See the World by LLM - Daily City Discoveries

A Playful Welcome

Welcome to Santa Fe—where the river flows, the empanadas don’t, and everyone pretends they didn’t just see a llama wearing sunglasses on the main square. (Spoiler: It was just a very enthusiastic street performer with a very convincing hat.) This isn’t the flashy capital you’ve heard about. No, Santa Fe is the quiet cousin who shows up to family reunions wearing a poncho, knows all the gossip, and makes the best dulce de leche flan you’ll ever regret not ordering three of. Pack your walking shoes, your appetite, and a sense of humor—you’re about to fall in love with Argentina’s most underrated gem.

3 Fun Facts About Santa Fe (That Will Make You Sound Smart at Parties)

It’s the birthplace of Argentina’s national anthem—yes, the one you hum when you’re trying to remember the lyrics to “Bohemian Rhapsody.” Composed in 1813 by Blas Parera, it was first performed in the city’s historic Plaza 25 de Mayo. Pro tip: Don’t try to sing it loudly in public. You’ll be politely shushed by a very serious-looking abuela with a cane.
Santa Fe has a river named “Paraná” that’s so wide, you can’t see the other side. Locals joke that if you wave from one bank, the other side just waves back… after a 10-minute delay because the wind is “thinking about it.” It’s the Amazon’s chill cousin—no piranhas, just paddleboats and very confused tourists.
The city’s nickname is “La Ciudad de los Sapos” (The City of Toads). Not because it’s overrun with amphibians (though, honestly, they’re everywhere near the river), but because early settlers thought the local landscape looked like a bunch of sleepy toads lounging in the sun. Modern Santa Feans wear it as a badge of honor. You’ll see toad-shaped keychains, toad-themed cafes, and one very confused man selling “I ❤️ Sapos” t-shirts in the market.

Local Food You Must Try (Before You Die… or at least before your flight)

Sopa de Mondongo: A hearty tripe stew that sounds like a horror movie but tastes like your abuela’s hug in liquid form. Order it with a side of crusty bread and zero expectations. You’ll be converted by the third spoonful.
Empanadas de Humita: These aren’t your average meat pies. Filled with sweet corn, cheese, and a whisper of chili, they’re like a summer breeze in pastry form. Eat them while standing up. It’s tradition. And also, you’ll burn your fingers. Worth it.
Dulce de Leche Ice Cream with Alfajor: Yes, it’s a double dessert. Yes, you’re already full. Yes, you will order it anyway. The alfajor (a cookie sandwich filled with caramel) here is so good, it has its own fan club. Bring a friend. Share. Or don’t. We won’t judge. (We’ll just take your leftovers.)

One-Day Itinerary: 24 Hours in Santa Fe (Because You Only Have Time for This)

8:00 AM – Breakfast at Café del Río
Start your day with tostadas con dulce de leche and a cortado so strong it’ll make your soul do yoga. Watch the river wake up. Wave at the ducks. Ignore the guy trying to sell you “authentic” toad figurines. (They’re plastic. I checked.)

10:00 AM – Plaza 25 de Mayo & Cathedral
Stroll the colonial square, snap a photo with the statue of General Belgrano (he’s holding a flag like he just won a very serious game of charades), then peek inside the cathedral. Bonus: If you’re lucky, you’ll hear the bells chime. If you’re unlucky, you’ll get a lecture from a nun about “respecting the sacred silence.” Don’t be unlucky.

12:30 PM – Lunch at El Rincón del Sapo
Yes, it’s literally named after the toad. Yes, it’s adorable. Order the empanadas, the sopa, and the dulce de leche flan. Ask for the “secret” sauce. They’ll laugh, then give you a tiny jar. It’s just chimichurri. But now you’re in the club.

3:00 PM – Paseo de la Ribera
Walk along the Paraná River. Rent a bike. Take a boat tour. Or just sit on a bench and pretend you’re in a Netflix rom-com. The sunsets here are so pretty, Instagram will think you’re in Tuscany. Tell them it’s Argentina. They won’t believe you.

6:30 PM – Sunset at Mirador del Río
Find the little lookout point. Bring wine. Bring cheese. Bring a blanket. Watch the sky turn orange like a giant dulce de leche pancake. Take a deep breath. You’ve made it.

8:30 PM – Dinner at La Bodeguita del Medio (No, not that one)
This is the other Bodeguita. The real one. Order the asado (Argentine BBQ) and ask for “la carne bien hecha” (well-done). They’ll gasp. Then they’ll bring you the juiciest, most flavorful steak you’ve ever tasted. You’re welcome.

10:00 PM – Nightcap at Bar El Loco
A tiny bar with no sign, no menu, and a bartender who remembers your name even if you just met. Order a fernet con coca. It tastes like cough syrup and rebellion. You’ll love it. Or you’ll cry. Either way, you’ve experienced Santa Fe.

Expectation vs. Reality (A Humorous Comparison)

Expectation	Reality
“It’s like Buenos Aires, but smaller!”	It’s like Buenos Aires… if Buenos Aires took a 3-week yoga retreat, learned to knit, and started drinking herbal tea.
“I’ll find a quiet, sleepy town.”	You’ll find a town where the local radio station plays cumbia at 7 AM, and the bus driver yells “¡Santa Fe! ¡Santa Fe!” like he’s announcing a championship win.
“I’ll see lots of colonial architecture.”	You will! And also a giant toad statue holding a hot dog. (It’s a monument to the city’s culinary innovation. Don’t ask.)
“I’ll eat one empanada.”	You will eat five. And then you’ll buy a bag of them to take on the plane. Security will ask what’s in the bag. You’ll say, “Empanadas.” They’ll nod solemnly and let you through.

The Local’s Cheat Sheet

Transport: Buses are cheap and reliable. Taxis? Ask your hotel to call one. Don’t flag them down—some drivers think you’re a tourist and will drive you to the river… then to the toad museum… then to their cousin’s empanada stall. It’s a scenic detour. You’ll thank them later.
Etiquette: Say “por favor” and “gracias” like your life depends on it. Argentines love politeness more than they love fernet. Also, never ask “Where’s the nearest Starbucks?” They will stare at you like you just suggested replacing their national anthem with the theme from “The Office.”
Hidden Gems:
- Museo Provincial de Bellas Artes: Tiny, quiet, and full of stunning Argentine art. The staff will offer you tea.
- Mercado Municipal: Buy a jar of “Sapo Sauce” (a spicy chimichurri blend) and pretend you invented it.
- Calle San Martín at dusk: The street lights turn on, the music starts, and suddenly you’re in a tango movie. No one tells you to dance… but everyone hopes you will.

An Encouraging Conclusion

Santa Fe doesn’t scream for your attention. It whispers. And if you listen closely, you’ll hear the river humming, the empanadas sizzling, and a toad quietly cheering you on. It’s not the biggest city. It’s not the flashiest. But it’s the kind of place that sneaks into your heart like a well-seasoned empanada—unexpected, delicious, and impossible to forget. So go. Wander. Eat too much. Laugh at the toads. And when you leave, whisper “Gracias, Santa Fe”… then immediately start planning your return. Because this city doesn’t just welcome you. It adopts you. And yes, it will send you home with extra sauce.