Palacio de López

Planning a trip to Palacio de López takes little effort, but a few wise choices can make the visit much richer. Although the palace itself is not always open for public tours, the exterior, gardens, and surrounding area welcome daily guests. Arriving early or late in the day helps visitors enjoy the best light for photos and beat the hottest hours. Taxis, local buses, and ride-shares make reaching the palace area easy from most hotels in central Asunción. Because this landmark sits near other downtown attractions, pairing a palace stop with a stroll along the nearby Costanera or a visit to Plaza de Armas turns the trip into a deeper city experience. Most visitors find the area relaxed, though busy afternoons bring a livelier crowd of locals and tourists who gather for photos and picnics.

• Best time to visit: Early morning or late afternoon, especially May to September for cooler, drier weather
• How to get there: By taxi, rideshare, or city bus—Palacio de López sits on the riverside Avenida Mariscal López, a short walk from downtown
• Accessibility: Gardens and surrounding plazas have level walkways for strollers and wheelchairs, though some cobblestones can feel bumpy for wheels or tired feet
• Average visit duration: 30 to 45 minutes for the palace and gardens, or longer if combining nearby sites

Even without access to the palace’s official chambers, visitors find plenty to marvel at. The building’s pink-hued neoclassical façade seems to glow in the sun, best viewed from the broad plaza just in front. The green lawns and tidy flowerbeds invite a slow walk, where locals often relax under lantern-lit trees as evening falls. History echoes in the statues and plaques—silent witnesses to Paraguay’s struggles and triumphs. Street musicians sometimes fill the air with quiet melodies, especially on weekends.

• Key sights: Palacio façade and balcony, lush gardens, grand statues along the front plaza
• Unique experiences: Snap sunset photos when the palace is beautifully lit; check for special occasions or official ceremonies, when guards in ceremonial dress may pose for pictures
• Photo-worthy locations: Plaza de Armas for a full shot of the palace; riverside Costanera for wider city views
• Cultural facts: Construction began in 1863 under President Carlos Antonio López. Every night, the palace lights up with bright colors, a nod to Paraguay’s sense of hope and resilience