Best things to do in Lima
Find out more about those top places in Lima
Discovering Lima: A Journey Through Peru’s Captivating Capital
Lima, the lively capital of Peru, is where ancient history, colonial elegance, and modern life coexist in one glorious, sometimes chaotic, and always fascinating city. Nestled along the Pacific coast, Lima is the kind of place where you can explore ancient ruins in the morning, eat in a world-class restaurant by lunchtime, and dance the night away in a rooftop bar with ocean views.
So, if you're wondering what to do in Lima and how to make the most of your trip, you're in the right place. This travel guide will walk you through the best things to do in Lima, where to stay, and all the must-see attractions that make this city one of South America's most underrated gems.
What to Do in Lima: A Cultural and Historical Feast
Lima isn’t just beaches and sunshine. It’s a treasure trove of pre-Columbian ruins, colonial architecture, vibrant neighborhoods, and some of the best food in the world (yes, we said it). Here’s a deep dive into what makes Lima such a rich and rewarding destination.
Explore the Historic Center of Lima: Colonial Grandeur at Its Best
Start your adventure in Lima’s Centro Histórico, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the best-preserved examples of colonial architecture in Latin America. This area is a dream for history buffs. The Plaza Mayor is the beating heart of old Lima, where you’ll find the grand Cathedral of Lima and the Government Palace, complete with guards in full regalia and a daily changing of the guard.
As you wander through the streets lined with ornate balconies and pastel-colored facades, it’s easy to imagine what life was like during the Spanish colonial period. Be sure to stop by the Monastery of San Francisco, famous for its eerie catacombs and beautiful library (a perfect combo of spooky and scholarly).
Visit Huaca Pucllana: Ancient Ruins in the Middle of the City
Only in Lima can you enjoy a gourmet dinner next to a 1,500-year-old pyramid. Welcome to Huaca Pucllana, an archaeological site right in the middle of the trendy Miraflores district. This pre-Inca adobe pyramid was once a ceremonial center for the Lima culture and now serves as a fascinating open-air museum.
You can take a guided tour through the ruins and learn about the advanced engineering techniques of ancient civilizations — and then reward yourself with a delicious meal at the onsite restaurant, which offers stunning views of the illuminated ruins at night.
Stroll Through Kennedy Park and the Miraflores Artisan Market
Looking for a more relaxed Lima experience? Head to Kennedy Park in the heart of Miraflores. It’s the unofficial gathering spot for locals, tourists, street performers, and — wait for it — cats. Yes, the park is famously home to dozens of friendly felines who lounge on benches and steal the hearts of visitors.
Surrounding the park, you’ll find an excellent artisan market where you can shop for traditional Peruvian handicrafts, from alpaca wool scarves to colorful ceramics. This is the perfect place to pick up souvenirs or gifts for loved ones back home — or just to admire how good a llama can look when woven into a table runner.
Be Mesmerized by the Magic Water Circuit
Ready for some nighttime magic? The Magic Water Circuit (Circuito Mágico del Agua), located in the Parque de la Reserva, is a stunning light and water show that’s both fun and unexpectedly romantic. With 13 illuminated fountains dancing to music and projecting colorful displays, it’s like a cross between Vegas and Disney — but very Peruvian.
Kids love it. Couples love it. Even solo travelers find themselves grinning as they run through the water tunnels or try to capture the perfect Instagram shot. It’s one of Lima’s most popular attractions for a reason.
Dive into Pre-Columbian History at the Larco Museum
If you only visit one museum in Lima, make it the Museo Larco. Housed in an 18th-century colonial mansion surrounded by bougainvillea gardens, this museum features an incredible collection of pre-Columbian artifacts, including pottery, jewelry, and textiles from ancient Peruvian cultures.
It’s beautifully curated and comes with a dash of humor thanks to its famously cheeky “erotic pottery” room — proof that ancient Peruvians had a sense of humor and were, shall we say, quite open-minded.
Discover Pachacamac: A Sacred City Just Outside Lima
For a real taste of ancient mysticism, take a short day trip to Pachacamac, an impressive archaeological site about 40 kilometers south of Lima. Once a powerful religious complex dedicated to the god Pachacamac, it features enormous temples, palaces, and tombs overlooking the ocean.
The site predates the Incas and offers incredible insight into Peru’s pre-Hispanic civilizations. A visit here feels like stepping into a living history book — with sand, sun, and spiritual vibes included.
Best Neighborhoods to Visit in Lima
Lima is a city of neighborhoods, each with its own character and charm. Here are the top areas to explore:
Miraflores: The Heartbeat of Modern Lima
If you want ocean views, vibrant nightlife, upscale shopping, and parks with romantic sculptures, Miraflores is your go-to. It’s one of the safest and most tourist-friendly areas in Lima. Walk along the Malecón, a scenic clifftop path overlooking the Pacific Ocean, or relax in the Parque del Amor, where love is literally written on the walls (in mosaic tile, no less).
And yes, this is also where you’ll find some of Lima’s best restaurants — more on that in a bit.
Barranco: Lima’s Bohemian Soul
Looking for something a little more artsy and eclectic? Barranco is Lima’s coolest neighborhood, hands down. Known for its colonial mansions, colorful murals, indie art galleries, and laid-back cafés, this is the place to come if you want to sip a cocktail while listening to live music or discover the next great Peruvian artist.
Don’t miss the Puente de los Suspiros (Bridge of Sighs) — and make a wish as you cross it without breathing. It’s a local tradition. Bonus points if you do it while holding your breath and eating a churro.
San Isidro: Elegant, Peaceful, and Leafy
San Isidro is Lima’s polished financial district, but don’t let that fool you into thinking it’s boring. This upscale neighborhood is home to luxurious hotels, embassies, designer boutiques, and excellent dining.
Take a stroll through El Olivar Park, filled with ancient olive trees that somehow made it from Spain and decided to put down roots here. San Isidro is also a great place to spot elegant architecture and enjoy a quieter side of the city.
Where to Stay in Lima: Something for Every Traveler
Whether you're traveling on a shoestring or ready to splurge, Lima has accommodations for every style and budget.
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Miraflores: Great for first-time visitors, backpackers, families, and couples. You’ll find everything from hostels to luxury hotels like JW Marriott or Casa Andina Premium.
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Barranco: Perfect for creatives and night owls. Boutique hotels, cozy B&Bs, and artsy guesthouses abound.
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San Isidro: Ideal for business travelers and those who prefer a quieter, more refined environment. Expect stylish hotels and a more laid-back pace.
Travel Tips for Visiting Lima
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Weather: Lima has a desert climate, meaning it can be surprisingly chilly and overcast, especially from June to October. Pack a light jacket — yes, even in "summer."
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Safety: Like any big city, stay alert in crowded areas, especially in the historic center. Use trusted taxi apps or official taxis after dark.
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Food: Lima is considered the gastronomic capital of Latin America. Do not leave without trying ceviche, anticuchos, pisco sour, and the ever-delicious causa limeña.
Final Thoughts: Lima, a City of Contrasts and Surprises
Lima is a city that surprises you at every corner — in the best way possible. One moment you’re standing in front of a Spanish cathedral, the next you’re watching surfers ride waves below dramatic cliffs. It’s a place where ancient traditions and modern creativity thrive side by side.
From archaeological wonders to vibrant street life, from romantic parks to culinary masterpieces, Lima is a city that deserves more than just a stopover. It’s a destination in its own right — full of stories, flavors, and unforgettable moments.
So go ahead, book that flight, pack that suitcase, and get ready for an unforgettable trip to one of South America’s most exciting capitals. Lima is waiting, and it’s ready to steal your heart — and probably your appetite too.
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Pachacamac
Located some 30 kilometers south of Lima’s city center on the arid Pacific Coast is Pachacamac, the area’s greatest Inca city. While it may be no Machu Picchu, the ruins, which sit high above the crashing waves of the ocean ensconced in desert sand dunes, are still a remarkable sight. When the Spaniards first arrived the city was one of the most important in the Inca Empire and traces of its former glory can still be seen in the stepped Temple of the Sun and the House of the Chosen Woman.
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Museo Larco
Housed in the sprawling palace that once belonged to the Spanish viceroy, Lima’s Museo Larco is the city’s show-stopping piece of colonial architecture. Today, it is no longer the site of governance but is instead a dazzling museum that contains upwards of 50 000 artifacts from the pre-Columbian Inca, Nazca and Chancay cultures. To explore this jaw dropping large collection guided tours are recommended.
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Plaza de Armas
While not one original building remains (bar a 16th century fountain gilded in plundered Inca gold), the Plaza de Armas is still Lima’s most spectacular public square. Laid out by the conquistador Francisco Pizarro, the plaza was once known as the nerve-center of the Spanish Empire. For the best experience, take a guided walking tour of the square to uncover its unrivaled history and take a look around the imposing cathedral.
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Iglesia de Santo Domingo
Lima’s most important religious site and one of Peru’s most historic locations is the city’s Iglesia de Santo Domingo. Well known as the resting place of the country’s most revered saints, the church is also the site where a Dominican friar persuaded Pizarro to execute the captured Inca emperor Atahualpa. Most of what you can see today is from the 17th and 18th centuries and tours are available where expert guides will tell you more above the site’s unique history.
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Huaca Pucllana
Towering over the heart of Lima is the Huaca Pucllana, the ruins of a pre-Inca pyramid. As a focal point of the Lima Culture, which flourished around the turn of the 1st millennium AD, the pyramid has a storied history and on-site tour guides offer fascinating insights into its mysterious history.
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Real Felipe Fortress
Built to defend Lima against invasion and the threat of pirates, the Real Felipe Fortress is an imposing bastion at the entrance of the city’s harbor. The fortress is currently home to the Peruvian Army Museum but it can also be explored with the help of a tour guide who will reveal its important role in maintaining the independence of Spain’s former Latin American colonies.
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Food Tour
Situated right on the Pacific Coast, Lima is one of South America’s food capitals. One of the best experiences the Peruvian capital offers is food tours of the beguiling Barranco district where you can sample anticuchos (cow hearts) and the famous picarones (small doughnuts).
