It’s true. Rosario doesn’t usually make it to the ‘top of the list’ destinations in Argentina. It’s a bit far from classic bucket-listers like Buenos Aires, or Bariloche. It’s not as known as Córdoba or Mendoza. It’s not nestled among mountaintops, open seas, or extreme waterfalls. Still, Rosario has its own mojo and vibes of its own. Yes: Rosario Argentina is worth visiting.
It may be how it rests by the Parana River banks. The slightly slower pace of life. The old town’s straight streets and tall trees. A day at the beach, a cocktail by the waterfront, and the joys of hot summers and long sunsets.
In this guide, you’ll learn about all the top places to visit and things to do in Rosario Argentina, plus local tips to make your life on the road easy.
Rosario beams with culture, music, art, and cool things to do. From walking by Ernesto ‘Che’ Guevara’s birthplace to heading on a kayaking day-trip, to burning the night out clubbing. This is where you come when you want to rest from Buenos Aires’ hustle, without missing out on the fun.
Rosario 101 – Some Background Information
Located in the province of Santa Fe, in Argentina, Rosario is the 3rd most populated city in the country. Sitting 300 km -186 miles- northwest of Buenos Aires, Rosario overlooks the shores of the Paraná, the second-longest river in South America after the Amazon.
Even though Rosario is a popular weekend getaway for Porteños – people from Buenos Aires – it still remains a bit off-the-beaten-track for international tourism. Known as the country’s ‘cultural cradle,’ many notorious musicians, politicians, activists, and artists were born here! What’s more, this city has always been an intense political hub and home of the National Flag Monument.
Continue reading for the unmissable things to do in Rosario Argentina.
13 Unmissable Things To Do In Rosario Argentina
Visit the Monumento Nacional a la Bandera (National Flag Monument)
The National Flag Monument is to Rosario what the Eiffel Tower is to Paris. This is not a spot you’d walk by without noticing it. You’ll find this enormous complex crowning the city’s downtown by the river shore. Made of marble, wide stairs, columns, a viewing tower, water mirrors, and grand sculptures, its 10,000 square meters deserve at least 1 hour of wandering.
For the best panoramic views of Rosario and the Paraná Delta, go up the viewpoint tower. In case you are short on time, don’t worry, the visit to the monument would still be 100% worth it. Try to drop by around sunset!
There are guided tours, but these are only in Spanish. To learn more about the history of Rosario and the monument, take a free walking tour in English. The meetup point is usually not by the complex per se, so make sure to plan your day ahead.
The tower viewpoint visiting hours vary depending on the day of the week, and they can get confusing! But it goes like this… Mondays and days following a national holiday, open from 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm. From Tuesdays to Fridays, the viewpoint operates from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm. Finally, on Saturdays, Sundays, and national holidays, the opening hours are from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm and from 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm. The last admission is 30 minutes before closing time.
Go to the Costanera de Rosario (Rosario’s Waterfront)
The best of Rosario’s waterfront begins by the Fluvial Station and ends around the Museum of Contemporary Art.
This is a port city defined by the river, so many of the top things to do in Rosario Argentina are sitting on its waterfront. However, a walk here is a plan on its own as visitors come across many other sights! River views, coffee shops, parks, pubs, old warehouses, abandoned train tracks, street artists, palm trees, and markets give the riverside landscape its final touch!
The best time of the day to walk the waterfront is after 5:00 pm when the locals go for after-work drinks, parents take the kids for a bike ride, and the whole area lights up before the night hits.
Visit the Basílica Catedral de Nuestra Señora del Rosario (Rosario’s Cathedral)
The National Flag Monument’s west end leads into a small cathedral, devoted to ‘Our Lady of the Rosary.’ This church has very humble beginnings: first built in 1730, it was then rebuilt throughout the 19th century. A Neoclassical style was imprinted into this architectural beauty in the year 1834. Rosario’s Cathedral remains a foundational symbol of a town built by immigrants.
To enter the Cathedral, head there in the morning as it closes just before noon.
Walk along Calle Peatonal Córdoba and San Martín (Rosario’s pedestrian streets)
There are 2 pedestrian streets in Rosario. Both house some of the best-preserved Neoclassic historic buildings, and make up the core of the city’s main commercial center. Take a walk across both pedestrian streets and find cute green squares, libraries, and stylish galleries.
Both Córdoba and San Martín are located at the heart of central Rosario Argentina and cover around 12 blocks in total. Córdoba becomes pedestrian-only just 2 streets off the monument and is then intersected by San Martín. Navigating Rosario is extremely easy because, unlike Buenos Aires, the streets run perfectly parallel!
Go to Entre Ríos 480: Ernesto ‘Che’ Guevara’s Birthplace
Recognized as Ernesto ‘Che’ Guevara’s birthplace, you can walk by this apartment building in central Rosario, but it’s not possible to go in. Also, as the property is currently for sale, its future is uncertain!
Historians tell Ernesto was born in Rosario just by chance. When his parents were heading to Buenos Aires, they stopped in the city for a few days, which turned into months after Ernesto’s mother went into labor.
Visitors interested in learning more about the ‘Che’ can follow the Circuito Che Guevara, a self-guided tour tracing his steps in Rosario Argentina.
Visit the Museo de Arte Contemporáneo de Rosario
The MACRO, opened in 2004, quickly became a hot-spot for tourists and locals alike as it’s fun, innovative, and built upon an old complex of silos. Nowadays, the museum stands tall by the waterfront painted with bright colors and hosting some of the most regarded works from Argentinian artists.
The museum opens from Tuesdays to Fridays from 12:00 pm to 6:00 pm. Saturdays and Sundays from 11:00 am to 7:00 pm. On Mondays, the museum remains closed. The entry is free, but a donation is suggested.
Hang out in Parque de la Independencia (Independence Park)
City slickers keen to check on a locals’ favorite, head to ‘Parque de la Independencia!’ This park earns its place as one of the top things to do in Rosario because it’s a chosen spot for family Sundays’ rendezvous.
Walk up and down the park’s bridges, explore its beautiful gardens, circle the lake, get a sweet popcorn cone from a street stall, and rent a pedal boat!
On Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays, the lake’s central water fountain displays a dancing waters show from 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm.
Go island hopping and camping, Rosario-style
So far, this roundup of the best things to do in Rosario has taken you through historical sites and the city’s most famous park. Now it’s time to hop on a boat and go on an island-hopping experience!
The Paraná is truly a beautiful river, dotted by the lush nature of the Paraná Delta Islands. To start your trip, head to the Fluvial Station, only a 5-minute walk from the monument. Hop on a boat to the popular ‘Banquito de San Andrés’ – services running once every hour from 10:00 am to 7:00 pm – or book an island tour.
The fluvial station’s website is Spanish-only, but you can still check the full schedule with some help from G-translate.
If you prefer a more intense way of exploring the Paraná and the islands, book a kayak tour! Many operators around Rosario offer guided tours in English, so pick your day trip and enjoy nature.
For a full-circle experience, pack your camping gear and spend a night camping on the islands of La Invernada and Isla Verde. Make sure to check out this camping packing list for info on what you should take with you.
Hang out at Balneario La Florida (Florida Beach)
Yet another taste of the local life! Because of its hot weather, Rosario is quite the summer spot. This is why the Rosarinos flock to its river beaches for a swim and a dip overlooking the Rosario-Victoria bridge – the bridge that connects Rosario with Entre Ríos.
Note that this is a river beach, so if you are used to the Mediterranean Sea or the Caribbean, then you risk feeling a bit – just a bit – disappointed. To be fair, Florida Beach is great because it’s just so lively! There are music, people, fun beach sports, food, and umbrellas -heaps of umbrellas. So if you don’t mind crowds, then you’ll have a blast!
The beach is located 10 km (6.2 miles) north from central Rosario. You can get there by bus in 1 hour, or catch a taxi.
Walk along Oroño Boulevard
Venture to the city fringe and walk the length of the most famous avenue in Rosario, the Oroño Boulevard. This fabulous boulevard has a wide walking central lane, palm trees, mansions on the sides, and it’s where some of the top pubs in town are located. A great option to check out the best of Oroño Boulevard is to get on it at the intersection with Córdoba Street – the pedestrian street, remember? – and walk towards the river, roughly 1.5 km (0.9 miles).
Explore Rosario’s food scene and nightlife
For sure you heard about Buenos Aires’ never-ending nightlife, right? Well, Rosario is not any different! With a slew of cool eats, milongas, and pubs scattered across different areas of the city, the offer for night-owls is grand. Experiencing local partying is a great way to mingle with locals, more so in Rosario, known for being the cradle of Argentinian culture.
Some of the best places for a night out are in the Pichincha neighborhood. Traditionally a brothel area branded by crime, it has now become a social hub booming with cool hangouts. The streets around the Oroño Boulevard before it meets the river are also home to some cool pubs like Basquiat, Rock’n’Feller, and Asgardian – to name just a few.
Make sure to read my post 25 Delicious Argentina Food To Try.
Visit the ‘Bar El Cairo’
If you are one of those travelers who love to sit for a coffee or a drink at the most mythical bars in town, then a visit to the ‘Bar El Cairo’ is an absolute must! Once you are at it, order a ‘Carlitos,’ Rosario’s classic sandwich. This is, funnily enough, a ham and cheese toastie that has ketchup – an innovation, really! Take it from a local, this is a classic. You can’t leave town without trying one. Every single eatery in Rosario has a ‘Carlitos,’ so getting your own is easy.
Go to the Mercado de Pulgas del Bajo (Rosario’s Flea Market)
Counting with a total of 60 permanent stalls, Rosario’s Flea Market offers all sorts of items ranging from ceramics to leather and glass goods, plus textiles, candles…you name it!
The market is located just a few minutes’ walk from the National Flag Monument on Belgrano Avenue. Open only over the weekends – Saturdays from 2:00 pm to 7:00 pm, and Sundays from 10:00 am to 7:00 pm.
Practical Tips To Plan Your Trip To Rosario, Argentina
For smooth planning and making the most of the top sights in Rosario, it’s key to know a bit about how to get around town, where to sleep, when to go and all-that-jazz…
How many days to visit Rosario?
If you just want to cover Rosario’s main sights, then 1 day would be enough. As many of the top highlights are located along the city’s downtown and the waterfront, you could walk for hours coming across most of the spots in this guide. That said, if you can spend 2, 3, or even 4 days, then, by all means, stay!
Best places to stay in Rosario
Rosario’s city center is quite extended and has a great offer of accommodation, so staying within this area is certainly a good idea. Some of the streets with the best hostels and nice hotels are around the historic district. San Lorenzo, Santa Fe, La Rioja, and Boulevard Oroño are great, trendy, and handy!
For longer stays, renting an apartment around the city fringe can also be a good idea. Pellegrini Avenue and 27 de Febrero are both wide and quite residential, but you need to research the specifics a bit. Some blocks around these avenues are, unfortunately, a bit rough – more on this below.
Here is a selection of good places to stay in Rosario:
- Altos de Barrio Martin is a small but fully equipped apartment close to the center of town.
- Holiday Inn Rosario is the best hotel in town. It features a swimming pool and a bar. Rooms are plain but comfortable.
- High Hostel Rosario is a good hostel with dorms as well as private rooms.
Getting to Rosario Argentina
Rosario stands half-way between Buenos Aires and Córdoba, which makes it an easy and awesome stop for those heading toward Argentina’s central regions. As one of the top weekend getaways from Buenos Aires, Rosario can be reached by bus, car, train, or plane.
By bus
Buses depart from Retiro Station, in Buenos Aires city, and take 4.5 hours to get there, whereas taking the train is a 6+ hours feat.
There are services pretty much every 15/30 minutes, so bookings are not really necessary. However, many companies offer this service, so it can be confusing to pick one once you are at the station. In this case, check your options and book your tickets online. Whenever possible, don’t pick the cheapest seats as you’d be signing in for a hell’s ride!
You’d get off the bus at the Terminal de Rosario, located close to the city center’s fringe.
By train
The trains from Buenos Aires to Rosario depart every day, are quite cheap, take about 6.5 hours, and leave you just off the waterfront.
By plane
If you are just heading to Rosario from Buenos Aires, then flying is not the best option – though it can be handy if you are reaching from somewhere else. The Aeropuerto Internacional de Rosario Islas Malvinas is located 18 km (11.2 miles) northwest of the city center and, although you can bus or shuttle into town, the trip would take another hour.
By car
Another popular option for road-trippers and weekenders is to go by car. It takes just over 3 hours to get to Rosario from Buenos Aires, and you can go at your own pace. Note that this is a heavy-traffic national route, so only choose this option if you feel confident amongst Argentinian drivers.
Getting around
Rambling around town is not only easy but also one of the best things you can do during your visit! As most of the highlights on your city itinerary are within walking distance from each other, going places is a no-brainer.
Honestly, even when the bus network is quite comprehensive, buses are rarely on time. You’d also have to take 2 or even 3 buses to get to some sights, and traffic is mayhem.
There are no trains or subway in Rosario – in case you were wondering!
Best time of the year to visit Rosario Argentina
Rosario’s weather is temperate but extremely humid as its influenced by the river. It never gets too cold but it does get too hot. If you suffer the heat, avoid visiting over January and February as you’ll feel sort of stuck inside a steam room. Nevertheless, Rosario is a year-round destination because of its balance between outdoor and indoor cultural activities, and again, thanks to its gentle winters.
September and October are the best months for city adventures, and the summer months are perfect for heading to the beach and going island hopping.
It’s common in Rosario to have really warm and sunny days with increased humidity anticipating a big storm – are you afraid of thunderstorms?
Things to know before going to Rosario, Argentina
This is a beautiful city filled with great people. Rosarinos are kind, a bit more chilled than Porteños, and a lot of fun! Yet, there are a few things you need to consider when planning your trip…
- Some streets have no traffic lights, and drivers truly don’t like to stop before they turn. You need to be uber-careful when crossing the streets – for real.
- Sadly, Rosario has some shady areas. Within a span of 2 or 3 blocks, you’d find residential areas with cute houses and tree-lined streets, and then, as you turn, you’d see gangs playing badass. Keep your eyes open and use your trip-savviness. Ask your hosts if there are streets you should avoid because they are unsafe, or become pitch-black during nighttime.
- The same goes for using ATMs and keeping your valuables safe. Don’t flash your phone or camera in crowded areas!
Final Remarks
There’s still more to see and do! If time allows, go to a milonga, visit the Teatro del Círculo – the Circle Theatre -, stop by Parque España on your riverside walk, and go say hi to my aunties!
If somehow you become an Argentinian cultural erudite, trace the steps of many other personalities born in Rosario, or go to a football match! Celebs like Lionel Messi, Alberto Olmedo – the most beloved humorist in the country, who died in 1988 -, Fito Páez – musician -, and Alberto Fontanarrosa – writer – are figures engrained in the hearts of Argentinians.
No matter what you do, where you go, or for how long you stay, make sure to enjoy Rosario with an open traveling-heart, you’ll see how much this city gives you back. Happy travels!
Further Readings
Planning a trip to Argentina? Check out my other posts:
- A Guide To The Greatest Things To Do In Argentina
- A Great Argentina Itinerary
- 25 Unmissable Things To Do In Buenos Aires
- A Complete Guide To Where To Stay In Buenos Aires
- A Complete Guide To Puerto Madryn, Argentina
- 30 Things You Should Consider Before Traveling To Patagonia
- Hiking In Patagonia: 15 Incredible Trails
- Hiking Gear And More: The Perfect Patagonia Packing List
- A Complete Guide To El Calafate Argentina
- A Complete Guide To Perito Moreno Glacier
- A Complete Guide To Hiking To Laguna Torre
- A Guide To Hiking Around Fitz Roy, In El Chalten
- Everything You Need To Know About Ushuaia Patagonia
- A Complete Guide To Hiking Laguna Esmeralda
- A Complete Guide To Salta Argentina
- 10 Fantastic Day Trips From Buenos Aires
- 25 Delicious Argentina Food To Try
- 15 Amazing National Parks In Argentina
- 17 Must Watch Argentine Movies
Martina Grossi is travel blogger and copywriter based in Christchurch, New Zealand. Originally from Argentina, 7 years ago she packed a suitcase and headed on her first big trip to Europe. After a year of backpacking and living in Denmark she moved to New Zealand, fell in love with the country, and became a keen cook, yogi, and travel blogger. You can always find her planning her own – and everyone else’s – adventures, hiking, and drinking mate. You can follow her on her blog The Global Curious and on Pinterest here.
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