Rosario's waterfront has been transformed over the past two decades from an industrial backwater into one of the most pleasant riverside promenades in Argentina. The Costanera stretches for several kilometres along the Paraná, lined with parks, restaurants, beach bars, and spots where locals gather to drink mate and watch the river traffic.
In summer, a string of sandy river beaches (balnearios) fill up with Rosario residents — the Paraná here is wide, warm, and clean enough to swim in. The Parque de España, built into the riverbank with dramatic brick archways, is a favourite evening spot. Further along, the Ciudad Universitaria and the entertainment complex of the old rail yards (Puerto Norte) add life to the northern end of the waterfront. This is the area of the city that has changed most dramatically in recent years and continues to evolve.