Where to Stay in Lima, Peru (11 Top Hotels & Best Places to Stay)

For many travelers coming to Peru, Lima is the first stop simply because it’s where most international flights land. But let’s be real—Lima, the Peruvian capital has a bit of a reputation. Some people say it’s skippable because there’s not much to see, and others warn that it’s unsafe. And honestly? I kind of get both points. Not exactly the best sales pitch, huh?

But hear me out—I do think Lima is worth spending at least a night or two. It’s a cool city to experience, a great introduction to Peru’s culture, and home to some seriously incredible food.

That said, where you stay in Lima matters more than in some other cities. There are areas that are genuinely unsafe, so in this guide to where to stay in Lima, I’ll show you the best and safest neighborhoods to base yourself. Do yourself a favor—stick to these, and you’ll have a great time.

Where Is the Best Place to Stay in Lima Peru? My Favorite Hotels

Hotel Antigua Miraflores – Best Boutique Hotel in Lima

I absolutely loved staying at Hotel Antigua because it has a real homey feel. The rooms are comfy, with just the right touch of modern amenities to make things easy. I especially liked the cozy courtyard where you can enjoy their free breakfast, grab a coffee and relax. On top of that, it’s in a perfect location, close to everything in Miraflores!

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Costa del Sol Lima City – Best Place to Stay in Lima With a Rooftop Pool

If you’re looking for a more upscale stay, Costa del Sol is a fantastic choice. The rooms are spacious and comfortable, with great city views. I love that they have an outdoor pool and a fitness center to keep things active. In my books, it’s one of the best hotels in Lima that won’t break the bank.

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Black Llama Hostel – Best Hostel in Lima

For budget travelers or backpackers, Black Llama Hostel is amazing and probably the best hostel in the area. It has a relaxed vibe, with clean dorms and private rooms. The common areas are perfect for meeting fellow travelers and socializing, and their rooftop cocktail bar is just so cool. Even if you don’t end up staying here, it’s worth coming for a drink.

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Lima Neighborhood Guide – Best Places to Stay in Lima Peru

Lima is a massive city, and not every neighborhood is a good place to stay—some are too far from the main sights, and others just aren’t safe for visitors. But if you pick the right area, Lima can be a great place to explore, especially if you love food, history, archaeological sites or coastal views.

Here’s a quick rundown of the best districts to stay in:

Miraflores is the best area for first-time travelers. It’s safe, packed with restaurants, and sits along the cliffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean. This is definitely the most popular area with tourists and backpackers.

Lima Historic Centre is the most budget-friendly option, full of colonial architecture, historical landmarks, and a real local feel. It’s also a UNESCO Heritage Site, which I think makes it pretty special to stay here.

San Isidro is a quieter, upscale neighborhood that’s great for families. It’s known for its parks, residential areas, and luxury hotels.

Barranco is Lima’s bohemian district and the coolest place to stay, especially if you love art, live music, and a more laid-back vibe.

I can’t say this enough—personally, I wouldn’t stay outside of these areas, and I wouldn’t walk around outside of them either. If you’re taking a bus out of Lima to Cusco or Huacachina and your terminal is outside these neighborhoods (let’s say you’re staying in the city center), don’t try to walk there. Seriously, just get a taxi or an Uber to the Bus Terminal—speaking from personal experience here!

💡Don’t forget to check out my guides on Machu Picchu, including the best time to visit and how to get there.

Lima’s 4 Best Areas to Stay In

Wondering where to stay in Lima? Here’s my personal guide to the best areas, neighborhoods, and best hotels inLima.

Lima and Peru are super popular with backpackers and budget travelers, so I’ll be sure to include some great hostel options too!

1.Miraflores – Where to Stay in Lima for Your First Time

If it’s your first time in Lima, Miraflores is, hands down, the best place to stay. It’s one of the safest neighborhoods in the city, packed with restaurants, cafés, and parks, and it sits right on the cliffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean. This is where I stayed my first time in Lima, and honestly, I wouldn’t have wanted to be anywhere else. It’s walkable, has plenty of hotels to choose from, and the ocean views are some of the best in the city.

One of my favorite things about Miraflores is how easy it is to just be here: mornings spent walking along the Malecón (the coastal path), afternoons trying way too much ceviche at one of the many seafood restaurants, and evenings watching surfers ride the cold waves of Lima.

Miraflores has everything you really need—boutique hotels, budget-friendly hostels, and luxury stays—so no matter your travel style, you’ll find something that works. If you want a safe, convenient, and beautiful base in Lima, this is the place to be.

Pullman Lima Miraflores District – Best Luxury Hotel in Lima

Pullman Lima Miraflores is one of the most modern hotels in the area. The heated rooftop pool is a standout, and the chic lobby and bar area are perfect for a relaxed evening. It’s definitely great value if you’re looking for a luxury experience without the high-end price tag.

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Innside by Melia

Innside is one of my favorite affordable hotels in Lima. It features a beautiful rooftop pool and spacious, modern rooms. The lobby and common areas are sleek and contemporary, offering a vibe similar to the Pullman Hotel, but slightly less upscale. However, it’s also more budget-friendly, making it a great option if you’re looking to save some money.

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Things to Do in Miraflores:

• Walk the Malecón: A scenic coastal walkway with amazing ocean views and plenty of parks.
• Visit Kennedy Park: A cool square full of street performers, food stalls, and so many cats.
• Try Peruvian ceviche: Some of the best seafood I’ve had in Peru is here in Lima—you can’t go wrong with a spot like La Mar or Punto Azul.
• Check out Larcomar: A shopping mall built right on the cliffs with restaurants, bars, and amazing sunset views.
• Explore Huaca Pucllana: A pre-Incan pyramid right in the middle of the neighborhood. Not the most amazing ruins, but it’s only $4 for a ticket, so if you have some spare time, it’s worth the visit.
• Grab a pisco sour: Head to a cocktails bar and sip on Peru’s famous cocktail while watching the sunset. My favorite is the rooftop terrace of the Black Llama Hostel—they make excellent cocktails.

2.Lima Historic Center – Best Place to Stay in Lima on a Budget

If you’re looking for budget-friendly stays, Lima’s Historic Center is where you’ll find some of the cheapest accommodations in the city. This area is packed with colonial architecture and important landmarks, and since it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site, there’s plenty to see just by walking around—which I think is another huge plus when it comes to saving money on activities.

That being said, I wouldn’t stay here unless I was really trying to save money. While it’s beautiful during the day, the area gets pretty sketchy at night.

However, if you’re into history and don’t mind being a bit cautious, staying here does have its perks. You’ll be within walking distance of Plaza de Armas, the impressive Basilica and Convent of San Francisco (with its famous catacombs), and some of Lima’s best street food spots.

Casa Lima – Cheapest Boutique Hotel in Lima

Casa Lima is a small, cozy boutique hotel that feels more like a home than a hotel. The rooms are charming, the whole hotel features a beautiful colonial classic design, and there’s a peaceful courtyard perfect for a morning coffee. It’s a great spot if you prefer a more intimate stay in the historic center.

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1900 Hostel – Best Cheap Stay in Lima

Matching the colonial design, this hostel is located in a classic building and is absolutely beautiful. The hostel is very nice and clean, with great staff. If you plan on staying in the historic center, it’s your best bet for something affordable. However, it’s not the most social hostel compared to those in Miraflores.

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Things to Do in Lima Historic Center

• Explore Plaza de Armas: The heart of the city, surrounded by historic buildings and a great place for people-watching.
• Visit the Basilica and Convent of San Francisco: Famous for its underground catacombs filled with thousands of skulls and bones. I never had the chance to do the guided tours in the catacombs, but I have heard great things.
• Try some Vegan Food: There is a place called the Vegan Consulate, and it’s basically a vegan buffet that’s super cheap. It’s so good and definitely a great food spot for vegans and vegetarians.
• Visit the Lima Art Museum (MALI): I think it’s a great art museum, but be aware it’s a proper art museum, so unless you’re really into paintings, it might not be for you (I usually prefer cultural or history museums).

3.San Isidro – Best Place to Stay in Lima for Families

If you’re traveling with family and want a quieter, more upscale area, San Isidro is my recommendation. This district offers a mix of residential streets, luxury hotels, and some of the city’s best parks—making it a great spot if you’re visiting Lima with kids. It’s also one of the safest areas in Lima, which is a big plus when traveling as a family.

San Isidro has more of a local feel compared to Miraflores, with fewer tourists and more business travelers. You won’t find much nightlife here, but you will enjoy green spaces like El Olivar de San Isidro Park, great restaurants, and a pretty nice golf course (for all the golfers out there). It also offers super easy access to both Miraflores and Barranco, so you can grab a quick Uber and find plenty of restaurants and activities.

Sonesta Hotel El Olivar – Best Family Hotel in San Isidro

If you’re looking for family-friendly accommodations in San Isidro, I highly recommend the Sonesta Hotel El Olivar. This hotel offers spacious rooms and suites with modern amenities, a rooftop pool with beautiful views of the city, and an on-site restaurant serving up delicious Peruvian cuisine.

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Pullman Lima San Isidro – Best Business Hotel

For those traveling on business, the Pullman Lima San Isidro is an excellent choice. This upscale hotel offers spacious rooms and suites with modern amenities, a fully equipped business center, and multiple meeting rooms for conferences or events. Additionally, it also has a fitness center, spa, and on-site restaurant serving up international cuisine.

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Things to Do in San Isidro

• Visit El Olivar de San Isidro Park: A large park featuring centuries-old olive trees, small lakes, and a botanical garden. It’s a great spot to take the kids.
• Explore the National Museum of Archaeology, Anthropology, and History of Peru, Lima: A fantastic place to dive into Peruvian history and culture.
• Join a Food Tour: Sure, you could visit restaurants on your own, but how would you know the best spots? A food tour makes it easy to discover all the amazing local dishes.

4.Barranco – Where to Stay in Lima for the Coolest Neighborhood

Barranco is, without a doubt, Lima’s most hip and artsy neighborhood. It’s where you’ll find street art, quirky cafes, and a whole lot of character. If you’re looking to stay in a neighborhood with a more bohemian vibe, Barranco is the place to be. Barranco also has the best boutique hotels in Lima.

Whether you’re into art, nightlife, or just strolling down the cute little cobblestone streets lined with numerous restaurants and bars, Barranco is perfect for it. It’s also just a short drive from Miraflores, so you’re still close to all the other foodie hotspots and backpacker hostels.

I’d definitely say Barranco is perfect if you don’t want to stay in the part of Lima where most tourists are but still want a cool, hip, and artsy vibe.

Casa Republica Barranco Boutique Hotel

Casa Republica Barranco Boutique Hotel is a beautiful, colonial-style boutique hotel located right in the heart of Barranco. It features a mix of traditional and modern decor, with each room having its own unique design. The hotel also has an on-site bar, and it’s perfect for couples or solo travelers looking for a cozy and stylish place to stay.

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Second Home Peru

Second Home Peru is a charming guest house located right by the ocean in Barranco. It’s set in a beautiful colonial building and features a peaceful garden and terrace with stunning views of the ocean. The rooms and common areas are cozy, truly living up to the name “Second Home.”

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Things to Do in Barranco

• Check out the street art: Barranco is a vibrant city, but I feel like you’ll want someone to show you around to find the coolest spots. Definitely take a street art tour!
• Visit the Museum of Contemporary Art Lima: Art lovers will adore this place. It’s definitely more up my alley, with its modern art displays.
• Grab a drink at Ayahuasca: Nope, it’s not actual ayahuasca here, but it’s probably one of the coolest cocktail bars in town and perfect for a pisco sour.
• Walk across the Puente de los Suspiros (Bridge of Sighs): It’s a cool little bridge built over a river and one of the hotspots in Barranco.

FAQs About Where to Stay in Lima Peru

What part of Lima is the best to stay in?

It really depends on your interests! if youre visiting for the first time i suggest, Miraflores —it’s central, safe, and full of things to do. If you’re into artsy vibes, Barranco is perfect.

What are the safest areas in Lima, Peru?

The safest areas in Lima are Miraflores, San Isidro, and Barranco. These neighborhoods are well-patrolled, with lots of cafes, shops, and tourist-friendly attractions. Just stick to these areas, and you’ll have a great time!

How many days is enough for Lima, Peru?

I’d recommend spending at least 1 to 2 days in Lima to get a good feel for the city. This gives you enough time to explore the major neighborhoods, visit some museums, and try some of the food as well. I do recommend focusing on places like Cusco, Arequipa or Mancora over Lima.

How do I get to Miraflores?

Miraflores is about a 40-minute drive from Jorge Chávez International Airport. You can take a taxi, Uber, or use the airport shuttle services. If you’re arriving by bus, the bus terminals in Lima are typically about a 20-30 minute drive from Miraflores. I personally don’t recommend taking public transport here—it’s very chaotic and not particularly safe.

Final Thoughts About the Best Hotels and Best Neighborhoods in Peru

Lima definitely surprised me. It’s not necessarily just a stopover city—it’s got a ton of charm and character if you know where to stay. If I had to pick one neighborhood, it would be Miraflores. It’s just so easy to get around, and with everything from parks to restaurants to stunning ocean views, it’s perfect for a few days in the city.

Nonetheless, it’s definitely not one of my favorite cities. I recommend staying here for 1-2 nights to see and experience it, but I’m not going to lie to you about how amazing it is because it’s not. I still hope my guide on where to stay in Lima will help you find the best place to stay in the city.

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