Where to Live in Asunción, Paraguay
One of the most common questions about Latin America—and especially Paraguay—is whether it is as dangerous as people sometimes say. The short answer: no. In Paraguay, it is highly unlikely that anyone will try to steal your organs or drug you with scopolamine, so relax! As in any city, it is only recommended to be careful in certain neighborhoods late at night.
In general, living in Paraguay is quite peaceful. It is not a hyper-developed country, which curiously gives it a certain charm: there is not so much hustle and bustle, which makes it very safe and peaceful. In addition, Asunción is full of trees, which significantly improves the air quality.
If you're thinking of moving, doing your residency, or simply getting to know the city, this guide will help you find your way around depending on what you're looking for: neighborhoods close to nightlife or quieter places to relax.
1. Recoleta Neighborhood
Located literally in the center of Asunción, Recoleta mixes tall buildings with single-story houses. If you're looking for long-term accommodation, you can find options starting at €20 per night, from studio apartments to larger apartments.
It is a safe area with supermarkets, gourmet Paraguayan restaurants, and cafés. It is also right next to the Villa Morra and Shopping Mariscal shopping centers. Many buildings have their own gyms, but there are also gyms in the area. One of its attractions is the Recoleta Church, with a colonial-style facade that is worth visiting.
Ideal if you are looking for: urban life, nearby services, cafes, shopping centers, and safety.
2. Villa Morra Neighborhood
You can locate it on the map because it is to the right of Recoleta. Villa Morra is one of the most modern neighborhoods in Asunción. If you like nightlife, this is the neighborhood for you. There you will find the famous Paseo Carmelitas: an exclusive complex with elegant bars, nightclubs, karaoke bars, and international bistro- or trattoria-style restaurants.
You will also find boutiques, jewelry stores, and apartments starting at €25. It has all the amenities and is safe.
Ideal if you are looking for: excitement, international cuisine, nightlife, and a modern atmosphere.
3. Las Lomas Neighborhood
Located next to Villa Morra, it combines nearby shopping centers such as Shopping del Sol and Paseo La Galería with quieter, more secluded areas. There are colonial-style houses and modern buildings, and it is more residential.
It's not a nightclub area, but it does have bakeries, cafes, and the National Aquatic Center (CAN), where you can swim in an Olympic-size pool—which is spectacular if you come in the summer. Staying here can cost from €35, but the spaces are more spacious and better equipped. There are several supermarkets, including Casa Rica (here's the link to the supermarket guide—click here), which will give you more information and help you understand why it's more expensive. As for safety, you won't have any problems.
Ideal if you are looking for: comfort for long stays, a residential atmosphere, access to shopping centers without being in the hustle and bustle.
4. Ycua Sati
Located below Las Lomas and Manora, it is a very residential and quiet neighborhood. There are cafes like Karú. There are also a few restaurants (for example, a sushi restaurant).
It is a safe place, with schools, pharmacies, and the Paseo La Galería mall a 20-minute walk or 5-minute motorcycle ride away. There are one- and two-story houses and some small buildings. If you don't like the noise of cars and prefer something quiet, this is the place for you. Accommodation from €23 per night. I recommend getting around by Uber, especially if it's very hot.
Ideal if you're looking for: calm, green areas, little noise, and a relaxed local lifestyle.
5. Mariscal Estigarribia Neighborhood
Located just below Recoleta, this neighborhood is a more relaxed extension of downtown. It's perfect for those who want to be close to everything but without so much activity or traffic. The area has a more traditional vibe: well-kept old houses, some with internal courtyards, and small buildings.
There aren't as many cafes or bars here, but there are grocery stores, pharmacies, and hardware stores that will save you in your day-to-day life. There are also several clinics and medical centers in the area, making it ideal for seniors or those who prefer to have health services nearby.
Staying here can cost from €26, and it's a good option if you value tranquility but don't want to be too far from the city center.
Ideal if you are looking for: a middle ground between central and quiet, a traditional atmosphere, a good location without excessive noise.
6. Los Laureles Neighborhood
This is one of the quietest and greenest neighborhoods in the city. It is a little further from the center, but still well connected to the main avenues. What stands out here is the number of trees, large houses, and quiet streets. It is a very residential area, frequented by upper-middle-class Paraguayan families and some expats who prefer privacy and nature.
There are a few neighborhood stores, small gyms, and local bakeries, but not much nightlife. If you are looking for a slower pace of life or even if you are coming with pets, you may really like this place. Accommodations start at €30 per night and are usually entire houses or apartments with a garden or terrace.
Ideal if you are looking for: total peace, contact with nature, privacy, and a more family-friendly atmosphere.
Bonus Track: Las Mercedes Neighborhood
Located between the microcentro and Mariscal Lopez, Las Mercedes is one of those neighborhoods that has gained popularity in recent years among foreigners, artists, and young professionals. It has a tasty mix of traditional and bohemian: quiet streets with remodeled old houses, small modern buildings, and a discreet but vibrant cultural life.
Here you will find signature cafes, art studios, bookstores, coworking spaces, and some of the coolest restaurants in Asunción. It is not as noisy as Villa Morra, but it has its own personality. It is perfect for those who want to be close to the action without living in the noise.
Airbnb accommodation can start at €25, and it's common to find boutique options, designer accommodations, or shared houses with an alternative style.
Ideal if you're looking for: a young and artistic atmosphere, authentic local experiences, and being close to the center without losing your peace of mind.
Conclusion: Asunción has a neighborhood for every lifestyle
Ultimately, Asunción's neighborhoods are not defined solely by the map, but by what you are looking for. Want noise and drinks? Villa Morra. Coffee with plants? Las Lomas. Peace and shade from trees? Los Laureles. Something more authentic and cooler? Las Mercedes. A mix of everything? Recoleta.
The truth is that Asunción is a surprising city. It's quiet, yes, but also lively, with unexpected corners. Some streets are still cobbled stones like in the old days—and yes, that can sometimes make Uber bounce a little more than usual—but it gives it a special charm. There are neighborhoods where the trees block out the sun and others where you run into the baker who greets you by name after a week. It all depends on what makes you feel at home or the Paraguay Pulse.
So, if you're planning to come and live, settle down, invest, or just escape for a few months to see if tereré changes your life: here's where to start.🧉
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