Shopping in Asunción, Paraguay
From Cold Brands Prices to Heat of Haggling
Is it worth going shopping in Paraguay? Spoiler alert: yes, very much so. Whether you're just browsing, looking for a little souvenir for your fam, bae, or just treating yourself "because yes", here are the places you need to hit up. You can start with a casual stroll and end with a completely random impulse buy... but you know what? We deserve it. God will provide. 😉
Between you and me, one of the reasons we're in Paraguay is because it's affordable. No joke. It can even be cheaper than Colombia, and it's not just me saying that—even Argentinians will tell you how much more affordable it is compared to their own country. So, if everything costs less, why not take advantage and go shopping? Or as we like to say, go window shopping (“vitrinear” in Spanish) ... sounds cuter, right?
Now, without further ado, let's start with the most popular places and work our way down to the more local ones.
1. Paseo la Galería
This is one of the newest and biggest malls in Asunción. From the outside, it looks like a regular building, but walk in and surprise! Trees, plants, and even a mini river. You might start wondering if it's a mall or some sort of eco-park. Once you're in, climb a few stairs and you'll run into cafes, ice cream shops, restaurants, and... more nature.
But if you want actual stores, you gotta enter through a glass door, take the escalator (or the elevator), and then boom! Zara, Decathlon, MAC, Juan Valdez, New Balance, Lacoste, and the gang. On the ground floor, there is a Super 6 (if you want the lowdown on groceries in Asunción, I gotchu). On the top floor is a cinema and if you're lucky, you might even see them raffling off a car. Spoiler: they're always raffling off a car.
As for prices? Locals call them "tourist prices", but honestly they’re just the regular global rates for those brands. Still, I once bought three books for 310,000 PYG (around €33 or $38). And best of all? AIR. CONDITIONING. Seriously, in Asunción, it’s as essential as water. Except for June and July, this place is hot
2. Shopping del Sol
Just a 7-minute walk from Paseo La Galería, and full of big brands like Forever 21, Adidas, Victoria’s Secret, CAT, Calvin Klein, Levi’s, etc. Also, shoutout to Smart Fit—a Latin American gym chain with branches everywhere. If you’re a member abroad, you can work out here no problem, you can use it as if nothing had changed. Ideal for fitness nomads traveling in this part of the World.
Feels a bit smaller than Paseo, but still packs a punch. Cinema? Ground floor. Food court? Right next to it, with everything from Japanese food to KFC and local eats. If the weather’s nice, you can grab a seat outside and vibe with your meal. My go-to? Porchetta—great meat, great service, reasonable prices. There are cute cafes inside too, including one next to Forever 21 and another upstairs that's all coquette and aesthetic.
As for prices? Same than Paso la Galería, but you can different things or designs
🛍️ Bonus track: There are discounts when you pay in cash and when you are a foreigner. It doesn't happen everywhere, but at Forever 21, for example, they give you a 10% to 15% discount when you show your passport or ID.
3. Shopping Mariscal
Located in Recoleta, one of the best neighborhoods to live in (click for the full guide 😉). This mall has a weird layout—two buildings, one on each side of the street, connected by a long hallway. It's a bit labyrinthine, but nice.
Outside, there’s a plaza with big screens showing soccer matches or live events. Friday and Saturday nights? Packed. Great for meeting people or just soaking up the energy. Maybe you will have to run if it is raining. On the ground floor inside the mall, there are several cafes and restaurants such as La Vienesa, La Quesería, Café Martínez... also you can find a little market. On the second floor are the gondolas: Havanna, Juan Valdez, and the famous Casa de la Chipá. By the way, if anyone asks: yes, Chipá is Paraguayan 😄. The food court is on the third floor—indoor, kid-friendly, and full of variety.
Tourist prices? Absolutely. Some stores don’t even bother showing prices in Guaraníes; they go straight to USD.
You’ll find Hush Puppies, Aldo, GAP, Discovery, American Look, and for the home decor lovers: Nueva Americana. From scented candles to bedsheets and barbecue gear—it’s where your inner señora will feel at home.
🎁Bonus: I bought a drying rack there. Cost me 249,000 PYG. Too much? Maybe. Tourist price? Definitely.
4. Villamorra Shopping
This one’s like Mariscal’s chill little sibling. It’s literally right across the street. Not massive, not flashy, but cute and quiet—perfect for a relaxed shopping sesh. Small clothing shops, shoe stores, accessories, and a peaceful vibe with fewer crowds. Bonus: it's usually cheaper.
There’s also a lovely ice cream place (a must in Asunción) and some cafes that are ideal for catching up with friends or working with your laptop. If you’re tired from mall-hopping, come here to breathe. And if you like walking around the area, the Villa Morra neighborhood in general is really nice, with tree-lined streets, cafes, boutique shops, and many surprises. So, go with plenty of time, because you're sure to end up buying something. Because, of course... you don't go out to shop, but you end up doing it anyway. 😉
💇 Bonus track: If you have already spent more than a month in Paraguar, Asunción, and need a haircut or to have something done, there is a hair salon in this mall where paying in cash will cost less than paying by card (because obviously we all want to pay less tax).
5. Mercado 4, Asunción
This place is WILD. Think Persian bazaar vibes. Street after street, you’ll probably loop around and pass the same stall three times. It’s not as gigantic as Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar and they're not going to try to sell you shoes at ridiculously high prices, but it has that chaotic and charming atmosphere. And yes, just like in Turkey, there are cats everywhere, walking around as if they own the place.
What will you find? It would be easier to ask what you won't find. Clothes, food, cosmetics, shoes, appliances, cell phone cases, places to repair them, stuffed animals, socks for your aunt you haven't seen in 10 years... Seriously, for your brother, your dad, your neighbor, your ex... there's everything. Quality? That’s up to you. You’ll see cotton hoodies, polyester jackets, weird synthetic blends, and surprisingly good 100% cotton jeans. And yes, haggling is welcome here. If you're good at it, you can get a little discount without any problem. But that's another topic... we could write a separate article just for that.
The prices, I tell you, are on another level: a women's hoodie can cost between 75k and 150k guaraníes (that is, 8 to 15 euros, depending on the material). And jeans... I saw two pairs for 119k guaraníes (about 13 euros). It's crazy! Compared to a shopping mall, prices are easily 60% or more lower. And as I said, there's plenty of variety.
Need a local SIM? You’re in the right place. Street vendors hook you up for 30,000 PYG (3 EUR), way better than tourist options from the big carriers.
Go early, like 9 a.m. Some shops close at midday. And trust me—if you go with the right mood, you'll have a blast.
🏰 Bonus Markets with Local Flavor
Already conquered the malls and survived Mercado 4? Still got shopping energy? Let me put you on to two more markets that don’t get enough tourist love. they have their own vibe, their own characters, and, of course... their own bargains.
San Lorenzo Market
Located in one of the busiest cities in Greater Asunción. If you’re coming by bus, odds are you'll end up nearby. It’s chaotic, loud, and full of life—think students, street vendors, motorbikes, and smack in the middle of it: this market. Fresh produce, secondhand appliances, school supplies, plastic goods, shoes, clothes—a real-life "fix your whole life for cheap" spot. Slightly more chaotic than Mercado 4 and more open-air, so bring a hat if you go in summer. The prices and variety? Chef’s Kiss
Luque's market
Is half traditional, half downtown commercial zone. Lots of tiny shops with better prices than any mall. Looking for cheap clothes, backpacks, kitchen stuff? Found it.
Also: Luque is the place for filigree jewelry. Handmade gold and silver? Yes please. And as every proper Paraguayan market demands, you'll find someone selling chipa or sopa paraguaya right outside. If you want to feel the local pulse, skip the AC and go here. You don’t have to buy anything... but let’s be honest, you probably will. 😊
These two markets are perfect if you want to get away from the tourist crowds and get a feel for the local vibe. You don't have to buy anything, but I guarantee you'll take something away with you... even if it's just the memory of haggling like a pro. 😏
So... what can I tell you?
If you're in Asunción and you don't go out window shopping, you're missing out on a lot. Go out, walk around, have a tereré along the way, and enjoy that beautiful mix of modern and popular that only this city has. Feel the Paraguay Pulse Vibe.
Asunción has everything, from malls with air conditioning, to markets where “pase mi amor” (pass it on, my love) is a religion. You can go shopping in heels or flip-flops, spend like an Arab sheikh or haggle like an aunt at a Sunday fair. The important thing is that here, shopping is not just about spending, it's about living the experience. Wear comfy clothes, stay hydrated (the heat is no joke), and get ready to say "I'm just looking" a dozen times while your wallet begs for mercy.
You'll meet friendly people, enjoy the warm weather, hear music playing in some corner, and yes... see more than one cat sleeping on the clothes in Mercado 4 as if it were their bed. In fact, there's a photo!
And you know: if you see something nice... buy it! You'll cry over your credit card later, but you'll be happy. See you next time. 😉