University Park Lima
A vibrant urban park in downtown Lima, famous for its friendly stray cats and a historic German clock tower.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Lively atmosphere, safe exploration
University Park Lima
Best Time
Lively atmosphere, safe exploration

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vibrant urban park in downtown Lima, famous for its friendly stray cats and a historic German clock tower.
"This is the best place for cat lovers! 🐈"
🐱 Cat Lover's Paradise
Hundreds of friendly cats call this park home. Be gentle and enjoy their company!
⏰ Daytime Visit Recommended
Enjoy the park's beauty and lively atmosphere during the day. Avoid after dark.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Resident Cats
Hundreds of friendly stray cats roam freely, offering a unique and heartwarming experience for animal lovers.

German Clock Tower
A striking 1921 donation, this ornate clock tower is a central landmark and a popular spot for photos.

Ornamental Pools
Serene pools scattered throughout the park provide a tranquil setting for relaxation and reflection.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Feline Charm
Daytime Delights, Nighttime Cautions
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🐱 Cat Lover's Paradise
Hundreds of friendly cats call this park home. Be gentle and enjoy their company!
⏰ Daytime Visit Recommended
Enjoy the park's beauty and lively atmosphere during the day. Avoid after dark.
📸 Photo Opportunities
Capture the unique charm of the clock tower and the park's many feline residents.
🚶♂️ Explore Nearby
Combine your visit with exploring Lima's historic center, but stay aware of your surroundings.
Tips
from all over the internet
🐱 Cat Lover's Paradise
Hundreds of friendly cats call this park home. Be gentle and enjoy their company!
⏰ Daytime Visit Recommended
Enjoy the park's beauty and lively atmosphere during the day. Avoid after dark.
📸 Photo Opportunities
Capture the unique charm of the clock tower and the park's many feline residents.
🚶♂️ Explore Nearby
Combine your visit with exploring Lima's historic center, but stay aware of your surroundings.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
University Park is a unique urban space, particularly beloved for its large population of friendly stray cats. While it offers a lively atmosphere and a peaceful escape during the day, visitors are advised to be cautious in the surrounding downtown area, especially after dark. It's a spot cherished by locals and animal lovers for its distinctive charm and relaxed daytime vibe.
"Very upbeat and less of people. And there are cats here too"
Rebecca Lehman
"It's a beautiful place but as many places that are located in downtown Lima, you have to be careful of your belongings, good place to take pictures and rest for awhile if you are walking nearby."
Andrea Gutierrez
"This park is not a tourist magnet, full of locals. Quite dirty, but there always seems to be something lively going on here."
Ali Haeri
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
University Park is located in downtown Lima on Abancay Avenue. The best way to reach it is by taxi or ride-sharing service like Uber, especially if you are coming from tourist areas like Miraflores or Barranco.
Be aware that traffic in Lima can be heavy, so allow ample travel time.While public buses do serve the downtown area, navigating them can be challenging for tourists unfamiliar with Lima. Using Uber or a similar service is generally recommended for ease and safety, especially when traveling to and from the park.
Taking an Uber or a taxi from Miraflores to University Park is the most convenient option. The journey typically takes around 20-30 minutes depending on traffic.
Parking in downtown Lima can be difficult and unreliable. It is highly recommended to use ride-sharing services or taxis rather than driving your own vehicle to avoid parking hassles.
University Park itself is generally safe during the day, especially with its many local visitors and resident cats. However, the surrounding downtown area can be less safe at night, so it's best to visit during daylight hours.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, University Park is a public space and does not require an entrance fee. You can freely explore its grounds and enjoy the atmosphere.
As a public park, University Park is generally accessible during daylight hours. It's best to visit during the day and avoid late evenings or nighttime due to safety concerns in the downtown area.
There is no admission fee for the park, and the resident cats are free to roam. Visitors are encouraged to observe them respectfully without feeding or disturbing them.
While the park is home to many stray cats, it's generally advisable to keep your own pets on a leash and under control, or consider leaving them at your accommodation to avoid any potential conflicts with the resident animals.
Photography is generally permitted in University Park. It's a popular spot for capturing the clock tower and the unique feline population.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
University Park is known for its numerous friendly stray cats, a central German clock tower, and ornamental pools. It's a great place for a leisurely stroll, people-watching, and enjoying a unique urban wildlife experience.
Yes, families can enjoy a visit during the day, especially if they love animals. The park offers a unique experience with its resident cats and open spaces. However, parental supervision is advised, and it's best to avoid the area after dark.
Public restrooms may be available in the vicinity of University Park, but their condition and accessibility can vary. It's advisable to use facilities at nearby establishments or your accommodation if possible.
The park has a lively atmosphere during the day, frequented by locals. It's a place where people gather, relax, and interact with the many resident cats.
During the day, the ornamental pools and the presence of cats can create a relaxing ambiance. It's a good spot to take a break from the bustling city, but remember to stay aware of your surroundings.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
University Park itself does not have dedicated restaurants or cafes. However, being in downtown Lima, you'll find numerous local eateries and street food vendors in the surrounding areas offering Peruvian cuisine.
The area around University Park offers a variety of local food options, from traditional Peruvian dishes to street food. You can find places serving ceviche, anticuchos, and other regional specialties.
While street food can be delicious, it's always wise to exercise caution. Choose vendors that appear clean and busy, and consider sticking to bottled water.
Bringing your own snacks and drinks is generally acceptable for a daytime visit. However, be mindful of disposing of your trash properly to help keep the park clean.
While specific recommendations right at the park are scarce, exploring the historic center or nearby Miraflores will lead you to renowned restaurants like Maido or Kjolle, or local favorites for ceviche.
📸 📸 Photography
The most iconic photo opportunities include the German clock tower, the ornamental pools, and, of course, the numerous friendly stray cats that inhabit the park.
It's generally safe to take photos with your phone during the day, but as with any busy urban area, be aware of your surroundings and avoid displaying valuables ostentatiously.
Absolutely! The cats are a major draw, and visitors often enjoy photographing them. Just be sure to do so respectfully and without disturbing their natural behavior.
The best time for photography is during daylight hours, particularly in the late afternoon when the light is softer and the cats are often more active.
Try capturing the clock tower from different angles, frame shots with the ornamental pools, and get down to the cats' level for some charming portraits.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
🐱 Cat Lovers
🚶♂️ Budget Travelers
📸 Photographers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Feline Residents of University Park
The presence of so many cats contributes to a unique and heartwarming atmosphere, making University Park a distinctive urban green space. It offers a chance to observe animal behavior in a city setting and provides a peaceful, albeit sometimes chaotic, environment. The cats are a testament to the community's care and the park's role as a welcoming space for both people and animals.
Navigating Downtown Lima Safely
When exploring downtown Lima, including the vicinity of University Park, it's crucial to be vigilant about your belongings. Pickpocketing and phone snatching can occur, even in seemingly safe areas. Using ride-sharing services like Uber or local taxis is generally preferred over public transport for navigating the city, as it offers more direct routes and a greater sense of security, especially if you are unfamiliar with the local bus system. Always ensure your ride-sharing app is properly set up and verify the driver and vehicle details before starting your journey.
Historical Significance and Landmarks
While the park itself is more of a local gathering spot, its location in downtown Lima places it near many of the city's historical sites. Visitors can combine a trip to University Park with explorations of the Plaza de Armas, the historic center, and other colonial-era architecture. This proximity allows for a broader understanding of Lima's rich history and cultural heritage, making the park a convenient starting or ending point for a day of urban exploration.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit