Routes · 2 days

Asunción in 48 Hours

Two unhurried days to get to know the Mother of Cities: the historic center, with the Pantheon of Heroes, the Independence House, the Cabildo, and Loma San Jerónimo; the good-natured chaos of Mercado 4; the mausoleums of the Recoleta cemetery; the Museo del Barro, the country's great collection of Indigenous and folk art; and a night among the bars and restaurants of Villa Morra. Most of these visits are free.

Business travelers, those on layovers, and anyone arriving in Asunción before heading further into the country.Year-round. Walking is more pleasant from April to October; in summer, save museums for midday and the streets for evening.On foot downtown; a taxi or ride-hailing app for Mercado 4, the Recoleta cemetery, the Museo del Barro, and Villa Morra.

The historic center and sunset over the bay

≈ 7 km

Morning at Plaza de los Héroes: the Pantheon of Heroes (there's a changing of the guard at 10am on Saturdays), the Independence House, and the Cathedral. At midday, the air-conditioned Cabildo with free admission. In the afternoon, photos of the López Palace, a climb up Loma San Jerónimo along its painted stairways, then down to the Costanera for sunset. If there's a show, cap off the day at the Municipal Theater.

Overnight: Asunción: Hotel Guaraní, Gran Hotel del Paraguay, Casa Corbellani, La Casona Hotel Boutique, or El Viajero Hostel.

Mercado 4, the Recoleta, Museo del Barro, and Villa Morra

≈ 22 km

Early to Mercado 4: fresh juices, chipa, herbs for tereré, and some friendly haggling. Mid-morning at the Recoleta Cemetery, an open-air museum of mausoleums and notable figures from Paraguayan history. Lunch, then from 2pm, the Museo del Barro (Tuesday to Saturday; free admission Friday and Saturday). Evening in Villa Morra and Paseo Carmelitas, home to the city's best dining scene.

Overnight: Asunción: Hilton Garden Inn, Aloft, or Sheraton (in the Villa Morra area), or back to your downtown hotel.

Tips

The Museo del Barro is open Tuesday to Saturday from 2pm to 8pm: don't save it for a Sunday or Monday.
On Saturdays, the Palmear street fair livens up Calle Palma from 11am (check before you go): perfect for Day 1.
At Mercado 4, carry only what you need and keep your phone tucked away, as you would at any large market.
If you're traveling in October, add the Costanera's Oktoberfest to your plans; in June, look for the San Juan festivals held in the neighborhoods.
The Independence House is closed on Sundays, and the Pantheon only opens until noon that day: Day 1 works better Monday through Saturday (check before you go).