19 Best Things to do in Asuncion, Paraguay

The best things to do in Asuncion, Paraguay, include checking out the President’s workplace Palacio de los Lopez, exploring the Pantheon of Heroes, which is a mausoleum housing Paraguay’s most important historical figures, and going to an all-you-can-eat steakhouse that costs little more than £10 (US$12).

I’m writing this from Asuncion where I’m currently based with my Paraguayan girlfriend. I’ve done all of the activities below and can vouch for them as worthwhile things to do. As a bonus, I’ve added three fun day trips at the end.

Paraguay is a country which doesn’t have the bucket list attractions that Peru (Machu Picchu), Bolivia (Uyuni salt flats) or Argentina (Iguazu Falls) have for example. However there are still a few fun and interesting things to see and do in this underrated South American country. And that includes many in the capital city.

Asuncion may not have the activities of a London or New York. But it’s still a fun city to spend some time in. It should be an essential part of your Paraguayan itinerary.

1 Check out Where the President Works at Palacio de los Lopez

Cost: Free
Opening hours: N/A
Address: P9C7+W2C, Asunción 001012, Paraguay

The president’s workplace is the most iconic building in Asuncion. It is to the Paraguayan capital what the Eiffel Tower is to Paris or the Colosseum is to Rome.

It’s easy to get relatively close to the building, and take some pictures. I even saw the president heading to work during my first visit to Asuncion in 2022.

On that occasion he was flanked by heavily armed guards who temporarily restricted road access to let him come through.

You may not see the president unless you’re lucky. But his palace is impressive enough.

Spend some time taking photos, including around the back where you will see a large sign that says “Asuncion”.

This is where you can take the money shot, and snap the most iconic picture of the Paraguayan capital.

The presidential palace is a great place to spend up to half an hour walking around.

2 Visit the National Pantheon of Heroes, Where Paraguay’s Most Famous Figures are Buried

Cost: Free
Opening hours: Tuesday-Sunday: 7am-5pm, closed Mondays
Address: Asunción 001101, Paraguay

This is probably the most unique cultural attraction in Asuncion. After all, how many other cities do you know where you can just walk in and be surrounded by the bodies of past leaders?

That’s exactly what the Panteón Nacional de los Heroes is all about, as it is called locally.

This impressive structure is guarded by bayonet-wielding soldiers. Who by the way, don’t prioritise health and safety. I was half a foot from losing my head due to the carelessness of one guard who, whilst inside the pantheon, swung her weapon over her shoulder and narrowly missed me.

Inside the building you will see some of the best architecture in Paraguay. But that’s not the main reason for coming in.

In the centre is a pit which contains several coffins, and they house the remains of prominent Paraguayans of years gone by.

These include Carlos Antonio Lopez (Paraguay’s first constitutional president), Mariscal Francisco Solano Lopez (Paraguay’s second constitutional president, and leader in the Triple Alliance War), Jose Felix Estigaribia (commander during the Chaco War and later president), Bernardino Caballero (Triple Alliance War hero who also founded Paraguay’s dominant political party, the Colorado Party) and several more.

You will also see many tributes left by visiting diplomats here. The pantheon is an important landmark for Paraguay. And perhaps the country’s second-most important tourist site after the Jesuit missions in southern Paraguay.

3 See What’s Going on in the Plazas Surrounding the Pantheon

Cost: Free
Opening hours: 24/7
Address: P997+2XH, Estrella, Asunción 001101, Paraguay

The National Pantheon of Heroes is located in a small park, divided into 4 separate “plazas”: Plaza de los Heroes, Plaza Juan E. O’Leary, Plaza de la Libertad and Plaza de la Democracia Paraguay. And there’s a lot going on here which makes it a place checking out in its own right.

The plazas often have musicians playing to the passing crowds, whilst small markets are scattered around.

Many of them sell local crafts for cheap prices, including Paraguay-branded gourds to drink your yerba mate from. If you do that, then congratulations, you are almost officially Paraguayan!

There are many other little trinkets you can also get your hands on. Just make sure your Spanish is pretty good, or you shop with a local. Otherwise you might become yet another victim of “Gringo pricing”, which is where the foreigner mysteriously has to pay several times more than the official price.

Something which us experienced travellers have experienced on many occasions unfortunately…

Aside from crafts, there are many food stalls here, selling local dishes including delicious asado.

If you fancy something a little more upmarket, there’s a restaurant on the edge of the park called El Bodegon which sells excellent milanesas and beers, albeit for tourist prices which make it an expensive place by Paraguayan standards (although still cheap by western standards).

If you’re lucky enough to be in Paraguay for a national holiday, the plaza is full of activities and parties, which makes it a great place to have some fun.

On the downside, it is not Paraguay’s safest place after dark. During an event it will be fine to visit, but on a normal day you should avoid the plaza after sunset.

4 Go to see Asuncion Cathedral

Cost: Free
Opening hours: Varying. It is best to go for mass which takes place daily at 11am and on weekends at 7pm to maximise your chances of getting in.
Address: P999+925, Asunción 001101, Paraguay

The Catedral Metropolitana Nuestra Señora de la Asuncion is the most notable religious building in Paraguay’s capital.

Luckily for you, it is commonly known as “Asuncion Cathedral”, so you don’t need to remember this lengthy name.

Paraguay is around 90% Catholic, and they take religion very seriously here. So this is a good place to observe something that’s meaningful to locals.

Sure, many Paraguayan Catholics are that in name only. A good number of them don’t actively practice religion.

However this is still an interesting place to see.

Please note that it is located close to the dangerous Chacarita area. The cathedral is safe to visit, but don’t continue towards the slums you will see on your right if you walk closer to the Paraguay River.

5 Eat Cheap and Delicious Steak at an All-You-Can-Eat Steakhouse

Cost: From 89,000-170,000 guaranies (£10-18/US$12-22) for food only, extra for drinks
Opening hours: Varying depending on where you go, but generally around 11:30am-3pm for lunch and 7pm-12am for dinner
Address: Varying – read my post on Asuncion’s best steakhouses for more information

These Brazilian-style steakhouses offer the ability to (quite literally) eat all you can for a set price. They have appetizers and a large buffet where you can choose from a wide range of foods. But that’s not even the best bit.

You are able to eat incredible steak which in many cases will be brought over to your table, and carved right in front of you. All sorts of cuts are available from vacio to picanha to cupim and so much more.

If you don’t know your South American steak cuts, I wrote about how to order steak in Argentina and there’s a lot more information in there.

And if you somehow have enough room for dessert, you generally have at least 15 options to choose from.

These steakhouses are incredible and one of my favourite things to do in Asuncion. Just make sure you have some quiet time afterwards, because you will certainly need a few hours to let the food go down…

6 Enjoy Rooftop Drinks at the Best Bar in Asuncion: Negroni Skybar

Cost: Free entry, soft drinks start from 10,000 guaranies (£1/US$1.25) and alcoholic drinks from 12,000 (£1.25/US$1.60)
Opening hours: Monday 12pm-12am, Tuesday-Thursday 12pm-1am, Friday 12pm-2am, Saturday and Sunday 4pm-2am
Address: 15 De Agosto 310, (esquina Estrella), Asunción del Paraguay

The best bar in Asuncion is Negroni Skybar which has great views overlooking the Paraguay River.

This place is fantastic as you can have a brilliant night out for the same price as a single drink in London or New York for example.

The most popular Paraguayan beer is Pilsen. Negroni sells 710ml bottles of Pilsen for just 15,000 guaranies. That’s just £1.50 or US$2.

It’s the atmosphere which makes this upmarket establishment special.

You can enjoy your time on the rooftop soaking up the views of the area. A great place to take your other half.

7 Experience Authentic Paraguayan Daily Life at Mercado 4

Cost: Free
Opening hours: Monday-Friday 7am-6pm, Saturday 7am-11:30am, Sunday 8am-12:30pm
Address: Asuncion 001223, Paraguay

One of my favourite ways to see how locals with in any city whilst travelling, is by visiting local markets.

Markets are the lifeblood of any city. They showcase what the normal everyday people get up to.

Locals will sell a wide range of goods, and Mercado 4 is no different.

This sprawling series of shacks and stalls sells all sorts of toys, fruits, meats and so much more. It even has a series of slot machines which locals use to entertain themselves.

Perhaps the most interesting stalls are those selling live animals. Chicks and chickens are common goods available for sale here.

Mercado 4 has a reputation for being shady however. It is a pickpocket’s paradise and locals warn against taking your phone out here. It certainly is a place that needs a little extra caution.

Use Uber or Bolt to come here. And walk away from the area until you can find a safe store to pop into when you want to book another taxi to leave.

Learn a thing or two about how to keep your valuables safe by reading my solo travel guide for safety. It doesn’t matter if you’re travelling alone or not, most of the same rules apply.

8 Shop to your Heart’s Content at Paseo la Galeria

Cost: N/A
Opening hours: Sunday-Thursday 10am-9pm, Friday-Saturday 10am-10pm
Address: Av. Sta. Teresa 1827, Asunción 001410, Paraguay

Paseo la Galeria is Asuncion’s number one shopping mall. If you want to look for goods you would find in a standard British or American mall, this is the place to come.

There are over 120 shops selling anything you need, topped off by an affordable food court on the 3rd floor.

The food court has a mixture of international brands such as Burger King, KFC and McDonalds, as well as more hearty Paraguayan cuisine. You can of course get cheap asado up here, and it’s good. Although not so good when compared to the high bar set by asado in other restaurants in the capital.

In fact my asado cost under £3 (US$4), which left me questioning how the likes of KFC and Burger King are still in business in Paraguay. After all, why go to these places when you can get amazing food served quickly for incredible prices?

Paseo la Galeria is also home to Superseis, my favourite Paraguayan supermarket as it sells anything you could possibly want. Again, for super cheap prices.

Downstairs you have some more upmarket restaurants, as well as a green area which reminded me slightly of the Beachwalk Shopping Center in Kuta, Bali.

You can even buy real estate here. But make sure you have around US$2 million in the bank as they only sell high-end properties here…

10 Watch a Paraguayan Football Game

Cost: Varying, but loosely around 50,000 guaranies (£5/US$7)
Opening hours: Varying. Check Primera Division fixture schedules for accurate information
Address: Varying, depending on which club you watch

Paraguayan football is incredibly cheap to watch, with a top flight game here costing a quarter of what you would pay for League 2 football back in the UK…

Asuncion almost has a monopoly on the top flight, with 10/12 teams in the Primera Division. Therefore you can easily find a game here, assuming you’re in Paraguay during the football season. You probably will be, as it runs from January until December, although it is split between the Apertura and the Clausura which often have a month-long break between them in June/July.

As with all South Americans, Paraguayans are very passionate about football. So even with small crowds, you can expect a lot of noise.

If you’re lucky, you may even spot some household names. Oscar Cardozo is still playing for Libertad at the age of 41 and Juan Iturbe who played for Porto, Roma and (very briefly) Bournemouth is at Cerro Porteño.

When I first watched Paraguayan football in 2022, I was shocked to see ex-Bayern Munich and Manchester City striker Roque Santa Cruz turning out for Libertad. In 2024 he’s still turning out for them.

11 Visit the Monument Dedicated to Dictator Alfredo Stroessner

Cost: N/A
Opening hours: 24/7
Address: Paraguayo Independiente y, Asunción 001012

Whilst Paraguay is one of the better South American countries now in terms of safety and living standards, that wasn’t always the case.

For large periods of the 1900s, they were ruled by a dictator called Alfredo Stroessner.

Some Paraguayans love Stroessner, as he took a hard line against crime and corruption, whilst creating opportunities for many to become wealthy.

Others hate Stroessner as many Paraguayans mysteriously disappeared under his rule, never to be seen again. He was responsible for the persecution and torture of many people who opposed his rule.

A statue was erected in his honour, but destroyed two years after his ousting in a 1989 coup d’etat.

An artist took parts of the statue and made another monument, this time showing Stroessner being crushed under heavy rubble. This version is available for you to visit today in the Plaza de los Desaparecidos (plaza of the missing ones) in Asuncion.

It should be noted that Stroessner is a highly controversial figure in Paraguay, and praising him can be seen as akin to saying positive things about Hitler in Germany. In other words, don’t do it. You risk deeply offending many locals if you do.

12 Take a Short Hike up Cerro Lambare

Cost: Free
Opening hours: 24/7
Address: C. al Cerro Lambaré, Asunción 001305, Paraguay

This is one of the best viewpoints in Asuncion. You can get here by using Uber or Bolt to head to the top of the hill from the city center.

The area surrounding Cerro Lambare is pretty dodgy, so you should definitely take a taxi up here for safety reasons. It is safe to visit once you reach the top.

Cerro Lambare has great views in all directions. You can even see across into Argentina on the other side of the Paraguay River.

I don’t know about you, but I love being able to stare across borders and see these amazing other countries full of wonders and secrets to explore. And that’s definitely something you can do here.

Worth the short trek.

13 See Animals at Asuncion Zoo

Cost: 11,000 guaranies per person (£1/US$1.50)
Opening hours: Tuesday-Sunday 9am-4pm, closed Mondays
Address: PCXJ+W47, Asunción 001510, Paraguay

You can do a lot worse than spending a couple of hours checking out the wildlife at Asuncion Zoo.

Paraguay’s primary wildlife park is split into two sections: a native section which houses animals that can be found in Paraguay and surrounding countries, and a non-native section with creatures that have been imported from further afield.

If you aren’t quite up to trekking through the Amazon Rainforest or other jungles and raw nature habitats throughout the continent, then this is the best way to see what South America has to offer without blowing the budget.

Monkeys, hippos, snakes, birds and much more can be found here.

Sure, this isn’t as built-up as major zoos in the northern hemisphere. But it’s still one of the top Asuncion tourist attractions.

Skippable if you’re short on time, but fun for a couple of hours if you have a bit longer in Asuncion, or you’re travelling with children.

14 Spend a Few Minutes Exploring the Natural History Museum

Cost: Free
Opening hours: Monday-Friday 7am-12pm and 1pm-3pm, closed Saturdays and Sundays
Address: PCXJ+W47, Asunción 001510, Paraguay

There’s no need to travel far from the zoo to reach Asuncion’s Natural History Museum. It’s literally in the same complex as the zoo, albeit outside the zoo itself meaning you don’t have to pay to get in.

It will only take you a few minutes to check this out. The museum is filled with taxidermied animals, which gives you a glimpse of what they would have looked like when alive.

Unfortunately, the displays don’t include much detail beyond the animal’s name. But this is still a cool little detour to combine with a zoo trip in Asuncion.

15 Party the Night Away in Carmelitas

Cost: Varying. Some bars are free, others require an entry fee which may be upwards of 40,000 guaranies (£4.50/US$6)
Opening hours: Varying, however it is better to arrive around midnight or later for the best atmosphere
Address: PC7C+9VF, Asunción 001411

The epicentre of Asuncion’s nightlife scene is Carmelitas, an entertainment complex located in the Las Lomas neighbourhood.

This is where you can find numerous bars and nightclubs with a number of different themes. There are a couple of Irish bars to start with: Kilkenny and McCarthy’s.

You have Mume, a chilled spot on the corner of the complex. There’s also Capitao, one of the most popular venues in the area. However the latter requires prior reservation before you go.

Aside from these, there are several other places where you can party the night away.

I’m past my prime when it comes to the party scene, but any 20-something travellers and more experienced party-lovers will have a lot of fun here.

16 Try Terere, the Traditional Paraguayan Take on Yerba Mate

Cost: Free or upwards
Opening hours: N/A
Address: N/A

Yerba mate (pronounced “mah-tay”) is a big deal in South America’s Southern Cone (Chile, Argentina, Uruguay and Paraguay, sometimes also including southern Brazil).

It’s a herb which is used to make drinks comparable to tea or coffee which are consumed from a gourd, and this is as quintessential to Southern Cone culture, as asado, the delicious barbecue which can be found in this part of the world.

Mate (as it’s commonly known) is generally a hot drink, but in Paraguay, they drink a cold version called terere.

Terere is certainly an acquired taste if you aren’t from round here, but it may grow on you as you drink it as often as a Paraguayan.

Interestingly enough, the country’s traditional drink is actually pretty hard to find in a cafe or restaurant. Most locals will have their own flask and gourd.

Your best way to sample terere is to befriend a local, but if this isn’t possible, there is a slim possibility that you may find a place selling it for an average of around £2/US$3.

If you fall short here, get your hands on all the necessary equipment for under £10/US$13. It isn’t advisable to rent the equipment, as it’s often not cleaned properly and can be a health hazard.

17 Visit the Vibrant Neighbourhood of Loma San Jeronimo

Cost: Free
Opening hours: 24/7
Address: P9F3+7M7, Av. Republica, Asunción 001011, Paraguay

This tiny neighbourhood is popular with tourists due to its street art, which can make for some great photos. In all honesty, I’d only recommend coming here if that’s the sort of thing that interests you.

The area is otherwise a bit rugged, and you should keep a close eye on your possessions here.

It’s a miniature labyrinth with a series of small winding alleyways. I do not recommend coming here after dark, and would advise not coming alone either. If you bring a phone with you to take pictures, always be aware of your surroundings.

You only need a few minutes here, but appreciators of street art will enjoy this.

18 See Where Paraguay Gained Independence at Casa de la Independencia

Cost: Free
Opening hours: Monday-Friday 8am-4pm, Saturday 7:30am-4pm, closed Sundays
Address: 14 De Mayo esq, Presidente de Franco 001013, Paraguay

One of the best things to do in Asuncion is visit the historic Casa de la Independencia. As you may have guessed from the name, this is where Paraguay gained its independence from the Spanish Empire all the way back in 1811.

A group of Paraguayan patriots planned to take their country back inside this building, and ultimately achieved their goal after handing a series of demands over to the rulers at the time, who accepted peacefully due to an unwillingness for conflict.

Today the house is a museum, and it’s free to enter. It certainly has a very 1800s feel to it with a series of traditional paintings lining the walls, and items appearing barely touched since the house was used as a residence.

Statues of Jesus are also dotted around, something that is common to see in Paraguay. An interesting place for history lovers.

19 Learn About Paraguayan Culture at Centro Cultural Manzana de la Rivera

Cost: Free
Opening hours: Monday-Friday 7am-10pm, Saturday 7am-12pm, Sunday 9am-12pm
Address: El Paraguayo Independiente, Asunción 001012, Paraguay

If you love learning about different cultures, Paraguay is worth visiting just so you can come here, and learn all about the country’s traditions.

You can take a guided tour for more context, or you can walk around freely and see what you can learn. Although the latter is pretty tricky if you don’t speak Spanish.

I was on a tour the first time I went back in 2022, and without one the second time I visited. It is best to go with a tour guide who can explain everything to you. Although visiting independently means you can visit the bar Casa Clari which overlooks Palacio de los Lopez.

The cultural centre has many important Paraguayan traditional objects including the arpa, a type of harp associated with the country.

It’s a 5-minute walk from Casa de la Independencia, and deserves a place on your list of things to do in Paraguay’s capital.

Bonus: Top 3 Day Trips From Asuncion

If you have a few extra days to spend, Asuncion is a great base for day trips to interesting places nearby. Here are a few of my favourites:

1 Aregua: The City of Ceramics and Strawberries

Visiting Aregua is easily doable, with buses taking just over an hour from Asuncion.

Read here to learn all you need to know about bus transport in Asuncion and surrounding areas.

This city is famous for two things: ceramics, and strawberries. The latter can commonly be found every winter during the annual Strawberry Expo, which generally takes place from July-September, as these months usually coincide with harvest season.

You can also go boating on Lake Ypacarai, or even ride a horse beside the lake.

Aregua is a fun and easy day trip. Don’t miss out!

2 San Bernardino: Paraguay’s Most Popular Holiday Resort

If Aregua is the place to be in the winter, then San Bernardino is where to go in the summer. This lively beach resort (lively in the summer at least) is where Paraguay’s rich and famous spend their holidays chilling on the beach, partying and playing sports.

It is also home to some delicious food. Most notably at all-you-can-eat steakhouse O’Gaucho, and a bakery (which doubles up as a restaurant) called La Alemana.

Here’s everything you need to know before visiting San Bernardino.

If you don’t fancy visiting during the hottest months of the year, the best time to visit Paraguay is in the spring, which is when the weather is more moderate, and activities begin to open up ahead of the summer.

3 The Chaco: Get a Taster of a Region Full of Wildlife and Indigenous Peoples

This is a harder day trip as you will need to rent a car, or ride with a local who can drive you.

The Chaco is a massive region which covers large swathes of Paraguay, and is home to an abundance of wildlife and indigenous peoples.

An hour’s drive from Asuncion, my Paraguayan girlfriend’s parents took me to meet the Toba people, a community living in the Chaco who speak the Toba Qom language, and are relatively disconnected from the city lifestyle in Spanish-speaking Asuncion.

Nearby we found a remote spot full of cows, goats and other creatures living peacefully in the wildnerness.

The Chaco was a great place to spend a few hours and learn more about rural Paraguay. An awesome day trip if you get the chance to do it.