The Heartbeat of Asuncion: Centro

• HelloHola
  [oh-lah]
• GoodbyeAdiós
  [ah-dee-ohs]
• YesSí
  [see]
• NoNo
  [noh]
• Please/You're welcomePor favor/De nada
  [por fah-vor/deh nah-dah]
• Thank youGracias
  [grah-see-ahs]
• Excuse me/SorryPerdón
  [pehr-dohn]
• How are you?¿Cómo estás?
  [koh-moh ehs-tahs]
• Fine. And you?Bien. ¿Y tú?
  [byen. ee too]
• Do you speak English?¿Hablas inglés?
  [ah-blahs een-glehs]
• I don't understandNo entiendo
  [noh ehn-tee-ehn-doh]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseMe gustaría ver el menú, por favor
  [meh goo-stah-ree-ah behr ehl meh-noo, poor fah-vor]
• I don't eat meatNo como carne
  [noh koh-moh kahr-neh]
• Cheers!¡Salud!
  [sah-loohd]
• I would like to pay, pleaseMe gustaría pagar, por favor
  [meh goo-stah-ree-ah pah-gar, poor fah-vor]

• Help!¡Ayuda!
  [ah-yoo-dah]
• Go away!¡Vete!
  [veh-teh]
• Call the Police!¡Llama a la policía!
  [yah-mah ah lah poh-lee-see-ah]
• Call a doctor!¡Llama a un doctor!
  [yah-mah ah oon dohk-tohr]
• I'm lostEstoy perdido
  [ehs-toy pehr-dee-doh]
• I'm illEstoy enfermo
  [ehs-toy ehn-fehr-moh]

• I'd like to buy...Me gustaría comprar...
  [meh goo-stah-ree-ah kohm-prahr]
• I'm just lookingSolo estoy mirando
  [soh-loh ehs-toy mee-rahn-doh]
• How much is it?¿Cuánto cuesta?
  [kwan-toh kwehs-tah]
• That's too expensiveEso es demasiado caro
  [eh-soh ehs deh-mah-see-ah-doh kahr-oh]
• Can you lower the price?¿Puede bajar el precio?
  [pweh-deh bah-hahr ehl pree-syoh]

• What time is it?¿Qué hora es?
  [keh oh-rah ehs]
• It's one o'clockEs la una
  [ehs lah oo-nah]
• Half past (10)Y media (10)
  [ee meh-dee-ah (diez)]
• MorningMañana
  [mah-nyah-nah]
• AfternoonTarde
  [tahr-deh]
• EveningNoche
  [noh-cheh]
• YesterdayAyer
  [ah-yehr]
• TodayHoy
  [oy]
• TomorrowMañana
  [mah-nyah-nah]
• 1Uno
  [oo-noh]
• 2Dos
  [dohs]
• 3Tres
  [trehs]
• 4Cuatro
  [kwah-troh]
• 5Cinco
  [seen-koh]
• 6Seis
  [says]
• 7Siete
  [syeh-teh]
• 8Ocho
  [oh-choh]
• 9Nueve
  [nweh-veh]
• 10Diez
  [dyehs]

• Where's a/the...?¿Dónde está...?
  [dohn-deh ehs-tah]
• What's the address?¿Cuál es la dirección?
  [kwal ehs lah dee-rehk-syohn]
• Can you show me (on the map)?¿Puede mostrarme (en el mapa)?
  [pweh-deh mohs-trar-meh (ehn ehl mah-pah)]
• When's the next (bus)?¿Cuándo es el próximo (bus)?
  [kwan-doh ehs ehl proh-see-moh (boos)]
• A ticket (to ....)Un boleto (a ....)
  [oon boh-leh-toh (ah)]

Centro, the historic heart of Asuncion, was founded in 1537 by Spanish explorer Juan de Salazar y Espinosa. As the first capital of Paraguay, it played a crucial role in the early colonial period, serving as a military and administrative hub. The layout of the neighborhood reflects the typical Spanish colonial architecture, with plazas and churches that were central to community life.

The late 19th century saw Centro become a focal point during the War of the Triple Alliance (1864-1870), which pitted Paraguay against Argentina, Brazil, and Uruguay. The conflict devastated the population and infrastructure, but Centro emerged as a symbol of resilience, with many buildings still bearing the scars of war. The aftermath led to significant reconstruction efforts that shaped the area’s modern identity.

The 20th century brought a cultural renaissance to Centro. The establishment of theaters, galleries, and cultural institutions transformed the neighborhood into a vibrant artistic center. The historic Teatro Nacional del Paraguay, inaugurated in 1909, became a cornerstone of Paraguayan culture, hosting performances that celebrated both local and international talent.

Centro witnessed significant political events throughout the 20th century, including the dictatorship of Alfredo Stroessner (1954-1989). During this period, the neighborhood served as a stage for protests and political movements advocating for democracy. The legacy of these struggles is evident in the public squares and monuments that commemorate the fight for civil rights and freedom.

In recent decades, Centro has experienced rapid urbanization and gentrification. While efforts have been made to revitalize the area, challenges such as economic inequality and infrastructure strain persist. The ongoing development projects aim to preserve the historical character of Centro while accommodating the needs of a growing population and the influx of tourists to Asuncion.

Centro is easily accessible from other neighborhoods in Asuncion. You can take a taxi or ride-sharing services like Uber, which are widely available. Public buses also connect Centro to various neighborhoods; look for routes heading to the main square, Plaza Uruguaya. If you're arriving from the Silvio Pettirossi International Airport, expect a 30-minute taxi ride directly to Centro.

Centro is a compact area best explored on foot. Bicycles can be rented from local shops, and there are bike lanes in some parts of the neighborhood. Public buses are a cost-effective option for longer distances, operating regularly. Taxis and ride-sharing apps are also convenient for quick trips around the neighborhood.

Centro is generally safe for tourists, but it’s wise to remain vigilant. Areas around Avenida José Asunción Flores and Calle Palma have been reported to have higher crime rates, especially at night. Avoid displaying expensive items and be cautious when using your phone in crowded places. Stick to well-lit areas after dark.

In case of emergency, dial 911 for police and medical assistance. The Hospital de Clínicas and various private clinics are available throughout the city. It is advisable to have travel insurance that covers emergencies. For minor health issues, local pharmacies can provide over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do wear comfortable clothing suitable for the tropical climate, but avoid overly casual attire when dining out. Religion: Do dress modestly when visiting churches; women should cover their shoulders and knees. Public Transport: Do be respectful and offer your seat to the elderly. Don't engage in loud conversations. Greetings: Do greet locals with a friendly 'Hola' and a smile. Eating & Drinking: Do try local foods such as 'sopa paraguaya' and drink tereré. Don't eat while walking in the streets, as it's considered impolite.

To experience Centro like a local, visit the Mercado 4 for an authentic shopping experience with local produce and crafts. Engage with street vendors and try traditional snacks. Attend a local festival if your visit coincides with one, as they often feature music, dance, and food. Lastly, explore the historic architecture and take time to relax in the many parks scattered throughout the neighborhood.