed us a statue made of melted keys much further outside the city center.

But if you’re really looking for beach, hit the Costanera Norte, the north coast, five km north of downtown. This stretch, along with the islands, are the best places to swim, and have sandy beaches, cafes, bars and volleyball nets.

Table of Contents

Rosario Travel Information

  • Rosario is located about 185 miles (299km) north east of Buenos Aires. Buses run several times a day from Buenos Aires, Salta, Cordoba and all other major cities to Rosario – it takes about 4 hours to get here from the capital.
  • There are plenty of hostels in town, but we’d advice to book well in advance, especially during Argentine holidays when the Porteños flock here. See below for recommendations.
  • Three days are enough to get a good feel for the city and to see the main sights, but you can easily spend a week here, eating your way around town, chilling along the river promenade and on the beaches, explore the nightlife and the islands along the river.

The best hotels in Rosario

If you are not sure where to stay in Rosario, here are some of the best hotels in the budget, mid-range and luxury range:

Best budget apartments and hostels

  • High Hostel – Beautiful hostel in a historic building. Seasonal outdoor swimming pool. Dorm beds from US$10 ; private rooms from US$20 .
  • Bon Voyage Boutique Hostel – Travel-themed hostel with a lovely garden (BBQ facilities), bar, kitchen and library. Dorm rooms from US$10; private rooms from US$23 (breakfast included)
  • AndiamO apartment – 1 bedroom apartment with fully equipped kitchen near Plaza Sarmiento. From US$28 per night.
  • Rosario Up – Modern apartments with kitchen, Air Conditioning, balconies, city views. From US$38 per night.

Best mid-range hotels in Rosario

  • Esplendor by Wyndham Savoy – double rooms from US$56 (including breakfast)
  • Dazzler by Wyndham – Seasonal rooftop pool and Jacuzzi. Double rooms from US$56 (including breakfast).
  • Urquiza Apart Hotel & Suites – Suites and apartments with kitchenettes. Seasonal rooftop pool, fitness center. Double rooms from US$56 , breakfast included.
  • Holiday Inn Express – double rooms from US$55 including breakfast
  • Holiday Inn Rosario – double rooms from US$79

Best luxury hotels in Rosario

  • Puerto Norte Design Hotel – modern boutique hotel with rooftop pool (year-round), sauna and spa, near the Alto Rosario Shopping Mall. Double rooms start at U$122 , breakfast included.
  • Ros Tower Hotel – 5* hotel with a heated rooftop pool and luxury spa facilities. Double rooms start at US$119 (Breakfast included)
  • Hotel Casino Pullman City Center Rosario – Stylish, modern hotel with a beautiful outdoor swimming pool and an on-site casino, but it is a bit further away from the city center (about 5 kilometers). Double rooms from US$109 , breakfast included.

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Rosario: gay guide to the best bars, clubs and hotels in Rosario

Wednesday 14th of September 2016

[…] around 3-4 hours drive from the big capital city or 4-5 hours by bus, making it the ideal weekend getaway from Buenos Aires, or a nice way to cut the journey if you’re heading West to Córdoba or […]

Friday 3rd of June 2016

Sorry Limón, but where are you from? We do have some differents foods from bsas, for example The Sandwich called "Carlitos" you can only eat it in Rosario, same thing happens with the river fish, we're used to eat fresh because we're really close to it. About the accent? Of course we do! It''s not so different like Salta o Cordoba, but if you compare it to a porteño accent, you should notice it (we don't use the S at the end of words, and porteños put it in words that doesn't go with S) yes, we don't have the cold sea that the porteños have to a shorter distance, but we have "el Paraná" a brown river where we all in the summer to the beach, to chill and to practise sports all year! And finally we're are really far From being a bsas "wannabe" city, because we are proud of being rosarinos and in generally we don't like the porteño attitude!

Wednesday 4th of March 2015

As for the streets and statues that ARE named after Che-Guevara / none pre-date the 90s - when foreign tourism took off in Argentina (and globalization and CNN made Argentinians aware of the link). The emphasis of the current administration on Human Rights and the bonding with fellow Latinamericans (the anti-Americanist discourse of CFK, Chavez, Evo) also helped

Saturday 7th of March 2015

Limon - thanks so much for your comments! Some great insights on Rosario, much appreciated! I really enjoyed my time in the city :)

That is to say - Rosario is too much like B.A. (only smaller and therefore perceived by portenos as a B.A. 'wannabe') being part of the same flat humid Pampa region and and just another extension of B.A. (as are the other small cities in the humid pampas) minus the gaucho folk-lore - it offers therefore nothing different from B.A. (Rosarinos don't even have a distinct accent or local culture or food such as Cordobeses, Correntinos, Saltenos) and therefore the massive preference for the sand and beaches of the Atlantic, the sundrenched hills (sierras) of Cordoba with their wonderful Mediterrenean landscape, weather and sunshine (did I mention that ?) or the virgin pine-forests, lakes and snowy mountains of Bariloche..

Great post about Rosario, 'the hometown of Messi' nowadays I´m afraid - Che Guevara left Argentina when he was an unknown university dropout and made his whole life and exploits in Cuba (where locals nicknmaed him 'che' - as Argentinians are often called in Latinamerica - after the funny meaningless word they use to adress each other) Argentinians identify him with the International history of Communism (as does the rest of the world) and sense no particular relationship to him (learning only late in life that he was an Argentinian- his name being absent from schoolbooks, streets, plazas, etc) associated as he is with such an unrelated foreing topic (more aking to Indonesia or Angola) such a Third World peasant revolt) As for portenos heading to Rosario, it is true they find it more relaxing - whenever they ever visit (which is only if they have some relatives, or business) - the favorite porteno destinations for the holidays are the classic three (by volume of visitors): sea, hills or mountains - which is to say: Mar del Plata, Cordoba, Bariloche (and all the tourist towns surrounding them)...

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Rosario – Argentina (the Center)

Rosario is a cosmopolitan city located 310 km north of Buenos Aires on the banks of one of the most important rivers of South America, the Paraná River, and with the unmistakable and important National Flag Monument (Monumento Nacional a la Bandera). Rosario offers a wide range of possibilities to make your stay an unforgettable experience. Rosario is definitely a great place to enjoy the nightlife. The city offers an abundance of culture with plenty of music, theatre and artistic performances. Be sure to enjoy one of the many attractions found along the Paraná River banks, i.e. parks, bars, restaurants and beaches.

Main highlights not to be missed:

:: The Paraná River and its Delta islands : a 45 km wild nature strip, composed of wide sandy beaches and abundance of animal and vegetation diversity, some of which can be explored by kayak or boat.

:: Parks and beaches : located on the shores of the city, with beautiful river views and green spaces. The most popular mainland beach is Balneario La Florida, located 8 km from the city centre. There are plenty of bars, restaurants and excellent amenities.

rosario argentina travel

Amazing view from the top of the Flag Monument.

:: Monumento a la Bandera (Flag Monument): the Argentinean flag was raised for the first time ever at this site. The tower is 70 m tall, so take the lift to the top and enjoy spectacular views of the city and river.

:: Che Guevara: born in Rosario in 1928. Learn more about this emblemic figure while walking the Che Guevara Circuit that takes you from the house he was born in, via Plaza de La Cooperación, Centro de Estudios Latinoamericanos Ernesto Che Guevara, Parque Independencia (where he started his first trip through America) to the Che Monument.

rosario argentina travel

Flag Monument.

:: Nightlife: with so many restaurants, bars, pubs and clubs, in both the city centre and the Costanera, Rosario offers a great atmosphere for fun.

:: Paseo del Siglo: travel back in time and see a large concentration of late 19th and early 20th century buildings.

:: Street markets and fairs: the city’s craft markets and fairs are a meeting place and a very pleasant area to stroll for thousands of tourists and local people. Handmade products and art like pottery, sculptures and paintings created of a variety of materials like wood, leather and stone, and knitted fabrics are made and sold at the stalls along the banks of the river, in the area from the National Flag Memorial to the Contemporary Museum.

rosario argentina travel

Puente Rosario – Victoria at the back.

INTRO SLEEP NEXT STOP

Where to sleep in Rosario

La comunidad hostel – budget category.

Big spacious areas with high ceilings, a relaxed TV/DVD-room and a handy kitchen, this famous hostel in Rosario doesn’t just offer you a cheap bed in one of their 3 comfy dorms with lockers or private rooms (double or quad) with shared bathroom; their goal is to share the travel spirit, to make you meet new people and to let you feel at ease.

rosario argentina travel

All shared rooms have fans and private rooms have aircon/heating and your energy level rises after guzzling up the tasty breakfast. BBQs on Wednesdays and live DJ’s on Fridays, Saturdays and public holidays at their cool bar to hammer down a beer or cocktail (from 9pm to 2am) will bring color to your stay.

The hostel rents out bikes and for travel info and bookings of activities or transport, the bilingual staff is ready for you! Location right in downtown, 4 blocks from the Paraná River.

Address & contact Presidente Roca 453 Rosario tel. +54 341 5270654 [email protected] www.lacomunidadhostel.com.ar

La Comunidad Hostel

Hostel point – budget category.

Leandro restored this gorgeous and striking home to its former glory with its original wooden floors, majestic high doors and ceilings and impressive architecture. Hostel Point’s large rooftop terrace equipped with artificial grass, sundeck and sunbeds, is a huge highlight, and the reception, living & dining room and kitchen all provide ample space for socialising and relaxing.

rosario argentina travel

There’s a range of private rooms to choose from: low-cost double rooms with a bunk bed, matrimonial rooms, and rooms with four, five or six beds. And of course there’s the option to doze off in a dorm equipped with lockers! All rooms have shared bathroom, except one matrimonial ensuite, and most rooms have aircon.

The hostel’s location is great, at 4 blocks from the city center and 3 blocks from the river and the Pichincha nightlife area. Breakfast included.

Also English & Portuguese spoken.

Address & contact Catamarca 1837 tel. +54 341 4409337 tel. & whatsapp +549 341 3921104 [email protected] www.hostelpoint.com.ar

Hostel Point

Where are you heading next.

BUENOS AIRES   CORDOBA PUERTO IGUAZU   POSADAS SALTA

COUNTRY'S HOME PAGE TO START PLANNING

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My Latin Life

Rosario, Argentina – City Guide for Nomads and Expats

October 8, 2017

rosario argentina travel

Updated in 2022.

Rosario, Argentina.

Located in Central Argentina, it is the third largest city in the country.

It is known for its neoclassical architecture, and for being the country’s most liberal and socialist city. It is also the birthplace of renowned artist Guillermo Forchino. There is an abundance of bars and hostels in the city.

POPULATION:  1,200,000

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Table of Contents

IS ROSARIO SAFE?

Rosario is considered to be one of Argentina’s more dangerous cities. That said, violent crime is pretty rare, but be conscious of bag and purse-snatchers and pickpockets. The city also seems to have a bit of a drug problem…like a junkies on sidewalks and under bridges sort of thing. Like you might see back home! However, users generally won’t trouble you. Its reputation is worse than the reality…but keep your guard somewhat up nonetheless.

RENT AN APARTMENT IN ROSARIO

$400.00 is doable.

BEST BARS & NIGHTLIFE IN ROSARIO

7.5/10 

While not quite as manic as Buenos Aires , Rosario offers more than it’s fair share of party. Most of it lies in Centro , between Parque de la Independencia and the Rio Parana. Nightlife here gets started very late in the evening – around 2:00 am – so don’t bother going out much earlier than that unless you feel like going to a chill bar. Drink a good Mendoza wine while you wait for things to get started.

I recommend: Try Kubrick Bar.  It’s usually gets a decent crowd of young people, and the atmosphere is unpretentious.

COST OF LIVING IN ROSARIO

The following data is from Expatistan, a crowdsourced database of prices and cost of living around the world. In our experience, the data tends to underestimate cost of living, so take the following as the minimum you might need to live here.

*Figures are listed in USD

You’ll need a minimum of $546 USD/month to live in Rosario, Argentina

cost-of-living-rosario-argentina

HOW TO GET TO ROSARIO

Rosario is halfway between Cordoba and Buenos Aires. You can easily get to Rosario by bus from either of these cities. Rosario is also a 2 hour drive from Santa Fe.

FINAL THOUGHTS ON ROSARIO

Rosario is an eclectic city. It coexists as a working-class port, as well as an artistic hub. The students bring both engaging nightlife and contemporary artistic flair, all against a backdrop of stunning neoclassical architecture. If you visit Argentina, don’t just stay in B.A; Rosario deserves a good amount of time as well.

OVERALL RATING: 8.25/10

If you enjoyed this city guide, check out another one of our 100+ city guides to nearly every city in latin america .

rosario argentina travel

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The City of Rosario, Argentina

Argentina Rosario

Argentina's Rosario is a buzzing port city located on the shores of the Paraná river, making it an important component in Argentina's export business. As the largest city in the Santa Fe province and the third largest in the country meaning it is a hub for social activity, entertainment and excitement. As well as its industrial prospects, Argentina's Rosario city is known for being the birth place of Che Guevara and is well catered towards tourists. Rosario is also a cultural centre which gives it a creative vibe and puts it at the forefront of the Argentina's contemporary arts scene, there is undoubtedly plenty to do in this attractive and vibrant destination.

Sights in Argentina's Rosario City

The city was first inhabited in 1720, however this was not authorised by the Spanish meaning that until Independence was granted in 1816, the city was somewhat paralysed and unable to develop. Rosario's main 'boom' came between 1869 and 1914 when the population shot up and the city became one of the most important ports in the country. Argentina's independence is therefore valued especially highly in this city of over one million inhabitants and the enormous Parque de la Independencia is one of the nicest spots to visit. The Monumento Nacional a la Bandera is another tribute to Argentina's independence as well as celebrating the country's past and future. The 78 metre high monument depicts an enormous ship sailing towards the future and marks the tomb of Manuel Belgrano, the designer of the Argentine flag. Rosario's architecture is generally quite modern and tends to be representative of the early twentieth century. However, the Cathedral was built in the late nineteenth century and is a graceful building complete with bell towers and dome on one side of the plaza 25 de Mayo. Rosario is especially hot on museums , in particular, the Museo Municipal de Bellas Artes Juan B. Castagnino is a must see with its splendid collection of European and Argentine art, it has been rated one of the best in the country. For Latin American and an unusual collection of Indigenous art and exhibits head to the Museo Histórico Provincial Dr. Julio Marc which has a really varied collection to enhance your understanding of Latin American culture. The riches owned by the Estévez family are displayed in the Museo Municipal de Arte Decorativo Firma y Odilio Estévez - it's well worth a look just to see the extensive collection of things that money can buy, including an original by Goya.

To relax after all that culture, Rosario is perfectly equipped with a 20km long riverfront street called La Costanera. This is a great place to go for a stroll, sunbathe and swim and the most popular beach is undoubtedly La Florida which is very pretty and brilliantly equipped. Access to absolutely stunning Delta Islands is also from the northern end of La Costanera- with beautiful subtropical temperatures and landscapes, completely un-urbanised, it is well worth hopping on one of the little boats to any of the islands, El Espinillo and Invernada being the most popular.

Argentina Rosario concert

Entertainment in Argentina's Rosario City

Most of Rosario's entertainment takes place along the riverfront although there are several theatres, cafés and bars located in the central area, especially around the squares. For years the city has been a renowned hang out for some of Argentina's top artists and musicians who are drawn in by its relaxed ambience, pretty surroundings and lively arts scene.

Restaurants are varied, catering for vegetarians and carnivores alike, however, fresh fish is particularly good here. There are bars on almost every corner so you will not be at a loss in finding something to wash down your dinner with. Rosario's nightlife tends to be characterised by glitz, glamour and voguish bars, most being stylishly designed places attracting a fashionable clientele and playing cool music. The most popular area is the Rambla de Catalunya at the northern end of La Costanera, this is also where the city's main clubs are.

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Travel Advisory August 18, 2023

Argentina - level 1: exercise normal precautions.

Reissued with updates to crime information.

Exercise normal precautions in Argentina. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory.

Exercise increased caution in:

  • City of Rosario (Santa Fe province) due to crime .

Read the  country information page  for additional information on travel to Argentina.

If you decide to travel to Argentina: 

  • Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
  • Follow the Department of State on Facebook and Twitter .
  • Review the Country Security Report for Argentina.
  • Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist .
  • Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel.   

City of Rosario – Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution

Criminal and narcotics trafficking elements are active in Rosario (Santa Fe province) resulting in increased crime and violence.

U.S. Embassy personnel are required to give advance notice before traveling to Rosario.

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Quick Facts

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Not required for stays of 90 days or less, unless traveling on an emergency passport.

Up to $10,000 USD or equivalent undeclared for those over age 16; up to $5,000 USD or equivalent undeclared for those under 16

Up to US$10,000 or equivalent undeclared for those over age 16; up to US$5,000 or equivalent undeclared for those under 16

Embassies and Consulates

U.S. Embassy Buenos Aires

Av. Colombia 4300 (C1425GMN) Buenos Aires Argentina Telephone: +(54)(11) 5777-4533 Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(54)(11) 5777-4354 Fax: +(54)(11) 5777-4240 [email protected]

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Entry, Exit and Visa Requirements

Entry/Exit Requirements for U.S. Citizens:   U.S. citizens need a valid passport to enter Argentina. U.S. citizens with expired or damaged passports may not be allowed to enter and could be sent back to the United States at their own expense. Private U.S. citizens do not need a visa for visits of up to 90 days for tourism or business, unless traveling on an emergency passport. (Please see below.) Diplomatic or official passport holders must obtain visas prior to arrival. 

The U.S. Embassy in Buenos Aires cannot help travelers with obtaining Brazilian, Paraguayan, or other visas. U.S. citizens embarking on a cruise ship from Argentina that includes other countries, should verify if they need visas for those countries before boarding the ship. For more information, see the Country Specific Information for the country you plan to visit. 

Visit the Embassy of Argentina’s website for visa information at https://eeeuu.cancilleria.gob.ar/en . For information about customs rules, please read our Customs Information page and the Argentine Customs page. 

Special Entry/Exit Requirements for Citizens traveling with Emergency Passports: U.S. citizens traveling on an emergency passport are required to have a visa for entry or re-entry into Argentina. Emergency passport holders cannot apply for a visa upon arrival to Argentina. You must apply at the nearest Argentine Embassy or Consulate. Find you nearest Argentine Consulate in the U.S. here .

Special Entry/Exit Requirements for Dual Nationals:   Different rules may apply to dual U.S.-Argentine citizens, depending on when they became U.S. citizens. Visit the Argentine Immigration website for the most current information. Generally, Argentine citizens are required to depart Argentina using an Argentine passport, including children of U.S. citizens who may be born in Argentina. 

Special Entry/Exit Requirements for Minors:  A parent or guardian traveling alone with a child under 18 who resides in Argentina must present to Argentine authorities a legalized permission letter in Spanish ( Autorización de Viaje ) from the nonaccompanying parent upon departure from Argentina. Either parent may prepare an authorizing letter for the other parent to travel abroad with the child in case of emergency. (Please see the Argentine immigration website for more information). A local notary public (called an  escribano  in Argentina) may prepare the  autorización de viaje  letter. If this notarized authorization is prepared in the United States, Argentine authorities will require an apostille from the United States in addition to the notarized authorization. Please see this link for more information about an apostille:  Apostille Requirements.  For children born in the United States and are residents in Argentina, Argentine Authorities will require the U.S. birth certificate to be apostilled and translated into Spanish by a certified translator.

HIV/AIDS Restrictions:   The U.S. Department of State does not know of any HIV/AIDS entry restrictions for foreign visitors or residents of Argentina. 

More Information:  Find information on dual nationality, prevention of international child abduction and customs regulations on our websites.

Safety and Security

Demonstrations occur frequently in Buenos Aires and take place in other cities as well.  Protesters often block streets and highways.  Demonstrations are usually nonviolent, but always have the potential to turn confrontational.  Avoid demonstrations if possible.

Crime:   Street crime is a problem in most urban areas including Buenos Aires City (San Telmo, La Boca, Retiro, Florida Street), Buenos Aires province, Rosario, and Mendoza. Areas with higher levels of violent crime include Rosario, and the Buenos Aires suburbs of Lomas de Zamora, Quilmes, and Moreno. Look out for muggers, pickpockets, scam artists, cellphone and purse-snatchers who work on the street, in restaurants and hotel lobbies, at bus and train stations, in public transportation, and in cruise ship ports.

Robberies occur often, and violence is more likely to occur when victims resist. Do not leave your personal belongings unattended. Frequent robberies of luggage and handbags occur at Retiro bus station in Buenos Aires and the bus station in Mendoza, and when leaving a handbag in the overhead compartment on the bus.

Robberies involving motorcycles (called “motochorros”) occur frequently in cities. These thieves normally operate in pairs:  one to jump off and take the watches, purses, and backpacks of pedestrians, and another to operate the bike. The motochorros also reach, or break, into cars to snatch valuable items.

Although the La Boca neighborhood is a well-known tourist destination, there have been violent robberies in the daytime as well as nighttime. Stay on the main streets in the tourist zone and use radio taxis to and from the neighborhood.

Avoid “villas” or shanty towns in Buenos Aires, other major cities, and provinces, even if they are in tourist zones.

Scams involving yellow and black taxis have been reported at international airports and around Buenos Aires. Pre-arrange a ride or select one of the flat-rate “remise” services (private car with driver) from the airport service counters. In town, use radio taxis from places like a hotel when possible.  See the  Department of State  and the FBI  Financial Crime I  pages for information on scams.  A few common scenarios follow:

Drivers pretend to help tourists with money while trading good bills for counterfeit ones.

A “handler” at the airport accepts payment for the ride, but then the driver also demands money at the end of the ride.

The taxi “breaks down” on the road, and a second taxi comes to get the passenger.  Both drivers demand payment.

Spraying mustard or another substance on the tourist from a distance.  An accomplice robs the victim while pretending to help clean the stain.

Protestors (‘piqueteros’) sometimes block major roads during large protests and can cause significant traffic delays.

Climbing, Hiking, and Trekking: Do not trek alone.  The U.S. Embassy in Argentina  strongly   discourages  U.S. citizens from hiking alone or even separating from larger traveling parties while on a trail. In recent years, U.S. citizens and other foreigners have disappeared or been seriously injured while solo climbing/hiking and trekking. Sexual assaults have been reported against solo hikers and bikers on trails in regions along the border with Chile.  Hike in groups and remain alert to your surroundings. Follow Park Ranger and Search and Rescue Team advice and instructions.

Update your SOS or GPS emergency locator information. Make sure your device is enabled to function in the park and your provider has the correct information for authorities. Add local rescue teams as your first emergency contact (see recourses below) and add the U.S. Embassy’s emergency contact phone number as an alternative: +54-11 5777-4354.

Before your trip you can check the following resources for reliable information about trail conditions and potential hazards in the most popular climbing, hiking and trekking regions in Argentina:

·         Mendoza: Mendoza, Aconcagua

·         Bariloche: Club Andino

·         El Chalten: El Chaltén

We strongly recommend that before you travel you purchase supplemental travel and evacuation insurance, provide family or friends with a detailed itinerary prior to climbing, trekking, and hiking, and  Register your itinerary  through the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP).

Please note: The Department of State assumes no responsibility or liability for the entities on the weblink list above. Inclusion on this list is in no way an endorsement by the Department or the U.S. government. The information on the links is provided directly by the local service providers; the Department is not in a position to vouch for such information

Precautions include: Do not place handbags on the back of your chair or on the floor at a restaurant.  Keep them in your lap.

Do not leave your drink unattended.

Do not leave cellphones on tables at restaurants.

Sexual assaults have been reported against solo hikers and bikers on trails in regions along the border with Chile.  Hike in groups and remain alert to your surroundings.

Robberies also occur where victims are grabbed and forced to take out as much money as possible from ATMs.  Family or co-workers are contacted and told to bring all the cash they have on hand or can gather in a couple of hours.  Once the ransom is paid, the victim is usually released unharmed.  There have been some foreign victims of these robberies. Fake telephone kidnappings are also common. Learning important phone numbers and, if robbed, immediately finding a phone and letting family members know you are alright are important steps in stopping this crime.

Travelers should not pack valuables in checked bags.

The U.S. Embassy receives many reports of stolen passports.  Passports and other valuables should be locked in a hotel safe.  Carry a photocopy of your passport with you.  In addition, U.S. citizen residents and visitors should safeguard personal information such as email addresses, telephone numbers, banking and other information, to protect against identity theft.

Victims of Crime:  Report crimes to the local police at the numbers below and contact the  U.S. Embassy in Buenos Aires :

Dial 911 to report emergencies, call the police, an ambulance, or the fire department.

Remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crimes.

See our webpage on  help for U.S. victims of crime overseas .

We can: help you find appropriate medical care assist you in reporting a crime to the police contact relatives or friends with your written consent explain the local criminal justice process in general terms provide a list of local attorneys provide information on  victim’s compensation programs in the United States  provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States and/or limited medical support in cases of destitution help you find accommodation and arrange flights home replace a stolen or lost passport

Domestic Violence:  U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence may contact the Embassy for assistance.  If you are in immediate danger, call the police at 911.

Tourism:   The tourism industry is unevenly regulated and safety inspections for equipment and facilities do not commonly occur.  Hazardous areas/activities are not always identified with appropriate signage, and staff may not be trained or certified either by the host government or by recognized authorities in the field.  In the event of an injury, hospitals are able to provide urgent medical treatment, though very serious injuries often require medical evacuation.  U.S. citizens are strongly encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance .  

Local Laws & Special Circumstances

Criminal Penalties:  You are subject to local laws. If you violate local laws, even unknowingly, you may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned. Furthermore, some crimes are also prosecutable in the U.S., regardless of local law. For examples, see our website on crimes against minors abroad and the Department of Justice website.

Arrest Notification:  If you are arrested or detained, ask police or prison officials to notify the U.S. Embassy immediately. See our webpage for further information.

SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES:

  • Dual Nationals : U.S.-Argentine dual nationals may have to follow special rules that apply to Argentine citizens. In some cases, the U.S. government may have trouble providing protection abroad to dual citizens.
  • Foreign Credit Card Usage : On November 3, 2022, the Argentine Central Bank issued a regulation allowing credit card issuers to implement an alternate, more favorable exchange rate for tourists utilizing foreign (i.e., non-Argentine) credit cards. This is a legal, safe method to pay for goods and services in Argentina at a more favorable rate. The regulation does not apply to withdrawals of pesos from ATMs. Please contact your credit card issuer to confirm whether they are implementing this program. For more information on this new regulation, you may read the Argentine Central Bank’s announcement at https://bcra.gob.ar/Pdfs/comytexord/A7630.pdf
  • Currency Exchange and Access :  You must show your passport to exchange money. Keep all receipts related to buying pesos.  Be careful if you are offered illegal exchange rates. and do not exchange money on the street. The Embassy does not exchange money.
  • Some U.S. citizens report problems using their ATM cards issued by U.S. banks at certain ATMs. There is no set list of ATMs or banks where you can use U.S. cards. If your ATM card does not work at one ATM, try another one or use a reputable bank or exchange house. Daily withdrawal limits may also be lower than in the U.S.
  • Hunting and Fishing/Transporting Firearms : If you plan to hunt or fish, follow all gun and game laws. Some U.S. citizens report problems bringing guns into and out of Argentina. More information can be found here .
  • Adventure Travel : For local authorities,Local resources are limited for helping visitors lost or injured in remote areas can be hard. Travelers visiting isolated and wilderness areas mustshould learn about local conditions and give their itinerary to park or police officials.
  • Argentina has the highest mountain outside ofin the HimalayasAmericas, Mount Aconcagua.  Several U.S. citizens, including expert climbers, have died while climbing the mountain.  Rescue missions are often impossible.
  • Antarctica Travel : Many cruises to Antarctica depart from the port of Ushuaia, near the southern tip of Argentina.  The greatest threats to travelers to Antarctica are environmental hazards posed by extreme and unpredictable weather and limited emergency services.  Among the more common threats are frostbite, dehydration, eye damage from reflected glare, overexposure to the sun, and maritime accidents.  There have been accidental deaths on Antarctic cruises due to rough sea conditions, including rogue waves.  For additional information on travel to the Antarctic please see the country Information page for Antarctica: Antarctica International Travel Information (state.gov)

Faith-Based Travelers:  See our following webpages for details:

  • Faith-Based Travel Information
  • International Religious Freedom Report   – see country reports
  • Human Rights Report   – see country reports
  • Hajj Fact Sheet for Travelers
  • Best Practices for Volunteering Abroad

LGBTI Travelers:  There are no legal restrictions on same-sex sexual relations or the organization of LGBTI events in Argentina. 

See   our  LGBTI travel information  page and section 6 of the  Department of State's Human Rights report  for further details.

Travelers Who Require Accessibility Assistance:  People with disabilities may find accessibility and accommodation very different than in the United States.  The law mandates access to buildings for persons with disabilities, but while the federal government has protective laws, many provinces do not.

Students :  See our Students Abroad  page and  FBI travel tips .

Women Travelers:   See our travel tips for  Women Travelers .

We do not pay medical bills. Be aware that U.S. Medicare does not apply overseas.

Medical Insurance: Make sure your health insurance plan provides coverage overseas. Most care providers overseas only accept cash payments. We strongly recommend supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation. Medical evacuation is extremely costly.

Medications:  If traveling with prescription medication, check with the Embassy of Argentina  to ensure the medication is legal in Argentina.  Always, carry your prescription medication in original packaging with your doctor’s prescription.

Health Concerns:  The following diseases are prevelant either throughout Argentina or in certain areas:

  • Hepatitis A
  • Yellow Fever

Vaccinations:  Be up-to-date on all vaccinations recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and CDC recommendations for travel to Argentina .

Further health information:

  • World Health Organization
  • U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

Travel and Transportation

Road Conditions and Safety: Driving is more dangerous than in the United States. Drivers in Argentina tend to be aggressive, especially in Buenos Aires, and often ignore traffic regulations. Drivers should prepare in advance when taking long road trips and make sure to have adequate insurance coverage. Gas stations are often far apart and not always easily identified from the main roadway. You need an Argentine or international driver’s license to drive, but verify with local authorities for the most current information.

See our Road Safety page  and the website of Argentina's national tourist office for more information. 

AVIATION SAFETY OVERSIGHT: The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the government of Argentina’s Civil Aviation Authority as being in compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards for oversight of Argentina’s air carrier operations. Further information may be found on the FAA’s safety assessment page .

MARITIME TRAVEL: Mariners planning travel to Argentina should also check for U.S. maritime advisories and alerts . Information may also be posted to the  U.S. Coast Guard homeport website , and the  NGA broadcast warnings .

For additional travel information

  • Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
  • Call us in Washington, D.C. at 1-888-407-4747 (toll-free in the United States and Canada) or 1-202-501-4444 (from all other countries) from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
  • See the  State Department’s travel website  for the  Worldwide Caution  and  Travel Advisories .
  • Follow us on X (formerly known as "Twitter") and Facebook .
  • See  traveling safely abroad  for useful travel tips.

Argentina was cited in the State Department’s 2022 Annual Report to Congress on International Child Abduction for demonstrating a pattern of non-compliance with respect to international parental child abduction. Review information about International Parental Child Abduction in  Argentina.  For additional IPCA-related information, please see the  International Child Abduction Prevention and Return Act ( ICAPRA )  report.

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  1. Visit Rosario: Best of Rosario Tourism

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  2. Rosario

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  3. Rosario Travel Guide

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  4. City Tour en la Ciudad de Rosario

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  5. The BEST Rosario Tours 2022

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  6. 15 Best Things To Do In Rosario Argentina (From A Local)

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COMMENTS

  1. Rosario travel

    Rosario. Argentina, South America. Birthplace of the Argentine flag as well as two of the nation's most famous exports, Che Guevara and Lionel Messi, Rosario is still an important river port but has done a great job of regenerating its center. The derelict buildings of the long costanera have been converted into galleries, restaurants and skate ...

  2. 15 Best Things To Do In Rosario Argentina (From A Local)

    Visit Teatro El Circulo (Opera House) Teatro El Circulo is the opera house and one of the most popular Rosario Argentina tourist attractions. It was built in 1904 and renovated in 2004 for its centennial. The opera house has five levels and a large dome painted with beautiful frescoes.

  3. Rosario

    Rosario. Rosario is the third largest city in Argentina and the largest city in Santa Fe province, at the Paraná river. It is known for its rich architectural heritage and beautiful riverside scenery, and offers a vibrant cultural and night life. The city itself has about 1.1 million inhabitants, but considering the suburbs it rivals Córdoba in importance, with about 1.6 million living in ...

  4. 25 Best Things to Do in Rosario (Argentina)

    3. Eat Ice Cream. Source: Shutterstock. Helado. Quite unexpectedly, Argentina's ice cream is some of the best in the world. And Rosario is actually the national capital of artisanal ice cream. The helado here is more like Italian gelato than the ice cream in the States, and dulce de leche is a popular flavor.

  5. Things to Do in Rosario, Argentina

    Convention Centers. By sabinefep. From drawing, painting, making paper, sewing rag doll, creating video animations, watching the stars to getting rid of... 7. Rosario-Victoria Bridge. 1,042. Bridges. By ChinoCollins. One of the most important bridges in the Region, ROSARIO-VICTORIA is a 35 km length Bridge, over the Paranà River...

  6. Rosario: Pleasant, Authentic & Worth a Weekend

    San Lorenzo 1530. Rosario, Santa Fe. Tel: +54 (0341) 530-2020. Casa Be Suites. Avenida Pellegrini 3675. Rosario, Santa Fe. Rosario, Sante Fe is not a big-name tourist destination in Argentina, despite being the country's 3rd largest city, but it's worth a short visit.

  7. Rosario, Argentina: All You Must Know Before You Go (2024)

    29,284. Rosario, Argentina. This urban waterworld is a fast-growing city tucked into a bend of the Parana River about 186 miles northwest of Buenos Aires. Slip into a kayak or take a cruise for the best river views, or hit the city center, bustling with discos, theaters, pedestrian malls, restaurants and parks popular with cyclists.

  8. A Guide to Rosario: 48 hours in the birthplace of Messi

    A Guide to Rosario: 48 hours in the birthplace of Messi. The National Flag Memorial, the Independence Park, the Promenade and many other spots are ideal for a weekend tour of the city in the province of Santa Fe, 3 hours away from Buenos Aires. In the article below you will find five must-see places:

  9. The 14 BEST things to do in Rosario, Argentina

    Top 14 best things to do in Rosario, Argentina. Photo by Rodox. 1. Visit the Parque de la Independencia, a beautiful park located in the heart of the city, featuring a lake, a rose garden, and a variety of recreational activities. 2. Check out the Museo de la Ciudad, a fascinating museum that tells the story of Rosario's rich history and culture.

  10. Top Things To Do And See In Rosario, Argentina

    Kayaking and cycling. Bridge. Two great ways to explore Rosario and the surrounding area are either cycling around the city, or kayaking on the Paraná river. Kayaks can be rented either individually or as part of a group tour, and are a great way to escape the city for a while and see some local wildlife in the Paraná Delta.

  11. Rosario Travel Guide

    Confident and stylish, with a vibrant cultural scene and a lively nightlife, Rosario dominates the whole region. With a little over 1.2 million inhabitants, it is Argentina's third-biggest city - Córdoba just beats it to second place. However, Rosario likes to see itself as the most worthy rival to Buenos Aires, 300km southeast - in some ways it is a far smaller version of the capital ...

  12. Rosario, Argentina: All You Need to Know Before You Go (2024

    29,284. Explore Rosario. This urban waterworld is a fast-growing city tucked into a bend of the Parana River about 186 miles northwest of Buenos Aires. Slip into a kayak or take a cruise for the best river views, or hit the city centre, bustling with discos, theatres, pedestrian malls, restaurants and parks popular with cyclists.

  13. Things to do in Rosario Argentina

    Flag monument courtyard. Rosario is home to the first Argentinian flag, a claim to fame that put it on the map and one that draws thousands of visitors. While there are plenty of other things to do in Rosario, a visit to the Monumento a la Bandera (flag monument) is a must-do. It's Argentina's third-largest city after Buenos Aires and Córdoba.

  14. 25 Unbelievable Things To Do In Rosario

    Teatro El Circulo. The Teatro El Circulo in Rosario is a major opera house providing a cultural activity for the city. Opened in 1904, it is one of the most beautiful and original buildings to be found in the city. There are guided tours that allow you to discover its hidden corners and admire the fantastic foyer.

  15. Why Porteños escape to Rosario, Argentina (and why you should, too!)

    Rosario Travel Information Rosario is located about 185 miles (299km) north east of Buenos Aires. Buses run several times a day from Buenos Aires, Salta, Cordoba and all other major cities to Rosario - it takes about 4 hours to get here from the capital.

  16. Top Things to Do in Rosario, Argentina

    6. La Isla de los Inventos. From drawing, painting, making paper, sewing rag doll, creating video animations, watching the stars to getting rid of... 7. Rosario-Victoria Bridge. One of the most important bridges in the Region, ROSARIO-VICTORIA is a 35 km length Bridge, over the Paranà River...

  17. Rosario

    Rosario - Argentina (the Center) ... The hostel rents out bikes and for travel info and bookings of activities or transport, the bilingual staff is ready for you! Location right in downtown, 4 blocks from the Paraná River. Address & contact Presidente Roca 453 Rosario tel. +54 341 5270654

  18. Rosario, Argentina

    Rosario, Argentina. Located in Central Argentina, it is the third largest city in the country. It is known for its neoclassical architecture, and for being the country's most liberal and socialist city. It is also the birthplace of renowned artist Guillermo Forchino. There is an abundance of bars and hostels in the city.

  19. Things to do in Rosario, Argentina

    Together with Claudio, a real Rosariño, I show you things to do in Rosario (Santa Fe, Argentina). Claudio, who was also my spanish teacher tells a bit about ...

  20. Rosario

    The most convenient way of travelling in Argentina. There are many buses departing daily from the Rosario bus station to almost every city in the country. It is also possible to travel by bus to southern Brazil, Chile, Peru, and Bolivia. EGA bus lines operates a daily bus direct to Montevideo leaving at 23:50 and arriving in Montevideo 8:30 ...

  21. Rosario Argentina

    The City of Rosario, Argentina. Argentina's Rosario is a buzzing port city located on the shores of the Paraná river, making it an important component in Argentina's export business. As the largest city in the Santa Fe province and the third largest in the country meaning it is a hub for social activity, entertainment and excitement.

  22. Argentina Travel Advisory

    Travel Advisory. August 18, 2023. Argentina - Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions. Reissued with updates to crime information. Exercise normal precautions in Argentina. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory. Exercise increased caution in: City of Rosario (Santa Fe province) due to crime.

  23. Argentina International Travel Information

    City of Rosario (Santa Fe province) due to crime. Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Argentina. If you decide to travel to Argentina: Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency. Follow the Department of State on Facebook and ...