Casco Histórico (Historic Downtown)

Asunción, Paraguay

Overall Safety
Moderate
2.8 / 5
Based on 12 Safety Metrics

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Summary

Casco Histórico has historic sites worth seeing, but serious safety issues especially after dark. Only visit during the day (10am-4pm) with valuables hidden. Leave before sunset.

Historic and culturalColonial architectureDaytime visits onlyEmpty after darkHigh poverty visible
Details

The historic downtown has colonial architecture and cultural sites worth seeing during the day. The area around the main plaza, government buildings, and museums stays somewhat busy during business hours with locals and a few tourists. But after dark, everyone leaves and the area empties out completely. A favela sits in the middle of downtown next to the historic sites, and it's easy to wander into unsafe areas without realizing it. The neighborhood is quieter and emptier than most capital city centers, which is actually a bad thing - in South American cities, you never want to be the only person on the street. Go during the middle of the day (10am-4pm) to see the sites and take photos, then get out before sunset. Even locals from other parts of Asunción don't walk around here at night. The Mercado 4 area nearby is known for pickpockets even during the day.

Safety Ratings

Daytime Safety

Moderate

Night Walking Safety

Poor

Harassment Risk

High

Public Transport Safety

Moderate

Pickpocketing Risk

High

Scam Risk

High

Police Visibility

Good

Emergency Services

Good

Evening Venues

Poor

Solo Dining

Moderate

Drug Activity

Moderate

Homelessness Visibility

High

Getting By in English

Moderate
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Recommended Places

Cafes

  • El Café Literario
  • El Bolsi (24-hour restaurant)

Restaurants

  • El Bolsi

Other Spots

  • Palacio de López (Presidential Palace)
  • Pantheon of the Heroes
  • National Cathedral
Impressions & Tips

"Historic sites are nice but the area feels sketchy even during the day"

"Went in the morning with a group and left by 3pm"

"Easy to wander into unsafe areas by accident"

"Kept my phone hidden, didn't take it out for photos"

"Culturally interesting but wouldn't stay here or go at night"

Similar Neighborhoods in Asunción

Areas with comparable safety profiles for solo female travelers

Villa Morra

4.0
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Night Walking SafetyGood
Daytime SafetyExcellent
Harassment RiskModerate
Transport SafetyGood
Upscale and modernLots of expatsMost restaurants in the city+2

Villa Morra has the most restaurants and cafes in Asunción with good security and an international crowd. You'll pay more than other neighborhoods, but it's the safest option with the most English speakers and dining variety.

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Carmelitas / Las Lomas

4.0
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Night Walking SafetyGood
Daytime SafetyExcellent
Harassment RiskModerate
Transport SafetyGood
Nightlife hubUpscale bars and restaurantsGets busy after midnight+2

Carmelitas is Asunción's nightlife area centered on Paseo Carmelitas. It's expensive and touristy but has private security and lots of bars and restaurants. Gets busy after midnight on weekends. Dead during the day.

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Recoleta

4.0
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Night Walking SafetyGood
Daytime SafetyGood
Harassment RiskModerate
Transport SafetyGood
Quiet and residentialBudget-friendlyAuthentic local life+2

Recoleta is a quiet residential neighborhood that's safe and cheap. Good for budget travelers and longer stays, but almost no English and you'll need to go elsewhere for nightlife and restaurant variety.

22

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Safety Reminder

Neighborhood conditions can change. Check recent news, ask locals or your accommodation about current safety, especially for nighttime plans.

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