Poised on cliffs that hug the Pacific Ocean and rich with cultural heritage, Lima is a city like no other. A convergence of old and new worlds, Peru’s capital seamlessly blends together Inca temples and colonial architecture with trendy boulevards and cosmopolitan comforts. It’s also home to some of the finest eateries on the planet, including Central, crowned the world’s best in 2023 for its altitude-tiered tasting menu.
A gateway to the rest of the country — including the Amazon Basin to the east and the desert-etched Nazca lines to the south — Lima city is often left underexplored by visitors. But with bohemian art, ancient ruins, meringue-topped pisco sours, and ocean-view sunsets, the city and its charms are not to be missed. With this in mind, we’ve put together a list of the best places to visit in Lima, complete with our own insider tips to get the most out of each spot.
1. Explore ancient Lima at Huaca Pucllana
If you’re an Inca Trail seeker with eager sights set on the Sacred Valley, make a stop first at Lima’s Huaca Pucllana ruins. This pre-Incan adobe pyramid dates back to 500 AD and provides fascinating additional context into Peru’s ancient civilizations. Contrasting starkly with the urban bustle of the Miraflores district that surrounds it, this archaeological site is a reminder of the layers of histories and cultures that make modern Peru what it is today.
Insider tip — guided night tour: Indulge in a late ceviche dinner and go to the ruins after sundown. They will be beautifully lit, less busy, and you’ll enjoy a far more intimate experience. Depending on the time of year you’ll also avoid the heat of the day.
2. Discover the Basilica, Convent, and Monastery of San Francisco
Famous for its Spanish Baroque architecture and macabre catacombs, the San Francisco religious complex in Lima’s historic centre is high on our list. Visit the grand churches, gaze at the convent’s collection of 20,000 antique books and manuscripts — these include bibles and dictionaries in multiple languages — and explore the ornate courtyards and cloisters. Linger at the choir room, housing 130 seats made with cedar wood imported from Costa Rica, as well as an impressive rotating lectern.
If you’re feeling brave enough, descend beneath the monastery’s stone floor to the catacombs, the final resting place of some 70,000 people. These underground chambers were used as cemeteries during the Colonial period and many of the remains are arranged into eerie geometric patterns. Either way, be sure to book onto a guided day tour to get a thorough overview of the history and cultural significance of the entire site.
Insider tip — avoid the crowds: If you’re an early riser, make the most of the morning hours to enjoy a quieter visit to the catacombs and wider complex.
3. See Lima’s rich past at Larco Museum
Another site for history buffs and next up on our list is Lima’s Larco Museum. With chronological galleries showcasing five millennia of pre-Columbian history, it’s no exaggeration to say this museum offers one of the most important archaeological collections of ancient Peru in the world. In addition to textiles, gold, and jewels, you can also enjoy ceramic works from multiple cultures across Peru’s history including Chancay, Nazca, Cupisnique, Chimu, and Inca. It also houses one of the largest collections of erotic pottery in the world!
Insider tip — photo opportunity: Grab your camera and head to the museum’s terrace for picture-perfect views of the manicured gardens, especially during golden hour.
4. Cross the romantic Bridge of Sighs
In the bohemian district of Barranco you’ll find a small wooden footbridge known as el Puente de los Suspiros, or the Bridge of Sighs. While the bridge itself may appear quite unsuspecting at first glance, stunning murals in the neighbourhood and its reputation for attracting couples in love add greatly to its charm. According to legend, you’ll be granted a wish if you can cross the full length (30 metres) while holding your breath. If that feels out of reach, breathe normally and meander into the beautiful park and extremely cool graffiti tunnel nearby instead.
Insider tip — nightlife after dark: Stretch your visit through the evening and into the night. Barranco is well known as one of the best places to experience Lima’s nightlife, with boutique bars and buzzing clubs. Head to one of its famous peñas to enjoy traditional live music.
5. Soar over the ocean in Miraflores
We cannot recommend this particular experience enough. Nestled on the cliff edge facing the barrelling waves of the Pacific Ocean, Miraflores is one of the best spots for paragliding in Lima but also in the whole of South America. A short flight will see you soaring over the coastal edge and the heights, sights, and sounds of the cityscape below. If your feet prefer to stay firmly on the ground, let them wander into some of the district’s parks and restaurants instead.
Insider tip — ocean views from Parque del Amor: For an unforgettable experience, make a stop at Miraflores’ Parque del Amor. This mosaic park features beautiful benches and a giant sculpture of a couple kissing. It’s a popular spot, and can feel particularly peaceful if you’re lucky enough to catch it when fewer people are around.
6. Shop and dine with a view at Larcomar
Also in Miraflores, Larcomar is an entertainment complex boasting cinemas, restaurants, and shops. Integrated directly into the cliffside, from here you can enjoy unique views of the Callao and Barranco districts, and take advantage of some of the best eateries in the city, including world-renowned Peruvian fusion cuisine. Larcomar is also one of the only shopping spots in the world offering ocean views and is the perfect place to unwind after a long day. It’s great for a variety of budgets too, offering all kinds of experiences from casual shopping to fine dining.
Insider tip — dine with a view: Book a table at one of Larcomar’s oceanfront restaurants for about half an hour before sunset to enjoy stunning views by the time your food arrives. Then hang back for a pisco sour on one of the terraces.
7. Step into the past at Pachacámac
If Huaca Pucllana in Miraflores struck a chord, consider a visit to Pachacámac about 30km (18 mi) to the southeast of Lima city. One of the country’s most important archaeological complexes, here you can dive deeper into Peru’s ancient past and take a guided tour to learn about the temples and pyramids of pre-Columbian cultures. The site gets its name from the god Pachacámac believed to be a creator deity and also the controller of earthquakes. If your thirst for historical knowledge isn't satiated, try connecting your visit to a longer tour of Peru’s ancient cities.
Insider tip — scenic vistas: Take a few hours to explore the ruins and on-site museum, then walk to the Temple of the Sun. From there you can enjoy panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean, as well as the surrounding landscape nearby.
8. Take a stroll along the Malecón
Lima’s scenic cliff top promenade — the Malecón — stretches for nearly 10km (6 mi) and connects the districts of Miraflores and Barranco. The popular pathway is a hotspot for joggers, cyclists, and tourists alike, and features flower gardens and public art installations along the way. Take an evening stroll to cross paths with local residents walking dogs, couples on their way to Parque del Amor, and photographers waiting to catch the colours of sunset bleeding into the ocean. It’s along this pathway that you can also book a paragliding experience or simply watch other gliders swooping overhead.
Insider tip — sunset with a difference: Bring a flask of hot chocolate made with Peruvian cocoa (the drink tastes richer and typically less sweet than you'd expect) and find a secluded spot to enjoy the sunset from the cliff’s edge.
9. Visit the olive trees in Bosque El Olivar
Another free activity and definitely worth a spot in our list, Bosque El Olivar is a peaceful park located in the district of San Isidro. It’s known for its olive trees — of which there are around 1600 — brought from Spain in the 1500s. Away from the bustle of the city, it’s the perfect place for an afternoon stroll. Here you can enjoy scenic pathways, ponds, and lush greenery, despite being surrounded by the city. It’s also not too far from Huaca Pucllana, about 20 minutes by foot.
Insider tip — unwind with a picnic: Kick your relaxation up a gear with a quiet picnic in the shade of the ancient olive trees.
10. Feel the artistic soul of Lima in Barranco
With trendy bars, live music, cafés, street art, and indie galleries, this creative barrio is a favorite for city residents and visitors alike. In fact, Barranco is often considered Lima’s artistic epicenter, thanks to its vibrant murals and pop-up events. It’s also one of the best places to get a taste of Lima’s nightlife. With venues showcasing a diverse array of musical genres, from jazz and rock to up-and-coming local musicians, you’re sure to have a memorable night.
Insider tip — art lover’s paradise: Whether you visit by day or after sundown, be sure to look out for Barranco’s colorful art murals. Vibrant and expressive, they're integral to the district’s identity.
11. Visit the heart of Lima at Plaza de Armas
No trip to any Peruvian city would be complete without a visit to its Plaza de Armas, or main square. As well as being incredibly beautiful, Lima’s Plaza de Armas is also the perfect jumping-off point for exploring the historic centre or the Government Palace. Afterwards, head to any of the surrounding restaurants for a taste of Lima’s incomparable food scene. We’d especially recommend finding a well-rated polleria (chicken shop) for an unforgettable serving of pollo a la brasa (roasted chicken), best served with a glass of cold Inca Kola or a local beer.
Insider tip — photo opportunity: Grab a spot in front of the fountain for a perfect picture with the cathedral or Government Palace as a backdrop.
12. Call on the cats in Parque Kennedy
If you’re as much a fan of tiny feline friends as us, then Kennedy Park is unmissable. This public space is free to visit and is home to dozens of stray cats, making it somewhat of a tourist attraction. This part of the city attracts residents and visitors alike, who come to enjoy the relaxed atmosphere and watch the park’s many cats snoozing in the sun. It’s also surrounded by quirky cafés, making it the perfect hideaway for book reading, coffee sipping, and the delightful activity of watching people watching cats. Located in the heart of Miraflores, a visit is easily paired with a walk along the Malecón or a trip to Larcomar.
Insider tip — artisanal crafts nearby: When you’ve gazed lovingly at enough cats, check out the local artisanal stalls in the park and then head to Inka Market, located on Petit Thouars Avenue about a 10-minute walk away. There you’ll find a mix of quality crafts from Andean textiles to handmade jewelry.
