11 Top Things To Do In Miraflores: Lima’s Coolest Neighborhood
There are a few neighborhoods in Lima that stand out and are worth visiting but ONE that really shines! Based on my two visits to Lima, my favorite neighborhood to stay in is Miraflores.
Miraflores has it all when it comes to the best restaurants, markets, cafes, shopping, tourist attractions, and the most hotel options.
I thoroughly enjoyed exploring all the best things to do in Miraflores and have put together this guide to share the best of the best.
For those worried about safety, Miraflores is the safest and nicest neighborhood in Lima so it is great for everyone especially solo travelers.
Although you can get around via an Uber or taxi, one of the bonuses of staying in Miraflores is its walkability.
You can walk to eateries, the gorgeous boardwalk overlooking the Pacific Ocean, ancient ruins of Huaca Pucllana, and numerous parks.
So, let’s dive in and explore what to do in Miraflores and get set for your trip!
🛌 Where To Stay? My top Miraflores Hotel Picks:
Pullman Lima Miraflores (luxury)
Aloft Lima Miraflores (mid-range)
👉 Note: Find a map at the end of this listing with all the Miraflores attractions and hotels!
Best Things To Do In Miraflores, Lima
1. Stroll Malecon de Miraflores
If you’re up for a walk, the Malecón de Miraflores is the place to be. Set high above the Pacific Ocean, this scenic 6-mile (10 km) coastal path serves up incredible ocean views while feeling like a peaceful escape from the city’s busy streets.
One of the best parts of the Malecón is its collection of unique parks, each with its own theme.
Along the way, you’ll find shady trees, eye-catching sculptures, creative art installations, and plenty of opportunities for people-watching.
Whether you’re walking, running, or biking, there’s always something new to discover and endless views.
Even on a cloudy, the Malecón is a beautiful place to explore, but on a sunny day, the views are outstanding.
Plan to spend at least two hours taking in the highlights of each park especially at Parque del Amor or “Love Park” and Chinese Park.
Tip: I’m listing these sights from south to north you but you can do this walk in any direction. If you are short on time, I’d start at the Intihuatana Sculpture and finish at Chinese Park.
👣 Want to take a guided free Miraflores walking tour? Learn all about the neighborhood plus photos spots and places to eat on this free walking tour Miraflores!
What To See Along Malecon de Miraflores
Malecon de la Reserva: At the southernmost section of Malecon de Miraflores and bordering the Barranco neighborhood is Malecon de la Reserva.
Larcomar: A shopping and entertainment center (read more about this further down).
Intihuatana Sculpture: Perched on the cliffs above the ocean, this mammoth of a sculpture was built in 2002 by Fernando de Szyszlo. The sculpture is inspired by the Inca sun-worshipping activities.
Set in Intihuatana Park, this is one small but scenic park to see. Also next to a Besos Frances!
Puente Eduardo Villena Rey: A lovely bridge connecting Malecon de la Reserva to Malecon Cisneros. The bridge was named after the previous mayor, Eduardo Villena Rey and was built in 1966.
Open to both pedestrians and cars, the best views are from each side of the bridge. That is by design as protective barriers prevent anyone from falling over.
If you happen to visit at night, the bridge is lit up in bright colors!
Parque del Amor (Love Park): Parque del Amor is one of the most romantic stops along the Malecón de Miraflores, where couples gather to enjoy sweeping views of the Pacific.
The park’s centerpiece is El Beso (“The Kiss”), a striking sculpture of an embracing couple surrounded by tiered seating that’s especially popular at sunset.
Colorful mosaic walls inspired by Barcelona’s Park Güell feature love-themed quotes, adding even more charm to the park.
Fun fact: The iconic sculpture was unveiled on Valentine’s Day in 1993.
Parque El Faro (El Faro Park): A lovely park to watch hang gliders and see the active, 72-foot Navy Lighthouse.
Chinese Park: North of Love Park, you’ll come across Parque Chino (Chinese Park), a peaceful garden showcasing traditional Chinese design.
Created in 2022, the park commemorates Peru’s 200th anniversary of independence and 172 years since Chinese immigration began.
You’ll find a tranquil setting with a koi pond, arched bridge, pavilion, guardian lion statues, and benches overlooking the Pacific Ocean.
It’s serene space with scenic layout that makes it a favorite spot for photos.
2. Breakfast With A View
What better way to start the day than a breakfast paired with an incredible view?
I’d recommend stopping by Besos Frances (French Kiss), a popular creperie with several locations in Miraflores.
Go to the Malecon de Miraflores location next to Intihuatana Sculpture for the best views and oceanfront setting.
My personal favorite? A crepe filled with bananas, strawberries, and Nutella!
If you want something more savory, you can get your crepe with ham, cheese, and egg.
After your order is ready, grab an oceanfront red stool along the wall under the blue and white-stiped umbrellas!
3. Visit Huaca Pucllana Ruins
Hidden among Miraflores’ modern high-rises, Huaca Pucllana is a remarkable pre-Inca archaeological site dating from 200 to 700 AD.
Its towering 82-foot (25-meter) clay and adobe pyramid remained buried until 1981, when expanding city development led to its discovery (saving from destruction).
The site was home to the Lima, Wari, and Ychsma civilizations between 200 AD and the early 1500s, and ongoing excavations continue to reveal more of its history, with work expected to continue for decades.
One of its most impressive features is the Lima people’s innovative “bookcase” construction technique, designed to help the pyramid withstand earthquakes.
How they understood this nearly 2,000 years ago is mind-blowing…
👉 Note: To enter, you must take a guided tour. You are not able to walk around freely. Tours start in English and Spanish every 30 minutes.
Tip: Hungry? There are two great spots bordering the ruins. One has direct views of the ruins – Huaca Pucllana Restaurant and Gianfranco Café.
4. Explore Kennedy Park (Cat Park)
Parque Kennedy is one of the best-known gathering spots in Lima’s Miraflores district, but it’s especially famous for an unexpected reason, its large community of resident cats.
The feline population has lived in Parque Kennedy since the 1990s.
Originally introduced to help control the area’s rat population, the cats remained long after the problem was solved.
Over time, the park became a safe haven for stray cats, earning it the nickname “Cat Park”.
This spacious park sits at the heart of Miraflores, surrounded by restaurants, cafés, hotels, and shops.
Covering more than five acres, the park is named after John F. Kennedy and features shaded walking paths and colorful flower gardens. While it’s a pleasant place to relax, the cats are what truly make it famous!
As you explore the grounds, you’ll notice cats everywhere, from lounging beneath shrubs, climbing trees, resting on benches, or sleeping in small shelters built for them.
Volunteers regularly feed and care for the cats, with most appearing very well looked after. Some are friendly and enjoy attention, while others prefer to keep their distance…
Beyond its famous feline residents, Parque Kennedy is a lively cultural space that hosts festivals, art exhibits, and community celebrations throughout the year. Visitors can also explore artisan stalls, enjoy live music, and sample a variety of local street food.
A hotspot for tasty street food vendors, one of the most popular vendors is Picarones Mary, known for serving freshly made picarones (warm sweet potato doughnuts topped with a sweet syrup glaze).
Her stand gained international recognition after being featured on the Netflix series Street Food: Latin America.
5. Try Local Peruvian Dishes
When visiting any city or country, the first thing I ask is, “what are the foods and dishes I must try?”.
The last thing you want to do is leave and hear about an incredible dish after your trip that you sorely missed.
So, if you are visiting Lima, make a point to be adventurous in trying these local Peruvian dishes…
Ceviche: Peruvian-style made using fresh white fish marinated in a delicious “leche de tigre” plus Peruvian corn kernals (choclo), crunchy corn kernels, a slice of boiled sweet potato, and lettuce.
Causa: Two layers of cold yellow mashed potatoes with either a seafood or chicken filling made with mayo.
Lomo Saltado: Peruvian stir-fry with beef, onions, tomatoes, garlic and soy sauce served with fries and rice.
Aji de Galina: A yummy yellow stew made of shredded chicken and spices over rice.
Chicharron sandwich: The best pork sandwich (see #11 below)
Arroz con Pollo (rice with chicken)
Churros (usually with a yummy filling)
Picarones (sweet potato doughnuts)
👉 Tip: Want to learn how to make some traditional Peruvian food? Sign up for this fun cooking class!
6. See Lima From The Sky
What better way to see Lima than from a bird’s eye perspective?
Soar over the Pacific Ocean and the dramatic cliffs of the Miraflores neighborhood!
Take to the sky via paragliding and see Miraflores and the broader city of Lima with a little adrenaline boost.
If you have already walked along the coastal route of Malecon de Miraflores, then you have likely seen the paragliders quietly coasting above you from the Navy lighthouse.
Visitors have two flight options, paragliding and motorized paragliding. What’s the difference?
Paragliding: Taking off from the cliffs of Miraflores and gliding over the coastline in tandem with your pilot. Experience runs between 12 – 20 minutes.
Motorized Paragliding: Taking off from the San Miguel neighborhood in a tandem motorized go-cart (with pilot) which allows you to see more of the coast besides Miraflores. Flight time is approximately 12 minutes.
What makes both of these options so much fun is the fact that you get to sit back and enjoy the panoramic views while the pilot controls the glider.
Although you can paraglide anytime month of the year, it is generally considered better during the months between December and April for clearer skies and less cloudiness.
With ample wind, flights are generally midday or in the afternoon for optimal wind conditions.
Tip: If you don’t want to worry about taking photos and videos and just enjoy the flight, most companies offer photo/video.
7. Dine At Best Restaurants In Miraflores
Looking for the best food in Miraflores? Miraflores is widely recognized as one of Lima’s premier dining destinations, offering an impressive concentration of restaurants and cafés in a single neighborhood.
From relaxed local eateries to refined upscale establishments, the area is known for consistently delivering exceptional flavors across a wide range of dining experiences.
With so many outstanding places to choose from, finding a great meal in Miraflores is easy.
While exploring the neighborhood’s diverse culinary scene, be sure to include a few traditional Peruvian meals that will delight any palate!
Here are a handful of options but just know there any many more beyond my recommendations.
Best Miraflores Restaurants
- Panchita
- Isolina
- El Bodegon
- Huaca Pucllana Restaurant
- Punta Azul
- Maido
- La Mar Cevicheria Peruana
🍽️ Tip: See map below for restaurant locations.
8. Shopping & Views At Larcomar
Along the southern part of Malecon de Miraflores, Lima’s upscale coastal walkway is the quite popular Larcomar shopping complex.
Situated high up on the bluffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean, the views alone make it worth visiting.
Between the coast and surrounded by Parque Salazar, Larcomar is a high-end center for food, shopping , and entertainment.
It’s not exactly the first place I would go in Lima as you won’t exactly find the most authentic Peruvian experience, but as I mentioned the views are the highlight here.
You’ll find international brand shops, chain restaurants, and a Cinepolis movie theatre.
One place to eat here that is noteworthy is Tanta which serves up great Peruvian dishes.
Across the street from Larcomar and Parque Salazar is one of my favorite Lima hotels for its location and luxurious comforts, the JW Marriott Lima.
As with any spot on the Malecon de Miraflores, watching the sunset from Larcomar is a wise decision.
👉 Tip: Don’t miss out on seeing a Paddington Bear statue in Parque Salazar!
9. Visit Mercado de Surquillo
Want to sample foods and shop where locals do? Then visiting Mercado de Surquillo should be on your list.
This lively market is filled with vendors selling fresh fruits, vegetables, spices, nuts, bread, fish, meats, and other everyday essentials.
While many tourists overlook it, Mercado de Surquillo offers an authentic glimpse into daily life in the city.
Navigating the market can be overwhelming, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the layout or unsure which food stalls are the best to try.
That’s why going with a local guide makes the experience much easier, offering the chance to discover favorite vendors, sample exotic fruits, and taste traditional Peruvian dishes you might otherwise miss.
Come hungry, as you’ll have the opportunity to enjoy Peruvian-style ceviche, arroz con pollo, and chicha, a traditional corn-based drink. I highly recommend if you enjoy sampling local street food.
There are two main markets to explore: Mercado de Surquillo #1, built in 1952, and Mercado de Surquillo #2, built in 1955.
Many market tours include visits to both locations, along with the nearby fish market by the pier. 👇
10. Sip A Pisco Sour
No visit to Lima is complete without trying a Pisco Sour, Peru’s iconic national cocktail.
Lima is known for serving some of the country’s finest versions of this classic drink, making it a must-try for visitors.
A traditional Pisco Sour is crafted with Pisco, a Peruvian brandy, combined with fresh lime juice, simple syrup, egg white, and a few dashes of bitters.
The ingredients are hand-shaken with ice before being strained into a chilled glass, creating the cocktail’s signature smooth texture and creamy foam.
First created in Peru more than a century ago, the Pisco Sour has become one of the nation’s most celebrated beverages.
For those who prefer a sweeter twist, the Maracuyá Sour is made with passion fruit juice for a bright, tropical flavor while maintaining the cocktail’s signature character.
Top spots for an amazing Pisco Sour in Miraflores are:
- Republica de Pisco
- Panchita
- Punto Azul
- Bar Capitan Melendez
👉 Want to learn how to make your own Pisco Sour? Check out this Peruvian cooking class!
11. Bite Into A Chicharron Sandwich
Absolute best sandwich in Lima? The Chicharron Sandwich!
Commonly known as a tasty breakfast sandwich, I preferred eating this mouthwatering sandwich for lunch or dinner.
No matter when you eat it, this classic Lima street food sandwich is worth sampling a few times.
The Chicharron Sandwich combines lightly fried pork (chicharron) – think wok-style with a slice of lightly fried sweet potato (camote), and pickled red onions in a freshly made baguette.
Where to order this outstanding sandwich? Get a chicharron sandwich at any of these places in Miraflores and you won’t be disappointed!
- El Chinito Sangucheria
- La Lucha Sangucheria Criolla
- Sangucheria El Peruanito
💡 Tip: Pair a fresh juice or Chicha morada (local Peruvian drink made from fermented purple corn with your sandwich!
Note: A “Sangucheria” means a sandwich shop.
Best Hotels In Miraflores, Lima
Since Miraflores is my favorite neighborhood to stay in, you can find my top picks of best hotels in my Miraflores hotel guide.
🛌 But if you are in a rush, these are my top 3 picks:
- Pullman Lima Miraflores (luxury)
- JW Marriott Hotel Lima (luxury)
- Aloft Lima Miraflores (mid-range)
Miraflores Tours Worth Going On
Miraflores Food & Market Tour: Explore delicious bites in this food and markets tour!
Go Paragliding: Tandem paragliding with pilot while soaring over the coastline of Miraflores…
Miraflores Cooking Class: Learn how to make classic Peruvian dishes plus a Pisco Sour!
Islands & Sea Lions Excursion: Visit the Palomino islands off Lima’s coast and swim with sea lions!
Amazing Coffee Shops & Bars In Miraflores
I had fun finding the best coffee in Miraflores as there is an abundance of stellar coffee shops in both the Miraflores and Barranco neighborhoods.
Prefer a cocktail? I got you there too. Find some of my favorite Miraflores coffee shops and bars below.
☕Coffee Spots
- Coffee Time
- Neira Café Lab
- Sol Coffee
- Milimetrica Coffee
🍸 Top Cocktail Bars
- Sastreria Martinez
- Ambra Rooftop Bar
- Saha Terraza Cocktail Bar
- Atmosfera Rooftop
Things To Do In Miraflores Map
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