Asuncion is a charismatic South American city with a European flavour. Walk along streets lined with handsome colonial buildings, dine at upscale restaurants and shop at fashionable boutiques. Visit a cluster of local museums and galleries or stroll around the city and relax in sun-dappled plazas.
Things to do in Asuncion
Asuncion has all the charm of a traditional South American city. The historic centre features spacious boulevards and plazas framed by Beaux Arts buildings. As the Paraguayan capital, Asuncion is a hotspot for trendsetters. Shop at high-end malls, dine at stylish cafes and sip cocktails at hip bars.
Panteón de los Héroes soars over the city and is an architectural and cultural jewel. The enormous white monument is the final resting place of several Paraguayan heroes, including former presidents Carlos Antonio López and Eusebio Ayala. Time your visit to coincide with the changing of the guard ceremony.
Learn about the Paraguayan revolution at Casa de la Independencia. The museum is housed in the beautifully restored building where Paraguay declared independence in 1811. Walk through rooms filled with period antiques and work your way through exhibits on the country’s journey to independence.
Discover more than 100 hectares of pristine forest in Jardín Botánico. The garden features a small zoo where you can see iconic South American animals like jaguars, ocelots and ring-tailed coatis. Scenic trails wind through the park and are great for spotting rainbow-coloured toucans and macaws.
See everything from contemporary paintings to ancient artefacts at Museo del Barro. There’s a special focus on indigenous art, including a world-class collection of Guarani ceramics. Museo de Bellas Artes showcases work by prominent Paraguayan masters like Pablo Alborno and Edith Jiménez.
Getting around Asuncion
Asuncion is pedestrian-friendly and easy to get around on foot, especially in the historic centre. Taxis are a fast and affordable way to cover longer distances. Buses operate across the city but can be slow. Silvio Pettirossi International Airport is a 15-minute drive from the city centre.