You can easily enjoy yourself for a couple of days in the gigantic capital of Peru. In this article, you’ll read all about the things to do in Lima Peru.
About Lima
When I traveled to Peru, I was advised against visiting the capital, Lima. I was told there wasn’t much to see. I don’t always listen to advice, so I decided to give the city a chance. And I was pleasantly surprised! Lima is very interesting and there is more than enough to see and do to keep you entertained for a few days.
Lima has a rich history that dates back to before the Spanish colonization. What began as a small but important hub of Spanish colonial power in South America, Lima is now a bustling metropolis with nearly 10 million inhabitants. In the old town, you will find beautiful colonial buildings that give you a glimpse of the city’s interesting history.
But the city is also modernizing, which is especially evident in the modern district of Miraflores with its boulevard full of artwork and many art museums. In addition, Lima is a gastronomic paradise. It is full of restaurants serving the most delicious Peruvian dishes, such as ceviche, lomo saltado, and the delicious pollo a la brasa.
Lima is a city of contrasts and it has a special atmosphere. A city that you should not miss when you’re traveling to Peru!
The best things to do in Lima Peru
Are you curious about what to do in Lima? These are the best things to do and the most beautiful Lima sights.
Try the best Peruvian food
Lima has the best Peruvian restaurants in Peru. Everywhere in the city, you’ll be able to eat the most delicious ceviche (a Peruvian dish that usually contains fish, lemon, potato, and corn). One of the best restaurants to order ceviche is a place called Punto Azul in Miraflores.
Of course, there are many other places in Lima to eat Peruvian food, so try as many as you like! And don’t forget to order a pisco sour as well, the number one cocktail in Peru.
Go for a walk on the boulevard in Miraflores
Miraflores is a neighborhood in Lima where most tourists stay. It is located on the coast, you can reach many places on foot and there are many good hotels and restaurants. A wonderful place for a walk is the boulevard that runs for miles along the coast.
The view of the steep green cliffs is impressive and there are also many parks with benches to take a rest. You also often see people paragliding here. That seems like a fun thing to do!
Parque del Amor
Parque del Amor is one of the highlights in Miraflores and deserves its own spot on this list of best things to do in Lima Peru. This park is known for its colorful mosaics and beautiful sculptures that pay tribute to the power of love.
The striking sculptures, including the famous statue of a couple kissing, create an atmosphere of tenderness and romance, making it a popular place for a romantic stroll. It is also a good place to watch the sky change colors during a beautiful sunset.
Huaca Pucllana
As I write this article I realize that I missed a few amazing places in Lima during my visit, including Huaca Pucllana. This is an archaeological site from the fifth century and it is located in the Miraflores district.
It has a pyramid-like structure and special architectural styles. Here you can see what the architecture looked like before the Inca era. The best way to discover this place is to take a guided tour. This way you will learn more about the meaning of Huaca Pucllana and learn more about the customs in Peru before the Spanish colonization.
Enjoy the beaches of Lima
Unfortunately, it wasn’t exactly beach weather during my visit, but Lima has several beautiful beaches where you can relax for a day. Lima’s beaches along the Costa Verde offer beautiful views of the Pacific Ocean.
Miraflores Beach attracts visitors with its scenic promenade and lively atmosphere, ideal for relaxing walks. Barranco Beach is a favorite spot for surfers and art lovers. Further south is Chorrillos Beach, known for its vibrant fishing community and authentic seafood restaurants.
Lima’s beaches are not only fun for sunbathing and swimming but also offer a range of activities such as surfing, paragliding, and even yoga classes overlooking the ocean.
Explore the historic city center
The historic city center is stunning and is on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Even if you only have one day in Lima, this is the place you have to go to. Everywhere you look, there are big colonial buildings with wooden balconies, beautiful squares, and large cathedrals.
In the middle of it all (like in every other city in Peru) is Plaza de Armas. The largest building on this square is the presidential palace and you shouldn’t be surprised that there will be a lot of security here. The streets around Plaza del Armaz are mostly for pedestrians only, so it’s a great place to wander around and take pictures of all the beautiful buildings.
The Cathedral of Lima
One of the most striking buildings on the Plaza de Armas is the Catedral de Lima, the main cathedral in the city. Lima Cathedral is a masterpiece of colonial architecture dating back to the sixteenth century. With its imposing facade and stately towers, the cathedral dominates the skyline of central Lima.
Inside the cathedral, you can enjoy a lavish interior, with beautifully carved woodwork and beautiful works of art. The chapels are decorated with beautiful frescoes, ornate altarpieces and sacred images.
Visit Museo Larco
Unfortunately, I didn’t have enough time to visit museums during my visit to Lima, but if I go again, Museo Larco is definitely on my to-do list. The museum is housed in a beautiful colonial mansion from the eighteenth century and takes you through the ancient history of Peru.
Here you can see many pieces from before the Spanish conquest. Think of ceramics, jewelry, textiles, and sculptures from ancient Peruvian cultures. Also interesting are the Nazca collection and the beautiful representation of the ancient Inca civilization.
Museo Larco is a must-visit if you want to learn more about the special history of Peru.
Get tickets for Museo Larco here.
Take a walk on Jirón de la Unión
Jirón de la Unión is one of the most beautiful streets in Lima and steeped in history. This iconic walking street is known for its vibrant atmosphere and colorful architecture, and it forms an important connecting route between several important sights in the city.
What is particularly striking are the wooden balconies in the street. This is a hallmark of the colonial architecture in the historic center of Lima. Stop now and then to admire these balconies with their refined wood carvings, each is more beautiful than the other!
Admire the facade of Iglesia de La Merced
One of the most beautiful buildings on the Jirón de la Unión is the Iglesia de La Merced. The facade of this church is a beautiful example of Baroque architecture from the eighteenth century, with its special decorations and intricate sculptures. You will also see ornate columns and images of saints. You will be amazed, there is always something new to discover!
Visit Museo de Arte de Lima (MALI)
The Museo de Arte de Lima (MALI) is the most important art museum in the city and is located in the historic center. The museum has an extensive collection of both historical and contemporary art, ranging from pre-Hispanic artifacts and colonial paintings to modern sculptures and installations.
Watch the water spectacle in Parque de la Reserva
Parque de la Reserva, also known as the Magic Water Park, is a special oasis in the center of Lima. This atmospheric park is known for its beautiful fountains and the breathtaking Magic Circuit of Water, with spectacular water and light shows.
The perfectly synchronized dance of colorful lights and dancing fountains creates a magical atmosphere, especially when it is dark at night. You can also take beautiful walks or relax on one of the many benches. This makes it an ideal place to relax and enjoy nature amidst the busy city.
Visit Fortaleza del Real Felipe
The Callao district is unfortunately also a place that I had to skip during my visit to Lima, but here too there are some beautiful sights to be found, such as Fortaleza del Real Felipe. This is an impressive historic fortress that dates back to the eighteenth century and played an essential role in Peru’s maritime history.
It is a popular tourist attraction with its imposing walls. Inside the walls of the fortress, you will learn more about the rich history of this incredible historic structure. You can wander through the well-preserved corridors and from some places you have a beautiful view of the harbor and the Pacific Ocean.
Find street art in Barranco
Do you like street art? Then you should check out the neighborhood of Barranco. Barranco is also right next to the ocean and close to Miraflores. In this neighborhood, you won’t find luxury hotels or restaurants and it has more of a local vibe.
Barranco is extremely colorful, most of the buildings have been painted in bright colors. There are also many cool murals, so take your camera! The Museum of Modern Art (MAC Lima) can also be found in this neighborhood, just like Museo MATE, of the famous photographer Mario Testino.
Go on a free city tour
Nowadays, you can find free city tours in a lot of cities, and for me, this is one of the best ways to get to know a city (and make some friends). In Lima, there are also multiple organizations for free city tours. They offer three different tours in Lima: the historical city center, Miraflores, and Barranco.
I did the one to the historical city center and was surprised about how well-informed the guide was. I learned a lot about the history of Peru and Lima. I can highly recommend starting your trip to Peru with one of those tours!
Register here for a Free Walking Tour in Lima.
Take a day trip to the ruins of Pachacamac
About 30 kilometers southwest of Lima lies a very interesting place for history buffs: the archaeological complex of Pachacamac. This archaeological site offers a fascinating insight into the history of Peru and has a history dating back to 100 BC. The ancient sanctuary honors the earth god Pachacamac.
The complex consists of pyramids, ceremonial squares, and well-preserved temples. In any case, climb the Templo del Sol for beautiful views of the coast.
Book a tour to Pachacamac here.
The best places to stay in Lima
As you can see, you can enjoy yourself for a few days in Lima. Where to stay in Lima? Nice (and safe) neighborhoods to spend the night in are Miraflores, the historic center, and Barranco. These are some nice accommodations in Lima:
- KACCLA, The Healing Dog Hostel – I slept in this cozy hostel in the Miraflores district during my first nights in Peru. It is very centrally located and is beautifully decorated. There are dormitories, but also private rooms.
- Belma Boutique Bed and Breakfast – a highly rated B&B with a cozy interior. It is in a nice central location in Miraflores
- WasiPai Boutique Hotel (4⭐) – this luxury boutique hotel enjoys a beautiful location in Miraflores. The rooms are stylish and modern.
For more options, availability, and prices, check Booking.com.
Best time to visit Lima
The best time to travel to Lima is generally during the summer months, from December to April when it is usually sunny and temperatures are pleasant. During these months the sky is usually clear and there is less chance of cloud cover, giving you beautiful views.
Lima has a mild climate for most of the year, with little temperature variation. While the summer months are generally warmer, the winter months from June to September can be very cloudy, with higher humidity and a low-lying fog known as the ‘garúa’. I saw this myself when I was in Lima in July, the sun was nowhere to be seen. But it was dry all the time and it was never really cold.
Read more: 2 days in Lima itinerary: discover the capital of Peru
Book a trip to Lima Peru
Would you like to visit Lima and other beautiful places in Peru? Book your trip now!
✈️ Plane tickets – Lima has a major international airport. Check WayAway to find the best deals and get cashback on plane tickets.
🚍 Bus tickets – To get from A to B in Peru it is best to use long-distance buses. These are very comfortable and often include a meal. I often booked first class (which was not very expensive at all) and the seats were amazing! This is especially a good idea when traveling on night buses. You can book bus tickets via Busbud.
🚘 Rental Car – You can also discover Peru with a rental car. Then you are flexible and can stop wherever you want. Check Rental Cars to find the best deals.
📱E-SIM – Do you prefer having cell service during your trip? Get an e-SIM via Airalo, so you can use mobile internet to navigate and keep in touch with family and friends.
💊 Travel insurance – Don’t forget your travel insurance, as it will give you peace of mind during your trip. Check out Insubuy to find the travel insurance that fits your needs.
🧗🏼 Tours & activities – There are many fun day tours and adventurous activities to do in Peru. Check Viator and Get Your Guide for all the options.
Read more about Peru
Would you like to learn more about Lima and discover many other amazing destinations in Peru? Get one of these guidebooks.
Whether you want to chow down on deliciously fresh ceviche in Lima, descend into the wildlife-filled Amazon, or take the trail to Machu Picchu, your DK Eyewitness travel guide makes sure you experience all that Peru has to offer.
This Insight Guide is a lavishly illustrated inspirational travel guide to Peru and a beautiful souvenir of your trip. Perfect for travelers looking for a deeper dive into the destination's history and culture, it's ideal to inspire and help you plan your travels.
I traveled around Peru for a month, and that was an unforgettable trip! You can read a lot about Peru on this website. Check out these articles as well:
- 20 unforgettable experiences and beautiful places in Peru
- The perfect 1 month Peru itinerary
- Hiking the Inca Trail: everything you need to know
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This article was published in September 2019. Last update with more Lima tips: March 2024.
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Great post and pictures!! I’ve wanted to go to Peru for soo long omg you just made me want to go even more!! Really want to try the ceviche!!
Thanks so much!! This ceviche in Lima was the best I’ve ever had, highly recommended :)