Lima is Peru’s capital and a big city where you can find all sorts of fun activities for every taste. From beautiful landscapes to interesting art, colonial architecture and delicious food, Lima is definitely a city that will surprise you.
Below we will give you our recommendations on the best places to visit in Lima and also tips on where to eat, the best neighborhoods to stay in and other important information that you will need to prepare for your trip!
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This bridge is located in the bohemian district of Barranco and it became the district’s most famous landmark after Peruvian singer Chabuca Granda wrote a song about it in 1960.
There is also a legend that surrounds this bridge. Some people say you have to make a wish and if you can hold your breath while crossing it, your wish will come true.
Definitely a magical place to visit and perfect for taking beautiful pictures, and easily ranks as one of the overall best things to visit in Lima.
Monumental Callao is located in the district of Callao and has become in recent years a touristic place full of art, music and color, visited by many tourists and locals alike.
One of the main attractions of Callao Monumental is Casa Fugaz, which consists of six floors of independent restaurants, artisanal fabric boutiques, galleries and studio spaces for resident artists.
On the first floor you can visit the art galleries and boutiques and discover exhibitions of paintings, photography and installation art. On Saturdays you may come across resident artists at work and can have a chat with them about their work, and also participate in workshops.
Considered part of the Cultural Human Heritage by UNESCO since 2000, Lima’s Plaza de Armas (or Main Square) is in Lima’s Historic Centre – and is a great place to take a stroll and appreciate colonial architecture.
Here you can also find Lima’s Cathedral, one of the most beautiful and famous attractions in this area. For a local insight, you can also sit on a bench in the middle of the Plaza, grab a snack, relax and watch locals go about their daily routines.
The Central Market is Lima’s most important market and is located in Lima’s Historic Centre. Here you can find fresh fruits and vegetables but also handicrafts, toys, clothes, fabric and even movies!
Take your time to explore this huge market and don’t forget to try the delicious food that is offered in the many stalls you will find here, which are the perfect introduction into authentic Peruvian cuisine.
Outside the market you will also find many shops that sell shoes, clothes, toys and cooking tools for a lower price than in most parts of the city – making this particular Lima attraction a useful one too!
Lima is highly influenced by Chinese culture because of a huge migratory movement that happened between the 19th and 20th century.
Lima’s Chinatown is located in Lima’s Historic Centre, and here you will be able to see the result of this mixture of cultures. The place is located a few blocks away from the Central Market and here you will find delicious snacks, many restaurants and Chifas – which is the name we give to the restaurants that sell Chinese food with Peruvian influence.
Here you will also find souvenirs and Chinese ingredients at a cheaper price, so if you like to cook then be ready to do some grocery shopping!
This is one of the most important examples of colonial architecture in Peru and is located in Lima’s Historic Centre.
Visits are by guided tour only and here you can learn about the religious life and culture during the Spanish colonial rule. Highlights include a library with more than 25,000 volumes and the catacombs which are located underneath the Church.
Over 30,000 people were buried here until 1808 which were were then discovered in 1943, making it one of the more spooky things to visit in Lima. If you like mystery and are intrigued by history, then take a moment to explore its silent surroundings and crypts filled with human skulls and remains.
This is one of Lima’s oldest bars and it was built more than 100 years ago. It is located in Lima’s Historic Centre and is a great spot to end a day full of activities.
We recommend ordering the Butifarra sandwich and, of course, you can’t leave without trying the Traditional Pisco Sour, a drink made of Peruvian Pisco.
However, if you are not in the mood for alcohol, you can also order a glass of Chicha Morada which is a traditional sweet drink made of purple corn.
The Magic Water Circuit in Parque de la Reserva is a fun and magical place to visit, and has been included in the Guinness Book of World Records as the world’s largest water fountain complex in a public park.
This park has 13 fountains and some of them are interactive. The most popular one is the one named The Tunnel of Surprises, which has a series of water arcs that create a 35m long tunnel of water which you can walk through.
The highlight of this park is the Water Fountain shows which is held every day. This show combines dancing waters, light and laser beams that dance with the rhythm of the music. See the park’s website to find out the schedule.
If you love history and want to learn more about Peru’s culture, Huaca Pucllana is an interesting archaeological site to visit and one of the top Lima attractions.
This 1500 year old pyramid is fascinating and it’s unusually located in the middle of an urban area in Miraflores. After your visit you can have lunch in its restaurant and order some typical Peruvian dishes.
Huaca Pucllana is located at Calle General Borgoño, block 8, Miraflores, and can be walked to in just 15 minutes from the Kennedy Park.
The malecón as locals call it, is a boardwalk that extends along the coastline in Miraflores.
It is a great place to have a relaxing stroll with your friends, or to have a picnic in the park while you look at the ocean. During the weekdays you will see people relaxing in the gardens, doing yoga or going for a run, and during the weekends you will see families with their children.
This is the perfect spot to take beautiful pictures, eat some ice cream and see the sunset.
Something you cannot miss is in Lima is visiting a local market.
You can’t find a big market in Miraflores but you will find one nearby in the Surquillo district, near the Kennedy Park area. In Mercado Nº1 you will be able to try delicious fresh fruits, and also Peruvian dishes for a lower price than a restaurant.
Mercado Nº1 is located at Paseo de la Republica, Block 53 (Near the “Ricardo Palma” Metropolitano station).
Peru has some of the most delicious and aromatic coffee in the world, and you can’t leave without having a taste of it!
Our recommendation is Terrua Cafe, a coffee shop in Miraflores where you will be able to try specialty coffee and learn about the different varieties.
Terrua Cafe is located at Pasaje Tello 163 – Miraflores, just a block away from the central Kennedy Park.
Kennedy Park is one of the most popular places in Miraflores, where people go to relax, have a walk and meet with friends.
Here you can watch the art vendors, listen to music and also buy some souvenirs at the flea market.
Kennedy Park is also known as Lima’s Cat Park since it is the home of many stray cats. Nowadays most of them have been taken to a shelter, but some of them remain living here. A group of volunteers feed them every day and offer them for adoption in a booth located in the park.
If you are looking for souvenirs to take home, then the Indian market is your place-to-go.
From alpaca sweaters to beautiful hand-woven backpacks and small scale stuffed toy llamas, the market is definitely a place where you will find something for every taste and age.
The Indian market is located at Av. Petit Thouars 5245, Miraflores.
Lima is definitely a place to try some great desserts!
We recommend to try them at the dessert booths in Kennedy Park or to visit a local bakery such as Tortas Lucas. Here you will find cakes, rice puddings and even desserts made out of “lucuma”, Peru’s unique and traditional fruit of creamy texture.
Tortas Lucas is located at Juan de la Fuente 332, Miraflores.
The Museo Larco is a privately owned museum of pre-Columbian art, located in the Pueblo Libre District in Lima, Peru.
This museum is housed in an 18th-century vice-royal building. It showcases chronological galleries that provide a thorough overview of 5,000 years of Peruvian pre-Columbian history.
Larco Museum also has one of the most beautiful terraces where you can sit and have lunch while you look at the gardens.
This is a great option for those who like history and would like to learn about Peru’s armed conflict.
Besides experiencing a breathtaking view of the ocean, a visit to this museum will help you understand what happened in Peru between 1980-2000 and how we beat terrorism and became the country you see today.
LUM also has its own theatre where you will be able to enjoy great performances and movies. Visit LUM’s website to learn know more about the cultural activities programmed for this month.
LUM is located at Bajada, Calle San Martin 151, Miraflores.
The Museo de Arte de Lima (also known as MALI) holds the most representative art collection in Peru, tracing 3,000 years of history from the earliest Andean civilizations until modern times.
MALI also has an active program of temporary exhibitions throughout the year which covers the highlights of local and international art.
The museum is located inside the Parque de la Exposición, which is a huge park where you can go and take a stroll, relax and appreciate architecture. Visit the Museum’s website for more information.
One of the best viewpoints in all of Lima, Morro Solar can easily be seen from many areas of the capital when walking along the coast which makes it a must-visit Lima attraction.
Located in the southern district of Chorrillos, this giant hill gives some outstanding views over the city, and also out across the wild Pacific Ocean (from here you can also access a remote beach on the other side).
You can take a 15 minute taxi to get here from Miraflores, where you’ll then start the gentle hike up. At the top we can find the giant cross statue which can be seen from all over Lima at night when illuminated, and there’s also the fascinating Planetario Museum here which is home to many aerolites and modern telescopes.
Lima as a whole has a very unique microclimate, where it rarely rains throughout the entire year.
However, to make things even more interesting, is the fact that there are several hills around the city which turn bright green given the build-up of excess moisture in the air. These are known as the Lomas, and the Lomas de Lúcumo is perhaps the very best of the lot. Situated near Pachacamac, here we can enjoy a fresh hike around the region whilst seeing some impressive natural rock structures and open green spaces.
It’s important to know that the Lomas de Lúcumo are only green from the months of June until September, so it’s worth planning your trip around these dates if this is a must-visit for you!
Having already explored Callao earlier in this guide, this time we head right out onto the famous outcropping which is known as La Punta which is one of the best things to visit in Lima.
Known for its tranquil streets and cheerful people, this area is the perfect place to wind down after a few hectic days of exploring Lima. There are many local restaurants around that serve fresh Ceviche and other great Peruvian cuisine, and you can also walk along the winding Malecón which boasts some incredible views of the nearby Palomino Islands.
Between mototaxi rides around the area you can also sit back and relax in the charming Plaza de Armas too which houses a baroque style cathedral. La Punta is also the perfect place to explore after visiting the highlights of the Historic Center.
Although we’ve already mentioned the ruins of Huaca Pucllana earlier in this guide, in the south of Lima we can also find the impressive archaeological site of Pachacamac (which are located in the same-named district).
First built in 200 A.D by the Lima culture, it has since changed rules several times as other civilisations such as the Wari, Ychma and Incas also claimed the site. The ruins were created out of Adobe and small stones, which is a hallmark feature of archaeological sites up and down Lima’s coast.
Walking around here we can also visit the on-site Pachacamac Museum, which has an impressive modern display of these important cultural artifacts such as masks, pottery and woven textiles. Whilst one of the lesser-known Lima attractions, it’s definitely worth the visit!
The Pacific Ocean runs right along the coast of Lima, however Miraflores has arguably the best coastline of all.
Also known as the Costa Verde, here is where we can see those giant green cliffs and ever-consistent waves riding in. Right below these we can find Playa Makaha, and if you love surfing (or want to try it out) then grab a board and jump in!
It’s very easy to catch a wave here given how good the conditions are, however it’s ideal to head with an instructor if it’s your first time. Down by the beach you can find locals renting out gear, however make sure you get a closed wetsuit given the water temperatures can be quite cool (especially from June to October).
There are many incredible parks to visit all over Lima, however the Parque del Amor ranks up there amongst the very best (as well as one of the best overall Lima attractions).
Located along Larcomar within Miraflores, it’s known for its incredible sculpture as well as beautiful gardens which are full of vibrant flowers. We can also see the mural wall which is bursting with colors and is a great spot for a memorable coastal photo.
Overall the Parque del Amor is a great place to sit and watch the sunset over the Pacific ocean, and also to stop-off and enjoy when biking around the Miraflores district.
Miraflores, Barranco and San Isidro are the best and safest places to stay in Lima.
Miraflores is one of the safest areas in Lima and is full of parks, coffee shops, restaurants and many places for you to visit at a walking distance. In Miraflores you will find many hotels and hostels for every budget. We recommend staying near Kennedy Park since it is the most touristic area with public transportation and shops nearby.
Barranco is the bohemian and artistic district and here you will find many art galleries, bars and lots of cultural activities. This district is similar to Miraflores but a little bit more noisy and busy, so if you like to be surrounded by people and love art and nightlife this is the place for you. We recommend staying near the main square or near the boardwalk as they are the safest areas in Barranco.
This is a more residential area and is also the home of the financial district of Lima. Here you can find parks and also high end restaurants and shops. We recommend staying near the Ovalo Gutierrez since this area is at a walking distance from Miraflores.
Remember: You can book your hotel in advance using Booking.com or if you prefer to have a local experience you can book a room or apartment in Airbnb. If you don’t like the conventional tours, remember that Airbnb also offers local experiences for you to enjoy which helps you to get to know the city in a different and more personalized way.
The safest way to get from the airport to your hotel is by taking an official airport taxi. Please avoid taking the ones waiting outside the airport doors as they often overcharge tourists. Another great option is to take the Airport Express Bus. They have several stops along the city (including Miraflores) and they have no baggage limit. The journey from the airport to Miraflores is approximately 40 mins to an hour.
Lima is a big and busy city and has been named one of the most traffic congested cities in the world along with Mumbai (India) and Bogota (Colombia).
The bright side is that transport is very cheap in Lima and you can get from one place to another with a low budget. We must say, however, that public transportation is a little bit chaotic so if you don’t like crowds we recommend walking or calling a taxi. But if you want to experience Lima’s public transport we recommend the Metropolitan buses. With tickets costing only 2.50 soles (approximately $0.70), they can help you travel long distances in just a few minutes. Just be sure to keep an eye on your belongings when using this method, and to avoid bringing too many valuables with you.
If you are staying in Miraflores, everything you need will be at a walking distance because in this part of the city you will find restaurants and shops in every corner.
Now if you are planning to visit Barranco from Miraflores, you can also get there by walking along the Boardwalk (or Malecón as it’s known in Spanish). You can start in Kennedy Park and then go all the way to Larcomar shopping mall, and then walk along the boardwalk until you get to Barranco. If you are in a hurry then you can always call a cab (using your favorite taxi app) which will cost you approximately 8 to 10 soles ($3 approx.)
However, there are places like the Historic Centre of Lima which are far away from Miraflores, and where using the public transport to get there will be the most ideal option. In this case, we recommend taking the Metropolitan buses from the Benavides or Ricardo Palma stations and going all the way to the Central Station. It will take you 20 mins approximately to make the journey. This is the quickest way because the Metropolitan buses have their own transport lane. If you decide to take a cab it will probably take you 40 mins or an hour because of Lima’s traffic.
The best months to visit Lima are the summer months (from January to March) if you want to visit the beaches and tour the coastline.
During summer temperatures can go from 21ºC to 26ºC (70ºF to 80ºF). Another good time to visit Lima is spring which is from mid-September to October. Here the weather can go from 15ºC to 21ºC (60ºF to 70º F), which is more comfortable than the summer highs that Lima can experience.
If you plan to visit Cusco or Machu Picchu then the best time to head here is from June to mid-September. During these months the temperatures can go from 0ºC to 15ºC (32ºF to 60ºF) and the city sees fewer rain showers.
If you plan to visit Peru’s Jungle regions (like Iquitos or Tambopata), then the best time is during the dry season, which lasts from June to October. During these months the temperature can go from 18ºC to 32ºC (64ºF to 90ºF). Overall the weather is nice and it will allow you to head on long days or trekking and exploring because the rains are less frequent. During the rainy season it rains heavily and almost daily, making the soil slippery and dangerous to walk on.
Remember: If you have not bought your plane ticket yet, Kayak.com is a great site to start planning your trip. They will let you compare the prices of different airlines and even send you a notification when the price of a ticket changes or goes on sale.
In Peru there are many restaurants and plenty of options of delicious food to eat. In fact, Peruvian cuisine is so highly rated that this makes them must-visit Lima attractions in themselves!
If you have a sweet tooth and are looking for the best desserts to try in Peru, we also made a list with our own recommendations.
If you are visiting many regions in Peru you will need different types of clothing.
In Lima and other cities in the coast, the temperatures are never too cold. However, since they are near the sea, nights can get a little bit breezy so make sure you pack a light jacket (and especially so if heading during the winter months).
If you are traveling to Cusco or Machu Picchu you need to pack comfortable clothes and shoes because you will be doing a lot of walking. If you are planning to do the Inca Trail remember to bring some hiking boots that are already broken in to avoid blisters.
Also make sure you wear repellent to avoid mosquitoes. If you want to be extra careful you can also tuck your trousers into your socks for more protection. Finally you may need to pack warm sweaters and a rain jacket.
If you are traveling to the Jungle, remember the weather here is hot and humid all year round. Make sure that you have plenty of clothes for every day that you are there. Make sure to wear light clothing because heavier materials trap more heat and moisture.
Also, avoid wearing bright colors and perfume because they attract mosquitoes. In addition to repellent, you may also need malaria medication that can be prescribed by a doctor.
These are our traveling tips for you to enjoy your trip to Lima, Peru to the fullest. We hope to see you soon!
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