Most Unique Experiences To Have In Lima

Don’t leave Lima before getting a chance to try everything on this list. Be sure not to miss out on some amazing experiences that make Lima the City of Kings and the proud capital of Peru.

1. Eat ceviche in an odd place

Market

Ceviche is probably Peru’s most famous dish and can be ordered at many amazing restaurants throughout Lima, but – if you want a novel experience – try eating this traditional dish on a busy street corner, on an old dock in Chorrillos, or in a busy market with hundreds of people milling around.

Mercado Surquillo, Surquillo, Lima, Peru

Ceviche | © François Bianco / Flickr

Snack like a local

One thing you’ll notice anywhere in Peru, is that they love their sandwiches, in both high and lowbrow forms! As night descends on Lima and hundreds of sandwich stands get carted out to the street corners, treat yourself to a sweet potato sandwich like a local Peruvian.

As ubiquitous as the Lima traffic are the people selling emoliente on street corners. With their range of mysterious ingredients, they’ll ask if you have any aches or pains in your body, before creating a herbal tea concoction. After some pinches from this pouch and that jar, a bit of mixing, whipping and pouring, you have a surprising delicious drink.

2. Eat at one of the best restaurants in the world

The city is home to world-renowned chefs such as Gastón Acurio and Virgilio Martínez, who recently received the Chef’s Choice Award, a title that makes him the best chef in the world. Lima is also the only city to have two restaurants ranking in the top 10 of the World’s 50 Best Restaurants.

Central Restaurante, Santa Isabel 376 Miraflores Lima, Peru

Drink Peruvian Coffee

Drinking some delicious and fresh Peruvian coffee at one of Lima’s many coffee shops is a must. Check out Biscetti or La Bodega Verde in Barranco.

La Bodega Verde in Barranco, Jiron Mariscal Jose Antonio de Sucre 335A, Barranco, Lima, Peru

Tostaduria Bisetti, Avenida Pedro de Osma 116, Barranco, Peru

3. Surf a world-class wave

Lima is home to La Herradura – a world-class left hand point break. Escape to the southern part of Lima for more perfect beaches and waves.

Malecon La Herradura, Distrito de Chorrillos, Lima, Peru

Surfing Peru | © Art DiNo / Flickr

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 Ocean and Lima’s beach neighborhoods. Expect to pay around $70 for 10 minutes.

Bike along the Malécon de Miraflores

Take a long bike ride along Miraflores’ boardwalk, enjoying the Pacific Ocean and the neighborhood’s many beautiful parks.

4. Catacumbas

Underneath Lima’s San Francisco de Lima Basilica and Convent lays the burial site of over 25,000 bodies. Tours of the underground catacomb are offered daily for around $7.

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

Plaza de Armas

Here you’ll find Lima’s most stunning colonial architecture. Take a walk around the plaza and its surrounding streets or take a guided tour and see the history-rich historical center of Lima.

5. Watch a soccer game at Estadio Nacional

Stadium

If the national team is in town, you must go and experience the rabid fans at El Estadio Nacional. The excitement and energy around the stadium on game day is unparalleled. Watching a soccer match in South America is always a must.

Estadio Nacional, Calle José Díaz s/n, Distrito de Lima, Lima, Peru

Estadio Nacional | © Christian Córdova / Flickr

6. Experience a Peña

Peñas are music venues or restaurants (or even someone’s house) where traditional Peruvian music is played by a live band. Sit back, enjoy some traditional Peruvian dishes and watch a Peña. There are many venues/restaurants that offer the spectacle, but La Candelaria feels the most authentic.

La Candelaria, Av. Francisco Bolognesi 292, Barranco, Lima, Peru

7. Drink pisco in a colonial mansion

Lima offers boutique bars in old colonial mansions. Sip Peru’s famous drink the pisco sour and enjoy the vibes of one these must-see bars.

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

Pisco sour | © Cathrine Lindblom Gunasekara / Flickr

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