Where to Stay in Lima

Is Lima, Peru Safe?

Parque Chino de Miraflores backed by the ocean. — Parque Chino de Miraflores

The answer is yes and no. Crime is a serious issue in Lima and shouldn’t be ignored but most visitors will be fine as long as they take sensible precautions and choose the right neighbourhood. Each municipality has its own security force that patrols the area and works with the National Police of Peru. The wealthier neighbourhoods have a larger budget so you will see more guards on patrol and more cameras in public spaces.

It should be said that I didn’t feel unsafe once during my three month stay. I was happy exploring solo in the day and heading out with friends in the evening. I was surprised by how comfortable I felt in Lima so don’t be put off by stories of crime and violence. Be smart, be aware and avoid the areas listed below and the city will be a fun and memorable part of your trip to Peru.

Here are a few tips on staying safe:

Don’t carry valuables around if you don’t need to.
Use ATMs that are inside banks.
Avoid unlicensed taxis.
Always be aware of your possessions. Pickpockets are a problem on public transportation and heavily trafficked areas, especially those popular with tourists.
There is safety in numbers so stick with a friend or a group if you’re nervous.
Stay away from protests because they can quickly turn violent.
Familiarise yourself with earthquake safety procedures because they do occur in the region.

10 Areas to Avoid

The following districts rank as some of the worst for safety and crime so are best avoided, especially at night.

The Barrios Altos area of Lima Cercado (Central Lima)
San Juan de Lurigancho
Callao
San Martín de Porres
Ate Vitarte
Villa El Salvador
La Victoria
San Juan de Miraflores
Santa Anita
Villa María del Triunfo

It’s worth noting that in September 2023 a state of emergency was declared in the districts of San Juan de Lurigancho and San Martin de Porras due to a rise in violent crime. This means the military can be called in if the situation escalates.

Getting Around Lima

A station on El Metropolitano, Lima. — El Metropolitano, Lima

There are a few transportation options when exploring Lima:

All of the neighbourhoods mentioned in this guide are well-serviced by local buses and taxis.
Uber operates in the city and I found it a reliable, safe and affordable option.
El Metropolitano, Lima’s rapid transit bus system, runs through 12 districts and is often the quickest and easiest form of public transportation.
Metro Lima is a rapid transit train system with 2 lines. Line 1 runs 33km from Villa El Salvador in the south of Lima to San Juan de Lurigancho in the northeast of Lima. Line 2 currently has 5 stations operating in the eastern district of Santa Anita and is being extended. There are also plans to add more lines in the future. It’s not particularly useful to visitors at the moment but will be if it eventually covers central Lima.

Miraflores

A food stand selling Picarones (Peruvian doughnuts).

View along the cliffs into Miraflores, Lima.

A famous kissing sculpture in a park by the ocean.

Miraflores is packed with modern apartments, high-end shops and top restaurants. It’s very walkable and has plenty of parks, public squares and sports facilities. El Metropolitano operates in the neighbourhood. It’s very clean and safe, making it a popular choice with visitors and residents.

Things to Do in Miraflores

The famous Larcomar shopping centre is set into the cliffs and overlooks the ocean. It has a range of international brands, a cinema, a supermarket and some great places to eat. Local favourites Tanta and Mangos offer delicious food, great cocktails and sea views.
Parque Kennedy and Parque 7 de Junio come alive with local families in the evening and street food vendors serve up tasty snacks. Try the picarones, Peruvian doughnuts made of pumpkin and sweet potato.
The Huaca Pucllana is a restored ceremonial centre that dates back to AD 400. There’s a wonderful restaurant on site that has views of the illuminated ruins in the evening.
Manolo on Av. José Larco has an old-school vibe with a diner-style interior. They’ve been serving up their popular churros since 1968.
If you want to splurge then head to MAIDO to try some world-class Nikkei (Peruvian Japanese) cuisine.
Pan Atelier serves up the best sourdough and baked goods.
El Malecón, an uninterrupted five-mile coastal path, runs the length of Miraflores and spreads south into Barranco and north into San Isidro. It’s a highlight of Lima and shouldn’t be missed.

Barranco

An old car parked on a colourful street in Barranco, Lima.

Barranco, Lima's bohemian district, is famous for its colourful buildings, independent restaurants and vibrant art scene. The neighbourhood has an interesting mix of ocean-view apartments, historic casonas and brightly painted family homes. Throw in pretty plazas, a bustling high street and quiet green spaces and you’ve got something special.

It’s a very walkable neighbourhood and El Metropolitano runs through it so it’s well connected.

Things to Do in Barranco

The Bridge of Sighs is a romantic spot that’s popular with couples taking selfies.
The Museum of Contemporary Art Lima (MAC Lima) has three rooms of modern Latin American art and shows frequent exhibitions that feature both new and established artists.
El Cacaotal is a café and store that is dedicated to promoting Peruvian cocoa and coffee. They offer chocolate workshops for those interested in learning more.
Isolina serves up Peruvian Creole food that is inspired by the chef’s mother. It’s a great place to experience home cooking.
Colonia & Co. is my favourite breakfast place. It’s in an old house and serves great international and Peruvian food. Service is excellent and it has a relaxed and welcoming vibe.
Malecon Saenz Peña is a local park surrounded by restored casonas, many of which are now restaurants, hotels and galleries.
El Malecón, an uninterrupted five-mile coastal path, starts in Barranco and continues up into Miraflores and San Isidro. It’s a lovely walk on a sunny day.

Watch our Barranco video to get a feel for the neighbourhood.

San Isidro

A sunset over Bosque El Olivar, San Isidro.

A house with a garden in San Isidro, Lima.

San Isidro is known for its upscale residences and green spaces. The public services are top-notch, including premium healthcare facilities and schools. It’s the preferred district for many wealthy families. The neighbourhood is very walkable and is connected by El Metropolitano.

Things to Do in San Isidro

The district is home to Huaca Huallamarca, the archaeological site of a pre-Inca pyramid. Visit the museum to see ceramics, textiles, agricultural tools and other items discovered from the dig site.
Bosque El Olivar is a delightful city park that was once an olive grove belonging to the count of San Isidro. Roughly 1,670 olive trees are remaining and it’s an ideal spot for a picnic.
County Club Lima Hotel was built in the 1920s and was the place to be seen for wealthy Limeños and international visitors alike. Many high-profile guests, including royalty and Hollywood stars, have slept in its rooms. Careful renovations have kept its historical features while ensuring it has all the modern luxuries associated with a 5-star hotel.
Historical Casa Hacienda Moreyra is now the home of Astrid y Gastón, a renowned French Peruvian restaurant. It’s especially popular for its fusion dishes but traditional Peruvian dishes are available as well.
El Malecón, an uninterrupted five-mile coastal path, runs through San Isidro, Miraflores and Barranco.

Jesús Maria

Jesús Maria is a stable, middle-class neighbourhood with plenty of restaurants, shops and parks. Buses and taxis are the means of public transportation used by the residents of the district.

Things to Do in Jesús Maria

El Campo de Marte is one of the largest parks in Lima. It’s a popular place to meet, exercise and relax.
The Natural History Museum of Lima collects, researches and exhibits samples and specimens that represent the natural heritage of Peru. It has displays on zoology, botany, ecology and geology.
The Peruvian Japanese Cultural Centre is the perfect place for anyone wanting to learn about the Nikkei community. There’s an onsite museum explaining the history of Japanese immigration to Lima and courses offered on a range of Japanese disciplines. It’s also worth checking what’s on at the Peruvian Japanese Theatre, who arrange concerts, performances and cultural programs.
Nakachi and K'tana Cocina Japonesa are both highly-rated restaurants in the Peruvian Japanese Cultural Centre. They’re an excellent place to enjoy Nikkei food.
El Chino Vegano is tipped as one of the best Vegan restaurants in Lima. It was nominated in the Somos 2023 Awards thanks to chef and owner Ángel Vera’s Peruvian Chinese creations.

Lima

Also known as Downtown Lima and Central Lima, this area is the oldest neighbourhood in the capital. The historical centre, Cercado de Lima, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is known for its impressive colonial architecture and landmarks. The district is also home to Barrio Chino (China Town) which stretches roughly four city blocks on Jirón Ucayali and is the place to try Peruvian Chinese food (chifa). El Metropolitano and Metro Line 1 service the area so you should have no trouble getting to and from the neighbourhood.

Safety Tip

Police maintain a presence in the centre but do be careful where you walk as it’s easy to find yourself in a sketchy part of town. The eastern part of the district, Barrio Altos, is in poor shape. A lack of funding has resulted in poverty, crime and crumbling properties. It’s best avoided.

Things to Do in Lima

The Palacio de Gobierno is the residence of Peru’s president. You can watch the changing of the guard every day at noon.
Plaza de Armas, also known as Plaza Mayor, is surrounded by impressive colonial buildings and the Palacio de Gobierno.
The grand Palacio Arzobispal is the residence of the Archbishop of Lima and the administrative headquarters of the Archdiocese of Lima.
La Catedral de Lima has a beautiful baroque facade, a mosaic-covered chapel and a small museum.
Monasterio de San Francisco offers guided tours of its catacombs which contain roughly 70,000 remains. The tours are in Spanish and English and last about 45 minutes.
Museo de Arte de Lima (MALI) is a must-see for fine art enthusiasts. The exhibits show a range of work from pre-Columbian to modern art.
Chifa Wa Lok is a popular restaurant serving up large portions of Cantonese-Peruvian dishes.
Museo del Pisco is a bar that celebrates all things pisco. You can book experiences that include tastings or making cocktails.

Pueblo Libre

Pueblo Libre, meaning Free Town, is a neighbourhood steeped in history. The open, tree-lined plazas and colonial-era buildings give it an old-school vibe. Regular bus services connect it with the rest of the city.

Things to Do in Pueblo Libre

Museo Larco houses one of the largest collections of ceramics in Lima. The collection includes more than 50,000 pots from the pre-Columbian era. They also have a gallery dedicated to items featuring erotic designs.
Museo Nacional de Antropología, Arqueología e Historía del Perú (National Museum of Archaeology, Anthropology, and History) has a collection of over 300,000 items from the country's pre-Hispanic, colonial and republican history. It includes ceramics, tools, textiles and mummies.
Plaza Bolivar is the main square in the neighbourhood and is surrounded by colourful colonial buildings. It’s a pretty spot to sit and soak up the atmosphere.
Antigua Taberna Queirolo is a legendary tavern that’s been around since 1880. It’s known for being family-run and for serving traditional Peruvian food and drink. The decor, photographs and antiques will make you feel like you’ve stepped back in time.

Surquillo

A pink and white house in Surquillo, Lima.

A French bakery and cafe in Surquillo, Lima.

A chef cooking in a Peruvian restaurant.

A plate of ceviche, chicharron and seafood fried rice.

Surquillo is known for its bustling street life and authentic atmosphere. Although it sits alongside snazzy Miraflores, this neighbourhood has a lower standard of living and a higher crime rate. That being said, many new restaurants are popping up in this area due to the lower cost of real estate and it’s worth dipping into. I visited the market and a couple of local restaurants in the areas adjacent to Miraflores and enjoyed the change of atmosphere. I’d recommend visiting in the day because it doesn’t have the best reputation for safety after dark.

The neighbourhood is served by Metro Line 1 and El Metropolitano runs along the outskirts.

Things to Do in Surquillo

Mercado Surquillo is a popular local market where residents, including top chefs, buy fresh produce and local foods.
Al Toke Pez has become well known since starring in the Netflix series Street Food: Latin America. Chef and owner, Tomás Matsufuji, serves up fresh ceviche and seafood in his tiny eight-seat restaurant.
La P'tite France is an artisanal bakery and pastry shop. They are known for their quality and service.
La Picantería is a very popular and laid-back restaurant on the edge of Surquillo. It specialises in fish and seafood, although it does serve other Peruvian dishes as well. It’s only open for lunch.

Santiago de Surco

A residential street in Surquillo, Lima.

Santiago de Surco, often just called Surco, is a large district that borders Barranco, Miraflores and Surquillo. It has won multiple awards for its many green spaces.

The security departments of both Miraflores and Surco reached an agreement in September 2023 to jointly patrol the border between the two districts, increasing the level of safety in that area.

Metro Line 1 runs through Surco, providing easy access to the north and south of Lima.

Things to Do in Santiago de Surco

The Museo de Oro is a museum that showcases gold artefacts from Peru's history.
Loma Amarilla Ecological Park is popular with runners and bird watchers. It has outdoor gym equipment and hilltop views.
Jockey Plaza is one of Peru’s largest shopping centres and has over 500 units filled with local, international and luxury brands. There’s a great selection of restaurants as well as a food court with fast food chains. A Cinemark movie theatre shows the latest films.
Yume is a casual sushi restaurant known for its freshness and quality.

Magdalena del Mar

Magdalena del Mar, also known as just Magdalena, is a small district that borders San Isidro. It’s a pleasant, middle-class neighbourhood and it’s becoming increasingly popular with property developers. As a result, there are numerous new apartments for rent, many being much cheaper than neighbouring San Isidro. Local buses are the only form of public transportation.

Things to Do in Magdalena del Mar

Huaca Huantille is an archaeological site that features a pyramidal structure that is believed to have been of ceremonial significance to the Ychma culture. The structure is pre-Inca.
El Malecón, an uninterrupted 5-mile coastal path, starts a short distance from the border of the district.
Mercado Magdalena is a buzzing outdoor market that stocks produce, meat, seafood, clothes and basic home goods.
Heladería Speciale is a local fav, serving up ice cream, desserts and coffee.

Lince

Lince is a bustling, middle-class neighbourhood offering a taste of everyday life in Lima. Walking through its streets and parks, you can observe locals going about their daily routines. It offers a variety of services, from shopping centres and restaurants to banks and supermarkets. It doesn’t really have any attractions but it’s a pleasant, safe neighbourhood and El Metropolitano has a station here, making travel to other parts of the city a breeze.

Things to Do in Lince

Doomo Saltado serves tasty Peruvian dishes and is committed to supporting educational progress in Peru through its partnership with Enseña Perú.

Best Areas to Stay in Lima

A view across Miraflores, Lima as the sun sets. — A view across Miraflores, Lima, as the sun sets.

Best for character and food: Barranco

Best for families: San Isidro

Best for beach access and shopping: Miraflores

Best for history: Lima

Best for markets: Surquillo

Best for old school vibe: Pueblo Libre

Best for learning about the Nikkei community: Jesús Maria

Peru’s buzzing capital has something for everyone. It’s a city bursting with diverse neighbourhoods, each with its own unique atmosphere and history. When choosing a location to stay in, consider the purpose of your trip, the length of your visit and what you’re hoping to get from the experience. This will help you find your perfect base in Lima.

Is Lima, Peru Safe?

10 Areas to Avoid

Getting Around Lima