15 Best Nightlife in Lima, Peru

Ayahuasca

Barranco

The refurbished 19th-century mansion that houses Ayahuasca would be worth visiting even if it wasn't Barranco's chicest bar. The wild decor—it is named for the hallucinogen used by Amazonian tribes—and light menu only adds to the allure.

Barra 55

Barranco
This stylish lounge has quickly become Lima's hippest night spot. The décor is Nordic; the drink of choice, gin and tonic; the cuisine, tapas. There's no sign outside, but the super-cool welcome from the bartenders makes it clear you're in the right place.

Bitter Cocktail Club

The bartenders at this hipster grotto have really nailed the speakeasy vibe: you need to request a password through the bar's website to be allowed to enter. What awaits you inside are some of the most delicious drinks in Lima, as well as red curtains, leather sofas, and a generally cool vibe.

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Carnaval

This posh cocktail emporium is the brainchild of Aaron Díaz, former beverage director at Astrid y Gastón and expert mixologist at high-end bars throughout Latin America. Using ingredients such as green Chartreuse, elderberry juice, and mescal, he whips up drinks that have Lima's smart set raving. The snacks are outstanding, too.

Chocolate Bar

Above the restaurant Como Agua Para Chocolate, Chocolate Bar has the best selection of tequila in Lima and serves a great margarita.

El Bolivarcito

El Centro

This popular bar just to the right of the Hotel Bolívar's entrance overlooks the Plaza San Martín and makes a wicked pisco sour. Or step inside to the main bar and restaurant, which offer tables on an elevated terrace and a more subdued setting.

Huaringas

Miraflores

Occupying several floors of a lovely old house next to the restaurant Brujas de Cachiche, Huaringas is a pleasant place for a drink, though it can get packed on weekends.

Juanito

Barranco

Facing Barranco's main square is one of the neighborhood's most venerable establishments, though the premises definitely veer toward the bare-bones and bohemian. Built by Italian immigrants in 1905, the former pharmacy is packed nightly with limeños drawn by the cheap drinks, historic setting, and ham sandwiches.

Lima 27

This popular restaurant also features a low-lighted lounge in front, and a lively back patio.

Museo del Pisco

El Centro
Artisanal cocktails are what's on tap at this atmospheric saloon patterned after an Ica bodega (winery).The classic pisco sours are formidable, but even better are the ginger-ale-based chilcanos and the citrus-and-berry-laced frutales. The expert mixologists are happy to make recommendations.

Nuevo Mundo Draft Bar

Miraflores
This laid-back pub in the heart of Miraflores sells draft and bottled beers from several microbreweries. The food is also unusually good.

Piselli

Barranco

This lovely little bar in an adobe building one block south of Barranco's main square is a memorable spot for a drink, with its high beamed ceilings and glass cabinets filled with liquor bottles. Nights draw a substantial crowd.

Santos Comedor y Cantina

Barranco

Popular with the young crowd, Santos occupies one floor of a historic building up the steps from the Puente de los Suspiros. Its long balcony overlooking the Bajada de los Baños affords one of the best views in Barranco.

Sukha Buda Lounge

Miraflores
The giant Buddha statue that presides over this vast, airy club may seem a bit over the top, but the place is quite popular, in part because it doesn't charge a cover. There's often a good DJ, and though there's no dance floor, customers get up and groove wherever there's room as the night progresses.

Victoria Bar

Barranco

With outdoor seating on the porch and terrace of this restored mansion built in 1905, and a cozy indoor cellar bar, Victoria Bar offers both intimate and lively options, along with its Old Barranco setting, trendy crowds, and excellent cocktails. DJs spin dance music on weekend nights.