The world’s cheapest city is on the sea but still not grabbing many tourists (Image: IG)
If you are looking for your holiday cash to go as far as possible and for somewhere off the beaten track, then this is the ideal destination.
Seaside city Asunción, the capital of Paraguay, is officially the cheapest city on the planet yet tourists are still not flocking there in large numbers.
The place is so cheap that was once laughed out of a nightclub because he paid the equivalent of 55p for a local tasty pie, which should have been close to free.
Mr Crossan thought he had bagged a steal with the ham and cheese empanada, the size of a travel pillow, but locals in a nightclub were left in pieces offering him sympathy for buying “the most expensive” one in Paraguay.
That was back in 2007, but the city has clung onto its bargain reputation, yet still remains largely untouched by tourism.
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A view of the city and its houses (Image: Getty)
The city was named after the Feast of the Assumption held there on August 15, 1537.
It was swelled four years later after Buenos Aires was evacuated in 1541 after an attack by the Pampa Indians and the inhabitants fled to Asunción.
It was later used as the headquarters of Spanish colonial activities in eastern South America for nearly half a century before Buenos Aires was refounded.
Today it has many flowering trees and several large parks.
Adjacent to the river, suburban buildings are still colonial in style, but the centre of town is modern with high-rise buildings.
Worth seeing are the cathedral, presidential palace, and the Pantheon (tomb) of Heroes, which is a smaller replica of the Invalides in Paris. They were all built in the 19th century.
Brightly coloured buildings line the streets (Image: Getty)
Things to do:
Most cities in Paraguay hold parades to celebrate the founding of Asuncion. They are great places to experience the culture, music, and traditional dress of the city.
Visit the cities’ historical sites, including the Palacio de los López or the Church of La Encarnación to learn more about the founding of Asuncion and its significance in Paraguayan history.
Try traditional Paraguayan dishes such as sopa paraguaya (a cheesy cornbread) or chipa (a type of bread). You can also attend a food festival or cooking demonstration to discover more about the cuisine.
Watch fireworks as many cities in Paraguay put on spectacular displays to celebrate the founding of Asuncion.
Some brave tourists take part in festivities by joining a traditional dance group.