10 things to do in Asuncion | Paraguay

I spent a month in Asuncion so let me share with you the best things to do and see in Paraguay's capital - Asuncion!

If you are short on time, here is the list of the best things to do in Asuncion:

1. The Palacio de los López

2. Take a stroll down the Asuncion Promenade

3. The National Pantheon of the Heroes

4. Casa de la Independencia

5. Catedral metropolitana de Asunción

6. Central Station Railway Museum

7. Museum of Economics

8. Art Museum - Museo del Barro

9. Watch the sunset from the best rooftop terrace

10. Try some local Paraguayan dishes

The Palacio de los López

The Palacio de los López, also known as the Government Palace, is a prominent landmark in Asunción that serves as the workplace for the President of Paraguay and the seat of the national government. Unfortunately, you can't enter this building but it is definitely worth checking it out from the outside.

This neoclassical building was actually designed by English architect Alonso Taylor. Construction began in 1857 and he sourced materials from various regions of Paraguay.

If you want to take a break while sightseeing a cafe Bar Casa Clari has the best views of the Palace!

Take a stroll down the Asuncion Promenade

While in the area of the Palacio de los López, take a walk down the Asuncion Promenade. There at the beginning of it, just below the Palacio de los López, you will find the big Asuncion sign and a Ferris wheel. The Ferris wheel was not open during the day when I visited but it should be working in the afternoon. In general, the promenade is quite quiet during the day because most of the time it is extremely hot but in the afternoons the area lights up a bit and you have street vendors around and areas where you can rent bicycles.

The National Pantheon of the Heroes

Another important landmark to see and visit is the National Pantheon of the Heroes. This site you access and the entrance is free.

The Pantheon serves as a memorial building for notable figures in Paraguayan history, including:

• Carlos Antonio López: Paraguay's first constitutional president.

• Francisco Solano López: President during the War of the Triple Alliance.

• José Félix Estigarribia: Hero of the Chaco War against Bolivia.

• Children martyrs of Acosta Ñu: Young boys who fought and died in the War of the Triple Alliance.

The Pantheon is also home to the Oratory of the Virgin Our Lady Saint Mary of the Assumption, the patron saint of Asunción. Its role as both a memorial and a place of worship highlights its cultural and historical importance.

A notable tradition at the Pantheon is the ceremonial changing of the guard, which occurs several times daily, offering visitors a glimpse into Paraguay's military customs. I was lucky enough to witness it!

The area around the National Pantheon of the Heroes is lovely too. You will find a park just behind the Pantheon and a street with several restaurant options. A famous Milanese place is on that street - El Bodegón. Apparently, they have the best Milanese in the country but I didn't check that myself as I am a vegetarian.

Casa de la Independencia

A must-see museum in Asuncion is Casa de la Independencia, but I warn you straight away everything is only in Spanish! So if you don't understand Spanish too well, I would recommend doing it with an English-speaking guide.

Firstly, what I found very interesting is that this is the actual house where Paraguay's independence was signed. In the early 1800s, the house was a secret meeting spot for patriots like Pedro Juan Caballero and Fulgencio Yegros, who planned Paraguay's freedom from Spain. On May 14, 1811, they gathered here to declare independence.

Today, the Casa de la Independencia functions as a museum, showcasing artifacts from the colonial era and the independence movement. You can walk through the house and explore the different rooms furnished with period pieces.

Good news - it is open to the public for free. Visiting hours are Monday to Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and Saturdays from 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.

I visited the Casa de la Independencia during my free walking tour so although I do understand some Spanish, the guide gave some great insights I missed.

Catedral Metropolitana de Asunción

Another significant landmark in Asuncion is the Cathedral, which is the main Catholic church in Paraguay, as it serves as the seat of the Archbishop of Asunción.

The cathedral showcases a neoclassical style with a simple yet elegant facade. Its interior houses an altar adorned with silver.

Of course, you can enter the Cathedral for free. Just please be respectful during masses and other ceremonies.

Also, don't wander too much around the Cathedral area. Just in front of it, you will find a favela that is not safe for tourists. Avoid this area:

Central Station Railway Museum

Did you know that Paraguay had a good working railway system?

The railway system was initiated in 1857 under President Carlos Antonio López, making Paraguay one of the first countries in South America to develop a railway network.

The Central Station Railway Museum in Asuncion offers a glimpse into the country's rich railway history. Housed in the former main train station, this museum showcases artifacts from the era when Paraguay was a pioneer in South American rail transport. You can explore original trains, including the first locomotive that arrived in Paraguay from England. You can actually get into one of them!

This museum does have an entrance fee of around $1.

Museum of Economics

Another interesting museum that has just recently been reconstructed is the Museum of Economics. Established by the Ministry of Economy and Finance, it aims to educate the public on Paraguay's economic development. There you will find more information about the events and factors that shaped the country's economic development, like the Itaipú Dam which is one of the world's largest hydroelectric power plants.

Again, everything is in Spanish. So either you visit with an English-speaking guide or I found very handy the Google Translate photo feature, where you photo the text and it translates it for you from the picture.

This museum is free of charge and is open Monday to Saturday, from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM.

Museo del Barro

A very nice surprise for me was the art museum - Museo del Barro. I really enjoyed my visit there as the art pieces were brave, intriguing, and truly authentic. As well as many art pieces by various Indigenous groups in Paraguay, including pottery, carvings, feather art, textiles, and masks.

All the above places are in the Asuncion Historic Center but this museum you will find in the Las Lomas area. You have to pay to enter during the week but on Saturdays, it is free. The museum is closed on Sundays and Mondays.

Just next to the museum, you will find a shop where you can purchase original pieces of popular ceramics, indigenous crafts, textiles, and literature related to Paraguayan art and culture.

Watch the sunset from the best rooftop terrace

For a perfect sunset-watching spot, I recommend Negroni Downtown Skybar. It is one of the highest rooftop bars in the downtown that will not only allow you to enjoy a sunset but also see Asuncion's historical center from a different perspective.

While on the topic of rooftop bars, I have to share with you my favorite rooftop terrace in Asuncion - Zulu! This place has two floors so you can either enjoy a lovely dinner on the first floor or have a drink at the open-top terrace with incredible views. I think it is one of the highest buildings in the whole of Asuncion so you truly feel like at the top of the world. Well, if not the world, Asuncion for sure! This rooftop terrace you will find in the Villa Mora area. Next to it, is another Negroni Skybar brach - Negroni Dazzler.

Try some local Paraguayan dishes

Paraguayan cuisine offers a rich blend of indigenous Guarani and Spanish influences, resulting in a variety of flavorful dishes. Some of the best restaurants in Paraguay to try some local dishes are Bolsi and Lido.

Here are some of the traditional dishes you can't miss out on:

• Sopa Paraguaya - Don't be misled by name! It is actually not a soup but cornbread made with cornmeal, cheese, onions, eggs, and milk. Although locals tend to serve it as a starter or a side, I warn you it is quite heavy.

• Mbejú - a traditional Paraguayan flatbread made with cassava starch, cheese, and butter. Cooked on a hot griddle, it’s crispy on the outside and soft inside, making it a favorite comfort food, especially on cool, rainy days.

• Pira Caldo - showcases the country's riverside culinary heritage. It is a rich Paraguayan fish soup made with river fish like surubí or dorado, cooked with tomatoes, onions, bell peppers, and spices.

• Kivevé - a creamy dish made with pumpkin, cornmeal, sugar, and cheese. Its sweet and savory flavor makes it versatile, served either as a comforting side dish or a light dessert.

• In general, Milanesa is a loved dish all over Paraguay.

Another very unique thing I noticed. EVERY Paraguayan drink is a tea yerba mate. This tea is made from the leaves of the Ilex paraguariensis plant, native to the Paraná River basin in Paraguay, Argentina, and Brazil. It's deeply rooted in the culture of the Guaraní people, who discovered its energizing and medicinal properties long before European colonization. Paraguayans often drink "tereré," a cold version of mate, perfect for the hot climate. It's typically prepared with cold water or juice. In 2010, UNESCO recognized Paraguay’s tereré culture as an Intangible Cultural Heritage.