What to Do in Lima, Peru: A Curated Guide for Every Traveler

Are you wondering what to do in Lima, Peru once you get there? It’s a logical question, since many people have heard of this city, but don’t really know what it has to offer. And the truth is that the capital of Peru, being a large and vibrant city, is filled with opportunities, activities and locations that will satisfy every type of traveller!

So, in this guide, we will present our top 18 things to do in Lima. From museums, to food, to exploring neighborhoods to even paragliding for the most adventurous ones! We will also share some tips, suggest the best areas to stay and share some itineraries for a 1, 2, 3 and weekly long stay in Lima.

Let’s get into it!

A world-class food scene for the foodies, stunning coastline along the Pacific for the beach lovers and a captivating past for the history buffs, makes Lima a top destination in Latin America! Lima today is a cosmopolitan city that seamlessly weaves its past with its modern present, offering a comfortable pace ideal for senior travel in Peru. There are many things to do and areas to explore like Miraflores, Barranco and San Isidro, but the whole city is a unique destination and one of the best places to visit in Peru.

Lima perfectly combines history, food, adventure and beautiful landscapes, making it one of the top destinations for things to do in Peru.. You can spend your mornings visiting landmarks and cultural sights, then delve into the local cuisine for lunch and in the evening, relax in a small local bar or take a walk along the Pacific coast. Combine the most popular locations with some hidden and less-touristy spots and you will truly discover the spirit of Lima!

Lima’s most refined district, Miraflores has all the makings of an attractive spot: the oceanfront landscaped parks and stunning views of the Pacific say it all. One of the highlights here is walking along the Malecón, a clifftop causeway studded with gardens and pathways that affords spectacular views of the sea. Make a stop at Parque del Amor, the ‘park of love’ with vivid mosaics and fantastic views. Other highlights include charming cafes and a multitude of excellent restaurants.

The most striking thing about Huaca Pucllana is the fact that it’s an ancient pre-Columbian adobe pyramid that sits smack in the heart of the trendy Miraflores neighborhood of Lima. Dating back over 1,500 years, the site can be seen on a guided tour of the ruins. For a more complete experience, grab a table at the restaurant on site. The food is excellent and the view of the pyramid and ruins as they’re lit up at night can’t be beat.

Many describe Barranco as Lima’s artistic and cultural soul. The neighbourhood is known for the street art, the numerous galleries and the bohemian atmosphere. While walking you can also pass by unique shops, visit any of the many cafés or simply enjoy the murals that adorn the exterior of homes. One of Barranco’s iconic spots is the Puente de los Suspiros (Bridge of the Winds), an old wooden bridge inspired by a local legend that dates back to the 18th century. At night Barranco transforms itself into a neighbourhood of nightspots, bars and live music.

Visiting the historic center of Lima is a key cultural & historical experience in Peru, reflecting the country’s colonial past. It features impressive colonial-style plazas, churches and stately balconies. Begin your visit at the Plaza Mayor, which is home to the Government Palace and the Lima Cathedral. Many colonial era buildings can be explored in the nearby streets. During the day it is less crowded and you will have time to enjoy and absorb the architecture and sights at a leisurely pace.

A short walk from the Plaza de Armas, the Museo Larco offers a sophisticated experience. With an incredible collection of 45,000 objects representing 3,000 years of pre-Columbian Peruvian history, the exhibits bring to life the civilizations of the region. Located in an 18th-century colonial mansion with stunning gardens, the Larco Museum also has a very good on-site restaurant.

If there’s one word that sums up Lima, it’s food, making it one of the top destinations for food & wine experiences in Peru. And with good reason. This fascinating South American city fuses Peruvian cuisine with modern elements. Dining at restaurants such as Central or Maido is truly an unforgettable experience. The menus comprise innovative tasting experiences, each dish using the finest of the local produce. Always book well in advance as tables at the very best restaurants are hard to come by.

Ceviche in Lima is a must! This simple fresh fish dish comes mixed with lime, onion, and chili. La Mar and Punto Azul are good spots to try it. Food quality can vary from restaurant to restaurant, like in every city, so make sure that you do your research before picking a place to dine.

Perhaps you didn’t see that one coming, but Lima is a great paragliding destination. Starting from the cliffs of Miraflores, you will soar over the Pacific and enjoy amazing views of the coastline and the city's skyline without any interruptions. The flights are in tandem with expert instructors, so even first-timers can do it. It is a brief but extraordinary adventure travel experience in Peru, that lets you see Lima from a completely different viewpoint.

The Magic Water Circuit is a large park with sparkling fountains and light shows, all synchronized to music. At night, these performances are even better, coming alive with the interaction of the crowd, and changing colors on several groups of fountains. Although it may not be your first choice, it's very well run, fun, and a great activity for family travel in Lima, especially when traveling to Peru with kids.

Larcomar is a fascinating open air mall that literally digs into the cliff face at the edge of Miraflores, offering breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean. Here you can find high-end boutiques and dining options, making it a highlight of luxury travel in Lima. You can grab a snack or meal in the mezzanine level and take in the breathtaking views, especially during sunset.

A food tour is the most effective way to get an idea of the food scene in Lima. Guided tours tastings throughout different areas of the city, offering samples of traditional Peruvian food, as well as contemporary versions of it. Private guided tours in Lima offer a more personal experience and allow you to discover some of the best hidden restaurants in the city.

One of Lima’s most affluent districts, San Isidro offers a more laid-back experience, with wide streets, gardens and a generally more upscale feel. The site of the Huaca Huallamarca is less touristy than the more famous Huaca Pucllana in Barranco but still an interesting place to visit. San Isidro is a good place for a casual stroll especially around El Olivar Park, which contains some ancient olive trees that are believed to be hundreds of years old and add to the area’s charm.

Lima Art Museum (MALI) offers a window into Peruvian culture and artistic development. It is recommended to visit the site after touring the ancient ruins to gain more understanding of the art and culture of the country. The museum is located in a historic building in Parque de la Exposición and has a wide assortment of pre-Columbian, colonial and contemporary art. Travelers looking to explore some of the country’s lesser-known sights will also find this a good addition to their itinerary.

A different side of Lima, the Costa Verde stretches along for more than 11 kilometres of pedestrian and cycling paths along the edge of the Pacific Ocean with access to many of the scenic beaches in the area. It is highly recommended to walk or cycle during the morning or in the late afternoon when the weather is more pleasant.

The specialty coffee trend in Lima is on the rise, especially in areas like Barranco and Miraflores, where several independent coffee shops pride themselves on Peruvian beans of the highest quality. Besides serving good coffee these cafes are also beautifully decorated and offer their customers a very laid back experience. A good cup of coffee is a perfect excuse to take your time and enjoy the surroundings when you are sightseeing.

Chifa food type is a mirror of the mixture of Chinese and Peruvian food traditions, shaped through long cultural exchanges. It is a combination of different tastes, mixing Chinese cooking skills with native Peruvian ingredients and spices. With dishes such as arroz chaufa and lomo saltado being very popular in Lima, one can learn more about the city's multicultural cuisine by tasting these dishes in a chifa restaurant.

Lima’s Chinatown, located near the historic center, offers a lively mix of markets, restaurants, and street food. It’s a good place to experience chifa cuisine in a more traditional setting while also exploring a different side of the city. Easily combined with a visit to Plaza Mayor, the area is best explored during the day when it’s more active and easier to navigate.

Watching a sunset over the Pacific Ocean is probably one of the easiest, yet most rewarding things you can do in Lima. The finest views come from the Miraflores or Barranco cliffs where the sea line is totally visible without the slightest obstruction. With the changing light over the ocean, the atmosphere becomes calm and romantic, making it perfect for memorable honeymoons in Peru.

If you only have one day in Lima it is a good idea to have a mix of everything. A good way to plan your day in Lima is as follows: Start your day by walking along the Malecón in Miraflores. After getting some fresh air on the ocean front head to Huaca Pucllana. In the afternoon take a taxi to the historic centre and visit Plaza Mayor. After walking through the main square, head to Museo Larco to learn more about the pre-Columbian cultures. After a full day, head to Barranco and stroll around the streets before having dinner at one of the many quality restaurants here.

Two days is enough time for a pretty thorough visit, making Lima perfect for city breaks. Use the first day to explore Miraflores, get to know the seaside, check out the main attractions, and even have dinner at some of Lima's finest restaurants. On the second day, you can see the old city center, go to the Museo Larco among other museums, and relax in Barranco. In case you have spare moments, include a nighttime trip to the Magic Water Circuit to see a different side of the city.

With three days in Lima, you can embrace a more leisurely pace. Follow the same structure as our two-day tour of the city, and then spend time exploring San Isidro and its pleasant parks and less-trodden streets. Visit any additional museums or galleries that have caught your interest, and be sure to include at least a guided food tour that will allow you to truly savor Lima’s gastronomic renown.

A week in Lima will give you the opportunity to use the capital as a launch pad to travel to nearby attractions. In addition to exploring the city’s diverse neighborhoods and sampling the local cuisine, you can take day-trips or overnights to Paracas and the Ballestas Islands, to the Huacachina desert oasis, or to the ancient site of Pachacamac. By spending a week in Lima you’ll be able to enjoy the city as well as several different landscapes and environments without having to change hotels.

If you want a luxurious stay, pick the neighborhoods that get the best mix of comfort and location. Miraflores is perfect for travelers seeing the city for the first time. It has beautiful ocean views, is very walkable, and there are top-tier hotels all around. Barranco is the right fit if you love boutique style and a nightlife scene that keeps you entertained. Meanwhile, San Isidro is a calm, residential area with nice hotels and parks and the business district close by.

With just a little planning, moving around Lima is very easy. Uber is the most dependable means, besides that it is the one that people pick more than taxis from the streets. In Lima the roads can be very crowded with cars, especially during rush-hour, so keep that in mind. Walking is a good idea if you are planning to stay in Miraflores, Barranco or San Isidro.

Let’s see now some tips that will help you prepare better for your trip to Lima.

You were wondering what to do in Lima and hopefully this guide has given you a well-rounded answer. We explored the cuisine, museums, landmarks and neighborhoods of this colorful city and saw that there is something for everyone! No matter if you plan to stay for one day or a whole week, you can enjoy Lima just the same, provided you take our tips into account as well!So, if you feel ready for a trip to majestic Peru but don’t know or don’t want the troubles of organising it yourself, talk to Tailored by Locals! Share your thoughts and ideas and a local expert will design an itinerary made just for you!