The capital of Peru and the 3rd largest city in Latin America after Sao Paulo and Mexico, Lima has a huge nightlife scene. I was very surprised to discover that there are an endless number of bars and nightclubs, not only in the center, but in all the districts and suburbs of this sprawling megalopolis.
You will find a bit of everything: High-end nightclubs filled with socialites, retro 80s and 90s discos, cheap backpacker watering holes, swanky beach clubs, trendy rooftop bars, packed salsotecas, and even several red-light districts.
To help you make the most out of your nights out, you can read my Lima party tips below. If you still have questions/remarks, please write a comment.
Summary of Lima Nightlife
This is a long article. Here it is summarized:
- Where to stay near Lima nightlife: Parque Kennedy in Miraflores, for instance in Hotel Antigua Miraflores (USD 65 per night, rated 9.2)
Summary of Lima Nightlife
This is a long article. Here it is summarized:
- Where to stay near Lima nightlife: Parque Kennedy in Miraflores, for instance in Hotel Antigua Miraflores (USD 65 per night, rated 9.2)
- Busiest party streets: Calle Francisco de Paula Camino, Calle Berlin, Calle Manuel Bonilla. All walking distance from Parque Kennedy in Miraflores.
- Popular among high-end locals: Mandala, Lima Bar
- Best bars: Open Tapas Bar, La Cachina
- LGBT nightlife: ValeTodo
- Best bars: Open Tapas Bar, La Cachina
- LGBT nightlife: ValeTodo
What to Expect at Night in Lima
This is what you should know before heading out for partying in Lima:
Price of Clubbing
Naturally, there are big differences between the cheap backpacker bars and the high-end clubs in Boulevard de Asia.
Low-class venues will generally not charge an entrance fee. The 330ml can of beer costs around 8 sol (USD 2.5). A mixed drink will be slightly more expensive, 10-13 sol (USD 3-4), and a cocktail will be 16 sol (USD 5).
Naturally, there are big differences between the cheap backpacker bars and the high-end clubs in Boulevard de Asia.
Low-class venues will generally not charge an entrance fee. The 330ml can of beer costs around 8 sol (USD 2.5). A mixed drink will be slightly more expensive, 10-13 sol (USD 3-4), and a cocktail will be 16 sol (USD 5).
Upmarket clubs will often charge you 20-30 sol for entrance on weekends (USD 6-9). In the top nightclubs, it can reach 50 sol (USD 15). Beers will cost 14-20 sol (USD 4-6), mixed drinks 20-30 sol (USD 6-9), and cocktails 23-40 sol (USD 7-12). Talking about cocktails, the one you should try in Peru is Pisco Sour.
Overall, Lima is not dirt-cheap for partying but it is affordable. For a fun night out on a weekend, prepare to spend at least USD 50.
When to Party:
You can go out almost any night of the week in Lima, though it is generally quieter during weekdays. From Sunday to Thursday, it's best to stick to Miraflores as the bars there are busier.
Nightclubs tend to peak around 1AM and they close around 3 AM on weekdays, 5 AM on weekends.
Music:
Most clubs will play a mix of EDM or Latin beats (in particular reggaeton). There is not a strong techno scene in Lima, but you can follow Superclub for regular events.
Most clubs will play a mix of EDM or Latin beats (in particular reggaeton). There is not a strong techno scene in Lima, but you can follow Superclub for regular events.
Door Policy:
You can usually avoid paying the entrance fee if you ask to be on the guest list prior to going to a club. Just send them a message on Facebook and it should be fine. You will probably need to arrive in advance, though, before midnight or 1AM.
You can usually avoid paying the entrance fee if you ask to be on the guest list prior to going to a club. Just send them a message on Facebook and it should be fine. You will probably need to arrive in advance, though, before midnight or 1AM.
You should always bring your ID with you.
Wearing pants and proper shoes is mandatory in almost every club.
Safety
The neighborhoods of Miraflores, San Isidro (rich, modern business area) and Barranco are reasonably safe during the day and night. Crime might happen, but there are no reasons to worry more than you would at home. Just don't flash your jewelry, cell phones or money and you'll be fine.
For the other neighborhoods, for instance, the historic center, they are fine during the day as long as you're cautious. At night, avoid them or use a taxi to go from one place to the other. In any case, trust your instinct: If you feel uncomfortable somewhere, turn around.
The neighborhoods of Miraflores, San Isidro (rich, modern business area) and Barranco are reasonably safe during the day and night. Crime might happen, but there are no reasons to worry more than you would at home. Just don't flash your jewelry, cell phones or money and you'll be fine.
For the other neighborhoods, for instance, the historic center, they are fine during the day as long as you're cautious. At night, avoid them or use a taxi to go from one place to the other. In any case, trust your instinct: If you feel uncomfortable somewhere, turn around.
Weather
Don't assume (like I did) that Lima is a tropical city with a year-round warm climate. This is only true in the summer months, from mid-December to mid-April. Then, the temperatures reach 28°C on average during the day (82°F) and 18°C at night (64°F). It is also less humid with few clouds and almost no rain.
Winters in Lima can be quite cold, with around 18°C during the day (64°F) and 10°C at night (50°F). It is humid, cloudy and foggy, which makes the city a bit depressing. You will certainly need a jacket during those months.
Lima nightlife is more interesting during the summer months as there are more nightclubs open, especially in the southern coastal areas.
Peruvian Sim Card
If you have an unlocked phone, you can buy a local Sim Card quite easily in the city center (it's more expensive at the airport). The top providers in Peru are Claro and Movistar. A cheaper alternative is Bitel (from what I heard, it works well in the major cities). Bring your passport with you for the registration. The cost is about USD 5 for a Sim Card and USD 8 for 1.5GB of data (valid 2 weeks).
Winters in Lima can be quite cold, with around 18°C during the day (64°F) and 10°C at night (50°F). It is humid, cloudy and foggy, which makes the city a bit depressing. You will certainly need a jacket during those months.
Lima nightlife is more interesting during the summer months as there are more nightclubs open, especially in the southern coastal areas.
Peruvian Sim Card
If you have an unlocked phone, you can buy a local Sim Card quite easily in the city center (it's more expensive at the airport). The top providers in Peru are Claro and Movistar. A cheaper alternative is Bitel (from what I heard, it works well in the major cities). Bring your passport with you for the registration. The cost is about USD 5 for a Sim Card and USD 8 for 1.5GB of data (valid 2 weeks).
Lima Nightlife Areas + Hotels
If you are a foreigner, there are only a few nightlife areas where you can go safely:
Miraflores:
Miraflores is an upscale neighborhood with tourist attractions, restaurants, bars, clubs and shops. It also has a nice pedestrian walk along the coastline. It is rather safe, even at night. For all these reasons, it is the most foreigner-friendly area in Lima.
Most of the night time action happens in the streets near Parque Kennedy, such as Calle Francisco de Paula Camino, Calle Berlin, and Calle Manuel Bonilla. You can just head there and you will see loads of young people partying.
Best clubs and bars in Miraflores:
👉 Bizarro
One of the busiest nightclubs in Miraflores. Large numbers of foreigners from all the hostels around, especially on Wednesdays. Many Peruvian girls, it's a bit of a hook-up place. It has two floors with two kinds of music (EDM/Latin). Overall, a bit low-class but fun if you want to get drunk with travelers. 50 sol entrance fee. Close at 3AM on weekends.
Classy bar/restaurant, crowded on weekends with 30+ executives and expats. It's a good place to start your night out if you are part of a group.
👉 Lima Bar
A chic elite bar inside Larcomar Mall. The venue itself is clean, well-designed and expensive. Not that many customers. Opens on Friday and Saturday only until 6AM.
👉 Mandala
Large, upmarket venue near Parque Kennedy. Big dance floor with a high ceiling and a mezzanine, surrounded by VIP tables. Latin music, mostly reggaeton, from DJs or live bands. There's also a more quiet terrace where you can eat. Entrance fee is s/.150, beers about s/. 15. Dress up as they have stricter than average bouncers.
About 5 minutes by foot from Calle Berlin, this dark restaurant/lounge/bar is a copy of Buddha Bar. Nice design and atmosphere. Live music or DJ, usually slightly upbeat tunes. Good for bringing a date.
⭐⭐⭐⭐ Hotel Estelar Miraflores (USD 100 per night, rated 8.5).
⭐⭐⭐ Hotel Antigua Miraflores (USD 65 per night, rated 9.2)
⭐⭐ Selina Posada Miraflores 12 dollars per night dorms
Barranco:
Barranco is more authentic, less expensive, with a more relaxed vibe. It is popular with a rather diverse crowd of middle-to-upper class locals and foreigners, students, artists, digital nomads, and some tourists.
Best clubs and bars in Barranco:
3 bars in this classic venue of Lima nightlife. Live indie/rock/pop/latin/jazz bands every night (except Sunday). Student/intellectual/bohemian crowd. Check their Facebook for events. The entrance fee varies from 0 to 60 sol.
A bar that's more like a mini-concert venue. Different live bands and music styles every night of the week. It is worth going to their salsa parties every Tuesday. Hipster and student crowd. Affordable prices. Closes at 4AM.
Very crowded club with reggaeton. Upmarket crowd. You will normally need to be on the guest list to enter. You can contact them on Facebook in advance for that. No tourists.
This is a weekly party, every Friday, that usually gets pretty packed. The club is huge, probably the largest in Barranco. DJs and live bands play Latin hip-hop and reggaeton. Expect to queue before entering.
In the same location, there is another party every Saturday called Armoni.
👉 Barranco Bar
Live latin music (salsa) on Wednesdays and Sunday, starting at 9pm.
Very famous bar housed in an old mansion. There are many rooms and terraces, each with a different décor. Rather classy. Not really a party place but a must-see for tourists. You can drink a Pisco Sour there early in the night and then move to other venues in Barranco.
Where to stay near Barranco nightlife:
To be close to the best nightclubs and bars, you should stay near the Parque Municipal or the pedestrian street Sanchez Carrión.
There aren't many affordable hotels there apart from Lima Wari (USD 30 per night). However, you'll find plenty of nice apartments on Airbnb.
Centro Historico
This is the area near Plaza San Martin. It is considered a sketchy and unsafe neighborhood, especially at night. I wouldn't go there specifically for partying, but if your hotel is in that area, you could go to the rock bar Vichama.
There is also one of the largest nightclubs in Lima, La Casona de Camana (4 rooms with reggaeton, techno, 90s music and rock, 20 sol entrance fee, closes at 6AM):
South of Lima
The southern coast, in particular the areas of Punta Hermosa, Punta Negra, and Asia, has some trendy bars and beach clubs, popular with rich Peruvians. They are usually open only during the summer months, from early January to the end of March.
Among them:
Very large with a beautiful bar in the middle. Trendy.
This club is a bit cheaper. You can manage to get in for 50 sol (or even free if you are on the list). Young crowd. They have live music and/or the usual EDM/Reggaeton. If you go with a group of 10, you have sofa packages starting at 2500 sol with 4 bottles included.
If you are over 40, you can try the nearby Amadeus Club instead (luxury club, strict dress code).
If you are over 40, you can try the nearby Amadeus Club instead (luxury club, strict dress code).
Lince
This is an upper-middle class neighborhood with some excellent local nightclubs such as Xbio (Cumbia) or Kimbara VIP (salsa).
Thanks for this Lima nightlife review, it was really helpful! I stayed in Lima for 2 months and I just wish to add a few things based on my experience.
ReplyDeleteRegarding where to stay in Lima, the best options are indeed Miraflores or Barranco. Personally, I chose Barranco, even though Miraflores is much more happening, more safe and more modern. I prefer the vibe of Barranco which is more laidback and more Peruvian. Also, I was living just 200m from the cliff and there is a nice park where you can walk with a view of the sea. I would take a Uber to go to Barranco for only US4$.
Weather: I was in Lima in October. Honestly it was a bit cold at times, and the city can be a bit depressing (grey sky). If you can, it's better to visit between November and March.
Girls: I slept with 4 girls, all of whom were much hotter than the kind of girls I normally sleep with. It was fairly easy to go on dates with them, get drunk, and bring them back to my place. I could have been with much more women but I was a bit picky. Tinder/Bumble are ok but there are a lot of fake profiles (girls who just want you to follow them on Instagram). I have an account on SeekingArrangement.com and there were some real hotties there as well. I didn't use it though as I was staying for a long time in Lima. For a short time visitor, it is probably the easiest way to score.
Clubs and bars: Personally, I would almost always go to Calle Manuel Bonilla near Parque Kennedy. They have over 10 bars there including La Cachina which is great for talking with girls. For clubs, Bizarro is great but expensive. You can check instead Wahios on Calle Berlin (another street with many bars). Lots and lots of girls there. Another popular spot that isn't mentioned in this review is Tayta bar (live music and reggaeton). In Barranco, you can go to the street Sanchez Carrion which has many bars and clubs, including some seedy ones . La Noche and Ayahuasca are my two favorite spots in this neighborhood (good for bringing dates).
Edit: "I would take a Uber to go to MIRAFLORES for only US4$"
Delete