Top 12: What to Do in Lima, Peru

So much can be said about Peru’s capital city. Founded as the ‘City of Kings’, Lima is a city with profound historical and cultural depth, hustle and bustle like nowhere else, and one of the finest cuisines in the world. Many visiting Lima use the city as a stop-off on their way to discover the Andes, the rainforest, or Machu Pichu. With so much to discover and surprises at every turn, visiting Lima itself is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, so strap in and prepare yourself for our list of what to do in Lima, Peru. ¡Vamos!

1. Discover the Historic Center of Lima

The first thing you should look at doing when you arrive in Lima is exploring its Historic Center—a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Lima was founded as the ‘City of Kings’ in 1535 by conquistador Francisco Pizarro. The main square of the old Center is the Plaza Mayor, also known as the Plaza de Armas. This square features some of the city’s most important and impressive pieces of colonial architecture, including the Government Palace, the Archbishop’s Palace, and the Lima Metropolitan Cathedral. This gorgeous cathedral also features some pretty fascinating catacombs that are worth checking out.

Another distinct highlight of the Historic Center is the Basilica and Convent of Santo Domingo, dating back to the 16th century. Inside this feat of colonial architecture is a beautiful courtyard, which features Moorish arches and tiles imported from Seville, Spain. Visit the interior of the convent on this Santo Domingo tour!

The best way to discover the Historic Center is on this Lima free tour, which will bring you along Jirón de la Unión (once one of the city’s most important boulevards), Plaza de Armas, and much more! Other options include this Lima sightseeing tour or a Lima private tour.

2. Walk Along the Miraflores Malecón

A highlight of Lima for us is taking a walk along the Miraflores Malecón—a clifftop walkway stretching along the Pacific Ocean, providing incredible sea views and city views. Along the path—which continues on for around 2 miles (5 kilometers)—you’ll come across such highlights as Parque Kennedy. This gorgeous public park which is often the site of cultural events, is probably best known for its many street cats. You’ll find that many of these cats are very friendly, and will cuddle up to passersby. Of course, keep in mind that these animals are stray and thus unpredictable, so take care.

The Parque Chino is another lovely attraction, built to celebrate 172 years of Chinese immigration to Peru. This park is fitted with traditional Chinese gardens with typical ornamentation, such as guardian lions, and of course, it has a fantastic view over the Pacific Ocean.
Travel along the walkway for yourself on this Miraflores Malecón e-scooter tour with Civitatis!

3. Taste the Local Delicacies on a Lima Street Food Tour

A world-class culinary destination, often described as ‘South America’s culinary capital’, in Lima you need to sample the local delicacies. The country’s cuisine has been influenced by indigenous Peruvian cultures, Spanish colonization, as well as Arab, African, Japanese, and Chinese immigration. The result is a rich and eclectic fusion cuisine unlike any other in the world.

There are so many ways to discover Lima’s food culture, you can discover the local delicacies in the city on this street food tour of Lima. An expert guide will bring you to some of the top vendors in Lima, so you can try such delicacies as chicha morada, a delicious drink made with purple corn, pineapple, cinnamon, clove, and quince, with a history that dates back to pre-Columbian times. You’ll also try some gorgeous tropical fruits, and Peru’s most famous dish: ceviche.

More food tours in Lima:

• Barranco Food Tour
• Lima Night Food Tour
• Lima Food Tour
• Ceviche, Pisco Sour & Causa + Local Market Tour

4. Learn about Peru’s Pre-Columbian History at the Larco Museum

Perhaps a slightly underrated element of Lima is its museums. Our favorite was the dazzling Larco Museum, dedicated to Peru’s numerous indigenous cultures, including the legendary Inca empire. The collection, housed within an 18th-century viceroy’s mansion, features an abundance of gorgeous gold, silver, and ceramic pieces. A fascinating part of the exhibition is the ‘Erotic Collection’. Grab your ticket to the Larco Museum. Another way of seeing the museum is as part of this Lima Museum tour which also includes a stop at the archeological site of Huaca Pucllana, which we’ll discuss in further detail later! 

The Lima Art Museum (MALI) is another worthy stop on your visit. This museum, located in the historic center of the city takes you on a journey from pre-Columbian art to modern art, spanning around 3,000 years of history.

5. Learn How to Make a Traditional Ceviche For Yourself

When visiting Lima, the majority of travelers will try a traditional ceviche, at least once. However, how many will learn how it’s done? Learn how to make Peru’s most celebrated dish at this Ceviche workshop in Lima. This UNESCO-recognized dish is thought by Peruvian researchers to have origins dating back 4,000 years, and to have been influenced largely by Arab traditions passed on to Spanish colonizers. Learn how the raw fish is ‘cooked’ in citrus dressings, try Peru’s national drink of pisco, and also learn to prepare a Causa Rellena—a cold and creamy potato, chicken, and avocado dish!

6. See Lima’s Ancient Pyramids of Huanca Pucllana & Huaca Huallamarca

Most people are aware of Peru’s rich cultural and archeological heritage, but you still might to surprised to find that some of the country’s finest archeological treasures remain in the middle of the city. The finest example of this is perhaps Huanca Pucllana—an incredible pyramid complex that dates back to the 6th century AD. This building would have served as an administrative and ceremonial center of the pre-Inca culture of Lima, used for banquets and rituals, as well as human sacrifices.

The Huaca Huallamarca is the other of Lima’s main pyramids, dating back to somewhere between 200 and 500 AD. Once referred to as Pan de Azúcar (Sugar Loaf in English) you can now climb to the top of this truncated pyramid, which was long used as a burial site

See both pyramids, as well as El Olivar Park, one of the most beautiful green spaces in the city on this Lima pyramid tour with Civitatis.

7. Explore Barranco: Lima’s ‘Coolest’ District

The aforementioned Miraflores is the undisputed ‘upscale’ area to live in, with top-class restaurants, the beautiful Malecón walkway, and extravagant housing options. Barranco on the other hand is Lima’s cool, creative district. One of the first things you’ll notice about it is the abundant (and often beautiful) street art that marks the district’s walls, which has led some people to liken it to Chile’s Valparaíso and Medellín’s Comuna 13. In terms of what to do in Barranco, you’ll find a number of great galleries, boutique shops, and lots of bars to sit down and have a drink! When you’re there, also check out the romantic Bridge of Sighs and the main Plaza de Armas de Barranco—a wonderful colorful square in the heart of the district! Check it out for yourself on this Barranco guided tour!

8. Catch Some Waves at Makaha Beach

When visiting Lima, surfing might not be the first item on your agenda… but maybe it should be! Around the city, there are a number of lovely beaches, with impressive waves. Playa Barranquito (in Barranco) and Makaha (Miraflores) are two of the best spots to surf in the city, with solid waves year-round. If you’re already a reasonably experienced surfer, you can easily rent your own board. If you’re catching waves for the first time, definitely check out this surfing lesson at Makaha Beach!

Pro tip: If you’re looking for the best and biggest waves, visit during the winter months, between April and October.

9. Discover Peru’s Military History at the Real Felipe Fortress & Callao

The city of Callao was founded by the Spanish conquistadores in 1537, shortly after Lima. Though they are two separate cities with individual characters, they are highly interconnected, so much so that you might cross from one into the other without even realizing it. Callao is best known for being Peru’s main seaport and a vital hub for trade and defense since colonial times. 

The most important landmark in Callao is the Real Felipe Fortress, which is right by the Plaza de la Independencia. This fortress was built in the 17th century to defend the country from Dutch invaders and served as a critical battleground during the Spanish-American wars of independence. During a grueling two-year siege, the fortress witnessed the dramatic fall of the Spanish Empire in South America. Check out the fortress for yourself on this Real Felipe Fortress and Callao tour!

• Check out our tours & experiences in Callao.

10. Wander Lima’s Chinatown (Barrio Chino)

Nestled in the heart of Lima, Chinatown stands as a powerful testament to the enduring spirit of Chinese immigrants who shaped this district in the 19th century. Like the rest of the city, this area was badly damaged by the War of the Pacific among other economic and political challenges in the 19th and 20th centuries. Over the last fifty years, however, the district has seen a dramatic revival, and the once-struggling district is now a thriving cultural hub and a hotspot for tourists and locals alike. In this area, you’ll find some of the best Chinese restaurants, so definitely sit down and grab a meal while you’re there! Check it out for yourself on this Chinatown & colonial Lima tour.

11. Go Fishing in South Lima

Spent a little while in the city and ready to escape the hustle and bustle—what could be more relaxing than a little fishing trip outside of the city? On this Lima fishing tour, you’ll be picked up from your hotel and brought an hour outside of the city to a beach popular with local fishermen and anglers. You’ll then be taught how to use a fishing rod and how to spin fish. The morning’s catch will then be turned into a fresh, delicious lunch! This activity provides an authentic slice of Peruvian coastal life that goes well beyond typical tourist experiences.

12. Visit an Old Colonial House at Casa de Aliaga

The last entry on our list of what to do in Lima is this visit to Casa de Aliaga. This guided visit will bring you back to old Colonial Lima in 1535. Founded by Jerónimo de Aliaga, a conquistador in Francisco Pizarro’s original crew, this home has sheltered 17 generations and witnessed Peru’s transformation. Explore lavish rooms showcasing Japanese vases, French carpets, and a 19th-century English fountain—each space a testament to the family’s remarkable journey through colonial and republican eras.

Day Trips & Tours from Lima

While Lima is a brilliant place to stay, there is truly so much more to discover in Peru. Check out some of the best day trips and tours below:

Visit Machu Picchu from Lima

The Lost City of the Incas, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site is the most famous landmark in the city. This pre-colonial archeological site dates back to the 15th century, and sits atop a mountain at 8,000 ft (2,450 meters).

Visiting Machu Piccu from Lima is not recommended, due to the dramatic altitude change. We recommend spending at least 2 days in Cusco before getting the train to the mountain, so that you can get acclimatized to the altitude. Cusco is about 1.5 hours from Lima by plane, which is the easiest way to make the journey.

• Check out all of the ways you can visit Machu Picchu from Cusco.

Day trip to Pachacamac

If you have time to make the trip to Pachacamac during your stay in Peru, definitely do it! Only 25 miles (40 kilometers) you’ll find stunning pre-Inca ruins built in honor of Pachacamac—the god of fire, who is thought to have rejuvenated the world. This site, which dates back to around 200 AD, would have once been the most important religious temple on the Pacific coast and its sheer size is testament to that—measuring in at 1,500 acres Pachacamac is thought to contain approximately 50 million bricks. A highlight of this site is the remains of the Temple of the Sun, a monstrous 323,000 square-foot (30,000-square-meter) construction. Learn more about this site’s history and see it for yourself on this Pachamac day trip from Lima.

There you have it! Those are the top 12 things to do in Lima, plus some options to enjoy outside of the city. If you’re looking for more travel inspiration, check out more tours & experiences in Lima with Civitatis.