Best things to do in Lima Peru | Travel guide with tips for your stay!

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Lima is the bustling capital of Peru and also the largest city in the country. Like many other South American cities, Lima is a city of great contrasts. From a chaotic center with endless traffic jams, surrounded by slums, to luxurious business areas, beaches, beautiful museums, exhibitions and great restaurants. With a wide range of Michelin-starred restaurants, Lima can call itself the culinary capital of Latin America. Yet opinions about Lima are divided and most travelers do not stay here for more than a day. A shame, because Lima in Peru has a lot to offer. In this Lima travel guide you will find my tips for what to do in Lima Peru, including the,nicest neighbourhoods, hotels, tours, the best things to do and restaurants, so that you can get the most out of your visit.

Welcome to Lima in Peru

When you arrive in Lima, you immediately realize that you are in a South American metropolis. Cars, traffic jams, honking horns, billboards, sellers on the street, and it takes hours before you get through the different neighborhoods. Lima is the capital of Peru with more than 10 million inhabitants – almost a third of the Peruvian population. Lima was founded on January 18, 1535 by the Spanish conqueror Francisco Pizarro and was the capital of the Spanish colony for a long time. This because of its favorable location by the sea and the Rimac River, which connects the city with the interior. After the Second World War, Lima began to grow explosively. And still, people from all over the country settle in or on the outskirts of the city in the hope of work and a better life.

Lima is located on the Pacific Ocean, in a desert landscape that starts in Ecuador and extends to Chile. The city is built against the cliffs of the ocean and has a long coastline with beaches, piers, highways and boulevards, directly along the sea, or on top of the edge of the cliffs. Even though it almost never rains in Lima, the sun’s rays are scarce due to the garua, a sea fog that covers the city most of the year. This together with the enormous air pollution creates an almost permanent gray sky. This may not sound very attractive. But believe me, in Lima you can enjoy yourself for days and have a great time. Curious? Then make sure to read on my travel guide for visiting Lima in Peru.

Discover my tips for what to do in Lima Peru

Lima in Peru is a destination that I have been visiting for years. To produce televisionshows and as a tour director to guide people around the country. And every time I discover new places, neighbourhoods and restaurants. In this Lima travel guide you will discover my tips for the best things to do in Lima in Peru, so that you will hopefully start to appreciate this city as much as I do.

Explore Barranco and its best things to do in Lima Peru

One of my favorite neighborhoods in Lima Peru is Barranco. It is for sure one of the most beautiful and pieceful areas of Lima and very different from the busy city centre. Barranco is home to many Peruvian artists, photographers and writers, which makes for a cool and bohemian atmosphere.

The central place of Barranco neighborhood is the Plaza Barranco and Iglesia Ermita. Puente de Suspiros, or the Bridge of Sighs, is a good starting point for a walk, as it connects the Barranco district with Lima’s beaches. At the bottom of the bridge you will find a number of restaurants. And if you look into the side streets, you will find small theaters and colorful street art. At the end of the street/gorge there is a beautiful view of the city’s coastline. And from here it is easy to walk to the beaches. Also make sure to have a look at concept stores such as Dedalo and Puna and drink a fancy cocktail at Ayahuasca. In the evening, Barranco is an important hotspot for the wealthy Limenos, because of is many bars and restaurants that come to life.

Do you want to discover the city culinary delights of Barranco? You can book a great food tour, discovering and enjoying local specialties here.

Enjoy a drink in Cala

Cala is a stylish restaurant located at the ocean, near the Barranco neighbourhood in Lima. It is situated directly on one on the surf hotspots, so usually there are a lot of people in the water. During the day you can enjoy lunch or open your laptop with a cup of tea or a glass of good wine. In the evening, and especiallly on weekends, Cala turns into a hip hang-out with cocktails and a dance floor with international DJs.

Meet fashion photographer Mario Testino

Are you interested in fashion and art? Then you wan to visit MATE in Lima Peru, a museum exhibiting the works of fashion photographer Mario Testino. This world-renowned photographer is, contrary to what many people think, of Peruvian descent. Of course you can find famous photographs of Naomi Campell, Kate Moss, Demi More and Angelina Jolie in the museum. But his most impressive works to me, are the ones of traditional Peruvian outfits and costumes. MATE is located in a mansion, in the Barranco district. Unfortunately, the MATE is currently closed and I am awaiting the moment of its reopening. That is why this place is still part of my travel guide with the best things to do Lima Peru.

Explore the best things to do in the colonial center of Lima Peru

If you’re visiting Lima for the first time, it is worth exploring the colonial center. The center is very busy and chaotic, but gives a good impression of daily life. The colonial center of Lima was built by the Spanish in a checkerboard pattern, with the Plaza de Armas at its center. A way of constructing that was characteristic of the Spanish in the development of Latin American cities. The square blocks make Lima city center easy to navigate and discover.

What to do in Lima Peru – the city center

Lima’s city center is on the UNESCO World Heritage list, because of its colonial buildings. Make sure to pay special attention to the old mansions and wooden balconies. Calle Jirón de la Unión is the shopping street of Lima that connects the Plaza San Martín with the Plaza de Armas. Here you will find the cathedral and the presidential palace, where Fujimori resigned as president in 2000 and fled the country. You can also visit the old post office and the San Francisco convent, with its underground catacombs. Here you walk openly between the skulls and bones. The chaotic Chinatown in Lima is also worth a visit. After the abolition of slavery, many Chinese guest workers came to Peru. This also resulted in a unique Chinese Peruvian fusion culture.

Do you want to discover the city center of Lima Peru with a local guide? You can book your tour here.

Admire pre-Columbian art

As you know, I am fascinated by ancient cultures. One of my favorite best things to do in Lima Peru is to visit the Museo Rafael Larco Herrera, presenting pre-Columbian cultures and 3000 years of history in Peru. The museum is a private institution and has found its own way of beautifully displaying archaeological finds. You can spend hours marveling at objects from peoples who ruled the South American continent for years.

From pre-Columbian art to exhibitions by modern artists and photographers: Lima has a large number of museums. In the next article you will find my tips for cultural things to do and museums in Lima Peru.

Walk along the Pacific Ocean

After a long flight or roadtrip through Peru, there is nothing better than getting a bit of fresh air and walk along the coast. In the Miraflores district you will find the Malecón at the top of the cliffs, a walking boulevard with small parks such as Parque de los Novios and viewpoints. Along the way you will come across some simple places to get a drink and snack.

Paragliding

Lima in Peru is known for its paragliders and during your stay you will see several of them floating by. Do you want to experience the coast of Lima in an adventurous way? Then you can book a tour, that takes you through the San Miguel, Magdalena, Miraflores and San Isidro neighborhoods in 12 minutes. Professional and reliable tours can be found here.

Shopping at Larcomar

Normally, I wouldn’t recommend a type of shopping center in my list of best things to do but for for Larcomar in Lima Peru, I am happy to make an exception. This shopping center is built into the rocks and offers sweeping views of the ocean. You will find several restaurants, shops of Latin American brands, but also small temporary pop-up stores. Café Mangos is highly recommended for a drink, especially in the summer when the terrace is open and you can enjoy the views.

Archaeological remains of Huaca Pucllana – best cultural things to do in Lima Peru

In the middle of the city, in the Miraflores district, between houses and offices, you will find the archaeological remains of Huaca Pucllana. Huaca Pucllana is an ancient ceremonial center, built by the Lima civilization, around 500 AD. The Lima, were a Pre-Incan civilization, that ruled from 100 to 650 AD. Huaca means “holy place” in Quechua (language of the Incas). The main pyramid, including the other buildings are made of adobe and clay and in 2010, several mummies were found here. The Wari civilization, ruling several years later, used the place to bury their most important people. Archaeologists still find objects on a regular base. Huaca Pucllana in Lima is not the most beautiful archaeological site but definitely one of the things to do if you are interested in the history of Peru.

Modern art in MAC & MALI

If you like (modern) art, you should definitely not skip these museums. The MAC, in the Barranco district, is all about modern art and installations. Exhibitions change regularly so it’s good to keep an eye on the website. The MALI, also known as the Lima Art Museum, is located in the Palacio de la Exposición. This is a somewhat more general art museum with pre-Columbian artefacts, colonial art and changing exhibitions by Peruvian and other Latin American artists. Also worth keeping an eye on the website and exhibitions.

Enjoy ceviches at Pescados Capitales

You cannot leave Lima without eating ceviche, a typical Peruvian dish, which consists of raw fish cooked in lemon or lime juice. The city has countless ceviche restaurants, but my favorite place is Pescados Capitales, located on Avenida del Mar. This restaurant is sleek and beautifully decorated and serves the most delicious ceviche and other fish dishes.

Book a culinary experience

In recent years, Peru has emerged as a new culinary destination. Particularly because of the Nikkei cuisine, a fusion between Japanese and Peruvian cuisine. An unforgettable culinary experience that will make your taste buds work overtime are Astrid & Gaston, Central and Maido. Just keep in mind that you now have to reserve months in advance for these restaurants in Lima Peru.

Experience a fountainshow

What to do in Lima Peru by night? The Circuito Mágico del Agua takes place several days a week in the Parque de la Reserva. In this park you will walk in evenings past 13 fountains and be part of a show with light, laser, projections and music. Even though this place has been discovered by tourists in recent years, the majority of visitors are still local, which makes it extra fun.

Mini travel guide + tips Lima Peru

Tips for tours Lima Peru

Looking for more tips and things to do in Lima Peru? Check out more tours here.

Hotel tips Lima Peru

You will find numerous hotels in Lima Peru, but my favorite neighborhood to spend the night in, is without a doubt Barranco. Not only is it centrally located to Lima’s many things to do and neighborhoods such as Miraflores, you will also find nice streets, coffeshops and good restaurants here. These are my tips for boutique hotels in Lima Peru.

• Hotel B
• Villa Barranco by Ananay Hotels

More about Peru

Did you enjoy reading this travel guide with tips for what to do in Lima Peru? Let me take you on a journey along the most beautiful destinations and places to visit in Peru. In the next articles you will find my Peru travel guides with lots of inspiration and tips. 

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• Rainforest Expeditions – all you want to know about visiting the Amazon rainforest in Peru
• Best museums in Lima Peru
• Shopping in Cusco Peru | Discover the coolest concept-stores
• The best restaurants in Cusco Peru

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