How to Spend 24 Hours in Miraflores, Peru

Head to El Pan de la Chola, which is one of the nicest and best bakeries and coffee shops in all of Lima. The restaurant has a great atmosphere and delicious, fresh food to match. You’ll find freshly made bread and pastries to go with your cup of Peruvian coffee. This is the best place to start a day in the whole city, and is sure to make even an ugly, fog-covered Lima day tolerable.

After breakfast, it’s time to surf. Just below Miraflores is one of Lima’s best breaks, Punta Roquitas, and next to that is Playa Waikiki, the best place for beginners in Lima. If you already now how to surf and have a board, Punta Roquitas is your spot. But if you need a board or wetsuit and some lessons, Waikiki is the place to be. There are about 10 different surf schools along the beach and they will have everything you need.

One of the first things anyone must do when visiting Peru is try the ceviche. Peru is well known for its delicious and fresh ceviche and no place in Lima does it better than Miraflores. While there are many places you could head to, La Mar Cebichería is a cut above the rest. Specializing in ceviche and other fresh fish dishes, if you want it done right, come here for lunch.

Huaca Pucllana is like nothing else you’ll find in Peru because of its location. The ancient, pre-Incan ruins stand in stark contrast to urbanized, high-rise Miraflores surrounding it, and you won’t believe it’s real when you finally find it. This scene, of modern buildings next to ruins, is one that truly makes Peru one of the most unique countries in the world.

If there’s a sunset, you must go to the Malecón to enjoy it. You can rent bikes here, if you’re feeling adventurous and have the energy. This will give you the chance to cover more ground and to explore the entirety of the boardwalk, which is one of the most beautiful places in all of Lima, with upscale Miraflores to one side and the sunset and the Pacific Ocean to the other.

Miraflores is home to some of the best restaurants Peru has to offer. Two of the top 10 restaurants in the world call Miraflores home: Restaurante Central and Maido. Both offer dishes that present traditional Peruvian food in unique and creative ways. For example, Central’s menu offers food that is based on Peru’s altitudes, giving you dishes that naturally grow together. Each dish is a work of art.

If you’re looking to party before you leave Lima, head to Miraflore’s Calle de las Pizzas, just across from Parque Kennedy. The street is lined with pizza restaurants and clubs. It’s where all the gringos and locals go, and is usually popping until the early hours of the morning.