Lima, Peru Travel Tips: The Best of Barranco

Every city has its secrets, and Lima is no different. We’ve put together some "inside information" and travel tips for Barranco,  our favorite corner of the city. Barranco is one of Lima's 43 districts, but in our opinion, it has the most color, flavor, culture, art, and tradition - all mixed into one fantastic space in the city. Although it's the smallest district in Lima, it has it all. This blog will explore what to do, where to eat, and what to visit to make the most of your time in Barranco, Lima.

​A little background on Barranco

If you read the old guidebooks on Lima, they wouldn't even mention Barranco among the top things to do; however, it's an old district dating back to the 1700s. At the time, most people lived in the historical center of Lima. The residential area reached as far as San Isidro, and the further south you move, toward Miraflores and Barranco, you would find the coastal enclaves. 

This is where people had their second homes and beach houses. In essence, the beach homes of the rich and famous; it was the Hamptons of Lima. Nowadays, people are purchasing these homes, turning them into restaurants and hotels. It's become lively and vibrant and has made its way into the guidebooks as somewhere necessary to visit during any stay in Lima.

In essence, the DNA of Barranco is its art, culture, color, and traditions. This brings us to our top five reasons Barranco is our favorite district and our top spot in Lima.

​1. The neighborhood aesthetic

The architecture is unique; it represents what Lima used to be. Peru is a country with a vast indigenous base that also changed and was influenced by different waves of immigration. You can feel the fusions stretching from Europe to Asia. Although it’s a small district, there are a few corners you can’t miss.

One of our favorite streets is Domeyer, which has radically transformed over the last 2-3 years. You’ll find coffee shops, pastry shops, and one of Latin America’s top restaurants on the corner, Isolina. Another restaurant on the same street that offers a distinctive ambiance is Siete. Domeyer is an excellent example of the neighborhood’s charm.

Another area you must peruse is the malecón, or the clifftop boardwalk. We would be remiss if we didn't include it. It's perfect for a stroll and provides some of the best views in Lima, right along the coast.

Boulevard Sáenz Peña is another option for enjoying Barranco’s eclectic architecture. Here you'll find some of the top hotels in Lima, like Hotel B or Casa Republica. They've recently allowed outdoor seating in the middle of the promenade serviced by Hotel B, where you can grab a drink and some piqueos, the Peruvian version of tapas. Finally, for a brief browse, you can wander into Dedalo and shop for souvenirs. 

Lastly, but certainly at the top of the list in terms of capturing the essence of Barranco, Bajada de los baños, where you’ll find the famous Bridge of Sighs. It’s a cobblestone walkway that takes you down to the coast from here, where you can delight in the lush landscaping and urban yesteryear aesthetic.

2. The food

Ultimately, we are foodies and run a Lima food tour. So our second reason to love Barranco is for its culinary offering, clearly!

Our faves include Central, one of the top restaurants, not in Lima, but in the world, by Chef Virgilio Martínez. You have Kjolle, with top chef Pía León. We also love Isolina (mentioned above), which serves traditional Peruvian food and so many star dishes that it’s hard to pick a favorite. The seco, cebiche, and lomo saltado are all hits. In Barranco, you can find creative cuisine like Mérito and Sibaris, as well as fusion offerings like Casona San Martín. This last hidden gem unites the cuisine of the three main regions of Peru: the coast, the Andean highlands, and the Amazon jungle. Finally, if you have a sweet tooth, you have your pick of excellent artisanal gelato experts between Blu and Crem dela Crem. 

Numerous stylish coffee shops are peppered throughout the district. One of our favorites is La Bodega Verde, a chill and relaxed secret garden café. As the vibe in Barranco, in general, is inviting, you can sit down, have your coffee and chat away. Another place with excellent coffee, among other delicious bites, is La Panetteria. Cipresso is another neighborhood great located on one of Barranco’s main avenues, San Martín, in a renovated mansion called Casona San Martín (next to the restaurant by the same name). 

3. The nightlife

Surrender to the bohemian beat of Barranco through its nightlife. More rooftop terraces have opened in the last few years, like Hotel B. They offer sea views, a modern space, and nice music to accompany the evening. If you want something more traditional, with old-style Peruvian live music, you have something called "peñas." For one of the most iconic and classic corners, visit peña Don Porfirio. You have cocktail bars as well, like Barra 55 or Dada. In terms of nightlife, you have something for everyone in Barranco and can walk around the district jumping from one place to the next. 

​4. The culture and art

First of all, you have the Bridge of Sighs, Lima’s most famous bridge. There's a lot of tradition surrounding this historic site, and the most popular legend involves crossing the bridge and holding your breath. You'll have to come to Lima and discover it for yourself to make the magic happen.

Although there are various art galleries throughout the district, gorgeous murals that could never  be classified as graffiti decorate the streets. Some of these dynamic pieces change periodically, so if you come to Lima more than once, you'll get a treat. Even local municipalities commission urban masterpieces for their buildings or the main streets and bridges. Many have more profound meanings as they convey political messages and different types of ideologies. It’s an ideal way to connect with the young, expressive side of the city in Barranco.

​5. The vibe in Barranco

​Barranco is anything but a buttoned-up corner of the city. It’s the epitome of a laid-back, relaxed vacation haven full of culture, color, and flavor.  It enjoys a special ambiance, so lean into it and prepare for your trip to Lima!