Lima Peru’s Food, Art, & Nightlife: A Complete Guide
Lima was my first destination while visiting the beautiful country of Peru. While most people will only travel to Peru’s capital city as a layover to the infamous Machu Picchu ruins, I truly believe Lima deserves way more time and attention.
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Lima, Peru, is a city perched on breathtaking cliffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean. It’s a dynamic and cultural city, with bohemian vibes decorated throughout the capital.
There’s also no denying that Lima, Peru has a vivacious nightlife. In fact, many travelers say that Lima has the best nightlife out of anywhere else in Latin America.
Here is a detailed guide of what to do during the day in Lima, Peru. And also an extensive list of Lima, Peru nightlife that should not be missed!
Summary
What to Do in Lima Peru During the Day
Pachacamac
Pachacamac is the largest and most important archaeological site in Lima, Peru.
It used to be the home of important temples and oracles of the people in the Andes who came to visit. It is located in the Lurin district and covers approximately 465 acres. At this location, there’s a museum with collections of historical Incan treasures such as ceramics, wood, metal, and textiles.
Museo Larco
Museo Larco is the home to many of Peru’s most critical Pre-Columbian artifacts, including gold and jewelry from ancient Peru and a room filled with erotic pottery.
The museum is located in a beautiful Victorian mansion surrounded by beautiful, landscaped gardens.
Convent of San Francisco Catacombs
This building, constructed in 1535, is a must-see for its beautiful baroque-style architecture, artwork, and an impressive library.
And located just underneath this building is a historic cemetery whose underground tunnel networks and vaults buried more than 25,000 people. Visiting this place was both super fascinating and spooky all at the same time.
Lima’s Clifftop Walkway
El Malecon, Lima’s clifftop walkway, is an impressive way to experience the city of Lima’s breathtaking ocean views.
You’ll also be in Lima’s most famous district – Miraflores. There are parks, interesting sculptures, cafes, restaurants, and even a lighthouse here. What impressed me was the giant sculpture of a couple making out! Also, if you’re interested in doing some paragliding, this is the place to be!
Visit Lima Peru’s Main Square
The Plaza de Armas, or Plaza Mayor, is the location of impressive buildings and is the historical center of the capital city.
The square is surrounded by the Presidential Palace, Lima Cathedral, the Archbishop Palace, and other antique buildings. It is said this is where the government, the church, and the people, are united.
The main square is also where Jose de San Martin declared Peru as an independent nation on July 28th, 1821.
Take a Lima City Tour
Taking a city tour of Lima, Peru, is one of the best ways to spend your time in Lima.
It’s easy to see the best that Lima offers with either a full-day or half-day tour led by the city’s locals who know the ins and outs of this place.
During the city tour I went on, we saw the Plaza San Martin, Museo Convento San Francisco and Catacombs, Plaza de Armas, El Malecon, and many other beautiful locations throughout the city.
Take a Culinary Tour
Peru is the perfect country for a foodie as it’s one of the best culinary destinations in the world! Lima is home to some of the most famous restaurants globally.
One of the best ways to experience these is by spending the day exploring the local markets, restaurants, and food stalls. It’s an incredible experience to pick out your own produce at the market to prepare the most famous Peruvian dish: ceviche.
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Surfing in Lima
The beaches around Peru are some of the most pristine waters to surf in. The swell is present all year round, making it a hot spot for professional and amateur surfers worldwide.
If looking for an excellent surf spot right in Peru’s capital, check out the Costa Verde in Lima. You can even sign up for classes here!
Head to the Casino
If you’re looking to try your luck in Lima, Peru, head over to one of many of the city’s glittering casinos.
Gambling in Peru is legal, and Lima’s gambling and gaming scene is booming. You may not find yourself in Las Vegas. Still, the city is undoubtedly working toward becoming the sin city of South America!
Shop With Ocean Views at Larcomar
You can’t go wrong with the shopping scene in Lima, Peru! Larcomar is a mall built into the cliffside, providing your shopping experience with gorgeous ocean backdrops! There are also plenty of eateries here in this mall, all with great ocean views!
Lima, Peru Nightlife: What to do at Night
Lima has immerged as a great party city, especially when it comes to the nightlife. Some of the best neighborhoods to experience Lima, Peru nightlife includes Miraflores and Barranco.
Miraflores
Miraflores is the most visited district of Lima, and for a good reason. It’s safe, filled with traveler’s amenities like cafes, restaurants, and shopping, and features some of the city’s most excellent nightlife.
Best Bars in Miraflores:
- Loki Hostel
- Selina Hostel
- Pariwana Hostel
- Houlihan’s Irish Bar
- The Old Pub
- Eka Bar
- Open Tapas Bar
- La Destileria
Best Breweries in Miraflores:
- BarBarian Bonilla 108
- Jaya Brew Company
Best Clubs in Miraflores:
- Bizarro
- Ginza
- Lima Bar
Barranco
This district neighbor’s Miraflores and is considered up and coming.
Travelers express interest in this district because everything is less expensive here than in Miraflores. They also find the bohemian chic vibes of this district iconic. Lima’s nightlife is bustling in this district and is the perfect area to go barhopping.
Best Bars in Barranco:
- Sargento Pimienta Rock Bar
- Ayahuasca Bar
- DaDA Bar
- Barra 55
- Juanito
- Victoria Bar
Best Breweries in Barranco:
- Barranco Beer Company
- Garrison Bar & Beer Garden
Best Clubs in Barranco:
- Help! Retro Bar
- El Dragon
- Antiqua Disco Club
- FUGA
- La Noche de Barranco (free live concerts!)
Other Nightlife Activities in Lima, Peru
The Magic Water Circuit
The Magic Water Circuit, or Circuito Magico del Agua, symbolizes the restoration of Lima’s public spaces. It contains 13 cybernetic fountains where music, water, sound, and lasers are mixed to showcase unique and incredible performances.
If you’re interested in what Lima, Peru nightlife offers, the Magic Water Circuit show should not be missed. It was even recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records as the largest water fountain park in the world.
Carnaval Bar
The Carnaval Bar is the home to creative cocktails combined with artistic flair. The drinks are garnished with off-the-wall items like marshmallows and tonka beans.
This bar is located in the upscale San Isidro district and is not only one of the best bars in Lima, but it is also in the world! This bar placed 13th on the World’s Top 50 Best Bars List.
Gran Hotel Bolivar
The Gran Hotel Bolivar is a famous hotel located in the Historic Center District of Lima, Peru.
This hotel is located in Lima’s main square and was built to modernize the capital city and give visiting politicians and celebrities a prestigious place to stay. The hotel has welcomed dozens of politicians from all over the world and famous guests like the Rolling Stones, John Wayne, and Santana.
The Gran Hotel Bolivar cocktail lounge is a must-visit in Lima. It offers prestigious antique charm and one of Peru’s biggest and best pisco sours, called the Pisco Sour Catedral.
Check Out Lima, Peru’s Plaza Mayor at Night
This plaza is not just a beautiful spectacle during the day, but you’ll see the evening lights turned on if you venture to it at night. It’s truly magical! All the buildings have a look of pure gold. No wonder this area is nicknamed the city of kings.
Take a Night Tour of Cementerio Presbítero Matías Maestro
In the mood for something spooky? Take a night tour of one of the oldest cemeteries in Peru! This truly unique Lima nightlife tour is considered a famous monument in Latin America as it’s one of the first municipal cemeteries in all of South America.
Lima, Peru nightlife is more than extraordinary, and I’m confident you’ll enjoy yourself out in this city! If you enjoyed my post, remember to PIN ME for later!
Beautiful pics