Parque Kennedy, Miraflores

Parque Kennedy is in central Miraflores. There are almost always people around: some walking through, tourists taking photos, locals sitting on the benches for a while, or others just passing by because it’s part of their route.

It’s one of the most visited spots in Lima, and the reason is pretty clear. It’s located in the city’s most tourist-friendly district, surrounded by hotels, hostels, and restaurants, so many travelers end up there without even planning it. For someone visiting Lima for the first time, it’s easy to find, accessible, and full of movement. From there, you can walk toward the oceanfront, explore nearby commercial streets, or simply stay and watch what’s happening around you. It brings together several things in one place: history, street art, weekend fairs, food, and the well-known cat colony. That combination is why it’s consistently included in city tours and travel recommendations.

It wasn’t always called that. In the early 20th century, it was an open space known as Parque Central, with the church nearby. In the 1960s, it was divided into two areas: Parque 7 de Junio, honoring the Peruvian soldiers who fought in the Battle of Arica in 1880, and Parque Kennedy, named after the assassination of U.S. President John F. Kennedy in 1963, in recognition of his support for Latin America through the Alliance for Progress.

In 1990, the park was fully renovated during the administration of Mayor Alberto Andrade, giving it the more organized layout it has today. Around that same decade, the cat colony became established and turned into one of its most recognizable features. The cats live freely in the gardens and are cared for by volunteers, which is why many people casually refer to it as the “Cat Park.”

On weekends, it feels busier. Artisans set up with paintings, portraits, and small sculptures. Musicians and street performers also appear from time to time. Traditional dessert carts selling picarones and sandwiches add to the atmosphere and have been part of the scene for years. During the week it’s calmer, but it’s rarely empty.

Across from the park is Iglesia Virgen Milagrosa, and nearby there are municipal spaces where activities and exhibitions are held. The area is organized and generally feels safe, even when it’s crowded. There’s also a tourist information office, and several bus routes run along the surrounding avenues, including buses that connect to and from the airport.

It’s an open, everyday space that plays a real role in life in Miraflores. You can stay five minutes or an hour. There’s always something to notice.

Location

Av. Diagonal, Miraflores 15074