EL BAR
Read moreFirst, one might think that this establishment bears the name of a famous European beer mark, but it is simply called The Bar. Its large terrace is its main attraction and fills in early this week. A card is original in the form of a newspaper with small articles about the origin of cocktails, for example, and a mini-portrait of Hemigway Great amateur of Daiquirí.
LA GRAN MANZANA
Read moreThe term Manzana is used in Latin American colonial urban planning to designate a block of houses. La Gran Manzana (formerly known as Manzana T), just a stone's throw from the Villa Mora and Mariscal shopping districts, features a block of popular bars, ice-cream parlors, restaurants, boutiques, gyms and more. Fashion shows and concerts are organized from time to time. La Manzana T also boasts a casino, banks and even its own ice-cube factory, to keep consumers quickly supplied!
GRAN TEATRO JOSÉ ASUNCIÓN FLORES
Read moreThe name of this lyric theater pays tribute to the eminent composer of Guarania, the musical genre that identifies Paraguay. Inaugurated in 2005, the theater is housed in the Banco Central del Paraguay complex. It can accommodate over 1,000 spectators. The 800 m² stage is used for large-scale performances, including ballets and other dance shows, plays and classical music concerts. The lighting and acoustics are top-notch.
TEATRO MUNICIPAL IGNACIO A. PANE
Read moreBuilt between 1886 and 1889 to replace the former National Theatre, the building was restored from 1997 and opened to the public in 2006. During the restoration, archaeological remains were discovered which revealed the presence of the former legislative palace. Performances every weekend and almost every night. The programme is of high quality and very varied, with mainly plays, classical music concerts and dance performances.
BRITANNIA PUB
Read moreEl Brit for friends. It's been one of the most popular pubs in the center for over thirty years. The hall fills up quickly on cold winter evenings. The rest of the year, you have to struggle to find a table in the patio, especially upstairs under the stars. Beer is served in large bottles, kept in an ice bucket, or by the meter. In this case, you have to drink it quickly, as it does not stay fresh for long! To accompany cervezas and tragos, good picadas to share. Order at the bar, where you often have to elbow your way through!
KILKENNY IRISH PUB
Read moreThe large rustic hall, with its wood panelling and decorations brought from Dublin, takes us back to Europe. It's probably not your goal, but there's always people and atmosphere in this Paseo Carmelitas institution, which opened its doors in 2007. It's hard to find a table on Friday and Saturday nights, when it's really full at all hours. Weekend rock concerts. Former Kilk regulars claim that the pub has lost its early rock spirit, with DJs "stooping" to play reggaetón or other Latin rhythms ...
ROCKERO POPURRÍ NOCTURNO
Read moreAsunción's first underground bar. Housed in a half-ruined 1930s house, Rockero has established itself as a must-see boliche in the historic center, with a resolutely rock spirit. it's a "nocturnal potpourri", " because rock is more than a musical style, it's a lifestyle, a state of mind...", according to the owner. Cheap beer, frequent concerts and a relaxed, informal nightlife with a clientele of regulars. A movable roof slides down on rainy evenings to protect the stage and patio.
LA SERAFINA, ESPACIO CULTURAL FEMINISTA
Read moreLa Serafina is a cultural space set up by Aireana, a women's organization committed to defending lesbian rights and combating the discrimination so prevalent in this particularly macho country. An emblematic venue for the LGBTI+ community, with cultural and artistic evenings open to all. Concerts, theater, dance performances, conferences and public debates... The setting is warm and welcoming, in a beautiful house with a colorful facade.
PALO SANTO BREWING COMPANY
Read moreA microbrewery known for its Nitsuga brand, whose name pays homage to guitar legend, composer Agustín (Nitsuga in reverse) Barrios Mangoré. Next door to the brewery is the Beer Garden , with a good variety of homemade craft beers, served on draught or in bottles (nicely labeled). The most popular beverage in 2024 was the coffee-flavored Cold Brew Agustín, to be enjoyed chilled with a hearty picada to share with friends.
STEFANS KAFFEE
Read moreThis café is located in an old house in the center of town. It's famous for its latte art, the technique of creating drawings on the surface of a café au lait or cappuccino. Stefano, the young owner, discovered latte art somewhat by chance, and given the success of his drawings, he decided to train as a barista and set up his own establishment. The space is welcoming, with a small balcony overlooking the street, the coffee very good and the original designs on the surface of the latte. The attention is also excellent.
JUAN VALDEZ CAFÉ
Read moreThis famous Colombian coffee chain has successfully established itself in the land of tereré. It has branches in the capital's main shopping malls and in the historic center, opposite Bolsi. In a country where coffee culture is limited, and where it's rare to find a good espresso or cappuccino, Juan Valdez Café is a good option. The coffee and its derivatives are very decent, and the various Juan Valdez premises are popular with digital nomads, who can take advantage of good Wi-Fi and sockets for charging their batteries.
CAFÉ LITERARIO
Read moreClose to Plaza Uruguaya, a quiet place to relax at a bistro table, with a coffee, fruit juice or glass of wine. An intellectual-artistic atmosphere, with the smell of old books and the soundtrack of jazz and bossa nova. Magazines and books can be consulted on site, and even purchased. The air-conditioned room is pleasant, with a small mezzanine for even greater peace and quiet. There are also a few tables on the sidewalk. On the wall are photos of famous Paraguayan writers, with a short biography.
PASEO CARMELITAS
Read moreThis semi-open space is home to some great bars and restaurants, attracting a rather young and affluent clientele. Among the best-known establishments: Bellini (Italian restaurant), Capitão (churrasquería and sports bar), Sushi Club (Japanese), Yaya Gourmet (tapas bar), Kilkenny (Irish pub), Cover Singing Bar (karaoke bar), or Kamastro (artistic bar-resto). In the adjacent streets, you'll also find a host of chic cafés, restaurants and boutiques. The area is often congested, especially on Friday and Saturday evenings.
O' LEARY CLUB
Read moreA fairly trendy bar-club in the historic centre, with a decor inspired by the 1920s and above all a terrace that offers a beautiful view of the Palacio de los López (Presidential Palace). A pleasant place to start the evening, with fresh beers and sophisticated cocktails, which can be accompanied by picadas, plates of cold meats, or burgers. Reasonable prices for the setting. The music is good and not too loud, and the atmosphere is either quiet or con más onda, depending on the evening and the band or DJ invited.
CAFÉ CONSULADO
Read moreA pleasant little café-restaurant in the center of town. In a simple, warm setting, decorated with regularly changing works of art, you can come and drink a quality coffee in a variety of forms (espresso, long, cappuccino, etc.), or tea, accompanied by a pastry. Sandwiches, craft beer and cocktails are also available. All homemade, with fresh produce. Portions not huge, but good value for money. Quiet, young and international atmosphere, with friendly service.
KO'APE BAR MIRADOR
Read moreIn the heart of the picturesque Loma San Jerónimo district, at the highest point of the hill, the Ko'ape is a colourful bar and restaurant with a relaxed atmosphere. Its terrace offers a nice view of the bay. A treat at sunset, when the breeze blows in summer, with a cold beer or a cocktail. A menu with simple dishes (burgers, pizzas, picadas, mbejú, etc.) well prepared, but one goes up here especially for a drink or to attend concerts or other cultural events that take place in the evening.
ARPA RÓGA
Read moreThe "House of the Harp", in Guarani, is a music conservatory recognized by the Paraguayan Ministry of Education and Culture (MEC). It was founded by a family of musicians, the Pedersens. The harp is taught here, with private and group lessons for all levels, from the age of three. For those staying in Asunción for a while, this may be an opportunity to start studying Paraguay's national instrument. Violin lessons are also available. Concerts and cultural events are organized from time to time.
NEGRONI DOWNTOWN SKYBAR
Read moreAlready present in Buenos Aires, Montevideo and Miami, and soon in Tulum and Barcelona, Negroni, a bar-bistro chain with an Italian-New York style, has arrived in Asunción in force, taking over two rooftops. One is on the top floor of the Hotel Dazzler, in the modern center. The other is in the historic center, above Unicentro. Here, the panoramic view from the 15th (restaurant) and, above all, the 16th floor (bar-terrace) is pretty cool, especially at sunset, the ideal moment to try the famous Negroni cocktail!
ZULU
Read moreThis rooftop is located at the very top of Tower 2 of the World Trade Center. It offers one of the best views in Asunción. An exclusive and sophisticated place, with prices to match. Three atmospheres: the Afro-Paraguayan fusion restaurant, the lounge and the terrace, where you can eat or have a drink. Shows and DJ evenings attract the capital's celebrities and golden youth. Try to get there at sunset, to enjoy the exceptional view, with a tasty cocktail.