Top 8 best things to do in Lima, the capital of Peru, is a city full of history, culture, gastronomy and contrasts. While many tourists tend to see it as a stopover between other Peruvian wonders, such as Machu Picchu or Cusco, Lima offers a wealth of activities and sights that should not be overlooked. From its historic center, which is a World Heritage Site, to the vibrant gastronomic scene that has placed it on the global radar, Lima has much to offer those who dare to explore it.
Lima is a city that combines modernity with tradition, history with innovation and nature with urbanization. Without a doubt, there is much to do and discover in the Peruvian capital. From exploring its historic center to delighting in its gastronomy or enjoying its parks and landscapes, Lima has something for everyone. Don’t wait any longer to get to know this fascinating city!
In this article, we will present you the 8 best things to do in the city of Lima so that you can make the most of your visit to this metropolis full of life, colors, and surprises.
The historic center of Lima is the colonial heart of the city and has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Walking through its cobblestone streets transports you to bygone eras, with beautiful buildings of baroque and neoclassical architecture. Here you can visit:
The Historic Center is the perfect place to immerse yourself in the history and colonial architecture of Lima. The cobblestone streets, well-kept squares and buildings of great heritage value offer a unique experience for those looking to get to know the city in depth.
Lima is considered the gastronomic capital of Latin America, and its cuisine is one of the city’s main tourist attractions. The city is home to a wide variety of restaurants, from the most traditional to the most innovative, offering typical dishes from the region and a fusion of international flavors.
Among the most outstanding dishes that you cannot miss are:
Lima has an impressive number of high-end restaurants, and many of them have been internationally recognized. Some of the most famous include:
If you prefer something more informal, you can enjoy Lima cuisine in local markets, such as the Surquillo Market or the San Isidro Market, where you can try authentic dishes at more affordable prices.
The Miraflores district is one of the most touristic districts in Lima, famous for its parks, shopping centers, and vibrant nightlife. An essential place in this district is Kennedy Park, a place full of life and color, surrounded by restaurants, bars and shops.
The park is known for being home to hundreds of free-roaming cats, making it a unique spot for animal lovers. Additionally, in its surroundings, you can enjoy:
Miraflores is also a shopping and entertainment area, with shopping centers such as Larcomar, which is located on the cliffs and offers a spectacular panoramic view of the sea.
If you are traveling to Lima with children or simply want to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of the city, the Park of Legends is the ideal place. This zoo, located in the San Miguel district, is home to a great diversity of animal species and is perfect for enjoying nature and learning about Peruvian fauna.
The park is divided into several thematic zones, which recreate different ecosystems of the country, such as the Coast, the Mountains and the Jungle. Here you can see animals such as the puma, the jaguar, the parrot, the vicuña, and many more. In addition, the park has botanical gardens, recreation areas and interactive museums.
One of the most striking and unique activities in Lima is visiting the Magic Water Circuit, a park located in the Reserve Park. This place is known for its impressive collection of water fountains, which are illuminated at night creating a stunning visual spectacle.
The circuit has 13 interactive fountains, including the Magic Fountain (the largest and most famous), which offers a show of lights, music and dancing water, creating a magical experience for all visitors. The park is ideal for a family night walk, since in addition to the fountains, it has recreational areas, trails, and green spaces to relax.
If you are a lover of nature, impressive views and the sea breeze, the Costa Verde of Miraflores is one of those essential destinations in Lima. This beautiful coastal stretch extends from the San Isidro district to Chorrillos, covering one of the most vibrant and tourist areas of the city, and is ideal to enjoy a day of rest, sports or simply to connect with the natural beauty of the Peruvian coast.
The Costa Verde is characterized by its boardwalk, an extensive elevated promenade on the cliffs of Miraflores, which offers unparalleled panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean. Along this boardwalk, you can enjoy a relaxing tour among well-kept gardens, contemporary sculptures, and benches where you can sit and watch the horizon.
The boardwalk is divided into several sections, each with its own charm, and connects different points of interest such as the Parque del Amor, with its colorful mosaics and the famous sculpture “The Kiss”, which pays tribute to love and passion. From here, you can admire the coast and, if you’re lucky, see the skydivers who usually fly over the area.
Along the Costa Verde there are also some highly visited beaches, ideal for those who enjoy surfing, bodyboarding or simply relaxing in the sun. The beaches of Waikiki, Makaha and Playa Redondo are well known by locals and tourists for their lively atmosphere and the quality of the waves. If you are passionate about surfing, the Costa Verde is a perfect place to rent a board and jump into the waters of the Pacific.
Furthermore, the Costa Verde is not only a paradise for lovers of water sports, but also for those who prefer quieter activities, such as walking, running or cycling. The boardwalk is perfectly adapted for these purposes, and many locals take advantage of the early hours of the day to practice sports while enjoying the sea breeze.
The Costa Verde is also an excellent destination for lovers of good food. In its surroundings, you will find a variety of restaurants that offer the best of Peruvian cuisine, with views of the sea. From fresh ceviches and tiraditos to traditional dishes like lomo saltado and rice with seafood, diners can delight in the unique flavors of Peru while taking in the stunning panoramic view.
Restaurants such as La Rosa Náutica and Pescados Capitales stand out for their elegant atmosphere and their menus that present the best of the Peruvian sea. Additionally, in the Larcomar area, a shopping center with an incredible view of the sea, there are several quality dining options that offer international cuisine and, of course, a complete menu of cocktails and piscos to accompany the experience.
One of the most magical moments you can experience on the Costa Verde is the sunset. As the sun sets behind the horizon, the coast turns orange, pink and gold, creating a natural spectacle that you cannot miss. This is the ideal time to capture stunning photos or simply relax and take in the beauty of the sea as the day comes to a close.
In addition to enjoying the boardwalk and beaches, the Costa Verde is also a meeting point for cultural events and recreational activities. At various times of the year, festivals, open-air concerts and sporting events are held, attracting tourists and locals alike. On weekends, you can see groups of people practicing yoga on the beach, or families riding their bikes.
In the Parque del Amor, cultural and artistic activities are carried out, and along the boardwalk you can find outdoor exhibitions that further enrich the visit.
The Larco Museum is one of the most important museums in Lima and is located in the Free People district. This museum houses one of the most complete collections of pre-Columbian art in Peru, with more than 45,000 pieces spanning more than 5,000 years of Peruvian history.
In the museum you can admire gold objects, ceramics, textiles, and other artifacts that belong to various pre-Inca cultures, such as the Mochica, Nazca and Inca. Additionally, the museum has an impressive collection of erotic ceramics that offers an interesting perspective on the beliefs and customs of Peru’s ancient civilizations.
The Barranco district is known for being the bohemian district of Lima, a place full of art, music and nightlife. This neighborhood offers a wide variety of cultural activities, such as art galleries, theaters, and bars with live music.
One of the best-known points of Barranco is the Bridge of Sighs, a romantic place full of legends. The atmosphere in Barranco is relaxed and unique, with streets full of graffiti, bars and restaurants offering local and international food.
Barranco is also an excellent place to enjoy Lima’s nightlife, with cocktail bars, salsa clubs, and venues where live music concerts are held, especially genres such as rock, jazz, and Creole music.
Visit Peru and discover its highlights from Lima to Cusco on an exciting journey that encompasses modern cities and ancient worlds. From the depths of the Colca canyon to the heights of the Andes and on to the unique islands of Lake Titicaca, be immersed in fascinating Peruvian culture while discovering its history buried deep within the walls of lost cities.
The wonders of Peru await you as you hike through the Manu Amazon rainforest, traverse the plains of the Sacred Valley of the Incas, and stroll the cobbled streets of Cusco on this 15-day trip from Lima. Search for monkeys and medicinal plants in the Amazon, travel the ancient road to Machu Picchu, experience a stay in a traditional community on the shores of serene Lake Titicaca.
Dive deep into the culture and landscapes of Peru with this adventure to Machu Picchu, the Amazon and more. Search for wildlife along jungle trails and rivers in the rainforest from a comfortable lodge then head up into the Andes to Cusco, the capital of the Inca empire.
