20 Things to Do in Lima in 2018

Hang out all day in Lima’s most hippy and bohemian neighborhood. There is plenty to do, from shopping at boutique stores to checking out the colorful streets of Barranco.

On January 18, Lima celebrates the day it was founded by the Spanish conqueror Francisco Pizzaro. There are parades and parties taking place all over the city.

The historical center of Lima is an architectural beauty and worth a day to explore. There is the spectacular Presidential Palace, the old cathedral, and plenty of beautiful balconies to enjoy looking at.

The most beautiful views of the Pacific Ocean are undoubtedly those from the Miraflores boardwalk, perched up on a stunning cliffside. Rent a bike and explore all of it.

Why not have a day to celebrate Peru’s famous drink, the pisco sour? Join the crowds of people sipping on Peru’s national drink, getting tiddly and having a good time on the first Saturday of February.

Named after the 35th American president, this park encompasses a beautiful church and also offers plenty of vendors scattered throughout the park among the verdant green grass and trees. It is also home to hundreds of street cats, who are protected here.

The biggest horse tournament in Peru happens just outside Lima every April and is a good way to catch a traditional Limeño event.

The event is hosted by popular Peruvian chefs and celebrities, who come together to celebrate the wonderful diversity of Peruvian cuisine. The event takes place in the second week of September.

Drink a pisco sour in one of Lima’s many Colonial-mansions-turned bars, such as Ayahuasca in Barranco.

One of the biggest processions in Latin America takes place every year, at the end of October or beginning of November, in the streets of Lima. The procession is in remembrance of a picture of Christ, called Señor de los Milagros (‘Lord of Miracles’), that survived a devastating earthquake in the 17th century.

Adrenaline junkies will love this one. You take off from Miraflores’ cliffside and fly over a highway, the ocean, and the beach.

Central Restaurante ranks number four in the world and has also been voted the best restaurant in Latin America. This restaurant serves food as art, with each dish representing a different ecological zone of Peru. The dishes are served by altitude.

Peñas are music venues or restaurants, or even someone’s house, where traditional Peruvian music is played by a live band. They are a real throwback to the classic Lima of days gone by.

You’ll find an extensive collection of erotic pottery and art that dates back to pre-Columbian times, as well as other remarkable artifacts that take you on a journey through Peru’s rich cultural history. This is without a doubt one of the best museums in Lima.

Underneath Lima’s San Francisco de Lima Basilica and Convent lies the burial site of over 25,000 bodies. The catacombs are open to the public for a small fee.

The happening neighborhood is a great place to see the everyday hustle and bustle of Lima taking place before your eyes, as well as a great place to eat some of the best chifa (Peruvian–Chinese food) in Lima.

In a Peruvian market you’ll find the beating heart of Peruvian life, and some great prices on food and souvenirs. Start at the Mercado Central, a couple of blocks from the Plaza de Armas, and for souvenirs, try the Feria Artesanal.

Lima’s best surf break, located in Chorrillos, is a must-visit for any surfer. During a good swell, it’ll get pumping and offers one of the best lefts in Peru.

This water park is a great place to bring kids and let them run around and get wet from all the shooting fountains; just remember to bring a towel.