Here's a top 5 things to do in Asuncion, Paraguay.
I LOVE it when people ask me about South America and they say "did you go to Rio or El Calafate?" Because the answer is "no" and quite frankly, I still don't really care that much about "on the beaten track cities", which might explain how I got sentimental, inspired and perky on my visit to the Paraguayan capital city of Asuncion. I still have to pinch myself sometimes to understand why the hell I went there. A love of football, and Jose Luis Chilavert might help explain it.
1. Head to the first ever train station in South America
Amazingly Asuncion is where South America's first train station was. Over time, it was not needed and is now only used as a museum. There are no trains departing anymore but you can climb inside one and reminisce. It's worth visiting this museum!
2. Slums and Argentina
There's nothing like a bit of simultaneous country viewing and Paraguay sits directly opposite Argentina. So much so than at various points you can stare over at Argentina. You'll need to be in and around the slums to get a decent vantage point. And while this isn't recommended at night, I must admit I loved it by day. Asuncion's port is so untouristy, you'll be mistaken for a native before you open your mouth. Although you can see Argentina from Asuncion, I mut mention that I came into Paraguay from the other side. I got a bus from Ciudad del Este.
3. Visit the National Football Stadium.
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
Paraguay has a lot of soldiers and army and also some political history. Heroes Square is worth a visit to get your fill of this. It's a massive monument to remember those who died in the war.
After checking out the Heroes Square and monuments don't forget that Asuncion has lots of other cool old buildings to check out including Churches, a Palace, a Cathedral and old style skyscrapers.
5. A Night Out
Asuncion is relaxed and a totally amazing spot for some beers and drinks at night. You will be surprised at how many cool bars and pubs there are in and around the streets. Some bars even brew their own beer and live music is often played. Asuncion at night is a fantastic place to party.
I LOVE it when people ask me about South America and they say "did you go to Rio or El Calafate?" Because the answer is "no" and quite frankly, I still don't really care that much about "on the beaten track cities", which might explain how I got sentimental, inspired and perky on my visit to the Paraguayan capital city of Asuncion. I still have to pinch myself sometimes to understand why the hell I went there. A love of football, and Jose Luis Chilavert might help explain it.
1. Head to the first ever train station in South America
Amazingly Asuncion is where South America's first train station was. Over time, it was not needed and is now only used as a museum. There are no trains departing anymore but you can climb inside one and reminisce. It's worth visiting this museum!
2. Slums and Argentina
There's nothing like a bit of simultaneous country viewing and Paraguay sits directly opposite Argentina. So much so than at various points you can stare over at Argentina. You'll need to be in and around the slums to get a decent vantage point. And while this isn't recommended at night, I must admit I loved it by day. Asuncion's port is so untouristy, you'll be mistaken for a native before you open your mouth. Although you can see Argentina from Asuncion, I mut mention that I came into Paraguay from the other side. I got a bus from Ciudad del Este.
3. Visit the National Football Stadium.
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
Paraguay has a lot of soldiers and army and also some political history. Heroes Square is worth a visit to get your fill of this. It's a massive monument to remember those who died in the war.
After checking out the Heroes Square and monuments don't forget that Asuncion has lots of other cool old buildings to check out including Churches, a Palace, a Cathedral and old style skyscrapers.
5. A Night Out
Asuncion is relaxed and a totally amazing spot for some beers and drinks at night. You will be surprised at how many cool bars and pubs there are in and around the streets. Some bars even brew their own beer and live music is often played. Asuncion at night is a fantastic place to party.
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