15 Things To Do In Santa Fe, Argentina

things to do in santa fe argentina
Emilia
Emilia 
Updated
| 4 min read

The city in where Argentina’s first constitution was ratified in 1853 houses many colonial buildings and interesting museums that hold the elements to reconstruct the history of the region. Santa Fe keeps its identity linked to its historic sites, and invites travelers from all walks of life to admire its quaint waterfront walkways and its charming city. With a fantastic gastronomic scene and offering great accommodations, Santa Fe welcomes those who are eager to embrace its culture and keen on exploring its alluring charisma. Here’s a list of the best things to do in Santa Fe, Argentina. Keep reading to learn more.

1. Basílica de Guadalupe

Basilica Guadalupe
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Dambort used under CC BY 2.5

Basílica de Guadalupe, where Mary showed herself to Saint Juan Diego, has been deemed an important pilgrimage site of devoted Catholics. This 1974 Catholic church houses the cloak with the rare image of the Lady of Guadalupe. Millions of people visit this historic church, which is large enough to accommodate up to 10,000 people in one sitting. Thankfully, its circular floor allows churchgoers to view the image of the Virgin Mary at any point. Over time, what was once a small chapel on a hill has evolved into a complex with several chapels, about 20 in total, including those in the crypts. That said, you’ll have plenty of places to explore here.

Basílica de Guadalupe

Address: Javier de la Rosa 623, S3004 AZK, Santa Fe, Argentina

Opening hours: Tue - Sun: 10am - 6pm (closed on Sun)

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2. Estadio Brigadier General Estanislao López

Estadio Brigadier General Estanislao López
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user JoColón24 used under CC BY-SA 4.0

Watch an exciting football match in the local stadium of Estadio Brigadier General Estanislao López, home to the crowd-favorite Club Atlético Colón. Football is Argentina’s most popular sport, and there’s no better way to experience the thrill of this action-packed sports event than by watching it live. The cheer of the 40,000-strong crowd will warm your heart, invigorate your senses, and even inspire you to get active. Grab some fish and chips from nearby shops before hitting the stadium. You’ll need your energy for the cheering.

Estadio Brigadier General Estanislao López

Address: Av. Juan José Paso 3535, S3000 DXT, Santa Fe, Argentina

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3. El Molino Cultural Factory

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

This fascinating cultural space is a popular attraction in Santa Fe. El Molino Cultural Factory houses unique cultural pieces, recreational games, indoor installations, and thematic floors! Even locals frequently visit the place, especially because of its didactic model for learning, i.e. education interspersed with entertainment. Imagine exploring three floors showcasing paper, wood, and cloth - such a smart way to spark imagination and educate people about art, culture, and science. When you step into El Molino Cultural Factory, expect to leave with a heightened sense of creativity.

El Molino Cultural Factory

Address: Blvd. Gálvez 2350, S3000 ABO, Santa Fe, Argentina

Opening hours: Wed - Thu: 9am - 4pm; Fri - Sun: 3pm - 8pm (closed on Mon & Tue)

Price: Free

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4. Ing. Lorenzo Parodi Botanical Garden

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Santa Fe offers green spaces for families to convene on a random weekend. Among those is the lovely Ing. Lorenzo Parodi Botanical Garden in Jose Gorriti Avenue. Filled with different plants and trees, this botanical garden turns your typical Sunday picnic into a peaceful and refreshing activity. Flat areas are suitable for playing ball games, great for getting your kids active in the sun. The place is huge, so you can consider walking around the botanical gardens as you and your family learn about the different plant species.

Ing. Lorenzo Parodi Botanical Garden

Address: Av. José Gorriti 3902-4000, Santa Fe, Argentina

Opening hours: 12am - 12pm (daily)

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5. Chopería Santa Fe

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Posted by Chopería Santa Fe on Wednesday, June 14, 2017

Are you thinking about where to grab sumptuous snacks at midnight? Head on to this popular pizza place - Choperia Santa Fe - that also serves a selection of meals. If you’re craving chicken or beef to pair with your beer and chips, then you can either dine in or, if pressed for time, order a takeaway. Those on a healthy diet can go for salads and soups. One of these days, bring your friends over to this neat place and try their famous smoothies.

Chopería Santa Fe

Address: San Jerónimo 3498, S3000 Santa Fe, Argentina

Opening hours: 8am - 2am (daily)

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6. Confitería La Guardia Vieja

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Confitería La Guardia Vieja is one of Santa Fe’s go-to places for pastries. At present, they only cater to takeaway orders. But trust that their yummy variety of pastries won’t disappoint. Locals needing a quick fix for their sweet tooth come here for a bite of their best-tasting cakes. This patisserie also receives praise for their delicious sandwiches and bread, thanks to the exceptional quality of their dough. So, before starting your day, drop by and grab your favorite croissant, best paired with hot coffee, at Confitería La Guardia Vieja.

Confitería La Guardia Vieja

Address: Amenábar 3801, San José 1397, S3000 Santa Fe, Argentina

Opening hours: Tue - Sat: 7:30am - 7:30pm; Sun: 7:30am - 1pm

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7. Reserva Ecológica Ciudad Universitaria (UNL's Eco Reserve)

Reserva Ciudad Universitaria de Bs. As. (2)
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user CHUCAO used under CC BY-SA 3.0

Under the orbit of the Litoral University, the Reserva Ecológica Ciudad Universitaria (UNL’s Eco Reserve) is the perfect space for a day out. It was created in 1998 and houses local flora and fauna, like water birds, fish and some mammals and reptiles. Besides the scientific research and teaching activities conducted by the University, this 12 hectares area welcomes people who enjoy nature and like to go to the reserve for walks o a picnic. The opening hours for the public are from Wenesday to Sunday from 9:30 to 17:30. It’s a good idea to pack bug repellent if you want to go, and add sun screen, lots of water and other elements to prevent the heat if you plan to go in the summer months.

Reserva Ecológica Ciudad Universitaria

Address: Costanera Este, Santa Fe, Argentina

Website: Reserva Ecológica Ciudad Universitaria

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8. Puente Colgante de Santa Fe (Suspended Bridge of Santa Fe)

Puente colgante Santa Fe 1 atardecer
Source: Photo by user TitiNicola used under CC BY-SA 4.0

The indisputable landmark of the city is the suspended bridge of Santa Fe, the Puente Colgante de Santa Fe. It’s main purpose is to allow locals to from the West to reach the East shore of the Setúbal Lagoon, this bridge is especially useful for the many students that attend the Litoral University Campus. However, it is also a place where events and different celebrations take place. After three failed attempts to have a bridge built in the space, one that includes a massive flood that still remains in the memory of the locals, this majestic engineering wonder stands proudly at 300 meters long, weighing in at 3000 tons. It can be crossed on foot and has a lane dedicated for cyclists as well.

Puente Colgante de Santa Fe (Suspended Bridge of Santa Fe)

Address: Puente Colgante Ing. Marcial Candioti, Santa Fe, Argentina

Website: Puente Colgante de Santa Fe (Spanish)

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9. Museo Provincial de Ciencias Naturales Florentino Ameghino (Provincial Museum of Natural Sciences Florentino Ameghino)

Calco de cráneo de Phorusrhacos longissimus que lleva el número C 37. Se trata de un ave prehistórica que habitó la Patagonia, y el original procede de Santa Cruz.

Posted by Museo Ameghino on Sunday, 26 June 2016

With over 100 years of history, the Museo Provincial de Ciencias Naturales Florentino Ameghino houses an interesting collection of items, like minerals and rocks or animal fossils. Steeped in history, this museum once belonged to the Jesuits - the Society of Jesus.

In addition to the scientist and researchers that approach the museum for academic reasons, the Florentino Ameghino also welcomes a large amount of visitors to enjoy the fascinating exhibits. Admission is free.

Museo Provincial de Ciencias Naturales Florentino Ameghino (Provincial Museum of Natural Sciences Florentino Ameghino)

Address: Primera Junta 2859, Santa Fe, Argentina

Website: Museo Provincial de Ciencias Naturales Florentino Ameghino (Spanish)

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10. Museo del Convento de San Francisco (San Francisco Convent Museum)

Templo y Convento de San Francisco
Source: Photo by user Luchiwilde used under CC BY-SA 3.0

The San Francisco convent was built in 1680 and is one of the most beautiful and historically charming venues in the city. There is a museum open for visitors, but the main attraction is the church, which features religious art and a lovely wooden ceiling. The gardens that surround the building are worth a visit as well. It is a wonderful opportunity to see a fantastic example of colonial architecture.

Museo del Convento de San Francisco (San Francisco Convent Museum)

Address: San Martín and Amenabar, Santa Fe, Argentina

Website: Museo del Convento de San Francisco (Spanish)

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11. Museo Ferroviario Regionale de Santa Fe (Regional Santa Fe Railway Museum)

Posted by Museo Ferroviario Regional de Santa Fe on Tuesday, 1 July 2014

Are you ready to travel back in time? The Museo Ferroviario Regionale de Santa Fe is a private institution that tells the story of the railway in Argentina. It is located in a historic house called “Casa Hüme”, which has a tunnel connecting to the old train station. Visitors can go though the nine exhibit rooms that feature old photographs and maps, model train and items from the last century. The museum is in business thanks to the efforts of old train workers that saved many items from destruction. The museum is open on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays.

Museo Ferroviario Regional (Regional Railway Museum)

Address:San Luis 2900, Santa Fe, Argentina

Website: Museo Ferroviario Regional

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12. Cervecería Santa Fe (Santa Fe Brewery)

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

The city of Santa Fe takes great pride in one of its oldest traditions: brewing good beer. Thanks to the German and Swiss immigrants that came to a region with a hotter climate and good water, the industry flourished. Cervecería Santa Fe has over 100 years of experience in producing beer. You can book a visit the original house and join a tour to learn more about the history of this industry in the area. Take your visit up a notch and enjoy a cold one on a hot day.

Cervecería Santa Fe (Santa Fe Brewery)

Address: Calchines 1401, Santa Fe, Argentina

Website: Cervecería Santa Fe (Spanish)

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13. Museo Etnográfico y Colonial Juan de Garay (Ethnographic and Colonial Museum Juan de Garay)

Posted by Museo Etnográfico y Colonial "Juan de Garay" on Wednesday, 28 June 2017

The ancient story of the people in this region is recounted at the Museo Etnográfico y Colonial Juan de Garay. Here, you can learn all about the first settlers of the area, the first encounters of the Spanish explorers with the Aborigines and the colonial life. The museum was constructed in the 1950s and designed in a colonial style. It features different exhibits that can be viewed in a chronological order. Besides the many interesting items, visitors can also see the ceramics used by the Aborigines and a scale model of both original Santa Fe settlements.

Museo Etnográfico y Colonial Juan de Garay (Ethnographic and Colonial Museum Juan de Garay)

Address: 25 de mayo 1470, Santa Fe, Argentina

Website: Museo Etnográfico y Colonial Juan de Garay (Spanish)

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14. Parque Juan de Garay (Juan de Garay Park)

La señal, ubicada en el cantero central del Parque, representa a los ríos Salado y Paraná, donde se puede ver la altura que alcanzaron en las inundaciones que sufrió nuestra ciudad.

Posted by Gobierno de la Ciudad de Santa Fe on Thursday, 23 May 2013

Named after the founder of the city, the Juan de Garay Park is the principal green area of Santa Fe, comprising of 30 hectares. It features camping areas, fountains, playgrounds, and lakes with beautiful bridges and docks. Its design was inspired in the gardens and parks of the late XIX century and serves as a fantastic place to walk and take in the fresh air.

Parque Juan de Garay (Juan de Garay Park)

Address: Paraguay and Salvador Caputto, Santa Fe, Argentina

Website: Parque Juan de Garay (Spanish)

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15. Parque Arqueológico Santa Fe La Vieja (Santa Fe La Vieja Archaeological Park)

Posted by Museo Etnográfico y Colonial "Juan de Garay" on Friday, 14 November 2014

Located 80 kilometers away from the city of Santa Fe, the Parque Arqueológico Santa Fe La Vieja is an archaeological site in which the remains of the first settlers of the city, who occupied the region in 1573, can be seen. It has two main areas with filled with ruins and a fabulous museum that houses restored pieces. The Parque Arqueológico Santa Fe La Vieja is the only one of its kind that holds the remains of its inhabitants.

Parque Arqueológico Santa Fe La Vieja (Santa Fe La Vieja Archaeological Park)

Address: Ruta Provincial Nº 1. Km 78, Cayastá, Santa Fe, Argentina

Website: Parque Arqueológico Santa Fe La Vieja (Spanish)

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A city filled with historical splendors

Discover the soul of this wonderful city as you explore its many offerings. Bask in the subtropical climate of Santa Fe, as you chug down a cold beer whilst uncovering many of its museums, parks, and sites.

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Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
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When she is not backpacking round the globe, Emilia Lugo works as a Digital Content Specialist in Buenos Aires, Argentina. She considers herself a museum geek and loves destinations that can take...Read more

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