Places / South America / Paraguay
Asunción
Visited in January 2016
At a glance
- Country
- Paraguay
- Region
- Capital District
- Population
- 462,241
- Best time to go
- April to October
- Main airport
- Asunción Silvio Pettirossi International (ASU)
- Coordinates
- 25.29°S, 57.63°W
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Overview
Asunción, one of South America's oldest cities, sits on a bend of the Paraguay River. Its centre mixes grand colonial and 19th-century buildings with leafy plazas, while newer districts to the east hold the shopping centres and restaurants.
It is an unhurried, friendly capital where people sip tereré from horn cups in the shade. Spend a couple of days here, then head out to the lakeside towns and craft villages nearby.
Things to see
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Photo: MosheA, CC0 Palacio de los López
The elegant presidential palace, beautifully lit at night, overlooking the river.
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Photo: Felipe Antonio, CC BY-SA 3.0 National Pantheon of the Heroes
A domed mausoleum modelled on Les Invalides in Paris, honouring Paraguay's national heroes.
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Photo: Cmasi, CC BY-SA 4.0 Manzana de la Rivera
A block of restored colonial houses now home to a cultural centre, museum and library.
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Photo: Marcelo Ramirez, CC BY 3.0 Costanera
A long riverside promenade, popular at sunset for walking, cycling and watching the river.
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Photo: Cmasi, CC BY-SA 4.0 Loma San Jerónimo
A hillside neighbourhood of colourful houses and stairways, with views over the bay.
Things to do
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Photo: Genialnico, CC BY-SA 4.0 Drink tereré
Try Paraguay's iced herbal yerba mate, shared with friends and mixed with fresh herbs.
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Photo: David Ramalleira, CC BY 2.0 Mercado 4
A huge, chaotic market selling everything from produce and herbs to electronics and clothes.
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Photo: Patty P, Public domain Day trip to Areguá
A lakeside town of ceramics, cobbled streets and strawberry stalls by Lake Ypacaraí.
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Photo: Ceibos, CC BY-SA 4.0 Paraguayan harp music
Listen out for the delicate traditional harp at cultural venues and restaurants.
Where to stay
Centro
Historic and atmospheric, close to the palace and riverside, though quiet at night.
Hotels in CentroVilla Morra
Modern and upmarket, with shopping centres, bars and restaurants.
Hotels in Villa MorraCarmelitas
Lively with good restaurants and nightlife, near Villa Morra.
Hotels in Carmelitas
Getting around
Ride-hailing apps are cheap and convenient. City buses run widely but routes can be confusing for visitors.
The airport is around 15 km northeast of the centre, about 30 minutes by taxi.
When to go
April to October brings milder temperatures and fewer storms. Summer (December to February) is very hot and humid, and winter can bring cold snaps.
Plan your trip to Asunción
- HotelsBooking.com
- Tours and ticketsGetYourGuide
- FlightsKiwi.com
- Attraction ticketsTiqets
- Airport parking, lounges and transfersHoliday Extras
- Car hireAuto Europe
- Mobile data (eSIM)AiraloCode DAN9406 for money off
- GuidebooksAmazon
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Guide last checked October 2026. Opening times and prices change, so check before you go.