main square lima nightlife

Lima is known as the gastronomic capital of South America, which grew from a culinary legacy that was inherited from superb pre-Hispanic and colonial cooking traditions and evolved today with a mix of Western and Oriental cooking. Lima has many restaurants in the world’s top 50 and in recent years won many awards for one of the world’s best food destinations. But after a wonderful meal in one of the best restaurants in Lima Peru, you may want to extend your evening and experience some of the fantastic Lima Nightlife. That is why together with the experts of Machu Travel Peru we have prepared a small article about everything you need to know. Know in-depth what the night of Lima has to offer us.

Like any other big city in the world, Lima has its selection of places to go with various themes and tastes. The best areas to experience the nightlife are Miraflores, San Isidro, and Barranco. These areas have a mix of fun things to do that will entertain you all night. Let us now list some of the things to do in Lima on your next vacation to Peru. When night comes, you will notice how the locals and Lima people gather in the different bars and clubs. And when it comes to places to drink, there is no shortage of these in Lima. From atmospheric bars to chat and enjoy a while to other clubs to dance and have fun. Keep in mind, though, that nightlife doesn’t really start to take shape until midnight, so it’s a good idea to stay up until the early hours of the morning.

Everything you need to know about the Lima nightlife in Peru

CASINOS AND GAMBLING HOUSES

casinos lima nightlife

Peruvians are high rollers. That is why you will find numerous casinos in Peru, especially in the largest luxury hotels in Lima. Note that despite being open all day, a large majority of them open from Monday to Thursday from 5 PM. Legally permitted gambling has become big business in the Peruvian capital with national and international gambling companies establishing luxury gambling houses and Casinos. Most are open 24 hours and some are located in 4 and 5-star hotels. There are a variety of games you can play in these establishments and most of the Casinos have a playing limit. It can be an excellent idea to enjoy a wonderful game of chance. If you are fond of card games you can try a small bet.

PERUVIAN FOLK SHOWS

folk show lima nightlife

A good way of getting closer to Peruvians and their customs is through their music and dance. A Peña is one of the best places to enjoy Lima Nightlife. Where you can listen to folkloric music from Peru while knowing the traditional dances of Peru. Each region of Peru has its typical dances, giving the tourist a great variety of shows. The capital of Lima has many great centers that present shows from Peruvian Folklore. Another way to experience the Peruvian music culture is at a Peña, which offers food, as well as a dance in which you will be asked to participate. 

The Lima Nightlife is a great way to enjoy the live music of Lima. You will see numerous bands adorn the stages of the country in a cozy place in Barranco or Miraflores. And you can find numerous forms of entertainment in addition to live music. From a free tap bar where you can enjoy traditional Peruvian drinks and cocktails to other great things to do. Some of the better Folklore and Peñas are Brisas del Titicaca in Central Lima, Hatuchay in Rimac & Del Carajo in Barranco.

NIGHT CLUBS, PUBS, LOUNGES

lima nightlife bar ayahuasca

After enjoying the delicious Peruvian food, it may be a good idea to know what bars, lounges, and nightclubs have to offer. The clubs usually start around 11 and continue until dawn, you will find a club to suit your taste in music. Most will have a live show to enjoy or a relaxing lounge to sip a delicious cocktail. Being one of the largest cities in the country, it has a truly large immigrant population. So the Lima Nightlife is one of the most varied nights in the country.

And it doesn’t matter if you like Latin, Creole, Rock or Jazz music, you will find a place for you. And with regard to night scenes, the best are in Barranco and Miraflores. Bars in Lima usually open around 8 PM, while discos and live music clubs don’t start until much later. There are even some discos that open at 3 or 4 in the morning.

Some of the better Lima Nightlife Clubs in Lima are Lola Bar in Miraflores, Xcess Bar in LarcoMar, Bar Ayahuasca in Barranco & Las Huaringas Bar in Miraflores.

DISCOTHEQUES

peru capital lima nightlife

If you love to dance then there is no shortage of places to dance, usually getting started around 11 pm and going until sunrise. The nightclubs in Lima are really popular with young people. The streets of Barranco are full of noisy clubs that go on until late at night. Many of these even tend to open late in the morning. There are discotheques with diverse types of international contemporary music and others with soft romantic music. Discos that you need to try are Gotica in Larcomar, Bartini in Larcomar, Lelirium in Barranco & Bizarro in Miraflores. Club tickets can cost between S / 15 to S / 50.

THE SALSA CLUBS

Salsa and Bachata are quite popular styles in Lima nightlife. If you come from the United States you may not be very familiar with the genre, but it is really popular with the locals. There are many Salsa clubs in Lima to dance the night away and many offer classes earlier in the evening to help you feel like a local. 

OTHER FORMS OF ENTERTAINMENT

magic circuit water lima nightlife

If dancing the night away is not your thing, don’t worry. There are other forms of entertainment to enjoy. In the center of Lima in the Reserve Park is located the Magic Circuit of Water Show, the largest fountain complex in the world. Here you can enjoy a wonderful show with a perfect combination and harmony of water, light, music, and pictures. The circuit includes 13 water fountains, each with a different theme. A great experience especially in the summer months in Lima when you can cool off in one of the fountains. The show starts at 715pm.

Available at night are special Lima Peru sightseeing tours, where you will experience the city lit up and beautiful. On a Lima night city tour pass by the center of Lima and the Plaza San Martin. You will also go to the Plaza de Armas in Lima, the Cathedral of Lima, and the San Francisco convent. At the end of the tour, you will enjoy a wonderful Peruvian dinner and sometimes even a show to finish the night.

MOVIE THEATERS

larcomar lima nightlife

Another good opportunity to enjoy the fantastic Lima nightlife is in the movie theaters. Please note that if you are looking to enjoy a movie, it is shown in the official language of Peru. In other words, you will find the vast majority of options in Spanish. But don’t worry, some of these movies offer the ability to view them with subtitles and in their original language. The cinemas that are worth visiting are the Larcomar Shopping Center. Multicines chain is a good alternative, where you can enjoy the new releases. Now, if you are looking to see classic films, you can go to the Lima Film Library located in the Lima Art Museum. The vast majority of movie theaters located in the suburbs cost more than those in downtown Lima. But these are much more modern and better equipped.

TIPS TO TAKE INTO ACCOUNT

san francisco lima nightlife

You may be wondering when is the best time to visit Lima Peru. Without a doubt, the summer months are the best time to visit Lima. During November to April, the skies are clear and blue and the temperate is warm. However, be warned it is very humid and you will be constantly under a lather of perspiration. This time of year, the beaches in Lima and to the south of Lima are very crowded, filled with locals enjoying the outdoors.

If you enjoy the Nightlife then Lima is the place for you with plenty to keep you busy in Miraflores and Barranco. Barranco has a cool art scene and bars to match, if you like Jazz then head to Barranco where you will find some great clubs. Do not forget to visit Lima on your next Peruvian holiday, spend a few days discovering the food and the nightlife. 

“I OFTEN THINK THAT THE NIGHT IS MORE ALIVE AND RICHLY COLORED THAN THE DAY.”

As you will see, Lima Nightlife has a lot to offer. From wonderful restaurants to fun-filled discos and theme bars. And being able to get to know this part of the capital city is an excellent way to relax and unwind after your different tours. You can also take advantage of the different day trips from Lima and get to know the surroundings. We hope, together with the Machu Travel Peru group, to have been of help with your doubts. If you want to know more about our trips and packages you can consult our other articles. We do this thinking of you and your possible doubts about the trip. What are you waiting for to schedule your trip right now?

Peru has so much to offer, it can be hard to know where to start. With many years of experience in the tourism sector, Machu Travel Peru is happy to help with anything regarding your trip to Machu Picchu and any tours around it. Make your Machu Picchu experience an unforgettable one!