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The Barranco neighborhood in Lima is known for its laidback bohemian vibe and has quietly become the cultural epicenter of the city. Strolling through this neighborhood you’ll stumble upon colorful murals splashed along buildings, art galleries, cozy cafes, and boutiques in restored historic mansions. Barranco also has a much more local vibe than its neighbor Miraflores where most visitors stay and you’ll notice much fewer tourists walking around.
Whether you’re staying in Barranco or want to visit for the day to see what it’s all about, here are 15 things to do while you’re there.
Get photos in front of vibrant street art
Barranco is covered in colorful murals that make a perfect backdrop for your next Instagram post. You can find most of the street art under the Puente de Suspiros (Bridge of Sighs) and on Calle 28 de Julio. But simply spend the day wandering around and you will stumble upon some hidden gems. If you want to learn more about the murals you’re seeing, the Street Art Tour in Barranco is super recommended.
Go on a food tour
Trying food is my favorite way to get to know a city and Barranco has some great hidden gems. On the Barranco Ultimate Peruvian Food Tour, you can sample more than 16 Peruvian foods and drinks. You will also meet local hosts to learn how to prepare the famous Peruvian-style ceviche and pisco sour during two interactive workshops.
Sip on coffee at a cozy cafe
Barranco has THE BEST cozy cafés and it’s so easy to spend time bouncing around to the different ones. I recommend visiting my article, The Best Cozy Coffee Shops In Lima’s Barranco Neighborhood, for the lowdown on where to go.
Sip on cocktails at Ayahuasca
A huge historic mansion from the late 1800’s has been restored into a gorgeous cocktail bar known as Ayahuasca. There are so many ambiances to explore so I recommend ordering a flight of their Pisco cocktail sampler and finishing each drink in a different spot.
Shop local designers at La Feria
On Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays you can pass by La Feria de Barranco for flea market stands from independent designers, food, health goods, and more!
Eat ceviche at Canta Rana
Canta Rana is one of my favorite hole-in-the-wall spots for ceviche and beer in Barranco. It’s a favorite hangout for Barranco locals with over 40 years in the neighborhood. Order a classic ceviche con todo and it will run you 40 Soles for a huge portion.
Make a wish at the Puente de Suspiros
Local legend has it that the first time you set sight on the Puente de Suspiros (Bridge of Sighs) you are entitled to one wish and you must hold your breath while walking across the entire 30-meter bridge for it to come true. Whether you believe in superstition or not, this is an iconic photo-op in Barranco and has a great view of the surrounding colorful murals.
Relax at the beach
Summer in Lima (December – April) is gorgeous and locals love to flock to the beach to soak up some rays. Luckily in Barranco, you have easy beach access via the walkway under the Puente de Suspiros. So head to the beach and spend a day enjoying ceviche & cerveza!
Visit the Sunday farmers market
Every Sunday at Parque de Los Héroes, vendors set up shop for the weekly Feria Ecológica de Barranco. You can purchase homebaked goods, fresh fruits & veggies, artisanal soaps, and more.
Get a hip haircut
While traveling you have to eventually get a haircut and it can be difficult to find a good place to go. El Turco just opened in Barranco and is a great spot for a classic hip haircut in Lima. The barbers are well-trained in the latest hair and beard styles and the barbershop also has its own line of male grooming products.
Listen to free jazz on Mondays at La Noche
La Noche de Barranco is a classic spot in the neighborhood for live music and every Monday you can go for live jazz. Shows typically start at 10 pm and I recommend getting there a little before that to get a good seat.
Enjoy a bohemian night with a local artist
Local artist Mau, is ready to take you on the ultimate adventure at night to show you the magic of Barranco. Legend says that Barranco is Lima’s most artistic, magical, and bohemian neighborhood. And it has all the elements for that, a whimsical story behind its foundation, lots of celebrated artists who found inspiration in its streets, theaters, carnivals, and the perfect view of the south pacific sunset. During the night together with Mau, you’ll get to enter her world and visit three of her favorite evening spots in Barranco (with a drink at each) that you wouldn’t find on your own. Book this experience here.
Have afternoon tea at Hotel B
Hotel B is a fashionable boutique hotel in the Barranco neighborhood where you can enjoy a bougie late afternoon tea. The cost is 74 Soles (or free for guests staying at Hotel B), from 4 pm – 7 pm daily. Visit THIS LINK for more information.
Drink at a local peña
A peña is where you can experience local Peruvian culture with live folkloric music, drinking, and dancing. Peña Don Porfirio is a classic local spot in Barranco that is open on the weekends where you can get an untouristy peña experience.
Experience the ultimate first day in Barranco
Explore the Barranco district with Jared, a local expert that knows the ins and out of Lima’s coolest neighborhood. During this guided experience you’ll get to visit art museums, beautiful parks, local markets, and all of the famous spots you’ve just got to see while you’re here. You’ll also get off the beaten path and get into some “hidden” areas that most locals haven’t even discovered! You will also get the best tips on where, and what, to eat, and share general “on-the-ground” advice that can make a real difference in how you experience Lima. After this tour, you’ll have a great understanding of the quaint and beautiful Barranco, a better understanding of Peruvian culture in general, and the opportunity to improve your language skills too. You’ll know more about the “comida criolla,” and you’ll better understand how to navigate the city. Book this experience here.
Barranco Hotels
If you would like to actually stay in Barranco (I recommend you do) there are some amazing hotels you stay at ranging from budget hostels to luxurious restored mansions. Here are the best places to stay no matter what your budget is.
Hotel B: Hotel B is a fashionable boutique hotel in the Barranco neighborhood where afternoon tea is included for guests staying here. The hotel is situated on a gorgeous courtyard where you’ll be steps away from the best art galleries, cozy cafes, bars, and restaurants. View Hotel Rates.
Casa Nuestra: Casa Nuestra is an affordable option if you are looking to stay in the Barranco neighborhood. The house is artistically decorated and has cozy common areas for guests to hang out. You also have a knowledgeable host there that can give you great restaurant recommendations and things to do. View Hotel Rates.
Villa Barranco: Villa Barranco delivers an eclectic design with luxury finishes in the Barranco neighborhood. Amenities include free breakfast and a stunning rooftop terrace with an ocean view. View Hotel Rates.
Second Home: You’ll feel right at home at Second Home in Lima’s Barranco neighborhood. The home has uninterrupted ocean views, a swimming pool, and breakfast included. This is also the house and studio of Victor Delfin, one of the most known artists in South America so the house is filled with his creative artwork. View Hotel Rates.
Experience Lima
*Esta publicación también está disponible en: Español
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