Many travelers visit Peru for Machu Picchu and Cusco, however Lima tourist sites are often overlooked. Lima is home to a wide variety of things to do and there’s an abundance of museums, quirky restaurants, as well as a few archeological sites either within the city’s limits or close by.
Lima is overloaded with things to do and see but did you also know that there’s quite a bit of historical significance here too? The city of Lima was founded in 1535 by Spanish conquistador Francisco Pizarro, who chose the name “Ciudad de los Reyes” (City of Kings) to help establish a coastal capital that would strengthen Spanish influence and control in Peru. Lima’s past is evident through Spanish-style architecture, such as the iconic Plaza Mayor and the ornate Cathedral of Lima. Both are open to visitors almost every single day of the year.
In this guide we’ll explore the very best Lima tourist sites that you can visit when in the Peruvian capital, which includes ancient ruins, colonial buildings and some really interesting museums.
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Let’s now take a look at the very best sites you can visit when in Lima, and why each one is worth adding to your own itinerary around this fantastic capital city.
The Plaza de Armas is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that’s regarded as one of Lima’s oldest and most historically significant areas. It remains one of the busiest spots in Lima, featuring sites such as the Grand Government Palace, the Archbishop’s Palace, as well as the gorgeous Lima Cathedral.
Because of its historical significance and breathtaking architecture, the Plaza De Armas is one of the most visited Lima tourist sites and is a must-visit for anyone planning to explore Lima.
Santo Domingo in Lima is not to be confused with the capital of the Dominican Republic! It’s a 16th-century complex with some of Lima’s oldest religious sites, including the resting place of the capital’s most noteworthy saints like St. Rose of Lima and St. Martin De Porres. It was built shortly after the city’s founding and it’s very colonial with intricate wood carvings, baroque details, and bright colors along the external building.
What makes it so appealing to tourists? Well, the impressive pink bell tower, which offers panoramic views of the city and the religious history behind the complex, makes it a great place to learn more about the religious history of Lima.
Huaca Pucllana is likely one of the most underrated historical landmarks in Peru and unfortunately, it is overshadowed by Machu Picchu and other relics in and around Cusco. However, this ancient pyramid has much to offer! It’s a pre-Inca style building, built around 500 A.D. and its primary purpose was to provide a space for special ceremonies or administrative work.
When you arrive, make sure to explore the pathways and learn more about its ceremonial purpose. You can also see artifacts uncovered during the excavation too. You can visit Huaca Pucllana and many of these other incredible sites with our private Lima tour that includes all transport and a knowledgable guide.
The Museo de Arte de Lima (MALI) is one of the most popular museums in the city, and we’d even go as far as to say it’s one of the many Lima tourist sites you can’t skip. The museum is currently housed in the historic Exhibition Palace, which is a 19th-century building constructed for the 1872 Lima International Exposition.
The art collection at MALI is impressive and spans over 3,000 years, with most of it being 100% Peruvian. While its collection primarily focuses on pre-Columbian art, there is also a diverse range of artifacts to discover throughout its galleries, such as The Dancing Whip. The exhibits also rotate so you’re bound to see something new every time you visit. So, with all there is to see, it’s easy to see why MALI made the list as one of the best Lima tourist sites.
The Museo Larco is one of those Lima tourist sites that you simply can’t miss, especially if you’re passionate about history as a whole. This museum is located in an 18th-century mansion and has thousands of works of art across over 5,000 years of Peruvian history. Most of its collection is pre-Columbian, but there’s a bit of everything at the Museo Larco.
Tip: Aim to purchase your tickets online or arrive early. This will help you cut the lines and spend more time exploring the art exhibits.
Gold held profound significance in the Inca culture, and oftentimes symbolized the divine connection between the earth and the sun God, Inti. The Incas believed that gold is the “sweat of the sun” and has been used to create jewelry, ceremonial objects, and more.
Researchers quickly realized how significant gold was to the Inca and because of this, the Museo Oro Del Peru was established as one of the best Lima tourist sites to visit. This museum celebrates how gold has shaped Peruvian culture over the years and currently showcases the Inca, Moche, and Chimú cultures. Here you can find ancient relics like weapons, textiles, jewelry, and ceremonial items.
The Magic Water Circuit is another one of the popular Lima tourist sites and it’s a display of fountains and light shows that is popular among both tourists and locals. The show features 13 interactive fountains that come to life with a bit of music, water choreography, and some bright lights.
The attraction officially opened in 2007 and even earned a Guinness World Record for the largest fountain complex in a public park. So if you’re looking for something to do in the evening that is budget-friendly, it’s highly recommended to check out the magic water circuit in Lima.
You can witness this spectacular show in the Parque de la Reserva, which is in the city’s core, close to most hotels and hostels in the city center.
One of the most overlooked aspects of Peru travel is Lima’s tourist sites, which are often overlooked when travelers visit this beautiful Andean country. The truth is that Lima has so much to offer and it’s absolutely worth visiting. With an abundance of museums, archeological sites, and plazas, you’ll never be bored when here!
Here at TravelBuddiesPeru we operate several Lima Day Tours to many of these incredible sites, where you can also create your own itinerary based on what you most want to see and do.
Wednesday June 19, 2024
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