Smack dab in the middle of Lima’s upscale Miraflores neighborhood is Parque Kennedy, flanked by two major thoroughfares—Avenida José Larco and Diagonal. The park is a small oasis among tall buildings and the congested traffic for which Lima is famous. A paved walkway runs through the center of Parque Kennedy, which draws a good number of people from all walks of life, at all times of day. Young couples snuggle on benches, men in business suits sit on a small field of concrete stools and read the paper while they get their shoes shined, and vendors sell salty popcorn from red and white carts. The southern end of the park is home to a children’s playground. There’s a good view of the very ornate Iglesia de la Virgen Milagrosa on the north end. Parque Kennedy is across the street from Restaurant Row, famous for its dozens of restaurants and bars that range from Italian and wood-oven pizzerias to Brazilian barbecue and Cuban dance floors. Get ready to make a run for it—crossing Diagonal is like dodging speeding bullets. Restaurant Row is pedestrian only and hopping at night, even during the work week. Competition is fierce: Nearly every eatery or bar has a tout outside, shouting out drink specials and personally beckoning you in. It’s difficult to decide if a place is packed because it’s got great food or because they offer the cheapest pisco sour. In the evening, Parque Kennedy takes on the atmosphere of a little fiesta. Diners on their way to restaurants and clubs that ring Parque Kennedy stroll through. Some nights, the elevated cement circle in the park center plays host to artists selling woodwork, jewelry and other handiwork or vendors selling antiques. Outside cafés are usually full and decorated with white outdoor lights and table canopies. A meal at the parkside cafés will run you about $7 (22 nuevo sols) and up.

Location:
Miraflores, Lima, Peru

City Park

Getting There
Between Diagonal and Avenida José Larco to the west and east and Schell to the south. Parque Central is adjacent directly to the north.

Travel Skills: None

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Reviews

Traveler Reviews of Parque Kennedy

Just great

I like everything.its really peacefull and charming all at one. Specially at nights.

Traveler from Lima - Peru on Sep 24, 2007