¿What to do in Asunción?

With its 2 million inhabitants, the capital Asunción is almost unknown to the world, however, it has a multitude of tourist and cultural attractions to offer. Located on the Argentine border, the city is expanding and intends to become an important tourist destination in the near future.  

Asunción is the capital and the most populous city in the Republic of Paraguay./ Photo: Edouard Amiot.

  So if you plan to visit the Paraguayan capital soon, we share with you this list of what to do in Asuncion and what are the tourist attractions not to be missed:  

1. The National Pantheon of Heroes

The National Pantheon of Heroes has a mausoleum and plaques that commemorate the historical figures of Paraguay  /  Photo: Edouard Amiot.

  Once you arrive in Asunción, you cannot miss the historic center and especially the National Pantheon of Heroes, where the greatest figures in Paraguayan history are in this place inspired by the Les Invalides. With a little luck, you will see the soldiers march to the front of the monument by lowering and stowing the national flag. ¡Free entrance!  

2. The San Jeronimo Hill

San Jerónimo Hill is one of the oldest neighborhoods in Asunción and today has become a tourist center that attracts attention. / Photo: Edouard Amiot.

  From this visit to the Paraguayan capital, San Jerónimo Hill was my favorite part. This small and colorful neighborhood allows us to see its magnificent decoration with its stairs, its narrow streets and its sublime panorama over the port and the city Travel tip: You can take this opportunity to relax and have a drink at its bar while enjoying a pleasant view of the city.  

3. Mbigua Club

A good plan for the weekend is to spend an afternoon watching the races and have a drink at the Mbigua Club / Photo: Edouard Amiot.

  This place is great if you want to see Asunción from another angle. You can sail for free in a small red boat in the port, which comes by every 30 minutes to take you to Mbigua. It is the ideal place to enjoy the sunset, and with a little luck, you can also admire horses!  

4 Cultural Center of the Republic

Located in one of the most representative heritage buildings in the city, the Cultural Center of the Republic has a very well-endowed museum, which traces the history of the country with emphasis on its prominent figures  / Photo: Edouard Amiot.

  Also known as El Cabildo (town hall), this cultural center has several rooms where you can visit different museums about the history of Paraguay. There is the Cinema and Video room, Sacred Arts room, Cabildo room, Music room, Immigrant room and the Mud room. You can also find the city’s kilometer 0 there.  

5. Metropolitan Cathedral

The Metropolitan Cathedral is one of the most emblematic buildings, not only of the capital, but of Paraguayan history / Photo: Edouard Amiot.

  The beautiful metropolitan cathedral of Asunción has seen a lot since the 16th century, like its great fire and its reconstruction. Originally made of adobe and palm trees, it was the first diocese of the Río de la Plata and today it is one of the most emblematic places for Paraguayans. Do not miss it!  

6. Palacio de Los López

It was the first emblematic building that the city of Asunción had, built by Francisco Solano López in the 19th century. / Photo: Edouard Amiot.

  Like the Elysium of Paris or the Casa Rosada(pink house) in Buenos Aires, this is the working office of the Paraguayan President. The Presidential Palace was built in 1857 by the English architect Taylor and its interior decoration was made by Europeans. You may notice that the Palace has no safety barriers on the back, so you will have to be careful because the guard will always have an eye on you  

7. Uruguayan Square

The Uruguayan Plaza is one of the most emblematic green areas of the city and of the country / Foto: Edouard Amiot.

 

This beautiful park is ideal for a walk with family or friends, you can see thousands of colorful flowers found in trees called "Lapacho" in Spanish or "Tajy" in Guaraní (the aboriginal language of Paraguay).

8. Lido Bar

 You can't go to Asunción without lunch or dinner at Lido Bar. Unmissable! / Photo: Edouard Amiot.

  This bar / restaurant in the capital offers you to experience all the Paraguayan cuisine with gourmet, traditional and affordable dishes. Travel tip:  I recommend you try the Fish Soup, Chipa Guasu, Vori Vori, Milanesas or Soy, it will be difficult to decide!  

9. The Promenade

On the Promenade there are all kinds of recreational activities, water sports, fairs, concerts, parties and cultural activities. / Photo: Edouard Amiot.

  The Promenade is a project that began in 2013. It is a perfect place to walk around the Bay of Asunción with family or friends and admire the beautiful sunsets. Admission is free to the public, without opening or closing hours.  

10. Independence House

The House of Independence was inaugurated on May 14, 1965 and its marked colonial style stands out  / Photo: Edouard Amiot.

  This place holds great pride for Paraguayans. Of course, it is one of the main symbols of the country's independence, where secret meetings were held with the main protagonists of the May 1811 Revolution. Without a doubt, visiting the Independence house is discovering the historical heritage of a national inheritance well preserved.   Travel Tip: Book your guided tour to the Classic City Tour of Asunción now. You won't regret it!

---

 

By: Edouard Amiot, Master's student at the University of Rouen - Normandy.