Rosario

Argentina's third-largest city, birthplace of the national flag and hometown of Che Guevara and Messi, with a riverside promenade along the Paraná and islands in the river.

Rosario lies in the south of Santa Fe Province on the west bank of the Paraná River, about 300 km from Buenos Aires. With around 1.3 million people, it is Argentina's third-largest city and a major grain-export port. In 1812 General Manuel Belgrano raised the Argentine flag here for the first time, earning Rosario the title "Cradle of the Flag"; Che Guevara, Lionel Messi and Ángel Di María were all born here. The climate is humid subtropical: spring (Sep–Nov) and autumn (Mar–May) are the most pleasant; summer is hot and humid but is the season for the Paraná islands and river beaches; winter (Jun–Aug) is cool, and Flag Day on 20 June brings big celebrations. Key areas: the National Flag Memorial, the Cathedral and the Córdoba pedestrian street in the old centre; the riverside promenade with Parque de España, the MACRO museum and the river boat station; Parque de la Independencia in the south, with its art museum and football stadium; La Florida beach and the Rosario–Victoria Bridge in the north; and nightlife centred on the Pichincha district. Getting there: long-distance buses from Buenos Aires take about 4 hours, trains about 6–7 hours, and Rosario Airport has domestic flights. In the city, use the buses (a transport card is required) or the public bike-share. Plan on 2–3 days. Tips: avoid walking alone along isolated stretches of the riverbank at night, and take care of your safety at football matches.

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