Asunción, Paraguay
What 90% of solo women don't know about staying safe in Asunción.
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.
Recoleta is a quiet residential neighborhood between the bus station and airport, which makes logistics easy but puts you away from the main action. Tree-lined streets, family homes, not many tourists. Local restaurants serve huge portions for cheap, and Hiroshima nearby is supposedly the best Japanese food in Paraguay. Almost nobody speaks English - this is where actual Paraguayans live. The area gets quiet after 9pm when families go inside, and street lighting varies by block. Fine to walk around during the day and early evening, but you'll need to Uber to Villa Morra or Carmelitas if you want nightlife. It's a budget option where you'll pay way less than the touristy areas.
Daytime Safety
GoodNight Walking Safety
GoodHarassment Risk
ModeratePublic Transport Safety
GoodPickpocketing Risk
ModerateScam Risk
ModeratePolice Visibility
GoodEmergency Services
GoodEvening Venues
ModerateSolo Dining
GoodDrug Activity
LowHomelessness Visibility
ModerateGetting By in English
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"Affordable and safe but quiet at night"
"Fine for budget travelers who don't mind Ubering elsewhere"
"Locals are friendly but almost nobody speaks English"
"Good location between bus station and airport"
"Local experience but not much nightlife or restaurant variety"
Areas with comparable safety profiles for solo female travelers
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.
Las Mercedes is a safe residential neighborhood that's cheaper than Villa Morra. Family-friendly with some cafes where expats gather. Quiet with limited nightlife, but you can reach other neighborhoods easily.
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.
Help other women stay safe in Recoleta
Neighborhood conditions can change. Check recent news, ask locals or your accommodation about current safety, especially for nighttime plans.