Not sure where to stay in Lima, Peru? Worry not. The best neighborhoods to stay in Lima are Miraflores, Barranco, and San Isidro.
Lima is not the safest city in the world and picking the right neighborhood to stay in is essential to having a safe and enjoyable visit. Usually, the best place to stay in a city is in the historical center, but that is actually one of the worst places to stay in Lima due to safety.
After visiting Lima multiple times and speaking with locals, I am here to help you decide which is the best area to stay in Lima. Because each neighborhood offers something slightly different, I have also categorized different neighborhoods so you can find the proper one for you.
Enjoy!
Quick Summary On Where to Stay In Lima
Generally, the best place to stay in Lima is Miraflores, an affluent cliffside community that is safe, beautiful and tourist-friendly. This is the neighborhood where you will find the majority of the accommodations in Lima, so any type of traveler will find a suitable to stay.
It is well-connected and offers western amenities in terms of accommodations, restaurants, and green spaces. If this is your first time in Lima, Miraflores is the place to stay for you.
Overall Best Places To Stay in Lima
Best Overall Hotel in Lima – Miraflores Park, A Belmond Hotel
– 5-star hotel with spectacular ocean views
– Located in Miraflores
– Superb amenities such as an outdoor pool, gym, spa and more
– Extravagant decor and luxurious but cozy atmosphere
Best Overall Airbnb / Vacation Rental in Lima – Urbano Apartments Miraflores Pardo
– 1/2/3 Bedroom Apartments
– Includes use of outdoor swimming pool and gym
– Terrace with city views
– Located in heart of Miraflores
Best Overall Boutique Hotel in Lima – Hotel Antigua Miraflores
– Attentive and welcoming staff
– Historical building with plenty of charm
– Beautiful common spaces that feel like home
– Situated in the center of Miraflores
Best Overall Hostel in Lima – Pariwana Hostel Lima
- Beautiful terrace to socialize and meet other travelers
- Comfortable beds and spacious rooms
- Excellent on-site bar and restaurant
- Situated in Miraflores
Best Neighborhoods In Lima To Stay
The interactive map above features the four neighborhoods we’ll be discussing. Make sure you take a look and see where some of the attractions are relative to the area you want to stay in.
1. Miraflores, Overall Best Area To Stay In Lima
As we have mentioned, Miraflores is an upscale residential area and arguably the best place to stay in Lima. Besides being one of the safest neighborhoods in Lima, it also offers visitors plenty of tourist-friendly amenities.
The area is filled with green spaces such as Parque del Amor and Kennedy Park where tourists can escape the busy city vibes. When you are hungry, there are plenty of amazing Peruvian restaurants serving authentic Peruvian dishes where you find out why Lima is consistently the gastronomical capital of Latin America.
Last but not least, the most famous feature of Miraflores is the Miraflores Boardwalk (Malecón de Miraflores), a leisure path sitting above the dramatic cliffs with panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean. You can just feel the stress leave your body when walking down the Malecón!
If you are not sure where to stay in Lima as a first-time visitor, just go with Miraflores! It generally does not go wrong!
Pros of Staying in Miraflores
- Wide variety of accommodations from budget hostels to luxury hotels
- Lots of incredible restaurants and bars to choose from
- Plenty of amazing things to do in Miraflores to keep you entertained
- Very safe and tourist-friendly
Cons of Staying in Miraflores
- Lack local atmosphere
- More expensive than other parts of the city
- Nightlife is a little bit lacking
Things to Do in Miraflores
- Go on a bike ride on the malecón
- Check out the cliffside mall Lacromar
- Pat the friendly cats at Parque Kennedy
- Go paragliding off the cliffs of Miraflores
- Enjoy some of the best ceviche restaurants in Lima
- Visit the Huaca Pucllana archaeological site
Where to Stay in Miraflores
- Best Hostel in Miraflores – Pariwana Hostel Lima
- Best Vacation Rental in Miraflores – Urbano Apartments Miraflores Pardo
- Best Hotel in Miraflores – Miraflores Park, A Belmond Hotel
2. Barranco, Where To Stay In Lima For Nightlife
Located south of Miraflores is another one of Lima’s best neighborhoods to stay – Barranco. Historically, Barranco was the place where Lima’s upper class built their weekend and vacation home. Nowadays, it is one of the most bohemian districts, featuring cool street art, trendy cafes, and incredible nightlife.
Similar to Miraflores, Barranco is very safe, but Miraflores is a tiny bit safer because of the lively nightlife in Barranco. Drunk people = more incidents. Barranco is also situated on the cliffside, so get ready for epic ocean views and dreamy sunsets.
Pros of Staying in Barranco
- One of the safest neighborhoods in Lima
- Full of entertainment options including bars, cafes, live music, boutiques and more
- Tons of accommodations to pick from
- Cliffside location offers dramatic ocean views and great sunsets
Cons of Staying in Barranco
- More expensive than other parts of Lima
- A little more challenging to get to from the Jorge Chavez International Airport
- Far from the cultural attractions of the city
Things to Do in Barranco
- Catch the sunset at the cliffside
- Hold your breath and walk across The Bridge of Sighs
- Explore the various murals and street art
- Check out the trendy restaurants, cafes, and bars
Where to Stay in Barranco
- Best Hostel in Barranco – Kokopelli Hostel Barranco
- Best Vacation Rental in Barranco – Connect
- Best Hotel in Barranco – Second Home Peru
3. San Isidro, Where To Stay In Lima To Splurge
San Isidro is an upscale financial district located northwest of Miraflores. It is one of the safest districts in Lima, thanks to its high concentration of luxurious residential units, superb green spaces and fancy shopping streets.
You will find lots of designer brands (including Peruvian ones), so this is the area to be if you like to shop and get some souvenirs from Peru.
San Isidro is also home to some very fancy restaurants and bars in Lima. The most famous of which is Astrid y Gastón, one of the top 50 restaurants in Latin America. If you enjoy some of the finer things in life, then San Isidro is the ideal neighborhood for you.
This area is expensive, and due to that, it is very difficult to find budget accommodations there. Hostels are non-existent and hotels usually belong to an international chain such as Mariott, Novotel, and so on.
If you are planning on splurging on your Peru trip, San Isidro might not be a bad area to stay, but just beware that this working neighborhood doesn’t represent Peru’s rich culture.
It is also home to 95% of the embassies, perfect if you need any help with your passport.
📚 Read More: How Many Days In Lima To Spend?
Pros of Staying in San Isidro
- Probably the safest neighborhood in Lima
- Plenty of high-end restaurants to pick from
- Great luxurious shopping opportunities
- Plenty of nice green spaces
- Peaceful and quiet at night
Cons of Staying in San Isidro
- Not very budget-friendly
- Not much to do for a tourist in terms of attractions
- Not a lot of Peruvian culture present
Things to Do in San Isidro
- Check out the Huaca Huallamarca ruins
- Go shopping at designer shops
- Dine and wine in world-class restaurants
Where to Stay in San Isidro
- Best Vacation Rental in San Isidro – Lindos Apartamentos en San Isidro
- Best Hotel in San Isidro – Country Club Lima Hotel
4. Pueblo Libre, Best Neighborhood To Stay In Lima For A Local Experience
Pueblo Libre is an unpopular neighborhood to stay in for tourists, but that doesn’t mean it has nothing to offer. For starters, the neighborhood is a quiet and safe residential area full of colonial-era buildings.
The neighborhood houses the former home of Simon Bolivar, the man that was responsible for the majority of the liberation of South America. Nowadays, his home has become the National Museum of Archaeology, Anthropology and History of Peru, the oldest and largest museum in Peru.
Visitors can also check out the Lacro Museum, where you can learn 500 years of Peruvian pre-Columbian history through various suggestive artwork.
If you want to avoid the crowds and tourists in Miraflores or Barranco, definitely consider staying in Pueblo Libre for more of a local experience. We recommend you to know at least a little bit of Spanish if you decide to go off the beaten path.
But since it is not hugely popular, there isn’t a variety of accommodations to choose from.
Pros of Staying in Pueblo Libre
- Less touristy than Miraflores and Barranco
- Generally more affordable
- Lots of museums in the area
Cons of Staying in Pueblo Libre
- Lack of nightlife
- Far away from the main attractions of Lima
- Not a lot of accommodations to pick from
- Requires at least a little bit of Spanish to navigate
Things to Do in Pueblo Libre
- Stroll down the streets and admire the colonial-style buildings
- Visit the oldest and largest museum in Peru, the National Museum of Archaeology, Anthropology and History of Peru
- Check out the suggestive artwork at the Larco Museum
Where to Stay in Pueblo Libre
- Best Hotel in Pueblo Libre – Ayenda Casa Aika
- Best Boutique Hotel in Pueblo Libre – Pretty House Hotel
Best Luxury Hotels In Lima, Peru
1. Miraflores Park, A Belmond Hotel
A five-star hotel situated on the cliffside of Miraflores, Miraflores Park is undoubtedly the best luxury hotel in Lima. Each room features charming antique decor, and it almost feels like a royal palace when you walk into it. The bathroom is decked out in high-quality marble, and it is hard not to feel like a king in the “City of Kings”.
But the luxurious experience doesn’t end at the room, this Lima hotel features plenty of superb amenities. Spend a day just swimming in their rooftop outdoor pool with sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean and Lima’s dramatic cliffs.
Relax with a massage treatment, work out at their on-site fitness center, or go to their bar and try a sublime pisco sour, the national drink of Peru.
The staff at Miraflores Park is both attentive and unintrusive. They are there to help you whenever you need them, whether that is general information about the city or organizing excursions.
This luxurious hotel in Miraflores is not cheap. But if you can afford it, deciding on where to stay in Lima is going to be much easier!
- Location: Miraflores
- Price: $$$
Built in 1927, Country Club Lima Hotel is an iconic hotel in Lima known for its exclusiveness and impeccable service. The moment you walk in, you will notice the stunning mixture of classic decor and modern amenities. In fact, over 300 pieces of art and decor from the Pedro de Osma Museum are used to decorate and furnish the hotel. How often is your hotel a museum at the same time?
As a 5-star hotel, the amenities at Country Club Lima Hotel are abundant. Guests can enjoy a meal at El Perroquet, known as one of the best restaurants in the city. It serves traditional Peruvian dishes that showcase the best flavors of Peru. After a nice meal, don’t skip out the award-winning Pisco Sour at the English Bar on-site.
The hotel also has plenty of wellness facilities such as the Yaku Spa, gym and outdoor pool. But what separates this 5-star hotel from the others is the Lima Golf Club that guests have access to. If you are a golf-lover, you will surely fall in love with this hotel.
- Location: San Isidro
- Price: $$$
3. Dazzler by Wyndham Lima Miraflores
If you are looking for an excellent value-for-money luxury hotel, then the 4-star Dazzler is ideal for you. This hotel features modest but modern decor to keep the price down. However, it doesn’t sacrifice comfort in any way. Each room also features a desk, perfect for digital nomads that need to work or anyone on a business trip.
The best part about the Dazzler by Wyndham is the heated rooftop pool. Guests can enjoy spectacular views of the city while enjoying a nice cocktail from their adjacent bar. It is the perfect way to end a day of exploring Lima.
There are plenty of other amenities to make your stay perfect such as a fitness center, self-catering and sauna room. But what separates this from other Lima hotels is the diverse breakfast buffet that will give you so much energy to start your day.
- Location: Miraflores
- Price: $$
Best Airbnbs / Vacation Rentals In Lima
1. Urbano Apartments Miraflores Pardo
Simple and cozy, Urbano Apartments Miraflores Pardo is the perfect vacation rental for travelers looking for the utmost comfort without splurging. All apartments feature a satellite TV for evening leisure, a fully-equipped kitchen with an oven for when you get tired of Peruvian food, and a private bathroom with a hot tub.
But that isn’t all, all units have a terrace where guests can enjoy Lima’s incredible weather all year round. Additionally, the apartments are part of a residential complex, so guests can enjoy an outdoor swimming pool, gym facilities, and a calming garden.
This apartment rental has 1, 2, and 3-bedroom apartments, so even big families that are not sure where to stay in Lima can find a cozy experience at Urban Apartments.
Lastly, the location of this rental in Lima is incredible. Situated only a few blocks from Parque Kennedy and the cliffside boardwalk, guests can experience the best of Miraflores on foot.
- Location: Miraflores
- Price: $$
2. Connect
Because of the history of Barranco, vacation rentals are hard to come by, and Connect might just be the best one in Barranco. For starters, this 1-bedroom apartment features large floor-to-ceiling windows, allowing plenty of natural sunlight to enter the apartment.
There is an immediate warmth and coziness the moment you step in, not to mention the wide-stretching views those windows provide.
This Barranco rental apartment has a cozy living area with two sofas that can turn into beds, effectively allowing a maximum of 4 guests to enjoy the space comfortably. The kitchen is fully-equipped, so guests can cook easily.
Lastly, as part of a bigger residential complex, guests have access to the fitness center, a shared lounge, and the stunning rooftop pool. From the pool, you can see the beautiful Pacific Ocean, making it the perfect spot to watch the sunset!
- Location: Barranco
- Price: $$$
Located in Miraflores, Apart Hotel San Martin is situated in one of the best neighborhoods to stay in Lima. It is within a 10-minute walk from the area’s biggest attractions – Parque Kennedy and Lacromar Shopping Mall. In fact, most of the best attractions in Miraflores are walking distance away.
Though the decor of Apart Hotel San Martin isn’t luxurious, the color combination creates a very soothing effect. The soft palette makes the apartment feel very homey and warm.
When you are not fancying Peruvian food, take advantage of the fully-equipped kitchen to make a homey meal and enjoy it in the elegantly-designed dining area. This vacation rental has diverse breakfast options if you don’t feel like making breakfast yourself.
Lastly, if you have rented a car in Peru, this Lima accommodation offers free private parking, so you don’t need to stress about finding street parking.
- Location: Miraflores
- Price: $$
Best Boutique Hotels In Lima
Hotel Antigua Miraflores is a cute boutique hotel in Lima. It features beautiful historical interior decor and a heart-warming staff that will immediately make you feel at home. The spacious rooms are decorated with hues of warm tones and offer instant comfort. Not to mention their beds have high-quality mattresses that offer the perfect night’s rest.
Besides stunning rooms, this Lima boutique hotel has plenty of comfortable common spaces for guests to enjoy. The most popular one is the on-site restaurant. With its charming decor, superb coffee (did you know Peru is famous for its coffee?), and delicious cakes, it is hard not to fall in love with it.
The courtyard is also a great place to get some fresh air and check out the gorgeous green space this hotel has created.
All-in-all, with a charming hotel like Hotel Antigua, deciding where to stay in Lima just got much easier!
- Location: Miraflores
- Price: $$
2. Casa Porta
When it comes to colorful decor in a homey environment, there is no better boutique hotel in Lima than Casa Porta. Guests will immediately feel at ease with its lively warm tones, and the best part? The accommodation is very affordable, especially for its price.
When you are not relaxing in your cozy room or beautiful common spaces, exploring Lima cannot be easier thanks to this hotel’s location in Miraflores. The boardwalk, Parque Kennedy, and Lacromar shopping center are all within walking distance away.
Lastly, if you are having difficulty finding your way in Lima, the personal staff is there to help you. Whether that is finding an airport shuttle or a simple restaurant recommendation, you will find the best tips from the staff at Casa Porta. That is why this is one of our favorite boutique hotels in Lima.
- Location: Miraflores
- Price: $
With plenty of natural light and an open-air decor, you can feel comfortable the moment you step into Lima 18 Boutique hotel. Then you are immediately greeted by some of the friendliest hotel staff in the world, all ready to provide you with the perfect stay.
One of Lima 18 Boutique’s most iconic features is the super comfortable beds that many travelers compare to sleeping on a cloud. The hotel also provides a delicious breakfast, which you can enjoy in their cute living area or outdoor lush garden.
In terms of luxurious amenities, there isn’t much to boast about, but that is how this boutique hotel makes it cozy. Instead, you will find a minimalist design with plenty of house plants to make it feel like a home away from home even though you are in the heart of Miraflores, one of the best areas in Lima to stay.
- Location: Miraflores
- Price: $$
Best Hotels In Lima, Peru
Traveling in Peru solo and not sure where to stay in Lima? Look no further than the Pariwana Hostel in Lima. Featuring multiple common areas and a beautiful terrace, Pariwana Hostel offers plenty of opportunities for socializing. And when you’ve made new friends at the hostel, Pariwana’s location in the heart of Miraflores means you have plenty to do with your new company.
Besides being a social hostel with party vibes, the hostel has an on-site restaurant and bar. But if you want to cook your own food, you can utilize the hostel’s fully-equipped kitchen, or you could explore the dining scene in Miraflores.
Comfort is never sacrificed at this Lima hostel. Guests can find both dormitory-style beds and private rooms. In the shared rooms, you will find a nice comfy bed and a locker to store your belongings safely. It also has fast and reliable free Wi-Fi, something that cannot be taken for granted in a hostel.
All-in-all, Pariwana is a great hostel for travelers looking to meet other people, save money, or even just to be in a great location.
- Location: Miraflores
- Price: $
Kokopelli Hostel Barranco might just be the best hostel in Lima. To begin, the hostel is situated in a historic old building that resembles the old glory of Barranco. Guests immediately feel like they are having an luxurious experience in this hostel.
Kokopelli is also a very social hostel with multiple common areas and a bar to meet other travelers. It even has a ping pong table where you can challenge your new friends to a game.
When it comes to the rooms, there are two types to choose from – private or shared. Private rooms are self-explanatory but the shared dormitory rooms are a bit tricky, because there are so many to choose from. You can pick between 3-layer bunk beds dormitory rooms, no-bunk rooms with double beds (room is still shared), or 2-layer bunk beds dormitory rooms.
Personally, we like this arrangement because we can pick something within our budget and preference. Lastly, the beds are of excellent quality and each features a curtain for privacy.
If you do decide to stay in Kokopelli, just know that it can get quite loud due to the parties and its location near bars and clubs. Pack some earplugs if you want a good night’s rest.
- Location: Barranco
- Price: $
With its super green design, Black Llama is a hostel in Lima we love. Nothing relaxes us more than sitting in their cozy garden after a long day of exploring Lima. Though its garden is nice, it is certainly not its nicest feature if we had to stay.
The hostel features an amazing bar and seating area where you can relax with a nice Pisco Sour in your hand. It is also a great place to meet other travelers, and it usually isn’t as chaotic as a big party hostel such as Kokopelli.
Another great thing about Black Llama Hostel is the beds. Each bed is equipped with a curtain, a plug socket, a lamp, and of course, a comfy mattress. This hostel knows how to make sure you sleep well.
Lastly, the complimentary breakfast in the morning is incredible and made by a chef every morning. There is simply no better way to start your day than that!
- Location: Miraflores
- Price: $
Why Is The Historic Center Not A Good Area To Stay In Lima?
The historical center, as the name suggests, is a neighborhood in Lima that is filled with Peru’s best historical attractions. As a present-day UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Historic Centre of Lima is filled with buildings of historical value, such as the Cathedral of Lima, the Basílica y Convento de San Francisco de Lima, and the Government Palace of Peru.
Then of course, you have the Plaza de Armas (sometimes referred to as Plaza Mayor), the main square in the historic center where all the energy of Lima can be felt.
This makes the historic centre one of the best places for sightseeing in Lima, but it is not one of the best places to stay due to its poor safety. The historic centre of Lima is one of the more dangerous neighborhoods in Lima because other dangerous neighborhoods surround it.
In the daytime, you will find quite a few beggars and suspicious people looking to take advantage of unaware tourists. In the nighttime, the problem worsens and armed robberies aren’t unheard of. The historic centre is a must-visit place, but only in the daytime, and certainly try not to stay in it because it can get sketchy at night.
Even if you’ve not figured out where to stay in Lima, our advice is to avoid staying in the historic centre.
Where To Stay In Lima FAQs
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What is the safest neighborhood in Lima?
For a tourist, the safest neighborhood in Lima is Miraflores. You will also find plenty of things to do there, such as Parque Kennedy, Lacromar Shopping Mall, and more.
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Is Lima dangerous?
While Lima isn’t exactly one of the safest cities in the world, there are neighborhoods that are very safe for tourists. Those are Miraflores, Barranco, and San Isidro.
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What is the best area to stay in Lima for nightlife?
The best area to stay in Lima for nightlife is Barranco as it is filled with lots of bars, restaurants, clubs and live music.
Deciding where to stay in Lima is difficult if you are visiting for the first time. But because there are only a handful of neighborhoods worth staying in Lima, it is very easy once you have decided the area to stay.
We personally cannot recommend Miraflores enough, simply because it is safe, tourist-friendly and features some of the best things to do in Lima!
Any questions? Leave them in the comments!
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