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:

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.