It’s true that most people stay in and explore Miraflores (see How to Get from Lima Airport to Miraflores) when they visit Lima, but it’s worth noting that the 2nd most visited neighborhood in Lima is Barranco, a district filled with color, food, and music. Situated south of Miraflores, you can safely walk from Miraflores to Barranco to discover its picturesque, historical, and unique ambience.
Barranco (“cliff” in Spanish) is named after its cliffs that face the Pacific Ocean. The neighborhood itself is filled with antique mansions converted into museums and bars, offering a blend of fun and culture, and making it a popular spot both day and night. Around every corner is street art of the most accomplished Peruvian painters and graffiti artists. Commonly labeled as “hip,” “hipster,” and “bohemian,” Barranco has been referred to as the SoHo of Lima, Peru and frequently makes international lists as one of the coolest neighborhoods to visit in the world.
Here are our top picks for what to do in Barranco, Lima:
- Bridge of Sighs (Puente de los Suspiros) – With its romantic vibes, this old wooden bridge is the most visited tourist spot in Barranco. It’s said that what you wish will come true if you can cross the bridge without taking a breath.
- Bajada de los Baños – This pedestrian path leads down to the beaches of Barranco with bars, cafes and restaurants left and right along the way. The end of the path has an old lookout with a gorgeous view of the Pacific Ocean.
- Museum Hop – Choose from a myriad of museums ranging from the Museum of Contemporary Art and the Pedro de Osma Museum to the Electricity Museum and the MATE Mario Testino Museum (founded by the renowned Peruvian photographer).
- Paul Harris Boardwalk – Breathe in ocean air and take in the landscape on this boardwalk facing the Pacific Ocean. You can explore this section of Barranco on foot or rent a bike.
