The 14 Best Things to See and Do in Barranco, Lima

It’s official, Barranco is where the cool kids stay in Lima. Backpackers will enjoy the leafy gardens and social vibe of The Point Hostel, while travelers with a bit of cash to splash might prefer a chic boutique such as the stunning Hotel B.

There’s no doubt Barranco is the most vibrant and youthful part of the city, chock full of 20-something alternative types who love nothing more than to share their passion for art in the streets. Most of the action takes place in the Plaza de Armas, a melting pot of impromptu theatre, artisanal markets, busking musicians, and more.

Known as La Puente de Los Suspiros to the locals, this picturesque puente was a former meeting point of the city’s most renowned philosophers and poets. Sometime later, couples began courting in the romantic locale and their amorous sighing eventually led to the bridge’s name.

Heading down from the bridge is the Bajada de los Baños, an old walkway that once gave local fishermen access to the beach. These days, it’s a picturesque place for an afternoon stroll with plenty of hip bars and restaurants along the way.

Barranco is arguably the most colorful neighborhood in Peru, and requires some thorough exploring. The best way to enjoy the bohemian neighborhood is to wander around, taking in all the colorful houses and unique street art. The art is everywhere, so you can’t miss it! Visitors can also take walking tours of Barranco to give an even more in-depth understanding. Recommended by Brandon Dupre.

Lima’s top-end restaurants are located in Miraflores, so if you want to drop a hundred bucks on a world-class dining experience then that’s where you need to be. On the other hand, Barranco boasts a multitude of casual yet delicious gastronomic experiences, all of which come at a fraction of the cost.

Famous for its inclusive vibe, the nightlife in Barranco is both friendly and fever pitch. Everything from cozy beer cafes to pumping cocktail bars cause this buzzing barrio to come alive after dark.

Once the playground of Lima’s bourgeoisie, Barranco saw a plethora of stately mansions constructed along the shoreline to overlook the sea. As the city expanded, the financially elite moved their holiday homes further down the coast, allowing their 1920’s art-deco mansions to slowly decay. Nowadays, these magnificent buildings have been restored and house the coolest restaurants, boutique stores, and cafes in the city.

Give the glitzy designer malls of Miraflores a miss and peruse the artsy boutiques of Barranco instead. You won’t find any Chanel here, but rather an eclectic selection of independent labels selling Lima’s most cutting-edge bohemian designs.

Likewise, you won’t find any stuffy old religious art museums in Barranco. Instead, expect to come across more creative cultural institutions such as an electricity museum, a chocolate museum, and the personal collection of Mario Testino, South America’s most accomplished fashion photographer.

Lima isn’t known for its beaches, considering most are covered with rocks, but Barranco is the exception. The only stretch of beach with sand in Lima is in Barranco, a short walk from the Bridge of Sighs – vendors on the beach offer chairs and umbrellas and fresh fish. The best time to visit the beaches is during the summer months (December to March) and any occasional sunny day, which during the winter are extremely rare. Recommended by Brandon Dupre.

Barranco is known as the artsy part of Lima for a reason, one being that so many of Peru’s famous artists live here. Supporting a large population of artists, galleries have sprung up all over the city showing off Peru’s finest art. You can easily spend an entire day exploring all the galleries that Barranco has to offer. Recommended by Brandon Dupre.

Barranco is home to some of Lima’s best and quaintest coffee shops. You can’t beat the quality at Biscetti, a coffee shop that has deep roots in Barranco. You’ll find coffee shops in old, gutted-out mansions with verdant gardens, and others that also bake fresh bread on site. If you have the time, start your day in Barranco with some quality caffeine. Recommended by Brandon Dupre.

A good place to learn how to surf is just below the Barranco cliff. On surfable days you’ll find tents lined with boards and eager surf instructors. This break doesn’t get big like other places in Lima, but during the right swell it can make for the perfect beach to learn on. Recommended by Brandon Dupre.