Peru is an incredible destination that guarantees an amazing time for any traveler. Most international flights arrive in the city of Lima. Some tourists head straight to Cusco, or other popular destinations with stunning archaeological sites. Comparatively, Lima offers beautiful views, delicious places to eat, unique art, museums, and landmarks. The city is very popular for its vibrant nightlife on any day of the week. Learn where to stay, where to eat, what to do, and where to party like a local – all on a weekend trip to Lima!
Where to Stay & What to Do
The best neighborhood to stay in Lima would depend on your travel style and companions. If you’re booking a family trip, you’ll most likely enjoy staying near enough to the airport and the beach with hotels that include a shuttle. You might also want to indulge in Lima’s award-winning gastronomy, walk through the abundant and colorful murals in the city, or explore the historical center. Below is a breakdown of Lima’s most popular neighborhoods for lodging and exploring.
Miraflores
When you think of Lima, the image that comes to mind is most likely the neighborhood of Miraflores. This is one of the most touristic areas, with many hotels, restaurants, bars, shopping centers, and direct access to the beach. Miraflores hosts many gems, such as Kennedy Park, also known as The Cat Park, since it serves as a shelter for many cute kitties protected by city workers. Kennedy Park is lively with music and delicious food stands. I strongly recommend trying the “Picarones de Mary.” A popular Peruvian dessert made famous by the Netflix show “Street Food LATAM.”
TIP: Quick Llama offers great shuttle service for the most affordable price. The shuttle will take you from the airport to your lodging in Miraflores and back for approximately $5 USD each way.
Barranco
Barranco became my favorite neighborhood in Lima. Besides food and views, street art is one of my main reasons for travel. Barranco is a bohemian neighborhood with colorful murals on almost every corner and unique galleries by local artists. My favorite spots in Barranco are the Bridge of Sighs (Puente de los Suspiros) and the Jade Rivera Gallery. I also recommend checking out Ave Julio 28, next to the main square, to explore the nightlife in Barranco.
Barranco is an up-and-coming neighborhood with new spots opening all the time. There are many hotels, hostels, and vacation homes near the beach and main square. It is safe to walk around during the day or night.
Historical Center
The colonial architecture in Lima’s historic center captivates local and foreign tourists. Head to “Plaza Mayor” to appreciate the Cathedral and Municipal Building. The catacombs of the San Francisco Convent and the Archbishop Palace offer a glimpse into Lima’s colonial past. If you prefer to enjoy outdoor sightseeing check out “Parque de la Muralla” where you’ll find the remains of the wall used to protect Lima from invasion .
Although there are many sites to explore in the historical center, I do not recommended this area for lodging since locals mentioned it is not as safe for tourists at night compared to Miraflores and Barranco.
Where to Eat
Locals always give the the best advice on where to eat . I was lucky to have connected with a known muralist in Peru who shared many recommendations in Lima and Cusco. My favorite of his recommendations in Lima is “Canta Ranita” in the Barranco neighborhood. There are 2 other locations, and this small establishment inside Capullo Market serves classic Peruvian dishes, such as leche de tigre, ceviche, causas, and more. I won’t go into detail about what each of these is; all I gotta say is that if you like seafood, citric flavors, potatoes, and corn, you’ll enjoy most of Lima’s gastronomy. I especially liked that I could try different things since they had different portions for servings at affordable prices.
A friend also recommended I try one of Anthony Bourdain’s favorite restaurants in Lima, Restaurante Sonia, in the Chorrillos neighborhood. This was one of my favorite locations and only a 15-minute drive from Miraflores. This family-owned business serves fresh fish and other plates that are staples of Peru. Everything was delicious, the servings abundant, the staff friendly, the location vibrantly decorated, and everything you would want from a local restaurant in Lima. Anthony Bourdain always looked for the most authentic meals and restaurants; Restaurante Sonia is all that and more.
Isolina Taberna Peruana is a popular location that I did not get to try because it was too busy but you can make a reservation online. The food looks amazing and diverse. Besides seafood dishes, they also serve chaufa cuisine, a Chinese and Peruvian blend, and other classic dishes like lomo saltado; sirloin steak, onion, tomato, yellow ají (pepper), and French fries.
Peruvian Coffee
Perú is well known for its coffee production. The quality is outstanding, and you can have great coffee almost anywhere. Something to keep in mind is that Peruvian beans are more acidic, so even if you prefer black coffee, you might need a bit of milk or a sweetener. Below are a few of the coffee spots I trecommend.
Museo del Café Peruano, or the Museum of Peruvian Coffee, serves a variety of coffee beans. If you’re walking around the historic center, I recommend stopping here to rest your feet or enjoy a to-go cup while you continue exploring downtown. Even the iced coffee is perfectly blended without tasting watered down. You can also learn where each type of bean comes from by looking at the info on the walls.
Colecionista Coffee has delicious coffee pastries and an art gallery. On Sundays, a small local vendor market sells craft products such as jewelry, art, beauty and health products, and more. I recommend spending some time in this location when exploring Barranco.
Nightlife & Drinks
During your visit to Peru, you must try Pisco, a grape-based liquor from the region. Some will argue that the original Pisco is from Chile, but I met a Chilean woman who said it tastes better in Peru. I have not tried Chilean Pisco, but will vouch for Peruvian Pisco. You can taste the different types on their own or in cocktails. Pisco Sour and Chilcano are the classic cocktails you’ll find almost anywhere. My favorite is the Maracuyá (passion fruit) Pisco Sour. Another interesting drink l is Mistela, a blend of wine and pisco. It is said to be an aphrodisiac.
Saha Terraza Cocktail Bar has a great terrace to start the night at Miraflores. Its menu offers unique cocktails and delicious international dishes.
If you prefer local craft beer, like I tend to do, check out Lúpulo Draft Bar in MIraflores.! They serve a wide variety, from stouts and blondes to IPAs. Also, you might have noticed that besides craft beer, street art is one of the main things I search for when I travel, and this bar has colorful and unique murals.
A great place to dance the night away is ValeTodo, a LLBTQIA+ friendly bar. This place is lively even on Sundays with talented go-go dancers and reggeaton. Each night is different, so I recommend checking their social media if you prefer to go when they have live music.
If you prefer to explore Miraflores’ nightlife on your own, Pasaje San Ramón, better known as La Calle de las Pizzas (Pizza Street), is a centric corridor with lively restaurants and bars. The equivalent in Barranco is the Main Square, where you’ll find vibrant nightlife.
Your Experience in Lima
Have you been to Lima? What did you enjoy the most from this vibrant city? Share your thoughts in the comments below! Follow me on Instagram for more tips on how to travel like a local @bpresent.blog