Travel Insights

As the only capital city in the world that stretches along the gorgeous Pacific coast, there’ll be plenty of stunning sunsets to mesmerize you when you visit Lima, Peru.

What else is in store?

Eclectic art museums, beautiful architecture, and amazing Peruvian cuisine that’s making splashes in specialty restaurants across the globe.
Here’s your guide to everything you need to see and do in Lima, Peru.

1. Explore the UNESCO Heritage historic district of Lima

The beautiful historic district of Lima is a UNESCO world heritage site and a short walk from the main square through the pedestrian-only Union Street (Jirón de la Unión), which was one of the most prominent and aristocratic boulevards in the past. The street is now lined with hip restaurants and fun souvenir shops, but it still retains its old world charm.

2. Plaza Mayor or Plaza de Armas (the main square)

This square is the heart of the historic district of Lima and is the birthplace of Peru – that is, where Jose San Martín declared the independence of Peru on July 28, 1821.

The square is surrounded by important historical buildings: the Government Palace, the Archbishop’s palace, and Casa del Oidor.

3. The Government Palace

Palacio de Gobierno or the Government Palace of Peru was commissioned to be built in 1535 and has been the headquarters of the President since the Peruvian Republic was born. The palce has undergone renovation and expansion multiple times over the last 5 centuries and is a magnificent structure now. Although access to the interiors are limited, you can see the changing of the guards at midday on week days from the outside.

4. Casa del Oidor

Casa del Oidor was the former quarters of Lima’s colonial magistrates. While visitors are not allowed inside the buildings, it’s ornate balconies are definitely something to admire.

5. Archbishop’s Palace of Lima

This is the official home of the archbishop of Lima. The magnificent neo-classical architecture of the building may have you fooled – but this building was only constructed in 1924.

6. Cathedral of Lima

The cathedral is right beside the archbishop’s palace and is the resting place of Francisco Pizarro – former governor of Peru and the conqueror of the Incas.

7. Museo de Arte de Lima (MALI)

Peru is known for its eclectic art museums and MALI is among the most prominent among them. The permanent collection of the museum was spearheaded by Patronato de las Artes in 1955 when the museum acquired the complete works of Peruvian painter Carlos Baca-Flor from Paris.

Now, the museum houses artworks spanning different styles and periods, from pre-Hispanic and and pre-colonial to contemporary art.

The timing of the museum varies across the days of the week. It’s open from 10am to 7pm on Sunday and Tuesday-Friday, and 10am to 5pm Saturday. The museum is closed on Mondays.

8. Museo de Arte Contemporáneo de Lima (MAC Lima)

Museo de Arte Contemporáneo was founded in 2013 and houses a growing collection of contemporary Latin American and European art (1950s onwards).

Here you’ll see conceptual art, geometric art, abstract expressionism, optical art, as well as pop art.

You can visit the museum Tuesday to Sunday between 10 AM and 6 PM.

9. Asociación Mario Testino (MATE)

Asociación Mario Testino (MATE) is dedicated to featuring the stunning works of Mario Testino, a forerunner of fashion photography whose works have been featured in the glossy pages of Vogue, V Magazine, Vanity Fair and GQ. Testino wanted to bring the essence of is art to his hometown after working and traveling across the world for 35 years.

You can visit the museum any day between 10 AM and 7 PM.

10. Larco Museum

Larco Museum is truly one of a kind among its kinfolk in Lima. The museum is located in a former mansion which was built at the site of a pre-Columbian temple. It’s permanent collection includes over 3,000 types of precious metal and ceramic artifacts as well as Incan mummies.

However, here’s what makes this museum unique:

1. Visitors are not only allowed to see the artifacts on display but also invited to go behind-the-scenes and see those that are not!
2. The museum is also known for its unique collection of ceramic pots with erotic artwork.

You can visit the Larco Museum every day from 9 AM to 10 PM.

11. Museo Oro del Peru and Arms of the World Museum

The Gold Museum

The ancient citizens of Peru were known for their metal work and Meseo Oro del Peru or the Gold Museum showcases a staggering collection of pre-Inca gold artifacts.

Here you’ll see various items from Pre-Columbian cultures (such as Lambayeque, Chimú, Mochica, Nazca, Frias, Huari, Vicus and Inca culture):

• Delicate filigree figures
• Bracelets, earflaps, and mantles from the Vicus culture
• Embossed crowns of the Chancay culture
• Masks, wristbands, and spatulas from the Nazca culture

Arms of the World Museum

This museum exhibits about 20,000 artifacts from around the world: from weapons to uniqforms to equestrian equipment. Take a journey through the art of warfare across centuries and cultures when you explore its six permanent exhibition halls: Historical Personages Room, Oriental Room, Japanese Room, Equestrian Equipment and Implements Room, European and American Room.

You can visit the Gold Museum and the Arms of the World Museum Monday to Saturday between 10 AM and 6 PM.

12. Circuito Magico del Agua (Magic Water Circuit) in Parque de la Reserva

Located in downtown Lima, Parque de la Reserva or the Park of the Reserved is named after the soliders who gave their life in the Battle of San Juan and Chorrillos and the Battle of Miraflores.
Lima’s Magic Water Circuit or Circuito Magico del Agua is located within the park and is currently the record holder for the largest fountain complex.

Imagine this: 13 gorgeous fountains with orchestrated light and sound, some of which are also interactive!

If you have one day to spend in Lima – go here! Needless to say, the Magic Water Circuit is best visited at night.

13. Larcomar

Larcomar is a high end shopping plaza (in the upscale Miraflores district of Lima) set into the cliffs along the coasts! The outdoor restaurants offer gorgeous views of the coastline and amazing food. The area also has a movie theatre and a bowling alley if you’re bored of the views or shopping (!).

14. Parque del Amor in Miraflores

Parque del Amor in Miraflores is a gorgeous park along the coastal strip of Miraflores. If you’ve been to Barcelona, the mosaics will remind you of Gaudi’s Parc Güell. A prominent feature of the park (apart from the lovely flower beds and the mind blowing coastal views) is the large “kissing couple” sculpture in the middle of the park.

Lines from famous Peruvian poets are also set into the mosaic walls of the park!

15. Paragliding in Lima

If you thought Lima was beautiful while walking along the coast, wait till you get a bird’s eye view of the coastal city when you go paragliding at Miraflores, Barranco, or San Isidro. Nothing spices up a leisurely beach vacay like some adventure sports.

16. Go on a bicycle tour

Another way to explore Lima is to go on a bicycle tour of Miraflores. With its beautiful coast lines, parks, and cliffs overlooking the sea, every route on your tour will be the scenic route. After riding around Miraflores, you can also venture off into the city center or explore the cliffs if you’re feeling adventurous.

17. Party in Barranco – Lima’s Soho

Barranco is the hip art district of Lima and it transforms into the city’s hottest party spot at night. Apart from beautiful architecture, you’ll love the many art galleries and the quirky bars in Barranco. And if you’re walking along the boardwalk, you’ll catch some of the most stunning sunsets of your life.

18. Day Trip From Lima: Paracas & Huacachina

If you’re in Lima for about a week, you may want to plan day trips to Paracas and Huacachina.

Paracas is a coastal town in Peru famous for its diverse wildlife. As you begin your Ballestas Islands tour from Paracas, you’ll spot sea lions, penguins, dolphins, and many birds from your boat. Tourists are not allowed to explore the island on foot to preserve the natural habitat, but you’ll still get your fill of tropical paradise wildlife spotting from your boat.

Huacachina will be truly a unique experience for you – it is a tranquil desert oasis town that offers the best of relaxation and luxury to tourists. You can chill by the lake or go exploring on a dune buggy!