We're looking to book a place to stay in Arequipa. Do you think it feels safest to stay near The Plaza de Armas or does it feel comfortable walking back to outlying neighborhoods after dinner? Are there some areas close to the Plaza you recommend most? Areas to avoid?

The first time we stayed in Arequipa we stayed a couple of blocks back from the Plaza de Armas which was a great location but a little noisy. I suppose one downside was that many restaurants in th immediate vicinity were aimed squarely at the tourist market i.e. Overpriced and only adequate food.

Last year when we returned, we rented and apartment in Cayma/ Yanahuara district which is a nice residential area a 15 min walk through the Plaza. Lots of local restaurants and shops around and a nice walk into the Plaza. We found it a lot quieter than the centre.

We didn't feel at all unsafe in Arequipa and had no problems walking around anywhere at night or in the daytime. The area around the bus station is supposed to be best avoided but then so are most areas around bus stations I suppose.

I enjoyed staying in the old historic center (despite the noise) but I was not there for as long as crellston. I stayed at Casa de Melgar which has a ton of atmosphere. Not all staff speak English. Later on by chance I went in to an antique/artesania shop in Lima and it turned out to belong to the owner!

http://www.lacasademelgar.com/index_en.html

I think the advice I got was not to walk south or east of the San Camilo Market (which has great food and juice stalls on the ground floor).

I also did not have much satisfaction with the tourist restaurants and even though I went to Yanahuara one night I also struck out there! It was really hard to get anyone to suggest a good local restaurant. I found one that I liked on Mercaderes Street in the Casona building but they are mostly a lunch/afternoon place.

BTW Casa de Melgar is on booking.com & you can also contact them through the link on their website.