20 Must-Visit Attractions In Lima

Peru’s capital, Lima, is the largest city in the country, and the second-largest in South America, so there’s no shortage of things to do. Experience the history of Peru at one of Lima’s many museums, or gaze at the raw beauty of its coastline. Here are 20 things that you shouldn’t leave unexplored in the City of Kings.

Parque Kennedy

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.

Go to a Peña

1. Museo Larco

Building, Museum

Head to Museo Larco for, of all things, some erotic pre-Columbian pottery. The museum is located in an 18th-century building and has a large archaeological collection, including a lot of Peru’s pre-Colombian art, but it is most famous for its collection of erotic pottery. There are also changing temporary exhibitions.

Paraglide Over Miraflores

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.

Surf Herradura

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.

Bike Along the Malécon de Miraflores

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.

Palomino Island

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.

2. Drink in Colonial Mansions

Barranco is filled with colonial mansions that have been turned into boutique bars. Head to Ayahuasca, drink one of their craft cocktails, and explore their many hidden rooms.

Ayahuasca, Av San Martin 130, Barranco 15063, Lima, Peru

3. Visit the Catacombs

Underneath Lima’s San Francisco de Lima Basilica and Convent lies the burial site of over 25,000 bodies. The site was used as a burial ground until 1808. Tours of the underground catacombs are offered daily for around $7.

San Francisco de Lima Basilica, Jirón Lampa, Distrito de Lima 15001, Lima, Peru

Skulls and bones arranged in a underground well inside Lima’s catacombs | © alberto falleta/Flickr

4. Presbítero Maesreo

This cemetery-turned-museum offers visitors a glimpse into Peruvian history and, in one notable mausoleum, pays homage to those men and women who served their country in the War of the Pacific.

Presbítero Maesreo, Jr. Ancash – Barrios Altos, 1611, Distrito de Lima 15003, Lima, Peru

Walk in Plaza de Armas

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.

La Puente de Suspiros

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.

Barrio Chino

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.

5. Drink Pisco at Hotel Bolivar

Hotel

If not for the history – Ernest Hemingway and Walt Disney, among many others, have graced the halls of this hotel – then you must go for the pisco. The bartenders at Gran Hotel Bolivar serve a famous drink known as the Pisco Cathedral, made with 5 ounces (150 ml) of pisco. Not only is their pisco drink big; their bartenders also make some of the best pisco sours in the city.

Hotel Bolivar, Jirón de la Unión 958, Distrito de Lima 15001, Lima, Peru

Gran Hotel Bolivar | © Robert Cutts/Flickr

6. Museo Pisco

Bar

One part museum and one part bar; what’s not to like? After you take the tour of the museum, you can sit down and enjoy a pisco cocktail.

Museo Pisco, Jirón Carabaya 193, Distrito de Lima 15001, Lima, Peru

7. Museo Amano

Museum

This museum displays the wealthy businessman Yoshitaro Amano’s collection of pre-Colombian textiles and artifacts, amassed throughout his travels.

Museo Amano, Retiro 160, Miraflores, Lima, Peru

8. El Circuito Mágico del Agua

Park

The perfect place to take the kids or a date, El Circuito Mágico del Agua has daily light shows that are projected onto spouting fountains. If you want to get wet, go during the day and enjoy their interactive fountains that shoot water up from the ground.

El Circuito Mágico del Agua, Jr. Madre de Dios S/N, Distrito de Lima, Lima, Peru

El Circuito Mágico del Agua | © kc7fys/Flickr

9. Central Restaurante

Central Restaurante comes in at number 5 in the Top 50 Best Restaurants in the world, and their chef and owner has been voted best chef in the world. Enjoy the exotic Peruvian cuisine, arranged and served by altitude.

Central Restaurante, Santa Isabel 376 Miraflores Lima, Peru

A Peruvian Market

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.

10. Lacomar

This is Lima’s upscale outdoor mall overlooking the Pacific Ocean. You’ll be hard-pressed to find any mall with a more beautiful view.
Lacomar, Malecón de la Reserva 610, Miraflores 15074, Lima, Peru

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