The district known as Barranco is the place to start your search for Lima nightlife. It offers some of the city’s most relaxed, picturesque nightlife. It begins at the Puente de los Suspiros, or the Bridge of Sighs.
On this historic bridge, the inspiration for many a Peruvian folk song, couples kiss, unaware of the locals and fellow travelers meeting up around them before continuing on their way on the Bajada de Baños. The bajada is a historic, wide, paved path extending relatively steeply about half a mile to the ocean. It’s flanked by a bevy of restaurants that will take you into the world of Peruvian cocktails and comida, or food. Choose flights at FromAtoB take you there.
Start exploring the Lima nightlife in Barranco
As you sip a cocktail such as a pisco maracuya (pisco with a local fruit juice) from the balcony of one of the restaurants you stare out at the gentle sunset over the ocean, ambient music plays softly enough for conversation.
Afterward, continue your descent down the bajada. Head all the way down to a small promenade overlooking the Pacific. Here you can buy a trinket from jewelry makers or other artisans. From here you can go further still down a flight of steep steps to cross a fast and busy street before arriving on Playa Barranco, or Barranco Beach. Otherwise, relax on a bench and enjoy the sound of the waves lapping the shore below.
On your way back up, lollygag over the ornate decor of the Spanish architecture along the pathway. Then hit up another restaurant for a light snack. Most have indoor and outdoor space and tranquil, private tables for two from which to breathe in the cool, moist air. Many offer a free pisco sour. While not quite regulation size they are enough to wet your whistle and peruse a menu. Consider trying local fare: anticuchos (rich beef hearts on skewers), ceviche (marinated fish with onions and sweet potatoes), or perhaps some picarones (a doughnut-like dessert made with sweet potato and pumpkin and covered with a sweet syrup).
Beware: The quiet part of Lima nightlife turns toward the raucous side around 10 pm.