CREATIVE CITIES: LIMA

How to navigate the third largest city in the Americas? Juan Takehara, director of content at Codigo.pe, a respected communications journal, provides his personal guide to Peru’s populous capital.


The most creative museum or gallery 

For me the MAC (Museo de Arte Contemporaneo, Av. Grau 1511, Barranco) is one of the most interesting places for creative minds.  It has a cool participatory approach that focuses on children and young people. For example, on Sundays family visits are encouraged and a guided tour and an art workshop are included in the price.  

The café where you go to read, write or be inspired


In the midst of the wave of new coffee shops that are opening in Lima, a place like Puku Puku (Avenida Pardo y Aliaga 695, San Isidro), part of a small chain, inspires a friendly, artisanal and warm state of being. With a décor featuring 50% recycled material, it offers small-batch coffee and craft beer.

A restaurant with a difference


We’re in Lima, so choosing a single place to eat is almost sacrilege. Leaving aside renowned restaurants and so-called “huariques” (small family run places), I would choose La Plazita (San Fernando 380, Miraflores), an open-air place where people go to eat, drink and have a good time in a stylish yet laid-back atmosphere. Especially on a warm summer night, it works very well. Salads, burgers, veggie, ceviche: there’s something for everyone.

The most creative neighbourhood

Walking through the historic centre of Lima is a rewarding experience both day or night. One can visit the nearby bars, take pictures, stroll around cathedrals and governmental palaces – or even go horseback riding.

The store you can’t pass without going in 

In Lima there are not many neighbourhood bookstores, created for a customer interested in hard-to-find books or less well-known authors. Babel (Calle Coronel Inclán 300, Miraflores) is a good option for those who like to browse and collect more varied works.