An introduction to bars and clubs in Lima, Peru

If Miraflores holds a huge portion of the restaurant scene in Lima, the bohemian Barranco quarter is the undisputed king of nightlife. A concentrate of bars, pubs, discos and live music clubs, Barranco becomes the party heart of town during the after-dark hours. Moreover, it's where you can find most Peñas, music clubs that offer folkloric music shows, in particular Afro Peruvian and Criollo gigs. In Peñas you usually eat criollo fare, listen to the music, and have lots of fun -everything seasoned with generous quantities of beer and pisco sour. Eventually, inspired by the friendly atmosphere and the cheerful rhythm of Afro Peruvian music, you will probably end up dancing all night long.

Barranco also offers the best rock music spot: La Noche, a huge bar-club that stages live music almost daily. El Dragón and Mochileros are two good alternatives for rock music, while if you are into jazz, better check Jazz Zone, in Miraflores.

Bars and clubs in Miraflores are more exclusive and, to certain extent, more inclined to follow international trends. The best rave parties are organized by Aura and specially Gótica, two large clubs that often invite renowned international DJs, besides housing some of the best local ones.

Some of our favourite bars and clubs in town include:

Bodega Bar Juanitos An honest, down-to-earth bar with more than 60 years in the midst of Barranco's nightlife. Much loved by the local bohemia, it's not rare to see writers and poets at its tables, taking chaotic notes on wrecked notebooks and paper napkins.
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La Noche The best live-music club in town, it occupies a vast multilevel house at the end of pedestrian Sánchez Carrión boulevard. Shows almost daily, frequent art exhibitions and recurring projects, like a yearly photo contest, a Jazz festival, and an Unplugged series featuring local rock bands.
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Gótica An exclusive club occupying a dark church-like structure, it is frequented by a glamorous crowd: from party animals and cheerful students to jovial yuppies and local top models. One of the best places in town for electronic music.
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