Home › Destinations › Plaza de Armas
Plaza de Armas, Paraguay / Paraguái - Things to Do in Plaza de Armas

Things to Do in Plaza de Armas

Plaza de Armas, Paraguay / Paraguái - Complete Travel Guide

Plaza de Armas, located in the heart of Asunción, Paraguay, serves as the historic and cultural epicenter of the nation's capital. This charming colonial square, officially known as Plaza de la Independencia, is surrounded by some of Paraguay's most important buildings including the Government Palace (Palacio de los López), the Metropolitan Cathedral, and the historic Cabildo. The plaza represents over 450 years of Paraguayan history and serves as a gathering place for locals and visitors alike. The square itself is beautifully landscaped with palm trees, gardens, and walking paths, creating a peaceful oasis in the bustling city center. Street vendors sell traditional crafts, local snacks, and refreshing tereré (cold herbal tea), while musicians and artists often perform in the evenings. The area comes alive during national celebrations and cultural events, making it an essential stop for anyone wanting to experience authentic Paraguayan culture and history.

Top Things to Do in Plaza de Armas

Explore the Government Palace (Palacio de los López)

Take a guided tour of Paraguay's presidential palace, an impressive pink building that dominates one side of the plaza. The neoclassical architecture and ornate interiors showcase the country's political history and artistic heritage. Free guided tours are available on weekends and provide insight into Paraguay's governance and cultural traditions.

Booking Tip: Tours are free but require advance registration at the palace entrance. Visit on Saturday mornings between 9-11 AM for the best availability. Bring valid ID and arrive 30 minutes early as security checks are thorough.

Visit the Metropolitan Cathedral

Discover Paraguay's main cathedral, which houses the remains of national hero Marshal Francisco Solano López. The colonial-era church features beautiful baroque architecture, religious art, and peaceful courtyards. The cathedral also contains the tomb of Eliza Lynch, López's Irish consort, making it a significant historical site.

Booking Tip: Entry is free and the cathedral is open daily from 6 AM to 7 PM. Visit during weekday mornings for a quieter experience. Consider hiring a local guide for $10-15 to learn about the historical significance and religious artifacts.

Browse the Mercado 4 and Local Artisan Markets

Experience one of South America's largest markets just a short walk from the plaza. Mercado 4 offers everything from traditional Paraguayan crafts like ñandutí lace to electronics, clothing, and street food. The bustling atmosphere provides an authentic glimpse into local commerce and daily life.

Booking Tip: Visit early morning (7-10 AM) for the best selection and cooler temperatures. Bargaining is expected - start at 50% of the asking price. Keep valuables secure and consider going with a local guide ($20-30) for first-time visitors.

Enjoy Traditional Paraguayan Cuisine

Sample authentic dishes like chipa (cheese bread), sopa paraguaya (cornbread), and asado (barbecue) at restaurants surrounding the plaza. Many establishments offer live folk music performances featuring traditional harps and guitars. The area is known for its family-run restaurants serving recipes passed down through generations.

Booking Tip: Lunch prices range from $5-15 per person at local restaurants. Try Restaurant Bolsi or Lido Bar for authentic atmosphere. Make dinner reservations on weekends, especially if you want to catch live music performances that typically start around 8 PM.

Take an Evening Stroll and Cultural Performance

Experience the plaza's transformation as evening falls, when locals gather to socialize, street performers entertain crowds, and vendors sell traditional snacks. The Government Palace and cathedral are beautifully illuminated, creating perfect photo opportunities. Cultural events and festivals frequently take place in the evenings throughout the year.

Booking Tip: Evening activities are free and typically run from 6-10 PM. The best cultural performances happen on Friday and Saturday nights. Bring small bills for street vendors and performers - most items cost $1-5.

Getting There

Silvio Pettirossi International Airport (ASU) is located about 15 kilometers northeast of Asunción, with taxis costing around $15-20 to reach Plaza de Armas. Bus connections from other South American cities arrive at the Terminal de Ómnibus, from where local buses or taxis can take you to the city center for $2-8. If driving from Brazil or Argentina, the plaza is easily accessible via major highways, with several parking areas nearby charging $3-5 per day.

Getting Around

The Plaza de Armas area is highly walkable, with most major attractions within a few blocks of each other. Local buses (colectivos) cost around $0.50 and connect the plaza to other neighborhoods, though they can be crowded during rush hours. Taxis are readily available and affordable ($3-8 for most city trips), while ride-sharing apps like Uber operate in Asunción. For longer distances or day trips, consider renting a car from agencies near the plaza for $25-40 per day.

Where to Stay

Historic City Center
Villa Morra
Las Carmelitas
Recoleta
Sajonia
Carmelitas

Food & Dining

The dining scene around Plaza de Armas offers everything from street food to upscale restaurants specializing in Paraguayan cuisine. Traditional dishes like chipa, empanadas, and fresh river fish dominate menus, often accompanied by locally grown vegetables and fruits. Many restaurants feature live folk music, creating an authentic cultural dining experience. Prices range from $2-5 for street food to $15-25 for dinner at established restaurants, with most places accepting cash only.

Top-Rated Restaurants in Asuncion

Highly-rated dining options based on Google reviews (4.5+ stars, 100+ reviews)

View all food guides →

Bellini Palma

4.6 /5
(4361 reviews) 2

Bellini Carmelitas

4.6 /5
(1771 reviews) 2

Mozzafiato Trattoria Local

4.6 /5
(1109 reviews) 2

MBURICAO Restaurante

4.6 /5
(889 reviews) 2

LA CABRERA

4.6 /5
(870 reviews)

Grosso Shopping del Sol

4.5 /5
(849 reviews)
all dining options →

When to Visit

The best time to visit Plaza de Armas is during Paraguay's dry season from May to September, when temperatures are mild (15-25°C) and rainfall is minimal. This period offers comfortable weather for walking and outdoor activities, though it's also peak tourist season. The wet season (October-April) brings higher temperatures and afternoon thunderstorms, but also lush green landscapes and fewer crowds. Cultural events and festivals occur year-round, with major celebrations during independence week in May and Christmas season.

Insider Tips

Learn a few basic Spanish or Guaraní phrases as English is not widely spoken; locals especially appreciate efforts to speak Guaraní, Paraguay's indigenous language
Always carry cash in small denominations as most vendors and small restaurants don't accept credit cards, and ATMs can be scarce in the immediate plaza area
Visit during weekday mornings to experience the plaza like a local - this is when you'll see office workers enjoying tereré breaks and vendors setting up their daily displays

Explore Activities in Plaza de Armas