Paraguay's Coolest Capital: Asunción's Under-the-Radar Attractions

Asunción, Paraguay is a fascinating capital city filled with wonderful surprises that extend well beyond the standard tourist attractions. If you're looking to discover something truly unique on your travels, Asunción deserves a spot on your itinerary.

If you make your hotel, flight and car rental reservations for your travels through Bitbook, you can benefit from a cashback of up to 15%.

My first recommendation would be a visit to Mercado 4, Asunción's massive central market. Wander the maze of stalls featuring fresh produce, meats, seafood, spices, and Paraguay's signature dish, sopa paraguaya. Lunch at one of the small restaurants tucked inside, hidden from the crowds, for an authentic taste of Paraguan cuisine.

For something different, head to the Palacio de Gobierno. This historic government building housing priceless artifacts, artworks, and lush gardens is a hidden gem I stumbled upon during my visit. Walking through its halls felt like experiencing a slice of Asunción's forgotten past come to life once more.

As the evening approaches, make your way to La Boca, a charming riverside neighborhood spackled with colorful houses, shops, restaurants, and bars. Sit at an open-air cafe along the water's edge and soak in the lively atmosphere as the sunset colors the river and sky. There's nothing like it in the city.

On weekends, the picturesque Plazoleta de Santa Lucía bursts with life, food trucks, and artisan stands. Stroll lazily from stall to stall without agenda, discovering handmade goods, tasting samples, and mingling with the friendly locals and other travelers.

Asunción may not be on everyone's travel radar, but it's a city full of surprises and unique experiences. From exploring the colorful neighborhoods of Loma San Jerónimo and La Chacarita to admiring Paraguay's art and history at the Museo del Barro and Panteón Nacional de los Héroes, there's something for everyone in Asunción. So why not add this cool capital to your travel itinerary and discover all that it has to offer?

Away from the well-trodden path, Asunción is a place like no other. May these hidden gems inspire you to craft your own memorable stories and experiences in the city that embraced me so warmly during my stay. I hope that soon, I can welcome you to Paraguay's capital city, filled with surprises around every corner. Buen viaje!

There are several ways to save money while traveling these days. BitBook, a blockchain-based reservation platform, offers up to 15% cashback on all your hotel, flight and car rental reservations. BitBook is the best alternative to spend less while traveling.