Have you already checked off everything on The Asunción Times’ list of 12 amazing things to do in Asunción? And are you ready for another adventure exploring new spaces and attractions outside the capital? There is no need to go far. Located around 15 kilometres from central Asunción, you will find the city of San Lorenzo. The city offers a variety of places worth visiting, such as open spaces filled with greenery and sites of architectural, historical and academic value. Here are five spots worth visiting in this nearby city.
1. The Historic Centre and Cathedral
Several renovation projects have recently transformed San Lorenzo’s historic centre, including improvements around Plaza Cerro Corá and the Cathedral. The area’s main landmark is the Cathedral of San Lorenzo, a distinctive Catholic church built in the Gothic Revival style. Its construction began in the early 20th century and continued over several decades.
Landscaped gardens surround the cathedral, while Plaza Cerro Corá in front provides an important public space in the heart of the city. Recent renovation works have included improvements to the square, cathedral gardens, pavements, lighting, street furniture and other public areas.
The cathedral complex occupies an entire block bordered by Gaspar Rodríguez de Francia, San Lorenzo, Coronel Romero and Defensores del Chaco Avenue. Parking can be found in the surrounding area.
2. Peatonal del Bicentenario in San Lorenzo city
On the next block, we find the lively Peatonal del Bicentenario (Bicentennial Pedestrian Street), where locals and students usually gather to carry out community events, festivals and educational fairs. Its broad pathways were designed to prioritise the walking experience. Here, you can stop to grab some food and do some shopping at businesses and cafés, take a look at the mural depicting elements of the city’s heritage, attend cultural events at the Alberto Sánchez Benítez Municipal Theatre or enter the Trencito (little train) to learn about the city’s railroad history.
3. San Lorenzo’s Ciclovía (enclosed bike lane)
After its renovation in 2025, the Ciclovía of San Lorenzo welcomes visitors with a fresh and vibrant look. Regularly chosen by locals for sports and recreational activities, it features a multisports field, a large and inclusive playground, as well as outdoor exercise equipment. Additionally, there is a fully illuminated bike and pedestrian circuit and a restored artificial pond with a nearby waterfall. A scene full of vegetation and water features that encourages you to enjoy a peaceful and relaxing moment.
Its main entrances are located on Mariscal Estigarribia Road and on Mariscal López Avenue. Free parking is available, and the place is open all week, including holidays, from Monday to Saturday, from 05:00 to 22:00, and from 05:00 to 23:00, on Sundays.
4. The National University of Asunción (UNA) Campus
Located on Mariscal Estigarribia Road and Mariscal López Avenue, it has a vast natural terrain that features long walkways lined with trees of native species and abundant vegetation. As the headquarters of the most important and traditional public university in the country, it gives San Lorenzo its famous “University City” name. Entering on foot is free from 06:00 to 22:00, while access by car requires prior registration at the entrances. This is a perfect place for anyone wanting to enjoy a peaceful environment outdoors while witnessing the vibrant motion of university students and exploring the facilities of various academic units.
5. The National Museum of Natural History of Paraguay
This museum is dedicated to environmental education and sharing knowledge about Paraguay’s natural heritage. It offers exhibitions of preserved flora and fauna species from the Atlantic Forest of Alto Paraná and the Gran Chaco. Furthermore, it conducts regular educational programmes on Paraguay’s diverse ecosystems. Therefore, the museum gives access to its vast scientific collection to students and researchers interested in the topic.
From Asunción, you can arrive at the museum by car or public transport at Km 10.5 of the Mariscal Estigarribia Route (PY02), in front of the UNA’s campus. Visitors of all ages are welcome, free of charge and without an appointment, from Monday to Friday, from 08:00 to 15:00. In addition, organised groups can request guided tours directly on the Museum’s official website or by phone on WhatsApp.
With its green open spaces and sites of architectural, historical, and academic significance, San Lorenzo offers visitors plenty to discover just outside Paraguay’s capital.
