The historic centre of Asunción is small enough to be explored by foot. However, some of the attractions, such as the JardÃn Botánico Botanical Garden are a bit outside. In addition to the city's historical core - which is essentially between the streets Colón and Antequera - the Carmelitas area has become a hub for retail and entertainment, containing several large shopping centres and North American-style bars and restaurants. East-west street names change at Independencia Nacional, and North-South ones at Avenida Mariscal López.
By bus
Buses are ubiquitous, cheap and an experience in themselves be careful while exiting, since many only slow down, rather than stop completely for the passengers to get off. They go more or less everywhere in the city - destinations are displayed on boards on the front window, if in doubt just shout your intended destination at the driver when he stops and he'll tell you yes or no. The are sometimes a few different versions of each bus number - 16, 16.1, 16.2 etc. which often have completely different routes from each other, so watch out not to accidentally get on the wrong one. There aren't many official bus stops in Asunción, you can just stick your arm out and flag down a bus pretty much anywhere. You need a knowledge of Spanish to ask your way along. As of May 2012, the fare is Gs. 2.300 USD 0.52.
Some useful bus routes:Centre Oliva to Shopping del Sol: 28, 30Centre to Shopping Mariscal Lopez/Villa Morra: 18, 26, 28, 30.2 from Oliva, 56 from HaedoCentre Oliva to the Botanical Gardens: 1, 13Centre Oliva to the Bus Termninal: 8, 36Centre Haedo to Mercado 4: 2, 21, 25, 27, 29, 133Centre Oliva to the airport: 30A
By taxi
Taxis are also available and reasonably inexpensive. Many of the taxis are old, lumbering diesel Mercedes, which can be a fun throwback. A 30% surcharge is added on late at night after around 10PM and on Sundays. Tipping isn't expected. Make sure that drivers use the meter, or arrange a fare beforehand.
From the bus terminal walk up the stairs marked "SALIDA", then down the stairs into the car park. Ignore the taxi touts and catch a taxi from the rank. A taxi into the city centre during the day should cost around 40,000 Gs.From the Airport taxis in front of the terminal charge a flat, non-negotiable rate of 100,000 Gs to the centre. It is possible to get a cheaper fare by walking up to the main road and taking a yellow cab from there, though you're unlikely to save any more than about 20,000 Gs.