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Which are the best neighborhoods to stay in Lima?
Find out which are the best neighborhoods to stay in Lima and discover which area suits you best depending on the reason for your trip.
As the capital of Peru, Lima has a wide variety of neighborhoods to live in, whether you are an expat planning a temporary stay or moving permanently. If you fall into either category and are preparing to relocate to this vibrant city full of history, culture, and modern life, this guide is for you. We will explore the best neighborhoods to stay in Lima, a city home to universities, tech companies, and an increasingly dynamic cultural scene.
The city also offers a rich culinary scene, making it a great choice for food lovers. In this guide, we’ll highlight the most recommended neighborhoods to live in Lima, the areas best suited to different lifestyles, and the benefits you can enjoy in each one.
The best neighborhoods to live in Lima
When choosing where to live in Lima, it’s important to consider factors like safety, proximity to workplaces or universities, digital connectivity, and the quality of local services. The neighborhoods below stand out for their infrastructure, calm atmosphere, and high quality of life, making them popular with both locals and expats.
Miraflores
Miraflores is the most popular neighborhood for newcomers to Lima. Situated along the coast and filled with cafés, restaurants, and green spaces, it strikes the perfect balance between city life and relaxation. It is considered one of the safest and best-planned districts in the city, with a lower crime rate compared to other areas.
The neighborhood also offers excellent services, easy access to public transportation, and strong digital connectivity, making it ideal for remote workers as well as families. Rents are generally higher than in other areas, but they are balanced by the comfort and quality of life the neighborhood provides.
San Isidro
San Isidro is Lima’s financial hub, but it is also one of the city’s most exclusive and peaceful residential areas. The district is known for its safety, high-quality services, and large green spaces like El Olivar, a park right in the heart of the neighborhood.
Those who work for international companies or seek a more sophisticated environment often choose this area for its urban quality, convenient connections, and professional atmosphere. San Isidro also offers international schools, private clinics, and excellent dining options, making it a very well-rounded neighborhood for family life.
Barranco
If you prefer a more artistic and bohemian vibe, Barranco is an excellent choice. This coastal district has become one of the most appealing areas for young, creative, and international residents looking for a relaxed atmosphere with a vibrant cultural scene. Its streets are filled with art galleries, charming cafés, and coworking spaces.
Although smaller than Miraflores or San Isidro, its close proximity to the ocean and peaceful atmosphere make it ideal for those looking for a more local experience. Rent prices vary depending on the exact location, but it remains one of the neighborhoods with the best balance between cost and quality of life.
The best neighborhoods to live as a digital nomad in Lima
Lima continues to stand out as one of South America’s most appealing destinations for remote workers. Its mild climate, abundance of cafés with reliable Wi-Fi, coworking spaces, and vibrant food and cultural scene make it perfect for those looking to balance productivity with a high quality of life.
Here we tell you which neighborhoods are best suited to the lifestyle of digital nomads arriving in the Peruvian capital.
Magdalena del Mar
Located between San Isidro and Miraflores, Magdalena del Mar is a great option for those who want to be close to the city’s central areas without paying the higher prices of the more touristy districts. It is a quiet neighborhood with easy access to the coast and plenty of temporary housing options.
The area is full of cafés with reliable Wi-Fi and modern apartments designed for remote work. Its central location makes it easy to get to the city center or the southern districts, while the residential streets provide a safe and peaceful atmosphere, perfect for those looking to balance work and relaxation.
Santiago de Surco
Santiago de Surco has become increasingly popular with expats staying in Lima for longer periods. The district offers a mix of modern residential areas, shopping centers, spacious parks, and solid digital infrastructure. It also has several coworking and co-living spaces geared toward digital nomads, particularly in neighborhoods like Chacarilla and Valle Hermoso.
With its local, family-friendly vibe, the neighborhood offers a more authentic taste of life in Lima. Although it is a bit further from the coast, it is calmer and more affordable than the busier tourist areas, making it a good option for those looking to save on living costs.
Pueblo Libre
Strategically located between the historic center and the coastal neighborhoods, Pueblo Libre has become one of the most convenient areas for online workers. The district is safe, well connected by public transport, close to universities, and increasingly home to Airbnb rentals and co-living spaces.
Full of history and culture, the area is home to some of Lima’s top museums, like Museo Larco. Its calm streets, nearby shops, and affordable living costs make Pueblo Libre a great choice for digital nomads looking for comfort on a budget.
Stay connected in Lima
A reliable internet connection is essential for anyone working from anywhere in the world. In Lima, while many accommodations and cafés offer Wi-Fi, having your own connection ensures you can work without interruptions.
Holafly’s monthly plans are a great option for staying connected from the moment you arrive. You won’t need to swap your SIM or depend on public Wi-Fi, making it easy to handle video calls, upload content, or work remotely with a reliable connection. You can also share your internet across multiple devices.
Important: If you are a frequent traveler and want to stay connected without worrying about expensive roaming or looking for a new SIM at every destination, Holafly’s subscription plans are for you. With a single eSIM, enjoy internet in more than 160 countries for a fixed price and no surprises on your bill. Travel without limits and connect easily and securely! 🚀🌍
The best neighborhoods to live in Lima as a student
Lima is one of South America’s leading academic hubs, home to well-known universities such as the Pontifical Catholic University of Peru, the University of Lima, and the University of the Pacific. The city combines an active student life, cultural diversity, and strong connectivity, making it an excellent choice for those looking to study abroad.
These are some of the most recommended areas for international students planning to live in the city.
San Miguel
San Miguel is one of the most convenient neighborhoods for students, thanks to its proximity to major universities and strong connections to the rest of Lima. The area offers a wide range of shared housing, student residences, and affordable services.
The district has shopping centers, supermarkets, gyms, and green spaces like the Park of Legends. It is also one of the best-connected neighborhoods to the Pontifical Catholic University of Peru and the National University of San Marcos, making commutes shorter and transportation costs lower.
Jesús María
Located in central Lima, Jesús María is another popular district for students thanks to its safe environment, affordable rental options, and proximity to several universities. The area is home to student residences, cafés, and study spaces that make university life easier.
Its location makes it easy to reach both the historic center and the coastal districts. The balance between peace and convenience makes it one of the top choices for those arriving in Lima for the first time.
Lince
Lince is a growing neighborhood that has become popular with young people and students due to its strategic location between San Isidro and Jesús María. The district offers more affordable prices, a good range of services, and quick public transport connections.
In recent years, Lince has grown in popularity for its modern apartments and flexible housing options, making it a practical and budget-friendly choice for international students.
What is the best neighborhood to live in Lima?
While each neighborhood has its own advantages depending on lifestyle, Miraflores is still widely regarded as the best area to live in Lima overall. Its combination of safety, cultural offerings, connectivity, and quality services makes it the most well-rounded choice for anyone planning to stay in the city, whether temporarily or permanently.
Its seaside location, green spaces, and cosmopolitan atmosphere also make it highly appealing for those who value comfort and an active lifestyle. That’s why digital nomads, students, and families alike often choose Miraflores as their base when arriving in Lima.
Frequently asked questions about the best neighborhoods to stay in Lima
San Isidro and Miraflores are considered the safest districts due to their well-planned urban layout and the consistent presence of private and municipal security.
Most of them are located in Miraflores, Barranco, and San Isidro, thanks to their international vibe, proximity to services, and housing options suited for longer stays.
Magdalena del Mar, Santiago de Surco, and Miraflores stand out for their stable connection and the presence of coworking spaces and cafés with fast Wi-Fi.
Yes. The city has prestigious universities, a reasonable cost of living, and safe neighborhoods with suitable housing options, such as San Miguel, Jesús María, and Lince.
For short-term stays, the most recommended neighborhoods are Miraflores and Magdalena del Mar. Both offer furnished apartments, reliable internet, and flexible housing options such as co-living spaces or Airbnb.
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Hi! I'm a Spanish-English translator working with Holafly, helping bring travel content to life for curious travelers. As a digital nomad with a passion for exploring, I'm always adding new spots to my bucket list. If you love to travel like me, stick around because you're in the right place to find inspiration for your next trip! ✈️🌍
