20 Wonderful Things To Do in Lima, Peru
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Lima, Peru is simply wonderful. Located on dramatic cliffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean and with vibrant neigbourhoods like Barranco and the UNESCO protected Cercado de Lima, it’s hard to refute its intrigue. In this post, I share 20 wonderful things to do in Lima, Peru!
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<3 Dominique
1) Go on a food tour!
Lima, Peru is known as the “Gastronomic Capital of the Americas”. For this reason, I have listed food tours as one of the absolute best things to in Lima!
I am a huge fan of food tours led by locals. Not only do they help you get your bearings in a new city, but you also get insider tips on the best places to eat and drink (that aren’t on a list by TripAdvisor).
Below, I have consolidated some of Lima’s best rated food tours based on vibes:
- This food tour takes you to some of the best food places in the bohemian neighbourhood of Barranco.
- This street food tour takes you through the historic centre of Lima. Learn about some of Lima’s most iconic sites while sampling traditional Peruvian food.
- This food tour takes you off the mainstream tourist route and into some of Lima’s vibrant markets. There, you will sample food and produce grown in the different microclimates of Peru.
- If the vibes is calling for a chic dining experience, check this food tour.
- This food tour provides the opportunity to try food from different Peruvian regions and cultures.
2) Join a walking tour of Cercado de Lima
The historic centre of Lima, Peru is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. If Cusco and the Sacred Valley were centres of the Inca world, then Cercado de Lima was the centre of colonial Peru.
There is so much history packed on the streets of Cercado de Lima that I recommend joining a walking tour to get an appreciation of all the history. Many streets of the historic centre of Lima are pedestrian-only so you HAVE to walk.
If you’re on a budget, check out free Lima walking tours on GuruWalk (remember to tip your Guide). For a more boutique experience, check out this highly-rated tour.
Travel tip: if you time your visit to the Palacio de Gobierno (Government Palace) for precisely 11:45 am, you can catch the daily Changing of the Guard ceremony. The ceremony lasts about 30 minutes.
3) Visit the Catacombs of Lima
To date, the Catacombs of Lima (Catacumbas de Lima) are the most impressive catacombs I have ever seen. You can access the catacombs through the Basílica y Convento de San Francisco in the historic centre of Lima.
Construction on the convent started in 1546 and this included the catacombs. The catacombs served as a cemetery for the whole of the Peruvian colonial era. At its peak, the catacombs housed about 70,000 bodies. After the Peruvian War of Independence, José Francisco de San Martín banned the use of the catacombs and closed the area off in 1810. An estimated 25,000 bodies were in the crypts at the time of this closure.
In 1950, the catacombs were rediscovered and opened as a museum. The total area of the catacombs is unknown as it expands beyond the basilica and convent and connects to other landmarks around historic Lima. This complex underground network was believed to be used to protect against piracy.
Admission into the catacombs are 20/S and remember to tip your guide.
Travel tip: the catacombs run quite frequently between 9:30 am to 5:30 pm daily. You can show up at the convent and buy tickets the day of and there are guides on site. But if you want to take the hassle out of planning and logistics, check out this tour that you can pre-book days ahead of your planned visit.
4) Walk along the malecón in Miraflores
Miraflores is the chicest neighbourhood in Lima, Peru. It offers a mix of coastal, historic, and modern landmarks. I had the most magical afternoon walking along the clifftop malecón (seaside promenade). That route which follows the Pacific Coast led me to other Lima landmarks such as the Larcomar mall and Parque del Amor.
Travel tip: if you would rather rent bikes that is an option too. Alternatively, check out this bike tour that would take you through Miraflores, Barranco, by the coast all the way to Chorillos and back. Chorillos is where the giant Jesus statue is located (it’s hard to miss when you’re in Lima).
5) Visit Huaca Pucllana
Huaca Pucllana is an active archaeological site that is located right in the middle of the Miraflores neighbourhood. It is a 1,500 year old adobe and clay pyramid that pre-dates the Inca Empire. Huaca Pucllana is an active archaeological site that offers its visitors a glimpse into an ancient culture called Lima.
Entrance fee is 12 – 15 S/. There is a restaurant on site that offer illuminated views of the pyramid at night.
Travel tip: if you would like to join an organized tour to Huaca Pucllana, check out this private tour.
6) Explore the Barranco neighbourhood
If Miraflores is chic and elegant, then Barranco is the trendy, artsy younger sibling. In a word, many people describe Barranco as bohemian. Barranco is a vibrant and very walkable neighbourhood. It has a high concentration of Lima’s best restaurants and the best nightlife. There is also a good number of art galleries in the neighbourhood.
You can spend an afternoon in the cafes or Plaza de Armas of Barranco. Then stay and have dinner at one of the excellent restaurants.
7) Indulge at one of the internationally renowned Lima restaurants
Lima, Peru is a top international culinary destination. There are a number of Michelin star quality restaurants in Lima. Technically, Peru has no Michelin-starred restaurants because the Michelin Guide does not cover the country. Nevertheless, Lima offers world-renowned, high-end restaurants if you want to treat yourself to a fancy meal while visiting one of the gastronomic capitals of the world. In this section, I cover the most international renowned restaurants in Lima, Peru. Make sure to make a reservation before you go.
Astrid y Gastón
Located in the San Isidro neighbourhood in a 17th century country estate, Astrid y Gastón is a pioneer of the Peruvian culinary scene. Owned by chefs Astrid Gutsche and Gastón Acurio, who met in Paris while in culinary school. Together they dreamed of going back to Lima to open their own restaurant. In 1994, they opened Astrid y Gastón.
Originally, the restaurant had a French influence but soon they decided to lean into Peru’s diverse climates and traditions. Since then, Astrid y Gastón has helped the rest of the world disseminate Peruvian cuisine through its use of not only a variety of fresh, domestic ingredients but also the variety in traditional cooking methods used.
Central
Located in Barranco, Central showcases a contemporary interpretation of Peruvian cuisine (read: expect an artsy dining experience). Central is the culinary workshop of Peruvian chef Virgilio Martínez Véliz where he introduces little known Indigenous ingredients in his definition of Peruvian cuisine. Central features Peru’s diverse, fresh domestic ingredients (thanks to the country’s diverse microclimates) and diverse culinary traditions in every dish served.
Maido
Located in Miraflores, Maido serves Peruvian-Japanese fusion experiences (read: fine dining + experimental vibes). Maida is owned by Mitsuharu “Micha” Tsumura, a Peruvian chef of Japanese decent. He is considered to be a pioneer of Nikkei cuisine – a fusion cuisine which combines Japanese and Peruvian elements. Nikkei is the word used to describe immigrants of Japanese origin in Peru.
Kjolle
Located in Barranco, Kjolle also explores the diverse domestic ingredients of Peru. Kjolle is owned by chef Pía León who is recognized as Latin America’s best female chef. Kjolle celebrates the diverse flavours and culinary traditions of Peru.
Mayta
Located in Miraflores, Mayta explores flavours found from the Peruvian Amazon. Peruvian chef Jaime Pesaque founded Mayta to not only pay homage to Peru and its diverse culinary traditions but to also innovate those traditional traditions.
8) Have a ceviche!
Ceviche is a cold dish of raw fish or shellfish that has been marinated in citrus juices and spices. Different versions or ceviche can be found in other Latin American countries and the Philippines. In Peru, ceviche is considered to be the national dish. UNESCO recognises Peruvian ceviche as a expression of Peruvian traditional cuisine and is a protected Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Peruvians are so proud of their national dish that they celebrate National Ceviche Day on June 28th!
The popularity of ceviche in Peru has spawned different variations of the dish. But the classic recipe that distinguishes Peruvian ceviche from all other regions contains fish, leche de tigre (traditional Peruvian marinade made from lime, onions, spices, and fish juices) and sweet potato.
9) Enjoy a pisco sour or two (or three)
I first came to learn about pisco when I took refuge in a pisco bar in Santiago, Chile. There was a protest happening on La Alameda that was starting to turn violent. I didn’t want my first HOUR(!) in South America to be spoiled, so I ducked into Chipe Libre – Républica Independiente del Pisco.
Pisco is a type of brandy and has long been contested as a Chilean vs Peruvian discovery. Now pisco sours are undoubtedly of Peruvian origin. It is a delicious cocktail that is traditional to Peruvian cuisine. I would describe it as citrusy and smooth (thanks to the egg whites).
The pisco sour is widely believed to have been invented in Lima, Peru in 1915. Today, pisco sour is known as “Latin America’s most elegant cocktail”. Peruvians are very proud and passionate about pisco sour. When Chileans try to claim the cocktail as their own, battles ensue (not exaggerating, I’ve seen this happen).
Have a pisco sour or two while in Lima. Truthfully, I prefer Peruvian pisco sour over the Chilean variation (which contains bitters).
Travel tip: you can go beyond enjoying pisco sours at restaurants and bars, you can take lessons on how to make Peru’s national cocktail! Check out this pisco sour tour or this cooking class which includes instruction on how to make pisco sour.
10) Relax at Parque Kennedy
Parque Kennedy is located in Miraflores. It is the unofficial main square of Lima. There is plenty to see and do in Parque Kennedy.
If you want to try Peruvian street food but are apprehensive about trying random street food, then Parque Kennedy may be the place for you. All the authorised street food vendors within the park need certification from the municipal administration and public health department. My favourite picarones (deep fried dough made from squash and sweet potato) cart can be found in Parque Kennedy.
You will notice that there are many cats in Parque Kennedy. That’s because it is an unofficial sanctuary for stray cats. No one knows how it started but it was hard to ignore the number of cats that were living in Parque Kennedy. The municipality has since stepped in to keep track of the cat population in the park and sanitary conditions. In conjunction, there is also an organisation that cares for the cats living in the park and oversees the adoption of these cats to interested parties.
You will also encounter musicians, painters, and other artists at Parque Kennedy.
11) Visit the Larco Herrera Museum
The Larco Museum houses artefacts from Peru’s ancient cultures and the finest gold and silver collection from ancient Peru. It also houses a famous ancient erotic pottery collection. The Larco Herrera Museum is considered to be one of the best museums in the city and is therefore one of the very best things to do in Lima, Peru.
12) Catch a futbol game
I love watching live sports. I especially love watching a live match of the locals’ favourite sport. Peruvians LOVE futbol. To witness the Peruvians’ passion for soccer, there are three places of worship where you can do so:
- Estadio Nacional de Peru. Home of Sporting Cristal, a Liga 1 team.
- Estadio Monumental “U”. Home of Universitario de Deportes (or Universitario for short), a Liga 1 team.
- Estadio Alejandro Villanueva. Home of Alianza Lima, a Liga 1 team that is the most popular club in Peru and the 6th most popular in all of South America.
Travel tip: if you want to catch a futbol game while in Lima, check out this tour with a local guide who will take you to a game in one of the three main stadiums (based on your travel days and game schedules).
13) Take a cooking class
As mentioned multiple times in this post alone, Peru is renowned for its culinary scene. Lima in particular has a high concentration of the best restaurants in the country. So why not take lessons from a local chef?
Below are some of the best rated cooking classes in Lima.
- This top-rated cooking class will teach you how to make the national dish and the national cocktail, among other recipes.
- This tour is another top-rated cooking class that puts more emphasis on pisco tastings as the instructors are pisco producers.
- If you are interested in a market visit before joining a cooking class, check out this market tour + cooking class.
14) Take in the views at Parque del Amor
Parque del Amor offers some of the best free views in Lima. The park was inspired by Barcelona’s Park Güell and its colourful mosaics. A sculpture of embracing lovers dominate the park and it is this sculpture that gives the park its name. I would like to add that the name (Love Park in English) is fitting as the park offers some of the most romantic views in the city.
The seawall that curves with the ocean’s form creates a platform, offering views over Costa Verde. You can watch paragliders soar above you and the surfers catch waves below as you wait for the best sunset views in the city.
15) Paraglide over the Pacific Coast of Lima
As you walk along the malecón and glance towards the iconic bluffs of Lima jutting out towards the Pacific Ocean, you will notice paragliders up in the sky. Undoubtedly, paragliding over Lima will be the most memorable experience. Check out this highly-rated paragliding excursion!
16) Go sandboarding!
Lima is uniquely located in a desert right next to the Pacific Ocean. It is actually quite arid. Because of its unique location, sandboarding is a pretty popular activity. You don’t need to go far if you wanted to go sandboarding for the day.
The dunes found in the Punta Hermosa neighbourhood of Lima are ideal for sanboarders of all experience levels. As you slide down the dunes, you can also feel the breeze of the Pacific Ocean (which borders the neighbourhood on its west).
Travel tip: check out this highly-rated sandboarding excursion that will take you to the Punta Hermosa neighbourhood and offers hotel pickup, a guide, and instructors. Alternatively, check out this sandboarding tour that will take you to the Reserva Nacional Lomas de Ancón
17) Enjoy the nightlife
If you wanted to experience Peruvian nightlife, Lima is the place to do so. To me, Lima had a very young and vibrant vibe as a city. If I wasn’t tired, with a cold, and dreading the flight home, I would have partied in my last nights in Lima. Barranco would be my best bet for bar crawling. If you’re apprehensive about exploring the city at night independently and would appreciate a local’s perspective, check out this bar crawl tour of Miraflores. Alternatively, if you were more interested in exploring Barranco, check out this bar crawl tour.
18) Learn how to latin dance
If a bar crawl isn’t your thing but still want a chance to get your groove on while in Lima, then taking dance lessons might be the activity for you. While I was in Peru, I noticed salsa was very popular. My guide was actually giving salsa lessons in between cities and down times (he had a lot of energy to burn).
If you’re looking for private lessons, check out this dance lesson that will teach you salsa and bachata. If you’re looking for a more social experience, check out this dance class that will cover both salsa and bachata.
19) Surf Lima’s Costa Verde
Surfing on Lima’s Costa Verde may be a once-in-a-lifetime chance, so why not catch some waves while you’re in Lima? Surfing is a pretty popular activity in Lima as the it gets consistent waves all year long for all skill levels. The waves near Miraflores are beginner friendly. If you are interested in taking surfing lessons while in Lima, check out this highly-rated excursion.
20) Go on a day trip
While there are plenty of wonderful things to do in Lima, it also serves as the perfect base for day trips. Why not explore beyond the capital’s boundaries and get deeper into the heart of Peru?
Below are some of the best day trips from Lima:
- Huacachina
- Ica
- Paracas
- Callao and Palomino Islands
- Nazca
- Caral-Supe
- Pachacamac
- Lomas de Lachay
- Chincha
- Marcahuasi
Where to stay in Lima, Peru
For budget travellers, I recommend the following hotels:
- La Luna Inn in Miraflores.
- Lima Wari Hotel Boutique in Barranco.
- ARTE HOTEL Lima in San Isidro.
If you are working with a mid-ranged budget, I recommend the following hotels:
- Casa Andina Standard Benavides in Miraflores.
- Hotel Park Suites in Barranco.
- Casa Andina Premium San Isidro in San Isidro.
For those looking for a luxury stay, I recommend the following hotels:
- Hotel Antigua Miraflores in Miraflores.
- Casa Republica Barranco Boutique Hotel in Barranco.
- Country Club Lima Hotel in San Isidro.
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What was your favourite thing to do in Lima, Peru? Did you have any questions for your upcoming visit? I would love to hear from you in the comments below!
