20 Must-Visit Attractions in Lima

Parque Kennedy, named after the 35th US president, hosts nightly events from dancing to art exhibits. It also houses hundreds of cats that prowl the park at night. Watch the cats and do some people-watching while eating picarones, a fried Peruvian dessert made of fried sweet potatoes dipped in honey.

Peñas are music venues or restaurants, or even someone’s house, where traditional Peruvian music is played by a live band. This music is worlds apart from the electronic cumbia that has captured Lima.

At the Miraflores boardwalk you can paraglide over the upscale beach city and the Pacific Ocean. If the sun is out, you’ll have a beautiful view of the Pacific and of Lima’s beach neighborhoods. It cost around $70 for 10 minutes.

One of the best left-hand point breaks in the world is only a short ride away, in Chorrillos. If the swell is right, you’ll score some epic surf.

The Miraflores boardwalk runs parallel to the Pacific Ocean, providing you with miles of stunning views. Rent a bike from one of the many rental companies and enjoy a bike ride up and down the coast.

Swim with sea lion pups just a short boat ride away from Lima. You can take a boat to Palomino Island and enjoy the abundant marine life there.

This area is where you’ll find Lima’s most breathtaking colonial architecture. Francisco Pizarro established the city’s central square in the 16th century to serve as the capital of colonial South America. Not one building remains from that period, but the area is nonetheless stunning.

You can find this bridge, and its surrounding park, in the Barranco district. The bridge was built in 1876 and is small and wooden, but looks rather like something found on a postcard, which is why you may run into people posing for wedding photos as you walk around.

The hustle and bustle of Lima’s Chinatown is not to be missed. Start on the main walkway, which is lined with Chinese-themed benches and lampposts and is not far from the Metropolitano, Peru’s bus rapid-transit system. From there, find a chifa restaurant (Chinese–Peruvian fusion food) and enjoy a meal.

The markets are Peru’s beating heart, where each morning, hundreds of Peruvians come to get their goods. Even if you don’t intend to buy anything, you can walk through the maze of vendors and admire the cheerful chaos and the colorful displays.