Are you looking for the very best things to do in Lima Peru?
The Peruvian capital is known for its clash of ancient and colonial historic periods, where pyramids, cathedrals and modern influence all merge together in one giant city. There’s also a variety of worthwhile things to do here, such as exploring the Costa Verde, seeing the real Lima in Callao, walking artsy streets in Barranco as well as touring the pyramids of Huaca Pucllana in Miraflores.
In this article we’ll explore some of the very best things to see and do in Lima Peru, and why each is worth adding to your own travel plans. We’ll also answer your most frequently asked questions too in our FAQ section.
Table of Contents
The Best Things To Do In Lima Peru
Walk Along The Costa Verde Malecón
Stretching for over 13km alongside Lima, the Pacific Ocean is the perfect place to watch the sunset or enjoy a mid afternoon stroll. The section in Miraflores is the very best, given the walkway is located on top of fresh green hills – giving both excellent coastal views as well as a place to relax and get away from the bustle of Lima. There’s also bike lanes for those who want to ride further along the malecón into Barranco and Chorrillos further south.
Try Typical Peruvian Cuisine
Peru’s food scene has really hit global status in the last couple of decades, and many often come to Lima just to try the different food. The capital offers everything from tasty classics like Ceviche and Lomo Saltado, to Andean specialities like Papa a la Huancaina, Ají de Gallina and Sopas. There’s plenty of both local and more luxurious-style restaurants to sample these tasty dishes – as well as sweet desserts like Mazamorra and Suspiro a la Limeña.
Explore The Catacombs Of Lima
One of the very best and most unique things to do in Lima, the Catacombs are a must-visit on any itinerary here. Located in the Historic Center, they are the second largest on the planet and are reportedly home to as many as 70,000 skeletal remains. Here you can go on a tour through the subterranean passages of the Lima Catacombs, where you’ll see various human skulls and bones decorate the eerie alleyways.
Wander Around Lima’s Artistic And Trendiest Streets
Those who are looking for the most colourful streets and impressive street photography shots will simply love Lima. Barranco is the first place you’ll want to head to, which has beautiful murals along many streets close to the Municipal Park, and is also known for its bohemian street markets. Further north in Callao we can also enjoy Monumental Callao, where the streets are lit up with colour, energy and great local atmosphere.
Enter The Ancient Pyramids Of Huaca Pucllana
Throughout Peru we can find tonnes of mysterious ruins, and especially around the regions of Cusco and the Sacred Valley. However we can also find one set of ruins in quite a bizarre place – in the heart of Miraflores – sandwiched between towering modern skyscrapers. Huaca Pucllana was built over 1500 years ago by the Lima culture, and today we can explore these special adobe ruins, and even enjoy a picturesque lunch in the restaurant that sits right next to the site.
Visit The Impressive Museo Larco
Home to over 45,000 ancient artefacts which cover over 5000 years of Peruvian history, the Museo Larco is one of the most complete museums of its kind in all of South America. Split into several exhibition rooms, here we can learn more about the legendary Inca who ruled all of Peru, the powerful Chimú and Moche cultures, and much more. The Museo Larco is located within the district of Pueblo Libre, and is an easy half-day trip from Miraflores.
Head On A Ica And Nazca Day Tour
Whilst not inside the city per se – from Lima you can easily see some of Peru’s most incredible highlights in just a simple day trip. On Our Ica And Nazca Lines Day Tour, you’ll get to fly over the mysterious Nazca Lines which are known to have over 300 giant geoglyphs, while also sailing to the Ballestas Islands which are home to Humboldt Penguins and Sea Lion colonies. You’ll also get to go Sandboarding in Huacachina – before heading back to Lima in the evening.
Frequently Asked Questions About The Very Best Things To Do In Lima Peru
In this section we’ll now explore the most frequent questions we get about the best things to do in Lima, as well as anything else you need to know.
What To Do With 1 Day In Lima Peru?
If you’ve only got 1 day free when in Lima, you can definitely make the most of it with the right attitude and energy. Waking up early you can visit the Huaca Pucllana ruins, Kennedy Park and walk until you reach the Costa Verde in Miraflores. From here you can walk to Barranco and enjoy the artsy streets, and have a nice lunch before taking a taxi to see the best architecture and highlights of Lima’s Historic Center.
Is Lima Worth Visiting While In Peru?
While usually seen as a stopover city, Lima is very much worth visiting while in Peru. Here we can see ancient ruins built thousands of years ago, right next to super-modern skyscrapers. Culture can be found both in streets and in its rich cuisine, while the capital is also home to many eloquent colonial buildings and beautiful cathedrals. And that’s also forgetting that Lima is the gateway to the incredible Ballestas Islands, Paracas and Huacachina Desert!
Is Lima A Walkable City?
Yes, in certain areas Lima is very enjoyable and safe to walk around in. This includes Miraflores and Barranco for its beautiful parks, tree-lined boulevards and great atmosphere – while the Historic Center during the day is perfect for colonial architecture and culture. However any other areas can be hit or miss, so it’s important to talk to an expert tour provider or guide to run you through which areas are safe and not safe to walk around in alone.
Overview Of The Very Best Things To Do In Lima Peru
And that’s all for this guide on the very best things to do in Lima Peru.
Peru’s capital city, virtually all tourists will begin their trip here before moving onto other destinations like Machu Picchu, Huacachina and the Amazon Jungle. However Lima itself is also a star highlight with many incredible things to experience and places to visit – which includes the beautiful Costa Verde circuit in Barranco, the eerie San Francisco Catacombs, as well as experiencing an authentic Lima food tour in the heart of Miraflores.
Ready to enjoy Lima at its very best? Here at TravelBuddiesPeru we organise a fully tailored private Lima day tour, where you can choose exactly what you want to see and do. As well as having a flexible route and comfortable private transport between sites, you’ll also have an expert tour guide show you around Lima while learning about its colourful history.
