Lima in 72 hours: an intense getaway to enjoy culture, gastronomy and hospitality

Lima continues to solidify its position as a favorite destination for short breaks from Chile, driven by its renowned culinary scene, diverse cultural offerings, and the ability to explore the city in just a few days without missing a thing. In this context, staying in the districts of Miraflores and San Isidro allows you to experience the Peruvian capital with comfort, style, and direct access to its main urban and gastronomic attractions. Hotels like INNSiDE by Meliá Lima Miraflores—with its contemporary, flexible, and creative approach—and Meliá Lima, located in San Isidro and recognized for its executive program, The Level, offer a combination of design, wellness, and hospitality aligned with the latest Latin American travel trends.

Day 1: Creative Miraflores and first gastronomic experiences

The first day invites you to stroll along the Malecón, visit the beaches, explore the Parque del Amor (Love Park), and discover the streets brimming with Nikkei, Creole, and Chifa cuisine. A stay at INNSiDE by Meliá Lima Miraflores ensures a smooth transition thanks to spaces designed for work & stay, creative environments, and a pet-friendly approach that caters to the latest trends among Chilean travelers. A natural end to the day is enjoying a classic ceviche or contemporary fusion dishes that reflect Lima's culinary identity.

Day 2: Historic center, vibrant culture, and executive relaxation

The second day offers time to explore the Historic Center: Plaza Mayor, Lima Cathedral, the San Francisco Convent, Chinatown, and traditional markets where history and daily life coexist. This tour is complemented by a return to the Meliá Lima, ideal for those seeking a more executive and structured experience. Its The Level program includes private check-in, a dedicated lounge, and comprehensive meal service within the Executive Lounge—including breakfast, lunch, dinner, and an open bar at set times—allowing for better time management, reduced friction, and a heightened sense of care in every interaction. The experience aligns with the high-standard hospitality characteristic of the brand.

Day 3: Barranco, art and the bohemian side of the city

The final day invites you to explore Barranco, the quintessential artistic district: murals, galleries, cafes, design studios, and the iconic Bridge of Sighs. It's the perfect ending for those seeking to combine contemporary culture, photography, and visual arts at a more relaxed pace. The experience can be enhanced with brunch, a fusion dinner, or a visit to independent design shops that reflect Lima's creative identity.

Mini gastronomic guide: unmissable flavors in 72 hours

Lima's culinary scene remains one of the most vibrant in the region, and during a 72-hour stay, there are essential stops that allow you to experience its most representative flavors. For a classic ceviche with the catch of the day, La Mar (lamarcebicheria.com / @lamarcebicheria) continues to be an undisputed benchmark, while in Barranco, Canta Rana offers a more traditional and bohemian take on Lima-style ceviche.

Nikkei cuisine—one of Lima's defining characteristics—finds its finest expression at Osaka (osakanikkei.com) and the renowned Maido, considered the best restaurant in the world according to the prestigious World's 50 Best Restaurants list. More relaxed concepts like Tomo (@tomococinanikkei) offer fresh options that fuse Japanese technique with local produce.

For traditional Peruvian cuisine, Isolina Taberna Peruana stands out for its hearty, traditional dishes, while the Chifa route offers contemporary options throughout the city. The perfect ending to a meal comes with Lima-style desserts like Suspiro a la Limeña or Picarones, available in cafes and traditional eateries in Miraflores and Barranco.

Do's & Don'ts for an efficient getaway to Lima

Do's

Staying in key areas like Miraflores or San Isidro provides quick access to Lima's culinary, cultural, and coastal offerings, as well as facilitating transportation and sightseeing. Both districts offer excellent connectivity, services, and a vibrant urban life, making them strategic locations for an efficient and well-planned stay.

Incorporate executive programs like The Level to optimize time and add spaces for rest, food and productivity within the hotel.

Book restaurants in advance, especially during lunchtime.

Consider taking walks along the Malecón at dawn or dusk to appreciate the Lima coast.

Visit museums and galleries such as MATE, MAC and Museo Larco.

Don'ts

Underestimating travel times between districts.

Consuming unbottled water or juices prepared without sanitary protection.

Leaving restaurant reservations until the last minute during long weekends.

Getting around without ride-hailing apps at night.

Source: Meliá Hotels International