When a future visitor thinks of Peru, they picture high Andean mountains and powdery landscapes. They also imagine mysterious archaeological sites and Andean people tending to llamas and alpacas.
But Peru is much more than that. Peru is an Amazon with biodiversity, humidity, food, beautiful beaches, and the Pacific Ocean. Its capital is a stop for tourists visiting Machu Picchu. It also has the Jorge Chavez International Airport. The Peruvian capital is also a unique universe to discover.
That is why the Machu Travel Peru group has prepared an article listing the best things to do in Lima. We hope this article encourages you to explore the Peruvian capital and not consider it a passing place.
20 best things to do in Lima and some important tips
- Savor the best Ceviche in the world
- Biking on the reserve boardwalk
- Surf on Lima’s beaches
- Stroll by Plaza de Armas of Lima
- Explore the catacombs of San Francisco
- Visit the Lima Cathedral
- Get great views from San Cristobal hill
- Lose yourself in the Nation Museum
- Tour the Larco Museum
- Taste the Peruvian gastronomy
- Discover Peru Chinatown
- Enjoy the famous Pisco Sour
- Wander through the cat’s park
- Refresh in the Magic Water Park
- Sunset in the Love Park
- Stroll by Miraflores district
- Make a wish in Puente de los Suspiros
- Go paragliding over the coast
- Explore Huaca Pucllana
- Contact wildlife in the Park of Legends
1. Savor the best Ceviche in the world
- Address (Canta Rana Cevicheria): Genova 101 Street, Barranco district.
- Opening hours: Sundays and Mondays from 11 am to 05 pm. Tuesday – Friday from 11 am to 10 pm.
- Entrances fee: Free. You’ll have to stand in line to get a table.
Ceviche is a famous Peruvian dish based on raw marinated fish bathed in lemon juice and a pinch of salt. It is usually served with corn, onion, and Tiger Milk hot sauce.
We have famous dishes at great cevicheras in the capital of Peru. Some popular spots in Surco are Barranco, AltokePez, and Punto Azul. La Mar Cevicheria in Miraflores is also a must-visit.
2. Biking on the Reserve Boardwalk
- Address: Malecon de la Reserva, Miraflores district.
- Opening hours: Public area.
- Entrances fee: Free.
Many people have moved from the city center to Miraflores, San Isidro, Barranco, Surco, and La Molina. They are looking for more green spaces and beautiful coastlines. Miraflores, in particular, attracts tourists with its hotels and vibrant lifestyle, offering them a taste of local life.
Visitors can enjoy running along the beautiful Malecon de la Reserva, a 6-mile path by the coast with parks, shops, and restaurants. For a better experience, bike with a tour guide. This way, you can stop at Larcomar Shopping Center and Love Park.
3. Surf on Lima’s beaches
- Address: Miraflores and Barranco district. South of the capital.
- Opening hours: Public areas.
- Entrances fee: Free.
You will find excellent beaches in the Peruvian capital where you can practice the Peru sport of excellence, surfing. No matter if you are in the best time to visit Lima, the waves there are always available.
A silvery, milky sea with gentle waves often bathes the coasts of Miraflores and Barranco. The water is cold, around 15º Celsius (59º Fahrenheit). These are perfect for grabbing a board or a wetsuit and learning to slide on its waves.
You can find surf schools along the gravel coast. They offer two-hour sessions. Each session includes one hour of practice and one hour of surfing. Craft fishing in the Barranco Sea is an excellent option if you prefer a more scenic and relaxed option. Alternatively, you can enjoy sailing on luxury yachts off the coast of Miraflores. There are plenty of options to choose from!
4. Stroll by Plaza de Armas of Lima
- Address: Historic center.
- Opening hours: Public area.
- Entrances fee: Free.
The Plaza de Armas of Lima is surrounded by beautiful colonial and republican buildings. The Government Palace, the residence of the president of the republic, the Cathedral, the Municipal Palace, and the Archbishop’s Palace all have beautiful baroque facades.
The Plaza de Armas features palms, well-tended gardens, cozy seating areas, and stone slabs. Visitors can enjoy the daily guard change at the Government Palace at noon for free. Francisco Pizarro established the plaza in 1535, and the 1746 earthquake destroyed its original Renaissance buildings.
Subsequent reconstructions exhibit a Baroque style, while the central bronze fountain, built in 1651, remains the only original structure still intact. Don’t forget to visit this beautiful place, which is open to the public.
5. Explore the Catacombs of San Francisco
- Address: Lampa Jiron 15001, Historic Center.
- Opening hours: 09 am to 05:30 pm.
- Entrances fee: $4 per person (Only for the Catacombs area) you’ll have to join a group. Usually, individual visitors wait 45 minutes to form a group (of 15 persons) in front of the Catacombs entrance and to start the tour with a friar-guide who explains the general Catacombs history.
The San Francisco de Asis monastery and church, built in 1600, is a beautiful baroque building in South America. The monastery is famous for collecting ancient books kept in its well-preserved library. Visitors can experience a glimpse into the past, but the highlight is the convent’s basement, which contains over 25,000 crypts.
In the early years of Peru’s capital, there were no cemeteries. Many believed burial in a church brought them closer to God, leading to over 70,000 burials in these crypts. Today, the bones and skulls are arranged in visually pleasing patterns, making the catacombs an intriguing, if unsettling, experience for visitors.
6. Visit the Lima Cathedral
- Address: Plaza de Armas east side.
- Opening hours: From Monday to Friday 9 am to 5 pm. Saturdays from 10 am to 1 pm.
- Entrances fee: $3.
This is one of the most beautiful historical buildings in Lima’s historic center. It’s on the east side of Plaza Mayor. If you are going to stay for some days in the capital of Peru, you cannot miss this imposing building with an incredible Renaissance facade.
Inside, you can denote various styles that predominate in its construction. We can mention its beautifully carved choir and a slender Christ statue in the St. John the Baptist Chapel.
Also, inside the temple are the remains of the famous Francisco Pizarro, the founder of the Peruvian capital. Moreover, one of the most pleasing things is its ceiling, which simulates a starry sky. Behind the main altar, you will find a small museum of religious art. There is also a rest patio. You can enter by paying a fee of $3. Don’t miss out on this beautiful building!
7. Get great views from San Cristobal hill
- Address: Rimac districts.
- Opening hours: Public area.
- Entrances fee: Free.
San Cristobal Hill is a well-known landmark in the capital of Peru. It rises over 400 meters and provides beautiful views of the historic center. It was significant to the Incas as a sacred site where they made offerings.
During the Spanish conquest, conquistadors placed a giant cross at its summit to suppress indigenous beliefs. Today, the hill hosts a pilgrimage during Holy Week, welcoming locals and tourists. Located northeast of Plaza de Armas, it is best not to visit alone. Guided tours are available for about $6 round trip from the plaza.
8. Lose yourself in the Nation Museum
- Address: Javier Prado Este Avenue 2465. San Borja district.
- Opening hours: From Tuesday to Sunday from 09:00 a.m. to 05:00 p.m.
- Entrances fee: Free for all public.
Among all the Peruvian museums, the National Museum is the only one worth visiting (of course, including the Larco Museum and the Lima art museum).
This is the largest museum in Peru and covers all historical stages of the Andean country, from the Stone Age to the Inca era. Bright, organized rooms show various items, including objects, textiles, ceramics, sculptures, and scale models. Some of the models represent Machu Picchu and the Nazca Lines.
If we had to choose one thing that stands out in all the museum collections, it would be the replica of the tomb of the Lord of Sipán. The first complete mummy of Moche pre-Inca culture was found in the Huaca Rajada sector, north of Peru. Some scholars affirm that this discovery is similar in importance to that of the pharaoh Tutankhamun in Egypt. It’s just fantastic!
9. Tour the Larco Museum
- Address: Bolivar 1515 Avenue, Pueblo Libre district.
- Opening hours: Every day from 10 am to 07 pm.
- Entrances fee: General $9 / Elderly people $7 / Students and underage (Up to 17 years old) $4.
The Larco Museum is located in the capital of Peru, is a must-see. It has an extensive collection of pre-Columbian art.
The museum is housed in the 18th-century viceroy mansion. It has a famous collection of erotic ceramics from the Chimu culture and hosts temporary exhibitions from other important cultures, such as the Moche and Paracas.
The museum also stands out as the first in the world to open its warehouses to the public. It showcases over 40,000 ceramics, many of which are not on display. A guided visit enhances the experience by providing insight into the fascinating histories of these artifacts.
10. Taste the Peruvian gastronomy
- Address: Along touristic districts like Miraflores, San Isidro, and Barranco.
- Opening hours: Usually, every day from 11 am to 22 pm.
- Entrances fee: Free, previous reserve.
Peruvian gastronomy has gained global recognition in recent decades, ranking alongside cuisines from Mexico, Italy, France, Japan, and China. Lima, the capital of Peru, has been repeatedly acknowledged as the gastronomic capital of South America by the prestigious “The 50 Best” rankings. This ranking elaborates on a list of the 50 best cities with good food and restaurants worldwide.
In this way, the restaurants in Lima have three key representatives. They are Central, Maido, and Astrid & Gastón. Central is known for its experimental cuisine, which combines native ingredients with international cooking techniques. Maido offers a fusion of Japanese and Peruvian food, known as Nikkei. Astrid & Gastón is a traditional Peruvian restaurant that serves the best Creole cuisine.
These restaurants are among the top 10 in the world. Besides these, La Mar and Punto Azul serve delicious seafood. Madam Tusan specializes in Chinese-Peruvian cuisine, which is sure to impress!
11. Discover Peru Chinatown
- Address: Lima’s historic center.
- Opening hours: Public area.
- Entrances fee: Free.
Chinese immigration, which began in 1849 to replace enslaved workers on plantations, significantly influenced Peru’s culture. By 1854, Chinese immigrants established Chinatown, one of South America’s earliest ethnic neighborhoods.
The first Chinese restaurant introduced traditional dishes, preserving its heritage. Over time, these cooking traditions combined with Peruvian food created Chifa, a unique mix that visitors can enjoy today.
Also, among the best markets to visit in Lima, you’ll find this one with typical Asian products brought out directly from China. Experts in card reading, and horoscope will call you to tell your fortune on the street. In the same way, we recommend visiting it in a group, never alone.
12. Enjoy the famous Pisco Sour
- Address (Pisco Museum): Junín Jiron 201, Historic Center.
- Opening hours: Sundays from 11 am to 06 pm. Fridays and Saturdays from 11 am to 11 pm. Mondays to Thursdays from 11 am to 10 pm.
- Entrances fee: Free with previous reservation.
A Pisco Sour will be your perfect accompaniment if you want something to do in the great Lima nightlife.
Pisco, a spirit made from green grapes, can be enjoyed alone or in cocktails. One popular drink is the Pisco Sour, which mixes lemon juice, ice, egg whites, jelly syrup, and Angostura bitters. This drink has been a part of Peruvian culture since pre-Inca times, and Pisco is named in its honor.
For a more profound experience, the Pisco Museum offers a vibrant atmosphere and a variety of Pisco cocktails. You can try Pisco at several popular places, including Gran Hotel Bolivar, La Mar Cevicheria, Hotel Maury, and the Country Club.
13. Wander through the Cat’s park
- Address: Jose Larco Avenue 15074, Miraflores district.
- Opening hours: Public area.
- Entrances fee: Free.
Like in many big cities, the capital of Peru has seen people move from the historic center to larger areas. They have created districts such as Miraflores, San Isidro, and Surco. A notable attraction in Miraflores is John F. Kennedy Park, home to over 70 friendly cats.
Their origins are unclear. Some people think they came from a convent with a rat problem. Others believe someone brought them in the 1980s to help with a rat plague. The park encourages visitors to bring cat food to feed the friendly felines.
14. Refresh in the Magic Water Park
- Address: Madre de Dios S/N, Lima.
- Opening hours: Monday to Sunday from 02 pm to 10 pm.
- Entrances fee: $2 and for underage (Less than 5 years) entrance is free.
El Circuito Mágico del Agua, or Magic Water Circuit, is located in the Parque de la Reserva, a beautiful green zone in the city center that once housed the old Lima airport.
The park features over 15 water sources and captivating light shows instead of traditional slides. Highlights include the Maze of the Dream. Here, visitors navigate jets of water to reach a central platform.
There is also a water tunnel made of over 50 faucets. These faucets shoot water at different angles, making it great for photos. The main attraction is a huge water fountain. It shoots water over 80 meters high. Peruvian music plays in the background. The lights project 3D holograms onto the waterfalls, creating a spectacular experience at night.
15. Sunset in the Love Park
- Address: Malecon Cisneros Avenue 15074, Miraflores.
- Opening hours: Public area.
- Entrances fee: Free.
Parque del Amor in Miraflores, Peru, is a romantic spot. People know it for its stunning ocean views and bright mosaic designs, which remind visitors of Antoni Gaudí’s art.
The park features lines of poetry by notable Peruvian poets and scenic trails along the cliffs. Its centerpiece, “The Kiss”, is a sculpture by Victor Delfín depicting an embracing couple. It makes the park a perfect retreat for couples and a must-visit on any itinerary in Peru.
16. Stroll by Miraflores district
- Address: Miraflores District. South of Lima Center, Peru.
- Opening hours: Complete district area.
- Entrances fee: Free.
Miraflores is one of the most tourist sites in Peru. Being able to visit this district during the summer is the best time to enjoy it.
Your walking trip starts on the scenic Malecon de la Reserva boardwalk, perfect for paragliding, running, and biking. You can shop at Larcomar and relax on the beach, where you can surf, paddle, fish, and sail.
Miraflores is a lively neighborhood known for its great restaurants, which are well-loved in the food world. This tourist-friendly area offers a variety of high-quality dining options and luxurious accommodations.
17. Make a wish in Puente de los Suspiros
- Address: Barranco District. South of Lima Center, Peru.
- Opening hours: Complete district area.
- Entrances fee: Free.
Barranco is one of the capital’s most artistic and cultural districts. You can have a good time in one of its bars or visit its many colonial mansions. Barranco offers many things to do, and its wonderful street art is proof of that. Also called the Bohemian district, it is an excellent place to stroll during the day and afternoon and enjoy its lively nightlife.
With so many things to do in Barranco, you must visit this place at least once. One of the must-see places in the Barranco neighborhood is the Puente de Los Suspiros. Legend says that if it is your first time crossing this bridge, you must hold your breath and make a wish.
18. Go paragliding over the coast
- Address: Miraflores coast (cliff), public area.
- Opening hours: Public areas.
- Entrances fee: Free.
Miraflores seems to have become the modern center of the Andean capital. Almost all the city’s essential activities concentrate on its shores. But the icing on the cake is undoubtedly the paragliding in Lima. If you look at photos of the capital of Peru from above, you will see its white buildings on beautiful cliffs next to a calm sea. An excited visitor took these photos while paragliding.
Many paragliders fly in the sky near the Marine lighthouse, built halfway up Miraflores’ cliffs. A paragliding company operates near this lighthouse. They offer tandem flights that last 10 to 15 minutes.
You will fly with an instructor who controls the paragliding. The cost for these flights is between $80 and $100. This experience is unique and incredible around the sky.
19. Explore Huaca Pucllana
- Address: General Borgoño Street, block 8, Lima.
- Opening hours: Wednesday – Monday (Tuesday closed) from 09 am to 05 pm. Night visits: Wednesday – Sunday from 07 to 10 pm.
- Entrances fee: $3.50 for adults and $2 for underage (under 12 years old). Night visits: $4.50 for adults and $2 for underage (under 12 years old).
One of the most surprising things to do in the Miraflores neighborhood is to visit the Huaca Pucllana. Builders constructed this building using clay and adobe. It was once a ceremonial pyramid and served as an administrative center for the Lima Culture in pre-Columbian times. It has survived for over 1000 years since builders constructed it between 200 and 700 AD.
Today, people find this archaeological site in the heart of Miraflores. It is one of the many attractions you cannot miss visiting in the capital of Peru.
The contrast between the surrounding commercial buildings and this pyramid is striking. Today, you can enjoy a wonderful site tour and its adjoining museum. Or why not try a delicious dish in your superb restaurant? That’s right—the site also has an excellent Peruvian cuisine restaurant worth trying.
20. Contact wildlife in the Park of Legends
- Address: Parque de las Leyendas 580 Street, San Miguel district.
- Opening hours: All days (Holidays included) from 09 am to 05 pm.
- Entrances fee: $4 per adult and $2 for underage (from 3 to 12 years old)
There is the most complete Peruvian zoo in the country. Moreover, you’ll see the best examples of the incredible Peru biodiversity: flora and fauna.
The best part is that we distribute all these animals in three zones. The Jungle (the most interesting) has incredible lions, tigers, jaguars, bears, black caimans, and harpy eagles, among others. The Sierra area with the best specimens of llamas, alpacas, vicuñas, guanacos, and viscachas. You cannot miss the coastal area with fantastic sea lions, seals, Humboldt penguins, dolphins, pelicans, and more.
“WHEREVER YOU GO BECOME A PART OF YOU SOMEHOW”
The Peruvian capital is an excellent place to enjoy a few days surrounded by luxury, architectural beauty, and delicious food. As you can see, there are many things to do in Lima. These are just a few examples of all this giant city offers. If interested, consult our travel packages to learn about the Peruvian capital. Together with Machu Travel Peru, we hope to have helped you with your plans.
We look forward to your prompt visit to the Andean country.
