Ultimate guide to Lima's best neighborhoods
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Loading... - Elijah Hughes
- 18 Mar 2022
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Sure, a stroll along the Peruvian capital's breathtaking malecón – a 3km (2-mile) cliffside path with ocean views – provides a look at a number of standout districts, but this bustling seaside city has more to offer than that. Each pocket of Lima carries a unique identity and vibe that goes deeper than surface level, so an insider’s perspective is crucial. Read on for our guide to the best neighborhoods in town, from hip and bohemian to cheap and family-friendly.
Barranco
Best for nightlife and creatives
Full of trendy cafes, boutique shops and provocative galleries, bohemian Barranco has become an iconic district and one that usually lands at the top of Lima's best-neighborhood lists. But it wasn’t always the creative hub it is today.
Originally a small port populated by local fishermen, upper-class Limeños began to build their weekend homes in Barranco shortly after the War of the Pacific in the late 19th century. Today, visitors walking through the district will note the stately Republican-era casonas that pioneered Barranco’s reputation as a fashionable district, especially on the avenue Saenz Peña.
The legendary live music joint La Noche and the grand Ayahuasca pisco bar are both housed in centuries-old mansions, making the experience that much more memorable. From bars with dance floors to tucked-away restaurants with classy cocktails, the Barranco neighborhood has the best nightlife in Lima for those wanting to stay in one area.
San Isidro
Best for families and public parks
Known as a ritzier area, with international embassies, a swanky country club, respected schools and enough sidewalks and bike paths to (finally) relieve pedestrians and cyclists of fear, San Isidro is one of Lima's cleanest and safest neighborhoods, making it a great option for families.
It's also home to some utterly charming public spaces. At its heart is Bosque El Olivar, a historic park graced by more than a thousand olive trees, plus a coy pond, a library and the often-overlooked Marina Núñez del Prado Museum. The famed restaurant Astrid y Gastón Casa Moreyra rests at one end of the park.
The popular malecón begins in San Isidro too, at the base of Parque de la Pera, an ideal stretch of green for picnics or stress-free cycling.
Pueblo Libre
Best for that old-school vibe
Literally translated as Free Town, Pueblo Libre was pivotal in the capital’s historical, cultural and architectural evolution; today it's a sleepy nook, with traditional homes, restaurants and standout museums.
Start your visit at the world-renowned Museo Larco, which houses some 30,000 cataloged ancient ceramic artifacts (plus an erotic pottery collection). Stroll to the town’s main square, Plaza Bolivar, and grab a bite with the locals at El Bolivarian, then walk off your lunch with an amble, whether it's through the neighborhood of restored Colonial and Republic-era homes or at the Museo Nacional de Antropología, Arqueología e Historía del Perú.
No visit to Pueblo Libre is complete without sipping on a pisco cocktail at Antigua Taberna Queirolo. Opened in 1880, this family-owned tavern is legendary, but also so charming that it feels like you’ve stumbled upon a secret only locals know about.
Miraflores
Best for fine dining and beach access
All roads in Lima lead to Miraflores, or so it seems – this bustling center attracts hoards of locals and tourists looking to do a little shopping, grab a bite to eat or catch a wave.
Multiple pedestrian bridges and stairways in Miraflores lead to the strip of beach known as Costa Verde. Miles of paved pathways ebb and flow with the natural shape of the ocean, inviting bikers and runners to sweat it out alongside the surfers.
Head back up to city level and go window-shopping at LarcoMar, a cliffside mall that overlooks the Pacific Ocean. Try not to blow your budget on retail therapy, though – some of the city's best restaurants are here and worth a splurge. Be it the artfully plated Japanese-Peruvian fusion known as nikkei served at Maido or the international flavors at the ultra-hip Rafael (both located on quiet San Martin street and friendly to all diets), the world-ranked restaurants in Miraflores will leave all your senses satisfied. Read More…
