Paola, inDrive’s Communications Manager for Peru, has lived in Lima for as long as she can remember. “I know the city pretty well. I think every space in this city represents a moment in my life: high school, university, different work experiences,” she says.
We think this makes her an ideal person to ask for recommendations on what to see, do, and eat in the city. Here are her top tips…
How do you get around? I think I have three favorite ways to get around: walking, biking, and, of course, using InDrive! It always depends on how far away the place I'm going is; but I think the city is most enjoyable to walk around at night. If I'm in a hurry, I always prefer using InDrive because I get around quickly. I usually save my bike for the weekend or to go to the gym or my dance classes.
What do you like most about the city? The weather, the food, and, of course, the ocean. I love that Lima has a little bit of everything: lots of history, great places to go dancing, lots of culture, and lots to do. I love exercising, and where I currently live has plenty of places to run, bike, or just walk. If I want to do more fun things, any karaoke club or bar is 20 minutes away.
And what do you like least? Traffic. I think it's one of the things that makes living in the capital difficult, and that makes it hard to go out or get around the city during rush hour. However, with good planning, anything can be achieved.
What are some of your favorite places to eat ?
Wow, hard to choose. The best thing about Peru is that there's a dish for everyone, but here they are:
Pasta: Don Rosalino Ristorante, in San Borja, is an excellent place to eat with excellent service.
Criola: Astrid y Gastón, Panchita, or Tanta, also excellent. Good prices, good quantities, and good service. Kong (Chifa) for Asian and Peruvian fusion.
Sweets: Anything at Maria Almenara. I love their customer service culture, and you can't miss it.
You must try: Ceviche with tiger's milk, lomo saltado, chaufa with chicken in oyster sauce, grilled chicken, anticuchos, and for sweets: picarones and some dessert with lucuma fruit (I swear it's delicious).
Favorite natural spots: I really like exploring the Lima mountains, where waterfalls are still preserved or places just to relax. The southern beaches are also beautiful places to spend the summer. Speaking of Peru, our mountains and jungle are wonderful (a trip to Tarapoto, Cusco, or Oxapampa is a great idea).
In Lima, if there's one thing in abundance, it's entertainment: Teatro La Plaza or the Teatro Municipal have very good plays and also an interesting ballet season. There are many cafes that host weekly stand-up comedy shows or piano recitals. Among my favorite places: Jazz Zone, Selina, and La Tostadora in Barranco.
Cinema is one of my greatest passions; the Cultural Center of the PUCP (Pontifical Catholic University of Peru), the University of Lima, and the Alliance Française in Lima all have excellent thematic series.
If we're talking about books, the Vallejo bookstore or the Virrey bookstore are lovely places to visit. I highly recommend taking a stroll through Lima's historic center and visiting the incredible museums there (the first Sunday of every month is free).
A good time to visit Lima is in the summer or mid-year. Outdoor activities start in January, February, and March, when it's very hot and everything moves to the beach. Then there's a rock festival that becomes more international every year called "Viva por el rock" (Long Live Rock) at the end of March. April is usually a short month due to Holy Week or Easter. In the case of May and June, it's usually more of a seasonal transition, and in July, the Fiestas Patrias or Independence Day holidays arrive, which peak at the end of the month.
September usually kicks off spring again with the Perú Vino Festival, and then we have Oktoberfest, which is usually quite popular locally. The city tends to be more hectic in December with end-of-year festivities, and most people travel or prefer to spend Christmas at home.
48 hours in Lima: I think my main recommendation would be to go to Lima's Historic Center, eat as much as you can, go to a karaoke club and walk around Barranco, have a good coffee, and visit Miraflores at night for some good drinks and good music. If you have the opportunity to go to a local concert, take advantage of it!
Tips for visitors: Always be careful; Lima is bustling in every direction. Having cash on hand can save you any situation, even though most places accept cards, so it's better to be prepared.
