Asuncion Hotels

Artistic Asuncion

A city has got to be pretty confident of its charms to be named after the Christian notion of being raised into heaven. At first glance, though, you’d be forgiven for thinking that Paraguay’s industrial, cultural and administrative capital is not just blowing its own trumpet, it’s laid on the entire horn section to paper over some significant aesthetic cracks. ... Read more »

But once you get past the bleak industrial architecture of Downtown, the traffic and the mosquitoes (make sure you pack plenty of insect repellent), you’ll realise that one of South America’s oldest cities is also one of its finest. Asuncion is rightly celebrated for its expansive art scene, housing The Godoi Museumand The Museum of Fine Arts, but it’s the beautifully preserved buildings of Palacio de los Lopez and the Manzana de la Rivera, plus a burgeoning nightlife, that are the real highlights.

Asuncion’s Top 10

10. Museo de Bellas Artes The extensive collection of more than 650 works has been accumulated over an entire century.	5. Casa de la Independencia This unassuming house is where revolutionaries plotted to overthrow the Spanish.
9. Catedral de Nuestra Senora de la Asuncion The beautiful white finish and marble colonnades make this the pick of all Asuncion’s fine buildings.	4. Panteon Nacional de los Heroes Dedicated to the soldiers who have fallen defending Paraguay.
8. Presidential Palace Beautifully manicured grounds surround the seat of power in Paraguay. Lit up at night, the building is a definite photo op.	3. Museo del Barro The Museum of Mud may not sound appealing, but it houses one of the most extensive collections of ceramics in the world.
7. Gran Hotel del Paraguay The oldest and most majestic hotel in the city.	2. Parque Nu Guasu This beautifully preserved forest is perfect for getting lost and finding yourself.
6. Jardin Botanico y Zoologico Over 70 unique species of bird and animal life call this natural forest home.	1. Casa Viola One of the oldest houses in the city holds a theatre, a museum, a beautiful garden and a great bar.

Asuncion History

Casa de la Indepencia – Where the 1811 Declaration of Independence from Spain was signed and is a well-preserved historic building.
Square of Democracy – This historic square was the epicentre of the independence movement in Paraguay, which makes it a must-visit attraction.
Legislative Palace – This famous historic landmark is surrounded by lush grounds, so it is a popular spot for souvenir photos.
Panteon Nacional de los Heroes – This cemetery acts as a memorial to those who died in Paraguay’s wars.
Casa Viola – A great example of renovated architecture from the early colonial period.

Asuncion Art & Culture

Museo del Barro – This museum features indigenous paintings and sculptures from around Paraguay.
Catedral de Nuestra Senora de la Ascuncion – The silver and gold altar at this cathedral is the main attraction.
Teatro Municipal – Many musical performances are put on in this theatre, which is also a magnificent example of Paraguayan architecture.
Government Palace – Even though visitors cannot enter the building, many still come to see its beautiful architecture and to take a photo.
Museum of Fine Arts – The best of Asuncion’s painters and sculptors are on display here.

Asuncion Shopping

Paseo Carmelitas – Wide array of shops and a great place to grab a meal in the air conditioning.
Mariscal Lopez Shopping Centre – Customers looking for name-brand clothing flock to this popular Asuncion shopping mall.
Villa Morra Shopping Centre – This mall features a wide array of restaurants and is a great way to beat the heat.
Shopping del Sol – One of the biggest shopping malls in the city, it also features a first-class cinema and many restaurants.
Ferreteria Ferremi – If you are looking for any type of hardware or tools, they will be here in Asuncion.

Gay & Lesbian Asuncion

Las Carmelitas – This neighbourhood features many bars and nightclubs, which cater to gay and lesbian clientele.
Manora – One of the best neighbourhoods in Asuncion to find gay-friendly clubs and bars.
Friends Club – This bar features adult videos and draws a mixed crowd of gay and straight customers.
Hollywood Dance – The Hollywood décor and lively dance floor make this one of the best gay bars on Asuncion.
Trauma Pub – This pub is a favourite among transgenders and drag queens and often has weekend shows.

Asuncion Events

Carneval! Loud colours and music fill the streets as the festival pomp filters throughout the city in February.

Easter’s enormously popular religious festival, Semanta Santa, shows how faith and fun collide in Paraguay.

Locals walk across hot coals and burn effigies to celebrate their patron saint during June’s Festival de San Juan.

Showcasing the best in local handicrafts and folk art, Festival del Nanduti is perfect for any July visitors who have a slightly more commercial mindset.

During the Asuncion International Jazz Festival in September, the smoothest sax players give free concerts set amongst the beautiful gardens of the city.

When To Go

Expect temperatures of around 33ºC (91ºF) and high rainfall between January and March, the least pleasant time for strenuous activities.

Since Paraguay is landlocked, Asuncion doesn’t enjoy the relieving coolness of ocean breezes.

Arguably the best months to visit are May and September – the height of spring and autumn respectively. Temperatures are easier to handle and the rain is not nearly as bad.

Getting Around

Most historical points of interest are within walking distance of each other.

Catching the bus is an experience in itself. Filled with lively characters using them for wildly differing purposes, buses let you experience the real Asuncion.

Taxis are reasonable cheap. Just try to catch a newer one – the old models are prone to breaking down!

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