First time · Asunción
First time in AsunciónAsunción
Asunción is a short, slow city: the historic centre and river in two mornings, indoors by midday, and never in December to February heat.
The honest verdict
Asunción is a low-rise river capital that runs hot for half the year and closes at midday. The trips that go wrong walk the centre at 14:00 in January, plan a museum on its closed day, or use the Costanera after dark. Four areas cover a first visit; one kept bed in the centre or Villa Morra, and a car between them.
You will like
- Small museums
- River views
- Local food and tereré
What wears you down
- Summer heat and humidity
- Midday closures
- Uneven pavements
Five things not to miss
- 1Palacio de los López in the morningThe riverside government palace and the walk along Avenida Colón.Best 07:30-09:30 · Free
- 2Panteón Nacional de los HéroesLow white-domed mausoleum for independence and war figures, a five-minute walk from the palace.Best Morning · Free
- 3Manzana de la RiveraRestored colonial block turned city-history museum; the best indoor midday option.Best Morning or midday · Gs 10,000-20,000
- 4The Costanera at eveningRiver views and the coolest air of the day.Best 16:30-18:30 · Free
- 5Lunch at Lido BarA long-running counter and dining room on Plaza de los Héroes.Best Before 12:30 or after 14:00 · Gs 40,000-90,000
Where to stay on a first visit
- Historic centreFor: First visit, 2-3 nights, sightseeing focusEverything on the list is a walk; accept a quiet evening.
From the airport
Silvio Pettirossi International Airport (ASU)
- Fastest and cheapest
- Ride-hailing car or official taxi to the door · about 40 min · about PYG 130,000
Typical ride times and fares, 2026 desk estimates (check). Last services and night options are on the gateway page.
How long to stay
- 1 day
- A stopover before Iguazú or the missions
- 2 days
- The usual short Asunción stay
Three mistakes to avoid
- Street taxis that quote a high price without a meter: use a ride-hailing app or agree the total first.(Scams)
- Do not photograph soldiers, police posts or the presidential palace up close.(Survive · red lines)
- Do not use a phone at the kerb: snatch thefts from motorbikes happen on main roads.(Survive · safety)
Money and SIM
- Budget day
- Gs 150,000–300,000 excl. bed
- Paying
- Cards in hotels, malls and larger restaurants; cash for markets, taxis, small cafés and museums. Carry small notes; change for Gs 100,000 notes is short.
- Cash
- Keep Gs 200,000 in small notes; use ATMs inside banks or malls, and not on the street at night.
- SIM
- Tourist eSIM bought before you fly: No counter, no queue.
Etiquette: the top three
- Tereré
- If offered a shared cup, it is normal to drink your portion and hand it back; declining is fine too, just say so.
- Greetings
- A handshake or a light cheek kiss (one side) between people who know each other; a handshake is safe with strangers.
- Photos
- Ask before photographing people, and never photograph soldiers or police posts up close.
The best time to go
Apr: Warm; Semana Santa some years.
Winter (Jun-Aug): The most comfortable walking weather; cool evenings.
A first day
Day 1 — Palace and Panteón, a 12:00 lunch table
Start about 07:30
Fixed point: Lunch table 12:00 (centre)
Rest at the hotel 13:00–16:00; most of the centre is closed.
Timed version: Asunción in 3 days