Lima, the lively capital of Peru, has a great blend of history, culture, and beautiful coastlines. Having visited before, and with my family being from Peru, this country has always held a special place in my heart. One of the best parts of the city is the Miraflores district, where you can enjoy ocean views along with busy streets, great food, and experiences you will never forget. Whether you are visiting for a day or a week, here are ten must-do things that capture the best of Lima and Miraflores.
- Feast on the Incredible Food
Lima is known for being the food capital of South America, and Miraflores has a lot of its best restaurants. You can enjoy fresh ceviche, lomo saltado, or pollo a la brasa. Every dish is a celebration of the different flavors Peru has to offer.
- Shop and/or Dine at Lacromar
Lacromar is an open-air mall that is built right into the cliffs. It has great ocean views, trendy shops, and delicious restaurants. It’s a great place to shop or have dinner while watching the sunset along the coast.
- Walk along Malecón
Malecón is a clifftop walkway that goes on for miles and overlooks the Pacific Ocean. This walkway connects with different parks and beautiful views, which can be ideal for watching paragliders go over or watching the sunset.
- Visit the Historic Center of Lima
Set some time aside to visit the Historic Center of Lima, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its colonial architecture. You can see the Plaza Mayor and the Cathedral of Lima, which show the country’s unique history.
- Explore Barranco
Next to Miraflores is Barranco, which is Lima’s artsy neighborhood. Walk around the vibrant streets and look at the street art, which could even be a good photo opportunity.
- Parque Kennedy
In the center of Miraflores, Parque Kennedy has street performers and markets. It’s a cute spot to relax and observe the local scene.
- Experience Lima’s Nightlife
Once the sun goes down, Lima’s nightlife starts buzzing. Miraflores and Barranco are filled with bars and lounges that serve everything from pisco sours to live music. Both locals and tourists come together to dance and have fun throughout the night.
- Surf at Playa Waikiki or Makaha
Playa Waikiki or Playa Makaha are the perfect places to catch Lima’s awesome waves. Both beaches are located right below the Miraflores cliffs and are ideal for beginners who are learning how to surf.\
- Watch the Sunset Over the Pacific
As mentioned before, the sunsets are something you can’t beat. Grab a spot along the Malecón or at a seaside restaurant.
- Visit Manolo
No trip to Miraflores is complete without stopping at Manolo, a widely known café famous for its churros filled with manjar blanco (sweet caramel cream). Pair them with a strong Peruvian coffee for a true local treat.