AS Brits frantically try and choose their summer holiday destination this year amid the Middle East crisis, let me sell you a slightly different place to go.
Lima, the capital of Peru, almost feels European, and has much cheaper food, hotels… and booze.
The seaside city is the second largest desert city in the world (after Cairo) meaning barely any rain, and highs of 27C.
It is often overlooked as a travel destination, especially those heading straight over to Machu Picchu instead.
But despite just spending a few days in Lima myself, it became one of my favourite cities.
First up, safety – most of Peru is still safe to travel to, which includes Lima.
And as a young woman, I never felt unsafe while walking around early for a coffee or late at night for a drink.
Our guide told us this huge change in recent years – when it wasn’t so safe – is due to the number of community officers around, who are on hand to help tourists who visit.
When it comes to exploring the city, I was transported to the surf towns of Portugal by the huge surfing community in Lima.
It has some of the best waves in the world, and the sheer number of cyclists with boards on their bike and surf shacks offering lessons was huge.
Then there is the colourful Barranco neighbourhood, named one of the best in the world and known for its colourful street art that is everchanging.
Here is where you’ll feel its Latin American routes, with live music on the streets and bars selling the famous Pisco Sour cocktails.
Time Out said: “It’s long had a bohemian vibe, famously fantastical murals, world-class art galleries, boutique hotels and hopping bars.
“And while it’s lost none of its wild roots, the area is now incubating some of the best restaurants in the world”.
In fact, the city is home to a number of the world’s best restaurants.
Maido was named the no.1 restaurant in the world last year, while I headed to Mayta which often makes the top 40.
I opted out of the tasting menu, but still managed to enjoy a delicious deconstrusted paella, a side and a glass of wine for under £50.
The ‘godfather of modern Peruvian cuisine’ Gastón Acurio told local media: “Lima is a gastronomic destination coveted by kitchen lovers.
“Not only because of its restaurants, which compete equally with Europe, but because behind this recognition there is something deeper — a city that has made its cuisine parallel to everyday life.
“From award-winning restaurants to carts, from ceviche shops to chifas, eating in Lima is one way to travel the entire country in a single day.”
Want to eat on a budget? You can easily get snacks and drinks for under £5 from food stalls.
I managed to find an Emoliente (a sugary hangover drink) as well as a famous pork sandwich and sweet doughnuts called ‘Picarones’ for under a fiver altogether.
Or some restaurants offer the “menú del día” or menu of thte day for not much either.
Usually including a drink, soup and main dish, this can be found for under £4.
Beers can also be found for around £1.50 in local bars as well.
Otherwise make sure to try fantastic chocolate and coffee shops, with Lima being one of the top exporters to the rest of the world for both.
Free activities include the Spanish-style Love Park, inspired by Park Güell in Barcelona or the Museum of Art (MALI) on Tuesdays.
And the Historic Centre of Lima has elements of European architecture too, dating between the 16th and 19th centuries.
If you don’t mind sharing a room, you can find hostel beds for as little a £13 a night.
But if not, even hotels can be found for around £33 a night, such as Ibis – so £16.50 each a night when sharing.
The only thing getting in the way of Lima becoming a popular destination with Brits is the getting there.
LATAM previously had direct flights from London Heathrow to Lima but these were suspended back in 2023, with no current plans on when they will return.
Instead, Brits have to fly via Europe so with changes in Madrid, Amsterdam or Paris.
This takes the trip from around 12 hours to 16 hours, and costing around £500 return.
But there is some good news – the new Jorge Chávez International Airport in Lima opened last summer, which is likely to encourage airlines to launch flights.
And airline LEVEL is launching direct flights from Barcelona to Lima from June.
So if you want to visit a unique city with surfing vibes, colourful neighbourhoods and insanely cheap food and drink? Add Lima to your 2026 list.
