Best Bars In Lima: A Comprehensive Guide

1.- BRIEF OVERVIEW OF LIMA’S COCKTAIL CULTURE

The presence of Peruvian cocktails has been increasing progressively during the last years positioning itself within the main culinary experiences that visitors should experience at least once during their visit. There are many Best rooftop bars in Lima that make the city a hub of creativity within the complex world of mixology thanks to the diverse culinary tradition mixed with the current influence generating a unique and dynamic cocktail bar.

The city of kings is popularly known as the gastronomic capital of Latin America but it is also where the best bars in Lima and the world are located. The ability of the Best bars in Lima to combine almost perfectly contemporary techniques with the country’s own elements results in unique flavors that tell their own story.

Many of the best rooftop bars in Lima get their popularity from the ingredients they use for the elaboration of each piece of art that is called cocktail, part of these elements is the Peruvian Pisco, a drink made from grape distillate, its production is linked to history since the sixteenth century, when the Spanish conquistadors took over the Peruvian territory and established grape plantations for the production of wine. Thanks to this liquor many of the best bars in Lima have a great variety of options for their diners, the main ones the Pisco Sour and the classic Chilcano.

However, the influence of the pisco sour within the culture is extremely important giving renown to the country in an international way being considered as an ambassador of the Peruvian culture, this drink is very popular among all visitors from around the world who come to Peru perfectly balances the Pisco liquor with other local ingredients such as lemon, syrup, egg white and ice, it gained its popularity during the twentieth century in the popular and famous Morris bar.

Thanks to this popularity and development of Peruvian cocktails, many of the best bars in Lima have become internationally popular, and even in some places in other countries, there are still some bottles of Peruvian Pisco in a guarded and appreciated way to prepare these unique cocktails.

2.- BEST BARS IN LIMA

2.1.- Carnival – San Isidro

Not only is it one of the best bars in Lima, but it has the recognition of having been among the 50 best bars in the world in 2021. A place to disconnect from the world and to taste the talent of its founder Aaron Diaz, certainly has no comparison with other places. The best word to describe the experience is “disruption in the creations” where each cocktail that is made takes you on a journey of flavors perfectly blending art and magic, accompanied with a snack you will enjoy every moment of your visit.

2.2.- Saha Terraza Cocktail Bar – Miraflores

Considered one of the best rooftop bars in Lima, this innovative and modern neon-themed bar is located in the Miraflores neighborhood. Being quite popular among young travelers looking for a new experience of flavors, its rooftop is at first sight a comfortable place where it is worth tasting at least 2 or more cocktails. It is a building with 2 floors and music that sets the mood throughout the place, however being so popular it is best to make a reservation in advance to avoid running out of space, its specialty is the Pisco Punch accompanied by a light snack, is the best welcome that the place can offer to start the night.

2.3.- Ayahuasca Restobar – Barranco

The perfect combination between history and modernity, one of the best bars in Lima that has a space full of history because it is an old colonial mansion of the seventeenth century that you can find in the bohemian neighborhood of Barranco, contains in its interior multiple rooms with baroque style decoration with 2 levels offering a real trip back in time. Its main drinks include Peruvian Pisco so its flavor is clearly strong, you can accompany it with a snack that is within its varied menu.

2.4.- The Bunker – Miraflores

This is one of the best bars in Lima that is underestimated by many travelers, but the reality is that it is a real gem in the neighborhood of Miraflores. Mainly on weekends like Friday and Saturday is when this iconic bar comes alive and the music swells up to the clouds. The Bunker is a themed bar where nightly events take place including live DJ’s, games like beer pong, free shots and many other activities that will make the night fun, interestingly their prices are quite affordable for all visitors so it is a must see.

2.5.- Gran Hotel Bolivar – Cercado de Lima

It is natural that in your trip you are looking to taste the best Pisco Sour and there is no better place than the bar located in the Gran Hotel Bolivar, this is one of the best bars in Lima not only for the delicacies that are prepared but also for the historical tour that has, this place had the joy of being able to serve distinguished characters such as Walt Disney, Ernest Hemingway, Orson Welles and Nath King Cole, since 1924 refined his technique in the preparation of fine cocktails being the most distinctive of all the Pisco Cathedral, a house recipe that contains 5 ounces of pure pisco, you will remember that flavor for a lifetime.

2.6.- DaDa Bar – Barranco

Of course the best bars in Lima must have something different, this is what represents the DaDa bar, a place that has its theme inspired by Dadaism which is an artistic movement perfectly blending the rational and the non-rational through different types of collages located on its walls. It is currently located in a colonial mansion in the iconic bohemian neighborhood of Barranco and is a place where you can enjoy cocktails made by professional baristas who frequently create new flavors. All in the company of snacks, art galleries and occasional live shows.

3.- WHEN THE SUN GOES DOWN, THE FUN BEGINS 

“It is not only about visiting tourist places and learning about their history, it is also about living life in a fun way and there is no better option for this than visiting at least one or two of the best bars in Lima, I assure you it will be the best nightlife experience you can have.”

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4.- TIPS FOR BAR-HOPPING IN LIMA

4.1.- Best neighborhoods for bar exploration

Within the city there are thousands of options to choose from but there are always a few essential places where not only are the best bars in Lima but the atmosphere is also safe. Initially almost most travelers who come to Lima choose Miraflores to stay and it is because it is one of the most popular as well as touristy, then there is the bohemian neighborhood of Barranco, although in itself is quite quiet contains the largest collection of the best bars in Lima among which you can go casually or with an elegant outfit, finally but not least is San Isidro and Larcomar, in both cases offer options to enjoy a while with friends or lose control and go out at dawn, their bars are more exclusive.

4.2.- Safety considerations

Something that stands out a lot to the best bars in Lima is the security provided to its customers, this includes from the door and the environment thus avoiding the frequent problems of fights that can occur in other places. But keep in mind that this also depends on you, always avoid consuming too much alcohol and preferably go with someone who knows the place.

4.3.- Transportation options

Regardless of the time, never take a cab from the street. Even if the price is tempting, it can be very dangerous and even more so if you have consumed alcohol. It is always best to use an app such as UBER for transportation to and from the hotel. You can also ask the hotel to recommend a cab company for this. In case you choose one of the best bars in Lima that is close to your hotel you can walk there if it is early (before 19:00 pm), however if it is very late avoid it at all costs.

You already know which are the best bars in Lima, now you just have to choose when to visit them, if you still haven’t decided you can let Auri Peru organize it for you. A romantic evening with your ideal person in one of the best bars in Lima has no comparison, contact us now, we can make everything you have planned for your next trip.

“Tasting the food of a new place is also a way to get to know its history.”