THINGS TO DO IN LIMA, PERU
Although many people I encountered in Peru told me to skip Lima, I decided to give it a chance, and I’m so glad I did. This city took me by surprise because I wasn’t necessarily expecting much from it. However, I thought it was beautiful, and I found quite a few fun things to do in my three days there.
Lima is known to have moody and cold weather. This is why many tourists and local people stay away from it. But if you don’t mind gloomy skies, then don’t skip out on Lima and give it at least a couple of days to explore.
The city is very modern. It has tons of restaurant options, a beautiful historic center, significant areas to walk by the beach, and many green spots in this concrete jungle where you can sit back and relax.
There are three main areas to visit in Lima for tourists. They are the Historical Center, the Neighborhood of Miraflores, and the Barranco Neighborhood. Below, I list what you can do in each area.
Things to Do in Lima, Perú
Table of Contents
Things to Do in Lima, Peru
The Historic Center
The best thing you can do in Lima is head to its historic center. It has a lot of things to see. It has plazas, museums, churches, and historic buildings. My friend and I got lucky with the weather, and we enjoyed walking around seeing the beautiful architecture. Below, I’ll mention some of the main places to check out in this lovely historical center.
Walk Around Plaza Mayor
Once known as Plaza de Armas, this beautiful plaza or square is the oldest public space in Lima. It has many historic buildings and important institutional places. I found this historic area to be stunning because of its architecture.
At Plaza Mayor, you will find a few restaurants, a beautiful cathedral, and some historical sites to visit. We took a cheap Uber ride from Miraflores (where we stayed) because we were a bit far.
Visit the Cathedral of Lima
In Plaza Mayor, you can find this gorgeous cathedral built in 1535 and completed in 1649. It is dedicated to St John, Apostle, and Evangelist. The cathedral is also a museum, and you can buy tickets to go inside to awe its beauty. It’s a collection of historical objects, sculptures, paintings, jewelry, furniture, ad more.
Admire the Archbishop Palace
Located just next to the Plaza de Armas and next to the cathedral, this beautiful building is one you’ll surely enjoy visiting. Inside, it has items made from the finest material, such as cedarwood, bronze, marble, and mahogany. It’s a gorgeous palace, and the stairs in the middle are the perfect spot for a picture.
Stroll Plaza San Martin
This plaza was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1988. It’s in the center of Lima and near Plaza Mayor. This large public space is the perfect place to wander around the historic center. The monument is dedicated to Peru’s liberator, Jose de San Martin.
See the Basilica y Convento de San Francisco
Near the Historical Center is the Saint Francis Monastery. It’s a church you can enter for free. It’s stunning from the outside, and from what I hear, it’s also beautiful inside. There is a historic library that holds over 25,000 antique texts that date back to the Spanish Conquest. Unfortunately, I didn’t visit the inside because there was an event on the day I passed by, and a long line circled the church.
Check Out Circuito Magico de Aguas
Circuito Magico de Aguas (Magic Water Circuit) was one of my favorite places in the city. It has many water fountains that are meant to entertain you. They are beautiful to see during the day but also at night when they light up. There is even a water show that functions a few times a day. This is a place mainly for families, but everyone can enjoy it.
The entrance is only four soles. I recommend visiting in the evening before sunset to see the fountains in the day and then when they light up. The park is sometimes known as Parque de la Reserva (Park of the Reserve). The park is not in the historic center, but it is downtown, and you can walk to it or take a short Uber ride from the historic center.
The Miraflores Neighborhood
The Miraflores neighborhood is where tourists stay because it is considered the safest part of the city. This is also where you will find the best hotels and hostels. Plus, there are many great restaurants, shopping malls, parks, bars and nightclubs, and even a boardwalk along the beach. This area is a bit more high-end and where you’ll find the higher class of Peru and expats living here. Here are some spots to check out:
Walk the Malecon de Miraflores
The Malecon, or boardwalk, in the district of Miraflores, was my favorite place to walk in Miraflores. There are fantastic views of the beach below, and it’s simply peaceful. This boardwalk stretches 10km (6mi) along the coast and is perfect for walking or riding a bike.
You can stop along the way to grab a snack, coffee or enjoy watching the paragliders flying around. The gardens along the way are gorgeous and clean, so this makes it very enjoyable. Plus, the cliffs of Lima look incredible as you stroll by.
Stroll by the Beach
I’d tell you to go swimming, but Lima is a bit cold, and I’m sure the water is too. But the beach is beautiful, and Lima has so many that you can visit. You can stroll along the coast to enjoy that ocean breeze. If you are a surfer, this might be a place to do so, as I saw a few people out there catching waves.
Relax at Parque del Amor
On that note, Parque del Amor, or Love Park, is located on the boardwalk in Miraflores. This park has a statue called El Beso (the kiss). It depicts the sculptor, Victor Delfin, and his wife kissing.
However, my favorite part of the park wasn’t the statue. It was the mosaic art with phrases about love that were decorated on the benches. The benches reminded me of Parc Guel by Gaudi in Barcelona. Plus, the view of the beach down below is incredible.
Paraglide at Park Raimondi
Paragliding is a popular activity in Lima because of the beautiful coastal scenery and cliffs. As you walk along the coast, there are companies located there where you can book your flight. I opted for seeing people paragliding instead from Parque del Amor.
Go Shopping at Larcomar
There are quite a few shopping places in Lima, but one mall with a beautiful coastal view is Larcomar. I didn’t go shopping, but I enjoyed walking around this area and beautiful pathways.
Try out Different Restaurants
Lima is a major foodie city, and it’s known for its restaurants and cuisine. So if there is one place in Peru where you can loosen up on the budget for food, it’s here.
Kennedy Park
This is the central park of Miraflores and is curiously named after John F. Kennedy, a former U.S president. It is surrounded by top restaurants, cafes, shops, and just about everything you may need. The park itself is a great green spot in the city where you can sit and relax or have a snack.
Barranco Neighborhood
If you enjoy walking, I suggest you walk from Miraflores to the Barranco neighborhood along the boardwalk. Or, you can bike. This is a great way to admire the cliffs and the beautiful coast. Once you arrive at Barranco, you’ll notice it’s also an upscale neighborhood, but it also has a hipster and bohemian vibe. You can also find bars, restaurants, and cafes. Here is what you can do there:
Walk Around Barranco
Barranco is a lovely district in Lima. It is filled with street art and dining areas. Puente de Suspiros is found here, and you can find local vendors and restaurants along the way. Nearby, you also have the beach, and you can walk to it. What I also liked are the Victorian-style houses along the way too.
Pass Puente de Suspiros
One of the popular landmarks is Puente de Suspiros or the Bridge of Sighs. It’s not a significant and unique bridge. It simply connects two sides of the Barranco neighborhood. However, legend has it that those who can cross the bridge for the first time without taking a breath in the 30 meter span will have their wish come true.
Check out the Art
Barranco has some incredible murals to check out, and this area has become a sort of arts district. Sometimes, people are playing live bohemian-like music as you stroll by.
Outside Of Lima
Day Tour to La Huacachina
If you are on a time crunch in Peru but want to try sandboarding, you can take a day tour to La Huacachina, where you can participate in this fun activity. This oasis in the middle of the desert is worthy of a stop while visiting Peru and one of the things I most recommend while you are in the country. As you walk around Lima, keep an eye out for tour companies that take you there on one-day tours. However, if you have time, sleep in La Huacahina.
Where To Stay In Lima
The best neighborhood to stay in will be Miraflores. This area is catered to tourists because of the restaurants, shops, and hotel options. It is also considered relatively safe. Another option is to stay in Barranco, where you will find similar things. The one area people told me to avoid at night is the city center. Therefore I preferred not to stay there.
How To Get Around
The best way to get around Lima is by foot. If you stay in Miraflores, walking to the boardwalk is only 20 minutes. To get to the city center, you can arrive by Uber and then walk around to nearby places. To get to the airport, Uber is a great choice. There are also bikes in the city that you can rent to get from Miraflores to Barranco. I don’t remember the price, but it was cheap.
My Favorite Travel Pack Items
Travel Booking Resources
Book Your Flight:
To find cheap flights, check Skyscanner and Google Flights. These search engines check airlines to find you the best deals. The more flexibility you have, the better flight deals available.
Book Your Accommodation:
Booking.com is my favorite booking site for hotels but it also shows great deals on hostels and apartments. Plus, when you reach Genius Level, you get special discounts, included breakfasts, and upgrades on some hotel rooms. Hostelworld is specifically for budget travelers who enjoy hostels. This is the best place for finding great options.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance and Visa Applications:
Travel insurance will protect you against theft, injury, illness, and cancellations. Sometimes unexpected things happen during a trip and protections will keep you covered. Two great options are: Safety Wing and World Nomads. Also, iVisa can help you get a visa if you need one.
Book Tours:
Sometimes the best way to see a place is through tours. I recommend checking out Get Your Guide for some fun and unique adventures wherever you go.
Check out my other travel resources to help you book your trip!
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