Lima City Guide: Where to Go, See, Eat and Sleep in Lima, Peru

While a lot of travellers pass through Lima, most are usually on their way to Cusco and Machu Picchu or on their way back. Lima may get a day or two at a glance on most Peru itineraries, but it’s not a city many linger in. However, after having spent close to a month hanging out here, I’m of the opinion that Lima is a destination in its own right…especially if you like to eat! This little guide is going to highlight a few spots worth checking out in the city, places to eat, and neighbourhoods to stay in. Let’s get started!

The Best of Lima Travel Guide: 25 Things to Do, See, Eat, Drink & Experience in Lima, Peru

1. Hire a bike at MiraBici.

MiraBici offers bike rentals as well as guided tours that take you through various districts including Miraflores, San Isidro, Barranco and Chorrillos. Their stand is conveniently located by Larcomar.

2. Go to El Circuito Mágico del Agua.

The Magic Water Circuit is a water and light show that takes place at night in Parque de la Reserva. This park boasts 13 water fountains that come to life with lasers, coloured lights, and music. P.S. You’ll want to visit once it’s dark out!

3. Eat ceviche.

It has to be done in Lima! This popular seafood dish is made with raw fish that’s cured in lemon or lime. The fish is then served with white corn, sweet potato, and red onions, typically for lunch. Some popular cevicherias in Lima include: La Mar, Punta Sal, Pescados Capitales and El Punto Azul. More suggestions here.

4. Tour the city with Mirabus.

Mirabus runs various tours within Lima as well as a few day trips outside of the city. If you want to get an overview of Miraflores and Lima’s historic centre, then their tour Lima by Day is a good option. Just keep in mind that this is not a hop-on-hop-off tour and you won’t be able to linger at attractions along the way. The tour last 3.5 hours and it is 70 soles for adults.

5. Shop and gaze out at sea from Larcomar. 

Larcomar is a really cool shopping centre located in Miraflores. What makes it so unique is that it has been built on a cliff overlooking the Pacific Ocean and as such it has some great lookout points. People come here to shop at the boutiques, eat dinner, or enjoy a cup of frozen yoghurt with a view. If you come on a clear day, you’ll even be able to watch the paragliders flying above your head.

6. Pick up Peruvian alfajores at La Casa del Alfajor.

Alfajores vary in style, size and ingredients throughout Latin America, yet they are all vying to be the best. The traditional Peruvian recipe consists of two crumbly cornstarch cookies, glued by manjar blanco (creamy caramel) in the middle, and a light dusting of powdered sugar on top. La Casa del Alfajor (The House of the Alfajor) has many locations throughout the city, but I would recommend visiting the one in San Isidro on Avenida Conquistadores, because it just so happens to be located by a very old olive grove – a pretty cool place if you ask me!

7. Go paragliding in Miraflores.

This one is for the daredevils and thrill-seekers! Perufly is located in Parque del Amor (Love Park) in Miraflores, and they fly daily from 11 am to 6 pm weather permitting. (Mornings in Miraflores are usually foggy, but this tends to clear up by mid-morning.) Tandem paragliding costs 240 soles.

8. Enjoy a night out in Barranco.

Barranco has a bit of an artsy/bohemian vibe and it’s where people like to go out at night. Here you’ll find a mixture of art galleries, cafes, bars, restaurants, and lots of street art.

9. Tour Plaza de Armas.

Also known as Plaza Mayor, Plaza de Armas is one of the most historic plazas in the city. The square is flanked by the Government Palace, Lima Cathedral, the Archbishop’s Palace, the Municipal Palace, and the Palace of the Union. The plaza also has an intricate water fountain that dates all the way back to the 1600s – the history is palpable!

10. Pick up souvenirs at the Mercado Indio.

If your trip is drawing to an end and you want to pick up some souvenirs to take back home with you, then visit El Mercado Indio on Petit Thouars. This is where you can find warm alpaca sweaters, brightly coloured touques, chess sets of Spaniards versus Incas, paintings done in the Cuzqueña style, t-shirts with the Nazca lines, coca candies, leg warmers, and just about anything else you can think of.

More Of Lima’s Top Attractions

11. Go inside the catacombs at Basilica y Convento de San Francisco. 

This basilica and convent is located in Lima’s historic centre and it truly is a step back in time. I went with a guide who led us through the cloisters, into a library that held documents and manuscripts from the start of the colony, and down into the catacombs. The only downside is that photography and video are not allowed.

12. Stare at all that glitters inside the Gold Museum.

This is one place where almost all that glitters is gold. Lima’s Gold Museum started out as a private collection but today it holds over 7000 pieces of jewellery, sculptures, amulets and weapons.

13. Catch some waves in the Pacific Ocean.

The waters of the Pacific may be chilly, but that doesn’t keep the surfers away. Pukana Surf and Team Surf Peru are two of the best-known surf schools in Lima and they offer surf lessons as well as surfboard rentals. If surfing’s not for you, there is the option of trying SUP (Stand Up Paddleboarding).

14. Walk across the Bridge of Sighs.

It may not seem like much, but this wooden bridge known as El Puente de los Suspiros has inspired many musicians and artists over the years, including the famed Peruvian songstress Chabuca Granda who wrote an entire song about the bridge.

15. Walk the Love Park with your special someone.

Miraflores has a park dedicated to that special feeling that gives your stomach butterflies and makes you weak in the knees, yes, love. The park’s focal point is the statue known as El Beso (The Kiss), which depicts a couple kissing amorously. It comes as no surprise then that young couples come here on their dates to stroll along the oceanfront, watch the sunset, and enjoy each other’s company.

16. Visit Museo Larco.

Museo Larco is located in Pueblo Libre and it is a privately owned museum. It focuses on pre-Columbian art and covers over 4000 years of history. The collection houses crowns, earrings and vases decorated with semi-precious stones, but what seems to draw people over is the gallery of Pre-Columbian Erotic Pottery…and yes, you must be at least 18 to enter.

17. Step back in time at Huaca Pucllana.

Huaca Pucllana is an archaeological site located in Miraflores. Its name can be translated from Quechua to mean “place of the ritual games” and it was an important ceremonial centre where human sacrifices took place. The pyramid is built in staggered platforms and research has shown that it was able to withstand earthquakes.

18. Catch a flick at CinePlanet.

If you experience a rainy day (very rare!) or just want a chilled out afternoon, you can head over to CinePlanet for a movie. Most North American movies play in English with Spanish subtitles.

19. Go play with cats at Parque Kennedy. 

I thought Istanbul was for cat lovers, but apparently Limeños have a thing for felines too. The story goes that a long time ago priests from the local church were faced with a bit of rat infestation, so they decided to release a few cats to help curb the problem. The thing is, no one stopped to consider that these cats might reproduce… Add to that a few abandoned cats who were dropped off at the park to make some new friends, and you’ve got yourself a huge cat colony!  Thankfully, locals do look after these cats, and the Kennedy Park Kittens non-profit organization also ensures they are fed, dewormed, and vaccinated; they have even set up an adoption program so that the cats can find new homes.

20. Sample Peru’s varied cuisine.

Peru’s cuisine has evolved, blended, and been adapted by the various cultures found within the country. Some prime examples of this include chifa (Peruvian-Chinese fusion) and nikkei (Peruvian-Japanese fusion). You’ll also find that dishes vary by geographical region, resulting in coastal, Andean, and jungle food. Since Lima is considered the gastronomic capital of Latin America, this is the best place to dabble in these cuisines.

Guide To Lima, Peru: Make The Most Of Your Trip

21. Go inside El Panteón de los Próceres.

The Heroes’ Pantheon is a crypt located inside the old church of the Royal College of San Carlos. It pays homage to the leaders of Peru‘s independence, and it’s a must-visit for all the history buffs out there. I would’ve never found this place on my own, but my dad happened to be visiting while I was there, and this attraction was at the very top of his list! We even found the names of a few Argentine heroes in there. Admission is only 1 sol.

22. Pick up some tejas and chocotejas at Sra. Buendia.

This little shop specializes in traditional Peruvian confectionery. A teja is a white sugary shell that has been stuffed with manjar blanco and all manner of dried fruits and nuts. A chocoteja is much the same, except it is coated with chocolate instead of sugar. This shop also specializes in stuffed figs, lemons, and oranges, which are a lot tastier than they sound!

23. Drop by Manolo for some churros.

Dulce de leche? Chocolate? Vanilla? Take your pick!

24. Take a Peruvian cooking class.

Peruvian food is delicious, and if you enjoy dishes like ají de gallina, lomo saltado, carapulcra, causa, cau cau and ceviche, then it may be worth taking a Peruvian cooking class so that you can take some of the culinary secrets home with you.

25. Eat at one of Gastón Acurio’s many restaurants. 

Gastón Acurio is a Peruvian chef whose culinary creations have earned him celebrity status. He may have studied law, but his passion lay in the kitchen; today, he owns 44 restaurants across 13 countries, and he has helped put Peruvian cuisine on the map. Some of his restaurants in Lima include: La Mar, which focuses on ceviche and seafood; Madam Tusan, which is all about Peruvian-Chinese fusion cuisine; and Astrid & Gastón for traditional Peruvian dishes.

And if you really feel like you have seen it all in Lima, here are a few easy weekend trips you can take from the city. My personal favourite was sandboarding in Huacachina!

 Where to stay in Lima

Miraflores – This is the most popular district for travellers to stay in. Miraflores is fairly upscale and therefore safer than other areas. It’s also located right by the water, so you can enjoy some scenic walks along the parks that line the cliffs. You’ll find everything from backpacker hostels to five-star hotels in this district so it works for all budgets. This would be my personal pick.

Barranco – This is a very artsy district and it’s also very lively at night. If you want to be close to all the action (restaurants, bars, clubs) then it’s a good place to be based. There’s also a lot of charm to Barranco with its huge mansions that date back to the colonial period.

San Isidro – This is an upscale neighbourhood so if you’re looking for high-end hotels or boutique hotels, it’s a good place to look. The district is known for its golf course, country clubs, and centuries-old olive groves.

Historic Centre – Staying in Central Lima puts you close to the main square and all the churches and government buildings, however, some areas are still a little rough around the edges and safety can be a concern at night. I also find this district lacks the life you find in places like Barranco and Miraflores, which is why I’m putting it at the bottom of the list.

Have you been to Lima?
What were some of your favourite spots in the city?

Plan Your Lima Stay: Itineraries, Neighbourhoods, Planners, Foodie Finds, Costs & Local Tips

Suggested Itineraries for Lima, Peru

If you’re short on time, you want flow, not FOMO. These routes minimize backtracking and stack activities by district.

One Day in Lima (Miraflores + Historic Centre)

Morning – Miraflores coast

• Coffee near Parque Kennedy, then stroll through Parque del Amor and the clifftop parks.
• Optional tandem paragliding if skies are clear.
• Pop into Larcomar for the ocean lookout.

Lunch – Ceviche o’clock

• Classic lunch at a cevichería (order ceviche + leche de tigre + chicha morada). Ceviche is a lunch thing in Lima.

Afternoon – Centro Histórico

• Taxi/ride app to Plaza de Armas for the square, cathedral facades, balconies.
• San Francisco Convent & Catacombs (guided visit).
• Golden hour photos along Jirón de la Unión and side streets.

Evening – Back to the coast

• Sunset on the Miraflores cliffs.
• Dessert stop: alfajores or churros. Stroll Parque Kennedy and say hi to the cats.

Two Days in Lima (add Barranco + museums)

Day 1: Follow the one-day plan.

Day 2 – Barranco + Pueblo Libre

• Breakfast in Barranco, wander the murals, Puente de los Suspiros, galleries.
• Late morning Museo Larco (Pueblo Libre). Lovely gardens + excellent curation.
• Lunch of criollo comfort dishes (think ají de gallina, lomo saltado).
• Back to Barranco for a lazy café hop and dinner; it’s lively after dark.

Three Days in Lima (add markets + salt flats + night show)

Day 3 – Markets, ruins, and water show

• Start at Surquillo Market (fruit tastings!).
• Midday guided tour of Huaca Pucllana (yes, a pre-Inca pyramid in Miraflores).
• Coffee crawl or beach walk; surfers’ corner if you want a quick lesson.
• Night: Circuito Mágico del Agua (Magic Water Circuit) for lights + fountains.

Where to Base Yourself (neighbourhood matchmaker)

What to Eat in Lima (and where to hunt it down)

Lima is where Peru’s regional cuisines hang out together. Here’s a quick menu decoder so you can order confidently.

Coastal & Classic

• Ceviche: Raw fish “cooked” in lime, with red onion, cancha (toasted corn), choclo (giant corn), sweet potato. Lunch dish.
• Tiradito: Ceviche’s cousin—sashimi-style cuts, silky sauces.
• Jalea: Golden fried seafood pile with salsa criolla.

Criollo Comforts

• Ají de gallina: Shredded chicken in a creamy, nutty yellow chili sauce.
• Seco: Cilantro-stewed beef or lamb, usually with beans and rice.
• Tacu tacu: Crispy bean-and-rice pancake, often topped with steak or seafood.

Nikkei & Chifa (fusion heaven)

• Nikkei: Peruvian–Japanese—think ceviche meets sushi bar.
• Chifa: Peruvian–Chinese—wok-kissed lomo saltado and tallarín saltado are the crowd-pleasers.

Street Snacks & Sweets

• Anticuchos: Grilled skewers (often beef heart).
• Picarones: Squash/sweet potato doughnuts in spiced syrup.
• Alfajores & churros: Dulce de leche dreams.

Where to look:

• Miraflores: Cevicherías, Nikkei counters, dessert shops, easy coffee.
• Barranco: Creative kitchens, craft cocktails, late-night bites.
• Pueblo Libre / Centro: Traditional criollo staples.

Coffee, Desserts & “Just One More Bite” Crawl

• Morning: Flat white near Parque Kennedy, then grab a maracuyá (passion fruit) juice at Surquillo Market.
• Afternoon: Lucuma ice cream (the caramel-y Andean fruit you didn’t know you loved).
• Evening: Picarones from a street stand + churros with thick chocolate.
• Take-home: A box of tejas/chocotejas (stuffed fruits with manjar blanco) and a sleeve of alfajores.

Getting Around (simple + safe)

• Ride apps & taxis: Easiest way point-to-point. Have your hotel or restaurant call a reputable taxi if you’re not using an app. Confirm price before you go if no meter/app.
• Metropolitano (BRT): Fast bus corridor connecting Miraflores ↔ Centro. Can be crowded; mind your valuables.
• Walking & biking: Lovely along the cliffs. Use caution crossing big avenues; stick to promenades.
• Airport transfers: Prebooked rides or official taxi counters inside arrivals keep it stress-free.

SIM & data:

• Grab a local SIM/eSIM (passport needed for physical SIM). Signal is solid in the city; download offline maps as backup.

Lima on a Budget (ballpark prices)

• Ceviche lunch: S/ 25–60+ depending on the spot.
• Museum entry (major sites): S/ 10–40.
• Coffee + pastry: S/ 12–25.
• Surf lesson (group): S/ 70–130 including wetsuit/board.
• Paragliding (tandem): Expect a splurge; check the board for the day’s rate.
• Ride app Miraflores ↔ Centro: S/ 18–35 depending on time/traffic.

Tip: Look for menú del día boards at lunchtime for soup + main + drink deals.

Weather & What to Pack (hello, garúa)

Lima’s famous garúa is a cool marine fog that hugs the coast much of the year. It’s rarely cold-cold, but the air is damp and breezy.

Bring:

• Light layers you can stack: breathable tee, light sweater or fleece, windproof shell.
• Comfy walking shoes (water-resistant helpful).
• Sun protection (Lima’s UV can still be strong even under cloud).
• For surfers: wetsuit rentals are standard; the Pacific is chilly year-round.
• For evenings: a scarf or light jacket is plenty most months.

Surfing & Paragliding Quick Guide

Surfing:

• Breaks roll along the Miraflores/ Barranco shoreline. Lessons include board + wetsuit; you’ll meet on the pebbly beach, not the clifftops. Conditions vary—local schools will guide you to the friendliest waves that day.

Paragliding:

• Launch zones sit on the cliffs above Parque del Amor. Flights are weather-dependent; afternoons often have better wind. Wear closed shoes, bring your phone secured for in-flight video, and be prepared to wait for a clear window.

Best Sunset & Photo Spots

• Clifftop parks (Malecón) from Parque del Amor to Antonio Raimondi Park—paragliders + Pacific blues.
• Barranco viewpoints near the Puente de los Suspiros—warm light on murals and mansions.
• Centro at golden hour—balconies & plazas glow; aim for late afternoon light.
• Huaca Pucllana—book a late tour for moody, layered brick textures.

Easy Day Trips (snapshot)

• Pachacamac: Pre-Inca complex south of Lima—combine ruins + coastline.
• Paracas & Islas Ballestas: Boat to sea lions & birds; add Paracas Reserve for dunescapes.
• Caral: One of the oldest civilizations in the Americas; long day, huge payoff for history buffs.
• Lunahuaná: Rafting, pisco vineyards, sunny valley vibes.
• Huacachina: Dune buggies + sandboarding + big sunsets (best as an overnighter).

Quick-Grab Checklists

Arrival day

• SIM/eSIM set up
• Cash in small bills (ATMs inside banks/malls)
• Ride from airport prebooked or official stand chosen
• First dinner planned near your hotel (jet-lag easy win)

Day bag for sightseeing

• Phone + offline maps + power bank
• Light jacket for breeze/garúa
• Sunblock, sunglasses, hat
• Hand sanitizer, tissues
• Copies of key docs (digital + one paper)

Ceviche order cheat

• Ceviche clásico (fish)
• Leche de tigre shot (zesty!)
• Causa (potato terrine) to share
• Chicha morada or maracuyá juice

Lima Trip FAQ (12 helpful Q&As)

1. Is Lima worth more than a night?
   Yes—especially if you like food. Give it 2–3 days and split time between Miraflores, Barranco, and Centro for very different moods.
2. Where should I stay for a first visit?
   Miraflores is the easiest base (walkable, coastal parks, lots of dining). Barranco if you prefer boho cafés and nightlife. San Isidro for quiet, leafy streets and upscale hotels.
3. Ceviche at night—yay or nay?
   Nay-ish. Limeños treat ceviche as a lunch dish when fish is freshest. At night, go for lomo saltado, anticuchos, or Nikkei.
4. What’s the safest way to move around at night?
   Use ride apps or have your restaurant/hotel call a reputable taxi. Keep your phone tucked away curbside and avoid empty backstreets.
5. Do I need Spanish?
   Basic phrases help a lot—hello, please, thank you, the bill, directions. In touristy districts many people speak some English, but markets and local joints may not.
6. How do I visit the Historic Centre without moving hotels?
   Base in Miraflores/Barranco and do a half-day hop by ride app or Metropolitano. Go in daylight, and return to the coast for dinner/sunset.
7. Can I drink the tap water?
   Stick to filtered/bottled water. Many cafés/hotels are happy to refill a reusable bottle.
8. What’s a fair taxi/ride price to Centro from Miraflores?
   Expect a range depending on time of day and traffic. Ride apps show the rate before you go; that’s your best gauge. Leave a buffer for traffic.
9. What should I wear?
   Lima is casual. Think smart-casual layers you can stack—T-shirts, light sweaters, comfy shoes, a windproof shell. For fine dining, jeans + a nice top are fine.
10. Is it always foggy?
    Not always! But the garúa is common for much of the year. You’ll still want sunscreen; UV sneaks through.
11. Best surf season?
    Waves roll year-round; water’s chilly year-round. Summer (Dec–Apr) feels nicest on the beach; winter sees consistent swells—schools advise based on the day’s conditions.
12. What’s a good souvenir from Lima?
    Alpaca textiles, ceramics, coffee, chocolate, and edible treats like tejas. Buy from artisan co-ops/markets and check labels for authenticity (baby alpaca vs. blends).

Now over to you! What are some of your favourite things to do in Lima, Peru?