Paraguay · Local picks
100+ Places to Visit in Paraguay
These are our picks for Paraguay, from the classic sights of Asunción to Jesuit ruins, lakeside towns and Mennonite colonies in the Chaco. Places change, so check opening times before you go.
Places to Visit in Asunción
Arts and Culture
- Palacio de los López (Historic centre)
The pink presidential palace on the bay is the city's postcard view, especially when lit at night. - Panteón Nacional de los Héroes (Historic centre)
A domed mausoleum holding the remains of Paraguay's national heroes, with a ceremonial guard. - Casa de la Independencia (Historic centre)
The colonial house where the 1811 independence plot was planned, now a small museum. - Museo del Barro (Isla de Francia)
The country's best museum of indigenous art, popular ceramics and contemporary work. - Manzana de la Rivera (Historic centre)
A block of restored old houses with exhibitions, a library and views of the palace. - Centro Cultural de la República El Cabildo (Historic centre)
The old legislative building now hosts free exhibitions on Paraguayan history and culture. - Catedral Metropolitana de Asunción (Plaza de la Independencia)
The city's cathedral faces the main square in the heart of the old town. - Teatro Municipal Ignacio A. Pane (Historic centre)
A restored historic theatre for concerts, ballet and plays in the old centre. - Museo Etnográfico Andrés Barbero (Centre)
A free ethnographic museum on the indigenous peoples of Paraguay, with tools, crafts and photographs. - Museo de las Memorias (Barrio Sajonia)
A former detention centre turned museum documenting the Stroessner dictatorship. - Iglesia de San Buenaventura de Yaguarón (Yaguarón)
A Franciscan church with one of the richest painted wooden interiors of the colonial era. - Estación de Ferrocarril Central Carlos Antonio López (Plaza Uruguaya)
The grand old railway station with a historic locomotive on display.
Things to Do
- Costanera de Asunción (Riverside)
A long riverside promenade busy with joggers, cyclists and families at sunset. - Loma San Jerónimo (Historic centre)
A hillside barrio of painted houses and stairways, one of the oldest corners of the city. - Itá ceramics workshops (Itá)
Nearby Itá is known for clay ceramics, including the famous ceramic hens.
Shopping and Markets
- Mercado 4 (Mercado 4)
The sprawling main market for tereré herbs, fruit, crafts and cheap lunches. - Shopping del Sol (Villa Morra)
A large modern shopping centre with cinemas, food courts and bank ATMs. - Paseo La Galería (Santa Teresa)
An upmarket mall with restaurants, shops and a cinema near the main hotels. - Mercado de Abasto (Abasto)
The wholesale produce market where you see the city stock up on fruit and vegetables. - Luque harp and filigree workshops (Luque)
Luque is the home of Paraguayan harp makers and silver filigree jewellers.
Nature and Outdoors
- Jardín Botánico y Zoológico de Asunción (Trinidad)
A large park with a small zoo and the former summer house of the López family. - Parque Guasu Metropolitano (Near the airport road)
A big green park with lakes, trails and space for picnics and cycling. - Parque Ñu Guasu (Luque)
A huge park used for running, cycling and weekend events on the edge of the city.
Restaurants
- Bolsi (Historic centre)
A classic diner style restaurant serving Paraguayan staples since the 1960s. - Lido Bar (Historic centre)
A counter diner opposite the Panteón famous for its sopa paraguaya and chipa. - Tierra Colorada Gastro (Villa Morra)
Modern Paraguayan cooking built on local ingredients, ideal for a special dinner. - Paulista Grill (Las Mercedes)
A long running churrasquería for a big grilled meat feast. - Bar San Roque (Historic centre)
A historic family restaurant and old fashioned dining room in business for generations. - Mburicao (Villa Morra)
A smart restaurant with Mediterranean style dishes and a good wine list. - La Paraguayita (Villa Morra)
A popular parrilla serving generous plates of grilled meat with mandioca.
Cafés
- El Café de Acá (Historic centre)
A cosy café in an old house serving Paraguayan coffee, cakes and chipa.
Bars and Nightlife
- Paseo Carmelitas (Carmelitas)
A cluster of bars, restaurants and clubs that is the heart of the city's night out. - Britannia Pub (Villa Morra)
An expat favourite with a garden, pub food and a friendly mixed crowd.
Events
- Expo Mariano Roque Alonso (Mariano Roque Alonso)
The country's big agricultural and trade fair each July, with livestock, food and concerts. - San Juan festivals (Citywide)
June fire festivals with fire balls, games, mask parades and traditional food.
Stays
- Hotel Guaraní (Historic centre)
A landmark modernist tower on Plaza de los Héroes, restored as a hotel. - Granados Park Hotel (Historic centre)
A comfortable classic hotel close to the main sights of the old town. - Sheraton Asunción Hotel (Villa Morra)
An international hotel with a pool, in the restaurant and shopping district. - Palmaroga Hotel (Historic centre)
A stylish hotel in restored historic buildings close to the cathedral. - Hotel Las Margaritas (Historic centre)
A good value central hotel with a rooftop pool and views over the city. - Bourbon Asunción Convention Hotel (Mburucuyá)
A large hotel with gardens and a pool on the way to the airport.
Places to Visit in San Bernardino
Things to Do
- Lake Ypacaraí waterfront (Town centre)
Stroll the lakeside promenade and watch the sun set across the water. - Altos (Altos)
A hilltop town with German heritage and views over the lake. - Caacupé to San Bernardino scenic drive (Cordillera)
The hilly road between the towns has views over the lake and green farmland.
Stays
- Hotel del Lago (Town centre)
The town's nineteenth century landmark hotel, full of old world character.
Nature and Outdoors
- Playa Municipal de San Bernardino (Lakeshore)
The town's public beach on the lake, busy with families in summer.
Arts and Culture
- Basílica de Caacupé (Caacupé)
The large basilica of Paraguay's patron Virgin, centre of the 8 December pilgrimage.
Events
- Festival of the Virgin of Caacupé (Caacupé)
Huge crowds walk to the basilica in early December in a moving national pilgrimage.
Shopping and Markets
- Piribebuy (Piribebuy)
A historic town known for woven ponchos and its role in the Triple Alliance war.
Places to Visit in Areguá
Shopping and Markets
- Areguá ceramics street (Town centre)
Dozens of workshops sell hand-made pottery, from small figures to big garden pieces.
Arts and Culture
- Iglesia de la Candelaria de Areguá (Hilltop)
The hilltop church has wide views over Lake Ypacaraí. - El Cántaro (Town centre)
A cultural centre and shop for regional art and crafts. - Areguá railway station (Lakeshore)
The old station on the defunct railway line recalls the town's past as a resort.
Nature and Outdoors
- Cerro Koi (Outskirts of Areguá)
A small hill with rare hexagonal sandstone formations and a short trail.
Events
- Expo Frutilla (Areguá)
The winter strawberry festival fills the streets with fruit, jams and cakes.
Things to Do
- Areguá colonial streets (Town centre)
Wander cobbled lanes of colonial houses and old summer villas.
Cafés
- Strawberry stalls of Areguá (Road into town)
Roadside stands sell fresh strawberries, cakes and juice in season.
Places to Visit in Encarnación
Arts and Culture
- Santísima Trinidad de Paraná (Trinidad)
UNESCO listed red stone Jesuit ruins with carved angels and an evening light show. - Jesús de Tavarangüe (Jesús)
A vast unfinished Jesuit church with striking arches on a quiet hilltop. - San Cosme y Damián mission (San Cosme y Damián)
A living mission town with an astronomy interpretation centre. - Catedral de Encarnación (Centre)
The city's modern cathedral near the main square.
Things to Do
- Costanera de Encarnación (Riverside)
A long riverside promenade with sports areas and views across to Argentina. - Trinidad light and sound show (Trinidad)
An evening show that brings the mission ruins to life after dark. - Posadas train over the bridge (San Roque González bridge)
A short international train ride across the Paraná to Argentina. - Hohenau and Obligado (German colonies)
German founded farming towns with cooperatives, yerba mate and neat streets. - Bella Vista yerba mate tours (Bella Vista)
Yerba mate producers explain how the national drink is grown and processed.
Nature and Outdoors
- Playa San José (Costanera)
The main river beach with soft sand, lifeguards in season and beach bars. - Playa Mbói Ka'e (Costanera)
A smaller and quieter beach on the Paraná.
Events
- Carnaval Encarnaceno (Sambódromo)
Paraguay's biggest carnival, with feathered costumes and drummers on summer weekends.
Stays
- Hotel Encarnación Resort (Encarnación)
A large hotel with pools and gardens on the edge of the city.
Places to Visit in Ciudad del Este
Things to Do
- Itaipu Binacional visitor centre (Hernandarias)
Free tours show the scale of one of the largest hydroelectric dams on the planet. - Friendship Bridge to Foz do Iguaçu (Border)
Cross into Brazil for the Iguazú Falls on a day trip. - Iguazú Falls, Brazilian side (Foz do Iguaçu)
A short trip over the border to one of the world's great waterfalls.
Nature and Outdoors
- Saltos del Monday (Presidente Franco)
A wide, roaring horseshoe of falls with walkways and viewpoints. - Refugio Biológico Tati Yupi (Hernandarias)
A forest reserve near the dam with trails and wildlife. - Lago de la República (Centre)
A lake park where locals walk and drink tereré in the evenings.
Arts and Culture
- Monumento Científico Moisés Bertoni (Presidente Franco)
The forest home of a Swiss scientist who studied Paraguay's plants.
Shopping and Markets
- Monalisa (Centre)
An established department store for perfume, wine and imported goods. - Shopping China Importados (Centre)
A huge, well organised store for electronics and household goods. - Microcentro street stalls (Near the Friendship Bridge)
The chaotic heart of the border trade, best seen in daylight with care.
Stays
- Hotel Casino Acaray (Centre)
A long established hotel with a pool and casino.
Places to Visit in Filadelfia
Arts and Culture
- Museo Jakob Unruh (Filadelfia)
The history of the Mennonite settlers, Chaco wildlife and indigenous crafts. - Fortín Boquerón (Near Neuland)
Trenches, a cemetery and museum on the site of a key Chaco War battle. - Loma Plata Mennonite museum (Loma Plata)
A small museum telling the story of the first Mennonite settlers. - Cooperativa Chortitzer (Loma Plata)
The dairy cooperative behind the Trébol brand that shapes life in Loma Plata.
Shopping and Markets
- Cooperativa Fernheim supermarket (Filadelfia)
The cooperative store at the heart of Mennonite town life.
Stays
- Hotel Florida (Filadelfia)
A long established hotel and base for exploring the central Chaco.
Nature and Outdoors
- Laguna Capitán (Near Loma Plata)
A salt lagoon where flamingos and waders gather in season. - Defensores del Chaco National Park (Alto Paraguay)
A vast, remote park of dry forest that needs a guided expedition. - Proyecto Tagua (Fortín Toledo)
A conservation project protecting the rare Chacoan peccary. - Médanos del Chaco National Park (Alto Paraguay)
Remote dunes and dry forest near the Bolivian border.
Events
- Transchaco Rally (Central Chaco)
A famous rally that draws crowds to the Chaco each spring.
Things to Do
- Neuland colony (Neuland)
The smallest Mennonite colony, quiet and close to the war sites. - Fortín Toledo (Near Filadelfia)
A Chaco War fort site with memorials along the Transchaco.
Places to Visit in Concepción
Things to Do
- Concepción riverside (Concepción)
A northern river port with old mansions and boat trips on the Paraguay River.
Places to Visit in Pilar
Nature and Outdoors
- Ñeembucú wetlands (Pilar)
Wide wetlands rich in birdlife in Paraguay's quiet south west.
Places to Visit in San Ignacio Guazú
Arts and Culture
- Museo Diocesano de Arte Jesuítico (San Ignacio Guazú)
Carved Jesuit era statues in one of the oldest mission towns.
Places to Visit in Cerro Corá
Nature and Outdoors
- Parque Nacional Cerro Corá (Amambay)
Forested hills where the Triple Alliance war ended; check travel advice first.
More to Explore
We are still checking these with fresh sources, so confirm opening times before you go.
- Plaza Uruguaya book stalls (Historic centre, Asunción)
Second hand booksellers line a leafy square near the old railway station. - Banco San Miguel (Bay of Asunción, Asunción)
A protected area on the bay where birdwatchers spot waders and migratory species. - Taberna Española (Historic centre, Asunción)
A Spanish style tavern packed with old photos and serving tapas and paella. - Ciervo Blanco (Recoleta, Asunción)
A traditional restaurant with Paraguayan dishes and folk music and dance shows. - Kamambú (Historic centre, Asunción)
Simple local food served by a social enterprise, with a laid back courtyard feel. - Chipa Barrero (Various branches, Asunción)
A local chain where you can try warm chipa and other baked snacks. - Bellini Pastas y Pizzas (Villa Morra, Asunción)
A relaxed Italian style spot for coffee, pasta and family meals. - Café Literario (Historic centre, Asunción)
A bookish café with old furniture and a quiet atmosphere near the plazas. - Kilkenny Irish Pub (Villa Morra, Asunción)
A busy Irish style pub with live music and big screens for football. - Bars of Loma San Jerónimo (Historic centre, Asunción)
Small bars on the hillside stairways serve beer and live music on weekend nights. - Asunciónico (Asunción, Asunción)
A large international music festival bringing major acts to the capital. - Bay cruise from the port (Port of Asunción, Asunción)
Short boat trips on the bay give a different view of the city skyline. - Lakeside bars in San Bernardino (Lakeshore, San Bernardino)
Summer nights bring beach bars and parties to the lakeside. - Salto Cristal (Near La Colmena, San Bernardino)
A waterfall in the forested hills, reached by a short walk. - Los Alpes Hotel (San Bernardino, San Bernardino)
A family friendly hotel with gardens and pools near the lake. - Confitería in San Bernardino (Town centre, San Bernardino)
Stop at one of the German style bakeries for coffee and cake in the old town. - Tobatí rock formations (Tobatí, San Bernardino)
Sandstone outcrops and a ceramics tradition just north of the Cordillera. - Lakeside restaurants in Areguá (Lakeshore, Areguá)
Simple restaurants near the old railway station serve local fish and asado. - Hotel de la Trinidad (Trinidad, Encarnación)
Sleep next to the ruins so you can enjoy the light show and a quiet sunrise. - De la Costa Hotel (Costanera, Encarnación)
A comfortable hotel close to the riverside promenade. - Hiroshima (Encarnación, Encarnación)
A long running Japanese restaurant reflecting the region's immigrant heritage. - Costanera food stands (Costanera, Encarnación)
Stalls by the river sell lomitos, empanadas and cold drinks on warm evenings. - Costanera bars (Costanera, Encarnación)
Riverside bars stay busy late on summer nights. - Mercado Municipal de Encarnación (Centre, Encarnación)
A local market for fruit, mate gourds, everyday goods and quick meals. - Parque Nacional San Rafael (Itapúa, Encarnación)
One of the last large blocks of Atlantic forest in Paraguay, rich in birds. - Paraná Country Club (Hernandarias, Ciudad del Este)
A residential club area with hotels and quieter streets away from the centre. - Restaurants of Paraná Country Club (Hernandarias, Ciudad del Este)
Quieter dining options away from the crowds of the shopping district. - Asado stands in Ciudad del Este (Centre, Ciudad del Este)
Local grills serve quick asado plates to traders and shoppers. - Itaipu illumination (Hernandarias, Ciudad del Este)
On some evenings the dam is lit up for night visits. - Girasol Restaurant (Filadelfia, Filadelfia)
A popular local spot for buffet lunches and grilled meat. - Mennonite bakeries (Filadelfia, Filadelfia)
Bakeries sell German style breads, cakes and cookies. - Chaco Lodge (Central Chaco, Filadelfia)
A private reserve with lagoons for wildlife and birdwatching stays.