I am so disappointed with our stopover in Lima as we are not going to see anything much except for the bus ride from the airport to our hotel and back to the airport. Our only bit of sightseeing was an evening walk through Barranco. It was cold and wet, but we persevered so we could at least see something this city has to offer. It appears that Barranco comes alive of an evening as people are out and about wining and dining. This is Lima's arty, bohemian neighbourhood and seems to be covered by a yellow/orange glow at night.

Barranco literally started life as a beach resort for wealthy Limeños to spend their weekends and holidays. Beautiful colonial summer residences were built, where. In 1870 the famous "Bajada a los Baños" (Descent to the Baths), a small footpath that leads from Barranco city to the ocean was constructed. This unique, beautiful place is where all the rush, all the hustle and bustle of the city seems to disappear.

The centre of Barranco is the Parque Municipal (Municipal Plaza). The plaza features beautiful fountains and gardens, surrounded by bars and restaurants. Here you find the "Biblioteca Municipal de Barranco" (Municipal Library of Barranco), built at the end of the 19th century. The unique tower was added in 1911. Just opposite the Park is the "Iglesia de la Santisima Cruz" (Church of the Holy Cross). Whilst this church looks old it was actually built in 1944 to replace the Hermitage Chapel.

One of Barranco's biggest tourist and photographed attractions is the Puente de Los Suspiros (Bridge of Sighs). Legend has it that the wealthy owner of one of the neighbouring houses forbade his daughter to see a lowly street-sweeper who she was in love with. She then spent the rest of her days sighing and lamenting the fate of her lost love thus the name 'Bridge of Sighs'. It was inaugurated on the 14th of February 1876. Since then the wooden bridge withstood the War of the Pacific and earthquakes, but had to be repaired several times and was cut down in the middle of the 20th century to its actual length of 31 m. The bridge is a favourite with lovers and local folklore says that if you cross the bridge while holding your breath your wish will come true…

Iglesia La Ermita (Hermitage Chapel) is a rundown yellow adobe chapel located just above the 'Bridge of Sighs. It was built in 1750 on the spot where an illuminated cross supposedly appeared during bad weather guiding local fishermen safely back to shore. The chapel was burned and looted by Chilean soldiers during the Peru - Chile war in 1882. Despite its decrepit nature it has a definite charm and there is hope that it will one day be restored.

Opposite the chapel is a tiny park that contains a Statue commemorating Chabuca Granda, Peru's beloved poet, composer and folk singer. Next to Chabuca is the statue to the Peruvian riding horse, the subject of one of her songs.

Walk from the church along Barranco's malecon (promenade) to the north. After a few blocks you will reach the Avenida Saenz Peña. This promenade is one of the most beautiful residential areas in Barranco. The mansions were very typical for their time and built in the characteristic French style of the 20th century.

The Historical Museum, Pedro de Osma, is housed in a beautiful beaux-arts mansion surrounded by well-cared for gardens and is managed by the Pedro and Angelica de Osma Gildemeister Foundation. It was founded in 1987 and holds the colonial art collection from the Viceregal era from the 15th to the 18th century. Paintings by masters including Bernardo Bitti and Luis de Riano are on display as well as paintings by anonymous painters from the 18th century Cusco School. Other pieces include altar decorations, furniture, sculptures and silverwork. This museum is open from 1000 - 1800.

Barranco Street Art - The walls of Barranco's streets are alive with murals, so keep your eyes peeled when you are exploring to spot colourful scenes from Lima's vibrant street art scene. Our guide told us that some of the best places to spot street art are on Avenida Pedro de Osma, Jiron 2 de mayo and Cajamarca Street. Unfortunately I only got to see a very small selection on Avenida Pedro de Osma and near the Bridge of Sighs at night but I would love to come back and see more.