This is a list of the 5 best things to do in Asuncion, Paraguay.
People talk about places like Rio, Buenos Aires and Cuzco when they mention South America. They don't often mention Paraguay. Which is why it's an excellent option to go off the beaten track and visit Asuncion. It's an inspirational city and contains a lot of charm. Get over to Asuncion and check it out.
1. Visit South America's First Ever Train Station
Asuncion housed South America's first ever train station and instead of destroying it when it wasn't needed, they have turned it into a museum. This is a great place to head to and reminisce and relax! Plus you're one of very few tourists so you will have the whole place to yourself!
2. The Argentina Border and Slums
From Asuncion you can look across at Argentina. Or even better you can cross the border or get a boat trip on the river. Paraguay also borders Bolivia and Brazil but with Asuncion it's just Argentina and really worth checking out. You can get buses into Argentina as well if need be plus there's the area of the slums which is cool to look at.
3. "Do a Chilavert"
Personally my Panini Sticker albums as a child influenced and inspired my football dreams. I remember seeing Paraguay in the 1986 World Cup and wondering "who the fuck they were". Just over a decade later and their goalkeeper Jose Luis Chilavert had become one of the world's best keepers and a final point in their international team which qualified for 4 consecutive World Cup Finals. I visited the national stadium, sneaked through the gates to stand on the pitch and "do a Chilavert". A local mused "this boys a nutcase" as I flew my well travelled Northern Ireland flag at the centre circle. "I am mate, but not as nuts as Jose" I replied, while reminiscing the time the Paraguayan struck the crossbar with a free kick in the World Cup. Not bad for a charismatic goalkeeper.
4. Old Buildings and Heroes Square
War and politics are never far away as a tourist and I was slightly moved by my trip here. A small room which is a monument and memorial to Paraguay's chosen few. I'd recommend it.
Then have a walk round and admire the other buildings in Asuncion such as the Palace, the Cathedral, the Army building and the old style skyscrapers.
5. Go for a night out!
When the sun sinks from Asuncion's skyline, the most surprising thing is that the city centre becomes the sort of ghost town even Casper would be surprised about. That's when you get your party shoes on and enjoy yourself. I managed to get pissed with my travel buddies, befriend some locals and get inspired. Gasping for a return to this city. Local beer is Pilsen but the Britannia Pub in the city brews their own beer which is worth trying.
People talk about places like Rio, Buenos Aires and Cuzco when they mention South America. They don't often mention Paraguay. Which is why it's an excellent option to go off the beaten track and visit Asuncion. It's an inspirational city and contains a lot of charm. Get over to Asuncion and check it out.
1. Visit South America's First Ever Train Station
Asuncion housed South America's first ever train station and instead of destroying it when it wasn't needed, they have turned it into a museum. This is a great place to head to and reminisce and relax! Plus you're one of very few tourists so you will have the whole place to yourself!
2. The Argentina Border and Slums
From Asuncion you can look across at Argentina. Or even better you can cross the border or get a boat trip on the river. Paraguay also borders Bolivia and Brazil but with Asuncion it's just Argentina and really worth checking out. You can get buses into Argentina as well if need be plus there's the area of the slums which is cool to look at.
3. "Do a Chilavert"
Personally my Panini Sticker albums as a child influenced and inspired my football dreams. I remember seeing Paraguay in the 1986 World Cup and wondering "who the fuck they were". Just over a decade later and their goalkeeper Jose Luis Chilavert had become one of the world's best keepers and a final point in their international team which qualified for 4 consecutive World Cup Finals. I visited the national stadium, sneaked through the gates to stand on the pitch and "do a Chilavert". A local mused "this boys a nutcase" as I flew my well travelled Northern Ireland flag at the centre circle. "I am mate, but not as nuts as Jose" I replied, while reminiscing the time the Paraguayan struck the crossbar with a free kick in the World Cup. Not bad for a charismatic goalkeeper.
4. Old Buildings and Heroes Square
War and politics are never far away as a tourist and I was slightly moved by my trip here. A small room which is a monument and memorial to Paraguay's chosen few. I'd recommend it.
Then have a walk round and admire the other buildings in Asuncion such as the Palace, the Cathedral, the Army building and the old style skyscrapers.
5. Go for a night out!
When the sun sinks from Asuncion's skyline, the most surprising thing is that the city centre becomes the sort of ghost town even Casper would be surprised about. That's when you get your party shoes on and enjoy yourself. I managed to get pissed with my travel buddies, befriend some locals and get inspired. Gasping for a return to this city. Local beer is Pilsen but the Britannia Pub in the city brews their own beer which is worth trying.
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