Written By David Gomez
As I write these words, I try to recall as vividly as I can the many layers of my hometown.Lima was my city for 27 years.
Lima has always been an uncontrollable giant—impossible to fully know. It’s a city of stark social contrasts, both beautiful and historic, yet also violent and deceiving.
It’s so vast that crossing it from north to south can take hours, not to mention the soul-crushing traffic. Lima is made up of 43 districts, each with its own identity. Let’s not forget: over 11 million people live there.
Lima is a city constantly in motion, but it’s also a city of music, culture, and food—so much food. In this piece, I want to share a few impressions of two districts I revisited last month.
The first that comes to mind is Miraflores (which, in English, would translate as “Look at the Flowers”). It’s a district made for tourists, home to hundreds of restaurants—from budget-friendly to gourmet—and vast green parks. Many of my favourite bookstores are in Miraflores. But perhaps the most iconic spot is Kennedy Park, more popularly known as “the cat park”. Yes, dozens—sometimes hundreds—of cats live there, weaving themselves into the urban rhythm. The municipality takes care of feeding and looking after them.
Miraflores is a cosmopolitan hub. Thousands of travellers move through its streets daily, and within minutes, you’ll hear a mix of languages from around the world. The nightlife is a major draw, with bars and restaurants around every corner. Amid all this multicultural buzz, there’s a striking blend of architecture—modern buildings next to colonial facades. The district’s town hall and cathedral may be the most recognizable landmarks amid the crowds.
Another district I visited one afternoon was Pueblo Libre (which means “Free People” in English). Years ago, I used to pass through this area every day on my way to work. Pueblo Libre has always felt like an old soul, even though it’s nearly the same age as Miraflores—founded in 1859 versus 1857. Maybe it’s the narrow, picturesque streets that seem frozen in time.
Here, you can still find traditional taverns serving dishes that date back generations—even to colonial times. It’s a district full of character and undoubtedly worth a visit.
I hope this small fragment of my beloved Lima sparks your curiosity. Maybe, just maybe, someone reading this will feel inspired to travel and discover it for themselves.
As for a third part to this story… I haven’t decided yet. But stay tuned!
