Get to Know the Barranco District of Lima
In the 19th century, this neighbourhood used to be a beach resort for the Limeño aristocracy. You can still see some stately mansions overlooking the sea that were built here around that time. Many of them were restored and now operate as restaurants or cafes. After the War of the Pacific (1879 – 1883) it became home to many well-known artists and musicians. They definitely gave this neighbourhood a very colourful, bohemian and romantic character.
Today, Barranco is known as the ‘SoHo’ of Lima and is packed with renowned art galleries, boutiques and trendy coffee shops and bars.
Is the Barranco District of Lima Safe?
The Barranco neighbourhood is definitely a safe area for tourists to visit. There are plenty of chic boutique hotels and cool hostels for backpackers catering for every budget.
Barranco is also home to many restaurants, trendy bars and cafes. This district has definitely got great nightlife, so is the ideal place for younger people to base themselves. It’s also right next to the popular Miraflores district which you’ll likely explore during your visit.
As always, you’re in a big city, so definitely stay vigilant and cautious as pickpockets and petty crimes can happen.
Best Things to Do in the Barranco District of Lima
1. Enjoy the Views from Mirador Polanco
If you’re staying in the Miraflores district, I highly recommend walking over to Barranco. You can use the Malecón for as long as you can, and then just follow the roads into the district. It’s a lovely walk with great views over the Pacific Ocean.
If you walk to the district, then you’ll probably arrive to a lovely park which is normally used by homeowners to run, walk their dogs and relax. At the end of this park, there’s a beautiful viewpoint called Mirador Polanco. From here you get some fantastic views of Miraflores and other districts. Definitely check it out if you’re walking to or from Miraflores.
2. Walk Across the Bridge of Sighs
Possibly the No.1 attraction in Barranco is the Bridge of Sighs (Puente de Los Suspiros). This small wooden bridge was built in 1876 to join the two sides of the gorge. It used to cross the stream below, however, there’s no water below the bridge anymore. The bridge withstood the War of the Pacific and earthquakes, but of course it has had to be repaired many times. In the middle of the 20th century, it was cut down to its current length of 31 m.
The bridge used to be a meeting point for philosophers and poets before it became a meeting point for young couples.
Did you know? – Tradition says if you make a wish and walk across the bridge for the very first time holding your breath then your wish will be fulfilled. Just bear in mind that the bridge might not seem long, but 31 m can feel like a long distance when you’re holding your breath.
3. Check Out Iglesia La Ermita
Before you walk away from the bridge to other areas of Barranco, make sure to stop for a moment and admire the yellow church next to the bridge, called Iglesia La Ermita. It was originally a chapel used by fishermen.
Did you know? – You’re probably wondering why mainly fishermen used this church. Well, according to legend, one night a group of fishermen were lost at sea in Lima’s dense fog. Whilst they were praying to be saved, a luminous cross appeared that guided them back to shore. Apparently the church was built on the spot where this cross appeared and hence the reason why this church was preferred by fishermen.
During the war, the Chilean army burnt down the church. It was re-built in 1882 by Manuel de la Fuente Chavez. Although it’s currently not in use it’s still a stunning church to admire from the outside.
4. Explore Barranco’s Murals and Street Art
I think it’ll come as no surprise that the streets of Barranco will feel like you’re in an outdoor art gallery. Everywhere you look, there will be amazing murals and street art. Luckily, the local government allows artists to create murals all around the district which of course attracts many visitors.
Barranco is a very walkable neighbourhood. Therefore, I highly recommend putting some comfortable shoes on and wondering around on foot looking for murals. There will be quite a few around the Bridge of Sighs but you’ll see even more if you visit other spots I mention in this post. Also, bear in mind that street art is constantly changing. So, you might see something different on your visit.
If you’d like to learn more about the murals then you can always join a guided tour.
5. Walk down Bajada de los Baños
Once you’ve explored the immediate area around the Bridge of Sighs, make your way down Bajada de Los Baños. It is an old walkway underneath the bridge that was once used by local fishermen to access the beach. Today, this stretch of walkway is filled with hip bars, restaurants, cafes and street art. You’ll also notice many preserved old wooden ranches that were built into the cliff at the beginning of the 20th century.
Since it connects Barranco to the Pacific Ocean, it gives you the opportunity to walk down to Playa Barranco.
6. Grab Some Ice Cream at Blu Gelateria
Blu Gelateria, also called Blu Il Gelato del Barrio, is a small ice cream shop in Barranco you need to try whilst in the area. This small ice cream parlour serves some incredible Italian artisan gelato. It’s said that it serves one of the best ice creams in Lima. It must be true, as the small place had a constant stream of customers, and the gelato itself tasted like the ones we had in Italy.
Top Tip – If you’re a bit peckish, then check out Taglio Pizzeria right next to Blu Gelateria. We had one of the best pizza slices here.
7. Relax at Parque Municipal de Barranco
Of course you can’t skip visiting Barranco’s main square, Parque Municipal de Barranco. The square is filled with colourful flowers, fountains, statues and colonial buildings. One of the most iconic buildings is definitely the Municipal Library of Barranco (Biblioteca Municipal de Barranco). You’ll also see the district’s main Catholic cathedral. There is normally live music, art displays and other fairs happening around here over the weekend.
Did you know? – Many buildings and squares had to be rebuilt across the city after the devastating earthquake in 1940. Whilst many lost their original style during the reconstruction, Barranco’s main square is one of the few that’s maintained its originality.
8. Visit an Art Gallery or Museum
As you can probably tell, the Barranco district of Lima is the place to go if you’d like to visit an art gallery or museum. Here are a few options to choose from:Jade Rivera’s Studio. (The studio of one of the most famous muralist’s in Peru, where you can purchase his art).
The Contemporary Art Museum– MAC. (The only museum in Lima that specializes in modern and contemporary art).
Museo Pedro de Osma. (Colonial art collection of Don Pedro de Osma Gildemeister).
Museo de la Electricidad or Electricity Museum. (All about the history and development of electricity in Peru. It has one of the last electrical trains in Peru too).
9. Go Shopping at Dedalo Shop and Eat at the Artisan Café
Barranco is also the perfect place for shopping. You’ll see plenty of shops as you walk around the district. However, Dedalo is one that you should definitely visit. It’s basically a combination of a handicraft shop and a gallery. You can find some pretty cool pieces here from alpaca fabrics to clothes to accessories, jewellery and ceramics. And the best part? You can purchase anything you like. So if you’re after some unique souvenirs from Peru, then definitely head to Dedalo.
Top Tip – Make sure to check out Dedalo’s artisan coffee shop located at the back of the store. It’s a beautiful place to relax with some coffee and cake after a long day of exploring.