Rosario

The city of Rosario is located about 300 kilometers (186 mi) northwest of Buenos Aires and despite being the second largest city in Argentina, it provides a breath of fresh air. Sprawling along the riverbank of the Rio Paraná, Rosario is often blessed with a cool breeze that cuts the heat and it also has plenty of accessible waterfront and river beaches. A distinctively more laid back attitude characterizes the lifestyle of the locals and the siesta is definitely in full effect.

With plenty of historical significance, Rosario is full of museums and monuments. Birthplace of international rebel and icon Ernesto "Che" Guevara (check out the house where he was born on the corner of Entre Ríos and Urquiza) and also of the Argentine flag, the city has had lots to offer the pages of history. It was never really founded. It just sprung out of the landscape, created by Spaniards, Italians, Jews, Syrio-Lebanese and other immigrants who arrived by boat for a new life. By the end of the 19th Century, it was a major port for the exportation of beef and other agricultural products. Today it exists as a well-meshed synthesis of old and new, with historical landmarks such as the colonial Catedral Nuestra Señora del Rosario (Laprida and Cordoba) butting up against modern architecture and an expanding skyline along the downtown riverfront.

The heart of Rosario is crossed by two major foot malls perfect for a stroll. Calle Cordoba is the main drag and packed with shopping and restaurants. The pedestrian part of the street runs for six blocks before being intersected with Calle San Martín which runs perpendicular for five blocks of window shopping bliss. The Cordoba walkway pours people directly into leafy Plaza 25 de Mayo where you can sit in the shade, people watch and enjoy free WiFi internet access, compliments of the Rosario city council.

Directly below Plaza 25 de Mayo is the "jewel" of Rosario, the Monumento Nacional a la Bandera, which is an impressive feat of architecture and an amazing plaza. If you don't have a fear of heights you can take a ride to the top of the Monument and catch a breathtaking panoramic view of Rosario and the river delta.

Although Rosario lies far inland, that doesn't keep its inhabitants from enjoying some good beach life. The most famous spot to wriggle your toes in the sand is definitely Playa Florida which on a sunny day draws crowds big enough to rival a fútbol match. The Florida area is also packed with bars, discos and restaurants. After a day lounging and swimming in the river, stick around for a bite to eat in the evening and take your pick later on from reggae clubs, electronic music, wannabe surf bars or hole-in-the-wall liquor stores which will sell you a no-nonsense beverage for a no-nonsense price.

If you want to escape the crowds the river has a labyrinth of islands which are accessible by boat from near Playa Florida. The islands have no crowds, great sand, the occasional riverfront bungalow or bar and plenty of camping.

On the weekends the waterfront downtown comes alive with local arts and crafts fairs. Take a stroll and check out the hand made "mind puzzles" which the owners of the shops can conquer in seconds but the casual stroller may never be able to solve without inside knowledge.

(Altitude: 1,350,000, Population: 22.5 m / 74 ft, Phone Code: 0341)