Things to do in Lima Peru

It is said that Lima, the capital of Peru, is a grey city. Whoever said it must have been thinking only of the cloudy skies that overcast the city most of the year, for the truth is that it is a vibrant, colourful, lively city. Packed with interesting places and neighbourhoods to wander through, Lima is a beautiful city where folklore and cosmopolitanism merge into one. Find out what things to do in Lima and see for yourself that Peru’s capital is anything but drab.

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Places to see in Lima Peru

Historic Centre of Lima: Plaza de Armas

The Plaza de Armas is probably the most emblematic point of all Lima. This square, in addition to its beauty, is a very important place historically for Peruvians and Limeans as it is the exact point where the city was founded in 1535 and where the Independence of Peru was proclaimed in 1821. It is also the site of the main buildings that no tourist should miss:

The Cathedral, commissioned at the founding of the city, is an impressive building in an eclectic style that includes Renaissance, Gothic and neoclassical features. It can be visited free of charge from Monday to Saturday from 9:00 to 17:00.

The Palacio de Gobierno del Perú is another must-see in the Plaza de Armas and in Lima. This elegant neo-baroque-style building is the residence of the president of the republic and although it is not open to visitors, you can see the changing of the guard every day at 12:00 noon.

Very close to the Plaza de Armas is the pretty Estación Desamparados, behind the Government Palace. It is an old train station, very striking for its French neoclassical architecture and its green-painted façade. It currently houses the Casa de la Literatura Peruana (House of Peruvian Literature, which can be visited free of charge from Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00 to 19:00).

Other interesting sights located in the Plaza de ls Armas are the Church of Sagrario, the Municipality of Lima and the Archbishop’s Palace.

Convent of San Francisco

Also in the historic centre of Lima and near the Plaza de Armas are located the Basilica and Convent of San Francisco. Its imposing facade is of Lima Baroque style and its yellow colour stands out with the wooden balustrade that surrounds the door. Inside the monastery you can visit its beautiful library and cloister, among other things. However, what most captures the attention of visitors are its catacombs, where hundreds of thousands of bones rest. Guided tours only. The opening hours are from 7:00 to 11:00 and from 16:00 to 18:00 every day. The entrance fee is 15 soles (3,25€) and students 5 soles (1,08€).

Lima Travel: Miraflores neighbourhood

The Miraflores neighbourhood stands out as one of the most beautiful and safest in Lima. Its streets are full of shops, restaurants, casinos, gardens and parks that make your visit a non-stop experience. In addition to all this, its proximity to the sea makes it one of the favourite neighbourhoods for tourists to stroll and stay. It has a beautiful promenade, the Malecón de Miraflores, from where you can watch the sunset, and a lighthouse that is well worth a visit, where you can take a paragliding trip to see Lima from a bird’s eye view.

One of the essential visits to make in Lima is to the parks of Miraflores: the Parque del Amor and the Parque Kenedy, known as the Parque de los Gatos (Park of the Cats). And last but not least, there are plenty of places to go shopping, as Miraflores is home to two of the best places in Lima where you can pick up a treat or souvenir from your trip. One is the Larcomar shopping centre and the other is the Indian Market, a beautiful market where you can buy Peruvian handicrafts from the locals.

What to do in Lima: Huaca Pucllana

Also located in the Bario de Miraflores, is Huaca Pucllana, an archaeological site with vestiges of the Lima, a pre-Inca civilization dated between 500-700 AD. In the archaeological complex you can see an impressive pyramid of 25 metres built in adobe which you can climb to its highest point and observe the whole of this archaeological site which, despite being abandoned until 1967, is so well-preserved. It can be visited from Wednesday to Monday from 9:00 to 17:00 and from19:00 to 22:00, always with reservation, including a guided visit. Price: general admission 15 soles (€3.25) and reduced admission 7.5 (€1.63).

Love Park

Everyone who has been to Barcelona’s Parc Güell will feel a déjà vu when they set foot on the Parque del Amor in the Miraflores neighbourhood. Its beautiful mosaic benches are reminiscent of those in Barcelona’s park and, although very different, its views of the Pacific Ocean are just as impressive, if not more so. As you might guess from the name, the park is itself a constant reference to love, with its The Kiss sculpture by Victor Delfín, the romantic quotes written on the benches and its heart-shaped flower garden. In fact, it was inaugurated on 14 February 1993, and every Valentine’s Day the world’s longest kiss contest is held here.

Barranco neighbourhood

Barranco is many people’s favourite neighbourhood in Lima. Formerly the capital’s fishing district, it has, over time, become the trendy bohemian quarter. Its streets are covered with impressive urban art murals that bathe the neighbourhood in colour and joy. The busiest stop in Barranco is the Puente de los Suspiros (Bridge of Sighs), a former meeting place for Peruvian poets. Legend has it that if you walk across the bridge while holding your breath and making a wish, it will come true. Barranco is also home to some of Lima’s best restaurants, where you can dine in peace and quiet without fear of nightfall, as this is one of the safest neighbourhoods in the city.

Magical Water Circuit

At the Parque de la Reserva you will find an important attraction in Lima: the Magic Water Circuit. Every night at 19:15, 20:15 and 21:30 a show begins in which 13 fountains light up and the jets of water begin to “dance” in a synchronised fashion.

Travel Tip: To organize your trip we recommend using Passporter totally free. You can be inspired by the experiences of other travelers, choose the places that interest you most, create the travel route with a geolocated map, upload all important documents such as reservations and invite your friends so that everyone can participate in the organization of the trip.

What things to do around Lima Peru

Callao

Very close to Lima, just 12 kilometres away, is the town of Callao. Visitors to Lima come to Callao to visit one of the most beautiful and atmospheric places in the area. The centre of Callao is characterised by the colourful facades of its houses, as well as its modern shops, art galleries, bars and terraces. The Callao Monumental street, La Fortaleza del Real Felipe and the Playa la Punta are must-see sights in Callao.

Antioquia

It is a small but charming town on the outskirts of Lima, 72 kilometres away. Antioquia is also known as “the town of murals” and its main attraction is the white facades of the houses, but all decorated with beautiful colourful motifs. In addition, you can also visit the church, the main square and a beautiful viewpoint.

Lima visit in 2 and 3 days

What to do in Lima in 2 days

First day:

• Plaza de Armas
• Cathedral of Lima
• Palacio de Gobierno
• Convent of San Francisco
• Parque de las Aguas

Second day:

• Miraflores
• Huaca Pucllana
• Mercado Indio
• Barranco
• San Isidro

Things to do in Lima in 3 days

If you have an extra day we recommend you explore some of the places near Lima:

• Visit Callao
• Visit Antioquia

Other interesting destinations, although somewhat further afield are:

• Excursion to Ballestas Islands (200km)
• Excursion to Caral (180km)

Where to sleep in your trip to Lima

It is recommended to look for accommodation in the safest neighbourhoods, i.e. Miraflores, Barranco and San Isidro, the first two being of most tourist interest.

• Kokopelli Hostel Barranco: Located in a baroque palace, this hostel is, in addition to highly recommended by its visitors, very economical. It is located in Barranco and its atmosphere is just like that of the neighbourhood: modern, bohemian and cosmopolitan. The rooms are tastefully decorated, as are the shared spaces, such as the bar and lounges. Price per night for a private double room: from €34.
• Radisson Red Miraflores: Located in the neighbourhood of the same name, the Radisson Red Miraflores is one of the most special hotels in the city, and also has a higher-than-average price tag. Its décor is somewhere between kitsch and modern, as you can guess from its white façade with a huge mural of a red Chihuahua, its logo. Pets allowed. It has a gym and a pleasant rooftop with murals where you can sit and have a drink. Price per night for two people: from €115 including breakfast

Where to eat in Lima

If you visit Lima you must try its traditional cuisine, especially ceviche and tamales. Here are a few suggestions of places to do just that.

• Barra Maretazo: one of the best local food restaurants in Lima. It is located in the Miraflores neighbourhood and its price range is €3-10.
• Embarcadero 41: a very good restaurant where you can try ceviche and other local fish dishes at a good price. Menu for 25 soles (€5.42).

How to get to Lima Peru

The main point of arrival in Peru’s capital, especially for international visitors, is Jorge Chavez Airport. Once there, there are several ways to get to the centre of the city:

• Airport Express Lima: this is the bus-shuttle service offered by the airport. For €7 it takes you to the Miraflores neighbourhood, and you don’t need to book.
• Other shuttle companies: There are other private companies with slightly cheaper prices that pick you up at the airport and also take you to Miraflores or to the door of your hotel (20 soles/ €4.34). The disadvantage of these services is that they have to be booked a few days in advance.
• Taxi: Of course, as at all airports, in Lima you can get into a taxi waiting at the departure gate. The fare to the city centre is approximately 60 soles (€13.02).
• Uber: recommended if you have an internet connection. Price on request.

Travel tips

• Wear comfortable shoes
• Carry your money exchanged into Peruvian soles beforehand. Currency exchanges at airports are very expensive.
• Do not drink tap water in Peru, always drink bottled water and avoid ice.
• Avoid eating food from street food stalls to avoid food poisoning.
• Be careful with your personal belongings, especially in the more touristy areas.
• Avoid night walks in the centre.
• Avoid night walks in the centre.
• Buy travel insurance to cover possible medical expenses.
• The best time to travel to Lima is between October and April, when temperatures are higher and the skies are clearer.
• When it comes to plugs, Peru uses three types of plugs: A, B and C.

How to organise your trip to Lima

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• Add the stops that interest you most, as well as the restaurants and bars where you want to eat (you can use the points of interest listed in this post as a reference).
• Organise your itinerary by route days according to their location on the map (you can take inspiration from the routes we present in the post)
• Check the travel budget that the app calculates according to your travel stops, restaurants, and leisure activities.
• Make the modifications you need and you’ll be all set for your trip.
• Share your experience. Upload photos of each of the places you’ve visited on your trip to the app.

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