Miraflores

At its center is Parque Miraflores, sitting like a slice of pie between Avenida José Larco and Avenida Diagonal. On the eastern side is the Iglesia de la Virgen Milagrosa, the neighborhood's largest church. The colonial-style building next door is the Palacio Municipal de Miraflores, where most governmental business takes place.

Where you go next depends on your areas of interest. If you're interested in ancient cultures, head to the towering temple of Pucllana. From the top you have a great view of the neighborhood. A tiny Museo Amano, six blocks to the west contains one of the city's best collections of ancient artifacts. If you want to shop, head for Avenida Petit Thouars just a few blocks north of the park, where a series of markets hold dozens of shops that offer some of the best deals in town. If you have romance on your mind, go south along Avenida Diagonal to Parque del Amor, a wonderful park with a splendid view of the coast and sea below. It attracts young lovers, paragliding enthusiasts, and just about everyone else on a sunny afternoon.