8 things to do in Lima

The 5 things to do in Lima that will leave you a pleasant memory in all your senses…………………………..

Lima, the capital of Peru is the gateway to one of the wonders of the world, the most impressive of all. If you came to this post of things to see and do in Lima, you have to know that here we will recommend the 8 things you must visit in Lima.

Only 2 days of stay in Lima will be enough time for you to begin to fall in love with the Peruvian gastronomy, offered in Lima, in addition to its beautiful neighborhoods such as Miraflores and Barranco.

Learning more about Lima

With almost 11 million inhabitants, the capital of Peru is one of the oldest cities in America, founded by Spanish conquistadors. It was in the year 1535 when Francisco Pizarro established this settlement under the name of «La Ciudad de los Reyes». Due to its coastal location, Lima since its foundation has always played a very important role in international trade.

Like most Spanish-influenced cities and towns, Lima was distributed around a main square, known as Plaza de Armas, which today is identified as the heart of the historic center. During the Viceroyalty of Peru, numerous palaces, churches and convents were built here, some of which are still preserved (with certain tweaks). But unfortunately many of them were affected by various and continuous earthquakes.

The independence of the Spanish monarchy in Peru arrived in the year 1821. Years later Lima suffered a new occupation, that of the Chilean troops during the War of the Pacific. The 20th century was the one of urban development and exponential growth of the population, thanks to the massive immigration from Andean areas of the interior of the country. New districts were born and the metropolitan area became immense.

For this reason, it is almost impossible to walk around Lima from top to bottom in a couple of days (we doubt that the locals themselves know it well), so we recommend that you focus your visit in the historic center, in fashionable alternative neighborhoods such as Miraflores or Barranco and in some interesting museums. Without a doubt, this article on things to do in Lima will be very useful to you.

What to see and do in Lima

From its emblematic historic center to the Real Felipe fortress, from the cliffs of Miraflores to some of the best restaurants in the world: Lima has a few surprises for the visitor. Ready to discover them?

1. Visit the Plaza de Armas and its Adjoining Buildings

The Plaza de Armas, also known as Plaza Mayor, is the nerve center of downtown Lima. Here, at the point where Francisco Pizarro decided to found the city, back in 1535, you will be able to appreciate some of the most beautiful constructions of things to do in Lima.

In this small space you must visit the Cathedral Basilica, the Archbishop’s Palace, the Municipal Palace with its characteristic wooden balconies, the Convent of San Francisco and its Catacombs, the Church of the Sagrario and the Government Palace (Pizarro’s former residence). One street further up is the Casa de la Literatura, inside a Republican mansion.

One of the things that you will like the most about spending time in the historic center, to sit in one of the wooden armchairs and see all the flow of people who walk through this historic place.

Plaza de Armas

2. Barranco

This neighborhood is one of the most peculiar in Lima. If in the past it was a simple area populated by fishermen, today it is one of the most romantic and fashionable neighborhoods in the capital. Our favorite plan here is to go hunting for street art and urban art, strolling through its narrow streets until we reach the Puente de los Suspiros. Do not forget to go to the Malecón de Barranco and soak up the beautiful views of the Pacific.

One of the things to do in Lima and of course in Barranco is to taste some of the typical Peruvian dishes, especially ceviche😉

It might be a great idea to visit and explore Barranco with a local guide or do a free walking tour in Barranco.

Barranco

3. Miraflores, el Parque del Amor and el Parque Kennedy

To the north of Barranco we will find the Miraflores neighborhood, famous for its emblematic cliffs with privileged views of the Pacific Ocean, and for being the place chosen by the richest in the country to build their residences; in certain places you might even think that you are in a city in the United States.

Not to be missed here are the Malecón Costa Verde, the Faro de la Marina and the Parque del Amor, full of colored mosaics that are a little reminiscent of Gaudí’s creations and his Park Güell. Since you are there, be sure to visit the sculpture «El Beso» by Víctor Delfín, a famous Peruvian artist. And if you want to try a romantic aperitif, in this park there is a kiosk where delicious crepes are sold.

If you are a cat lover, this is one of the mandatory things to do in Lima. Kennedy Park is the place where dozens of loving kittens live hehe. Once you have caressed each and every one of the cats, there is nothing better than recharging energy with a Mazamorra Morada or another typical dessert that is sold in the little stalls in the park. For us it is one of the best places to visit in Lima, especially at sunset when it is full of life.

Parque del Amor

4. Circuito Mágico del Agua and Parque de la Exposición

Something magical to do in Lima, a play of water and lights that will elevate all your senses. Admission is only 4 soles and this unmissable show starts at 6:50 pm and has 4 performances in periods of 30 minutes each.

And if what you want is simply to disconnect from the asphalt of the city, one of the most popular green areas in Lima is the Parque de la Exposición, quite well cared for, with artificial lakes, fountains and pleasant walks. One of the things to do in Lima that you cannot miss.

Circuito mágico del Agua

5. Callao and the Real Felipe Fortress

Callao is not a district of Lima but an independent city, known as the Constitutional Province of Callao. However, they are completely united so that for practical purposes it is an extension of it. Historically it was known as «the Port of Lima» being one of the most important ports in the New World in viceregal times, and it still is today.

In its hundred-year-old and colorful streets you can take an interesting street art route, go through small squares and colonial buildings, visit some churches such as the Iglesia Matriz, also two monumental cemeteries (Baquíjano and Británico) or even take a boat ride… …………………

And finish at the King Felipe Fortress, built in the 18th century (one of the largest of Spanish origin in all of America) to counteract pirate attacks. Inside it houses the Museum of the Army of Peru, which can be visited for 12 soles.

Real Felipe

Tours and hikes in Cusco and Machu Picchu

6. Huaca Puccllana, Huaca Huallamarca and Pachacámac

Peru is not only visiting Machu Picchu or the sacred valley of the Incas; The modern city of Lima is also full of historical ruins and sacred sites, known as Huacas, and the imposing archaeological site of Huaca Pucllana is one of the largest and most important ancient monuments in the city, located in the coastal district of Miraflores. Built around 500 AD, the complex was once an administrative and ceremonial center of the Lima civilization, constructed of hand-made adobe bricks and dominated by a 22-meter-tall central pyramid.

One of the things to do in Lima is without a doubt to visit its pre-Hispanic constructions. There are tours that make you visit the 3 Huacas in Lima.

Huaca Pucllana

7. Amazing Museums to Visit in Lima

Do you want to know the things to do in Lima if it rains or the weather is bad? Lima has more than a couple of really interesting museums.

Museum of the Holy Inquisition: a curious and somewhat morbid museum, really. You can visit the torture room, the hearing room where the trials were held and the cells in which the prisoners were locked up.

Museum of Archaeology, Anthropology and History: to dive into the history of Peru through its exhibitions, including pre-Columbian and colonial archaeological pieces.

Natural History Museum: okay, it won’t be the one in New York but it’s very good. Its exhibits include whale skeletons and dinosaur fossils. It is one of the best plans to do in Lima with young children.

Larco Museum: where you can see the most amazing collection of pre-Columbian ceramics in the country, among them are the famous erotic huacos of the Mochicas.

Pedro de Osma Museum: in a spectacular mansion in the Barranco district, it houses the most important collection of viceroyalty art in Peru (according to what they publish). On their website you can take a virtual tour to find out what awaits you.

Other interesting things to do in Lima are the Museo de la Nación, the Museo del Oro (currently closed), the Museo de Arte Contemporáneo, the Museo Nacional Afro-Peruano or the MALÍ (Museum of Art of Lima).

Larco Herrera

8. Boat trip to the Palomino Islands

If you have already visited the essential places in Lima and you fancy a unique itinerary to spend a few different hours, we suggest you get on a tourist boat and head to the Palomino Islands.

Along the walk you can see sea lions and different species of birds, from pelicans and boobies to Humboldt penguins! There are certainly a lot of things to do in Lima.

Islas Palomino