As the capital city of Paraguay, Asunción is a treasure trove of history, culture, and natural beauty, waiting to be explored by intrepid travelers. This article will guide you through the must-see attractions, hidden gems, and practical tips to make your trip to Asunción an unforgettable experience.
Things to See: Attractions and Monuments
1. National Pantheon of Heroes
Photo by Anonymous. The National Pantheon of Heroes is a stunning monument dedicated to national heroes, whose remains are still inside the building. Commissioned in 1864 but completed only in 1936 due to the Triple Alliance War, this neoclassical structure follows the French style, except for the absence of gold dome.
How to get there: Located in the center of the city, accessible on foot from the main attractions of Asunción – Get directions
Hours from Monday to Saturday from 06:00 to 16:00, Sunday from 06:00 to 10:00
Free admission
2. Palace of López
Photo by Flickr user “Marco Bogarín”. The Palace of López is the seat of the Paraguayan government and also the residence of the President. Commissioned by Carlos Antonio López in the mid-19th century, this palace features rich decorations inside, created by artists from Italy, France, and Britain.
How to get there: Located 700 meters away from the Pantheon, reachable on foot – Get directions
Hours The palace is only accessible by appointment, with groups of up to 15 people
3. Barro Museum
Photo not available. The Barro Museum was founded in 1979 as a private institution to host a large collection of local ceramics. Over time it has become increasingly important and today it has become a museum of indigenous art and contemporary art from Paraguay.
How to get there: Located in a peripheral area of the city, reachable by buses 28, 30, and 44 – Get directions
Hours The museum is open on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday in two time slots, from 09:00 to 12:00 and from 15:30 to 20:00
4. House of Independence
Photo by Roblespepe. At first glance, the Casa de la Independencia appears as a modest house, but it is actually a rural home dating back to 1772, which was a key point in the history of Paraguay.
How to get there: Located about 450 meters away from Palacio de los López, in the center of the city – Get directions
Hours From Monday to Friday from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm, Saturday hours reduced from 8:00 am to 1:00 pm
5. Cathedral of Our Lady of Assumption
Photo by FF MM. The cathedral of Nuestra Señora de la Asunción is the main place of worship in the city and gives its name to the neighborhood of La Catedral.
How to get there: The cathedral is easily accessible within five minutes of walking from the Panteón Nacional de los Héroes, which is about 400 meters away – Get directions
Hours From Monday to Friday from 8:00 am to 1:00 pm and from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm
6. Cabildo
Photo by Leandro Neumann Ciuffo. The Cabildo is a cultural center that operates in the old building of the city council, which retains its name.
How to get there: Reachable on foot from the cathedral, which is about 500 meters away – Get directions
Hours From Tuesday to Friday 09:00-19:00, Saturday and Sunday hours reduced from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm
7. Grattacielo Icono
Photo not available. The Icono skyscraper is the seventh tallest building in South America and the highest of all Paraguay, with its 37 floors and 136 meters of height.
How to get there: Located in an area poorly served by public transportation, about 1.8 km from the cathedral – Get directions
Hours There is no specific time for visiting, but it’s recommended not to ask before 10:00 am and after sunset
8. Cerro Lambaré
Photo by Iwan. Cerro Lambaré is an altitude of 139 meters above sea level located on the banks of the Paraguay River within the urban area of Asunción.
How to get there: Located about 10 km from the city center and not served by public transportation; it is recommended to arrive by car – Get directions
Hours Always visitable
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9. Escalinata José de Antequera y Castro
Photo by Iamlatin. The staircase Antequera was built in 1928 to connect two parallel streets separated by a slope, since one of the streets is located on top of a hill in Asunción.
How to get there: Located about 1.5 km from the Cathedral, easily accessible on foot – Get directions
Hours Always accessible
10. Manzana de la Rivera
Photo not available. In the Manzana de la Rivera neighborhood is located the Cultural Center of the city, a space for cultural and recreational meetings.
How to get there: Located in the center, about 400 meters from Casa de la Independencia – Get directions
Hours From Monday to Friday from 7:00 am to 10:00 pm, Saturday and Sunday hours extended until midnight
Organizing Your Stay in Asunción
Asunción has a subtropical climate, with high temperatures throughout the year. The best time to visit is from June to September, Paraguay’s winter months, when temperatures are not too hot and rainfall is reduced.
Asunción is not yet fully equipped for mass tourism, so make sure to organize your trip in detail and bring your passport always, as there are frequent police checks.
Flights
Flights low-cost starting from €629.00 – Check offers
Accommodation
Hotel and B&Bs starting at €21.00 per room – Check offers
Travel Insurance
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Tips and Tricks
- Learn some Spanish: While many locals speak some English, it’s still a good idea to learn basic Spanish phrases to communicate with the locals.
- Try local cuisine: The local cuisine in Asunción features traditional Paraguayan dishes such as asado, sopa paraguaya, and humita.
- Explore the city on foot: Asunción is a compact city, and exploring it on foot is a great way to discover its hidden gems.
- Visit during off-season: If you can, try to visit Asunción during the off-season (October to May) when prices are lower and the weather is more pleasant.
Hidden Gems
- Museo de Arte Moderno: Located in a small building near the riverfront, this modern art museum features works by local artists.
- Calle 24 de Mayo: This charming street is lined with shops, cafes, and restaurants, making it a great place to explore on foot.
- Parque Independencia: This beautiful park is located in the heart of the city and offers stunning views of the Paraguay River.
Festivals and Events
Asunción hosts various festivals and events throughout the year. Be sure to check local listings for upcoming events during your visit.
- Feria de Asunción: This annual fair takes place in February and features traditional music, dance, and food from around Paraguay.
- Día del Niño: Celebrated on April 30th, this festival features parades, concerts, and activities for kids of all ages.
- Semana Santa: During Holy Week, the city is filled with processions and festivals, making it a great time to experience Asunción’s vibrant culture.
Practical Information
- Language: Spanish
- Currency: Paraguayan Guiana (PYG)
- Time zone: UTC-4
- Weather: Subtropical climate
By following the tips and recommendations in this article, you’ll be well-prepared for an unforgettable experience in Asunción. So pack your bags, grab your camera, and get ready to discover the hidden gem of Paraguay!
