25 Best Things to Do in Lima, Peru in 2023

Lima is a vibrant city with rich Peruvian history, tourist attractions, a historical center, and a strong sense of local culture. The capital city of Peru lies along the Pacific Ocean at the top of South America. It is part of the Costa Verde, aka the Green Coast. Lima is a fantastic place for a holiday packed with exciting things to do. You’ll be busy from sunrise to way past sundown. You can visit attractions like the Government Palace, admire street art, sample Peruvian cuisine at excellent restaurants, and take a day trip to Machu Picchu.

Top Things to Do in Lima, Peru

We’ve certainly established that Lima is not short of attractions. However, this guide will cover the best things to do in Lima. Let’s dive straight into the most exciting things that Lima has to offer.

1. Plaza de Armas

Plaza de Armas is the main square at the heart of Lima’s historic center. This expansive square has colonial buildings, palaces, horse-drawn carriages, and white pedestrian crossings you see on postcards. Some call Plaza de Armas the ‘birthplace of Lima’. The square still carries an immense significance and is part of Lima’s identity – despite only one fountain remaining from its earlier days. The plaza was built in Francisco Pizarro’s 16th-century settlement and is a marker of Spanish colonialism.

Plaza de Armas remains open 24/7 as a fully functioning public place. Most walking tours either include Plaza de Armas or start the tour at the square itself, as it is such a convenient and iconic meeting place. Whether you visit Plaza de Armas to snap a few pictures at the famed location or visit some of the colonial buildings around the square is up to you. But Plaza de Armas should definitely be on your Lima itinerary. Visiting is free unless you book a walking tour; even then, Lima offers many free walking tours.

2. Andres del Castillo Museum

Andres del Castillo Museum is an entire space dedicated to minerals and geology. It’s hailed as the world’s first Peruvian mineral museum and showcases the beauty of the minerals while highlighting Peru’s close links to the mining industry. The museum has two extra sections – one dedicated to Chancay ceramic art and one to pre-1532 textiles. Andres del Castillo Museum has a regal interior design, making the experience even better. Each artifact is tastefully displayed, some in minimalistic glass boxes, others on artistic pedestals, and others as wall decor.

Andres del Castillo Museum is open seven days a week between 10 am and 5 pm. It is located right next to Plaza San Martin. It is in the center of Lima, so it is easily squeezed into a short itinerary. Entering costs less than £3 too, which is a complete bargain.

3. Plaza San Martin

Plaza San Martin is another one of Lima’s decorative, historical squares. A monument of Jose de San Martin stands in the center of the square, surrounded by patches of green space and benches that are perfect for a quiet coffee and takeaway lunch. Around the square’s perimeter is a selection of excellent restaurants offering al fresco dining with street views. The square has a real ceremonial feeling and is a remarkable tribute to Peruvian independence.

The square is free to visit and open 24/7 as a public space. However, we recommend visiting during the day for safety and budgeting for at least a coffee. This plaza is a brilliant place to sit down and soak up the atmosphere with minimal effort – which is best done with a nice drink. The square is next to Lima’s busiest shopping streets, so it is an ideal lunch spot to relax and unwind.

Address: Plaza San Martin, Av. Nicolas de Pierola, 994, Lima 15001, Peru

4. Natural History Museum

Peru has fascinating natural history, and the Natural History Museum has been celebrating and showcasing it since 1918. Visitors will see exhibits ranging from dinosaurs to geological findings. Small but mighty, this museum has a diverse display of exhibits, artifacts, and experiences – including a lovely outdoor area with plant displays. The Natural History Museum is especially well-suited to families with young children and native Spanish speakers.

General admission tickets cost less than $3, and Lima’s museum is a great budget-friendly activity. It is open Tuesday to Friday between 10 am and 3 pm and is centrally located in the heart of Lima. You are just a stone’s throw from the Magic Water Show and National Stadium.

5. Street Art in Barranco

You’ll find street art all over Lima. The artwork covers all themes and topics, from religious art to political and creative statements. Typical street art in Lima is colorful and bold – but otherwise, you’ll find it diverse and full of unique and thought-provoking pieces.

The best area to see street art in Lima is Barranco, a neighborhood known for being hip and trendy. Unsurprisingly, Barranco is home to many of Lima’s creative, and you’ll find resident artists, photographers, and musicians everywhere. Head to Restaurante Javier to see Barranco’s most famous street art area near the Puente de Suspiros. The artwork is free to visit and open 24 hours a day, although you should keep your visits to daylight hours.

6. Take a Free Walking Tour

Free walking tours are a staple activity for any budget traveler. A free walking tour in Lima is a great way to learn more about the city through local perspective and expertise and saves money. You embark on a guided tour of Lima’s most exciting areas, including the historic center, downtown Lima, or a lesser-visited neighborhood. Often, tours include a cultural experience, like pisco sour tasting. Walking tours are a brilliant way of grounding yourself in a new city, getting local insight, and meeting new people – which is especially good for solo travelers.

A walking tour is one of the best things to do in Lima. While they are advertised as free, we recommend bringing some money to tip at the end of the tour. Most tours welcome tips, which is a good way of supporting a generous and insightful tourist activity. Besides, it is still a budget-friendly activity either way.

7. National Museum of Peru

Keep your eyes peeled for this attraction, as the National Museum of Peru is hot on the scene. Construction has been ongoing throughout 2021 and 2022, and the upcoming museum’s official opening is highly anticipated. The museum is being constructed in a partially urban, partially desert region just outside the city center, hoping to signify a cultural significance to Peruvian citizens. The museum will educate guests on Andean and Amazonian early culture with displays, information, and immersive experiences. It is set to become one of the greatest celebrations of Peruvian culture and will hold over 8,000 artifacts.

The museum will open from Tuesday to Sunday between 10 am and 4:30 pm. As of December 2022, it is currently accepting visitors for a handful of completed exhibits. It is worth checking to see if you can visit – even if you are visiting before it officially opens.

8. Government Palace

Government Palace is a stunning spot on the edge of Lima’s Main Square. It is the residence of the Peruvian Prime Minister and a symbol of grandeur in Lima’s historic center. The uniformed guards and heavily barred gates create a formidable and traditional image. While visitors can’t enter the palace, you can watch the changing of the guards each day. It starts at 11:45 am, ends at 12:15 pm, and even involves changing horses. If you are visiting the palace, time it during this period for the most entertaining experience.

The palace is free to visit (from behind the railings) and should definitely make your itinerary. You can visit 24 hours every day but, as we covered, it is most interesting to visit at the time of the changing of the guards. The palace is also easy to add to a visit to Plaza de Armas.

9. Huaca Pucllana Site Museum

Visiting the Huaca Pucllana Site Museum is one of the best archaeological things to do in Lima. Huaca Pucllana Site Museum contains the ancient ruins of a clay and adobe pyramid, which dates back to the Lima Culture period between 200 and 700 AD. The ruins themselves have an adjoining museum and guided tour experience. Visitors can tour the site, learning more about the ruin’s rich history and Lima’s social dynamics and culture during its period.

The Huaca Pucllana Site Museum tour lasts approximately an hour. You are guided around the ruins, fascinating modern recreations of ancient scenes, and valuable relics inside the museum. There is even a flora and fauna section with native animals like alpacas. The museum is open Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday between 9 am and 4:15 pm. General tickets cost just $4.

10. Basilica and Convent of San Francisco

Visiting the Basilica and Convent of San Francisco is one of the most exciting things to do in Lima. The church is a striking yellow and is considered one of Lima’s most beautiful buildings. If you are interested in religion or architecture, definitely add it to your list of bucket list-worthy attractions. Visitors can admire the church from its exterior or enter and take a thirty-minute tour, included in their admission cost.

San Francisco church is not just famed for its beauty and distinctive yellow color. The church also contains 70,000 human remains in its catacombs. Its catacomb corridors are lined with bones, which makes for a pretty eerie tour experience. San Francisco’s catacombs are frequently claimed to be the largest and best preserved in South America – a weighty claim. The church opens every day between 9 am and 8:15 pm and costs $3 for entry.

11. Puente de los Suspiros

Puente de Los Suspiros is a stunning red-painted wooden bridge built in 1876. It is nicknamed the ‘bridge of sighs’ after the Puente de Los Suspiros in Venice. It is a rather humble piece of architecture but iconic nonetheless. By the mid-1900s, the bridge was in daily use by fishermen making their way down to the sea and quickly caught on as an artistically inspiring and romantic place to linger. Writers, poets, and lovers became common visitors at the bridge. And now, tourists join the crowds.

Visiting is entirely free, and the bridge remains open 24/7 as a public place. It is located on the outskirts of Lima in Barranco. It is well combined with a visit to the Museo de Arte Contemporaneo and the many beaches of Lima’s coastal region.

12. National Stadium

The National Stadium of Peru (Estadio Nacional) is a must-visit for sports fans. It is one of the best things to do in Lima for football fans and is home to Peru’s national football team. You can watch a Peruvian league game and soak up the sporting atmosphere for a few hours. Tickets cost between $3 and $13, depending on which stand you choose to sit in. And, if there isn’t a game running, you can take one of the stadium tours to appreciate the interior, stadium, and sporting history.

There is also a lengthy concert schedule at the stadium, with performing artists such as Coldplay, Guns N’ Roses, and Harry Styles. Even if you aren’t a football fan, it’s worth checking to see if there are any upcoming music events you’d like to visit the stadium to attend.

13. Kennedy Park

Kennedy Park is a beautiful urban park dedicated to President John F. Kennedy. Situated in the uptown district of Miraflores, Kennedy Park is a precious section of green space in a residential area. It has a sense of community and constant buzz, with street vendors selling street food and souvenirs, performers, and artists. It is a creative, entrepreneurial, and social space – plus, it has many resident cats.

Kennedy Park is free to visit and is open daily between 7 am and 7 pm. Bring some loose change to treat yourself to a drink and a bite to eat. Bring a bit extra if you want to purchase any souvenirs, including local Peruvian handicrafts. It is all part of the Kennedy Park experience.

14. Museo de Arte de Lima

The Museum of Art of Lima is dedicated to Peruvian and pre-Colombian artwork. It is situated in central Lima in the Parque de la Exposicion. The museum is set in a palace-like building and contains a range of exhibits. You can admire art that includes tapestries and textile works, ceramics and sculptures, and paintings. The dedication to displaying early artwork makes the gallery just as intriguing from a historical perspective. Visiting the Museo de Arte de Lima is one of the best things to do in Lima if you are an art or history enthusiast.

The museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday from 10:30 am until 6 pm, apart from Saturdays when it closes early at 5 pm. Tickets cost $8 per standard adult entrance, and you can easily spend two hours inside the museum, so it is good value for money. Keep this museum in mind on rainy days as it is one of the best indoor activities in Lima and is just a short walk from Lima’s Main Square and the city center.

15. Pisco Sour

Get ready to try Peru’s national cocktail. A pisco sour is a citrus-flavored, refreshing alcoholic beverage. Its key ingredients include the base liquor pisco, a brandy distilled from fermented Peruvian grapes. In this exceptional cocktail, you’ll also find lemon or lime juice, sugar syrup, and occasionally egg white. Pisco sours are enjoyed by many locals and are always a firm hit with tourists, and you can visit a bar or club to try one for yourself.

You can pay around $7 for a pisco sour, depending on where you go to try one. It is common sense, though; a small local bar on the outskirts of Lima will be much cheaper than a flashy club in downtown Lima. The Gran Hotel Bolivar, Hotel Antigua Miraflores, the Country Club, and La Mar are popular places to try a pisco sour.

16. Larco Museum

The Larco Museum is one of the most interesting historical things to do in Lima. Once a residential mansion, the elegant building now houses ancient Peruvian artifacts. The collection is vast, with over 30,000 pottery artifacts ranging from pre-Colombian erotic art to functional jugs and other handmade tools. The Larco Museum aims to provide a unique insight into the Andean worldview and has an impressive display of artifacts to fulfill its mission.

Tickets to the Larco Museum cost $9. The museum is open seven days a week between 10 am and 7 pm, apart from essential holiday dates like Christmas and New Year. You can purchase tickets in advance or on arrival, and the Larco Museum is one of the most straightforward tourist attractions to visit in Lima.

17. Fuente de la Fantasia

Fuente de la Fantasia is a 120-meter-long water fountain on the magic water circuit. Each evening, visitors can gather to watch the Magic Water Show. Jets propel the water from the fountain into the air, illuminated by different colors with music in the background. Other fountains are dotted around the park, so you can wander between each fountain during the show. The choreography of water, music, and light will entertain those of all ages, and visiting is suitable for families or solo adults. Music ranges from global classics like ABBA songs to local Peruvian classics. The Magic Water Show is one of the best things to do in Lima to appreciate it as a modern city.

Fuente de la Fantasia is free to visit during the day and costs $1 if you want to watch the Magic Water Fountain Show. The fountain is located within the Parque de la Reserva. It is combined with other attractions like the surrounding theaters or the National Stadium of Peru.

18. Muninet Parque La Muralla

Muninet Parque La Muralla is an urban park on the outskirts of Lima city center. It is a family-friendly attraction favored by local residents for its scenic walkways and kids’ train. However, from a tourist perspective, the most striking part of the park is its sections of the ancient walls of Lima.

The areas of the protected wall date back to the 17th century and are fascinating to stop by and take a quick look at. Muninet Parque La Muralla is ideal for those interested in old architecture and Lima’s ancient history and those who want a park with a bit more oomph.

Muninet Parque La Muralla is free to enter and opens daily from 6:45 am until 6 pm. It is just a short walk from the Basilica and Convent of San Francisco, Lima Main Square, and Chinatown. It is an excellent outdoor attraction for your visit for a break in green space.

19. Craft Beer Tasting

Going craft beer tasting is one of the best things to do in Lima. You can book a beer-tasting or pub crawl experience or head out independently. The bar staff and brewery workers are always happy to give you some information. Craft beer might seem like a strange addition to Lima culture, but the city is packed with microbreweries. Barranco and the area around Urb Cercado de Lima are the best if you fancy going craft beer bar hopping. And the best bars for craft beer tasting include Cerveceria Del Valle Sagrado, Lupulo Draft Beer, BarBarian Bonilla 108, and Jaya Brew Company.

Budget around $3-$9, depending on what beer you choose. You should be able to taste a few beers for $20 and have enough for some snacks. Entering the bars and breweries themselves is free.

20. Place of Memory, Tolerance and Social Inclusion

For a dark insight into Peruvian history, the Place of Memory, Tolerance, and Social Inclusion is a fascinating museum in Lima. The museum covers the 1980-2000 conflict between the Peruvian government and terrorist groups. This period was plagued by political upheavals and civil war and is a tricky part of history not as commonly discussed outside of Peru. The mixture of visual exhibits, interactive videos, and artifacts opens your eyes to a likely unfamiliar part of history. You can expect a sensitively told story of tragedy and violence.

The Place of Memory, Tolerance, and Social Inclusion is free for all visitors. It is a great budget-friendly thing to do in Lima, especially for history and culture enthusiasts. The museum is open from 10 am until 5 pm all days, closing only on Mondays.

21. Parque del Amor

Parque del Amor is a creatively designed landscaped park with an iconic kissing sculpture and incredible ocean views. Apart from the main sculpture attraction, you’ll find many smaller statues and photogenic features like mosaic walls. Parque del Amor is – as you may have guessed – dedicated to love, and it is a romantic spot to unwind, whether as a couple or solo. You can enjoy beautiful views of the city and the Pacific Ocean, love-themed artwork, and even place a lock on specially designated railings.

Parque del Amor is free to visit, so add it to your list of budget-friendly things to do in Lima. The park is easily combined with a beach day since it is located alongside Lima’s coastline. And once you’ve enjoyed the beaches and park, you can entertain yourself by exploring Miraflores, and all the upscale neighborhood has to offer.

You’ve seen plenty of shopping centers in your time. But have you seen a shopping center built into a cliff? Larcomar Shopping Center has a unique setting, and you can indulge in retail therapy with ocean views. The shopping center has everything from supermarkets to eateries, bars, and independent clothing stores. There’s a selection of pop-up shops on the ground level. Then you can take the elevator underground to find a broader range of shops and hospitality venues again.

The shopping center is open daily from 6 am until 10 pm and is completely free to enter. How much you spend there is your choice. You’ll find cheap trinkets, individually priced fresh fruit and vegetables, and high-end designer stores. Budget a little extra if the sounds of a movie theater or bowling appeal to you.

23. Palomino Islands

There are tons of things to do in Lima itself. Still, the city is also perfectly positioned for fantastic day trips. The Palomino Islands are one of those brilliant day trips. The islands form an archipelago renowned for sea lions and seabird watching.

For those interested in wildlife, the islands are a wonderful, remote place from Lima. You can take guided tours from Lima to the islands, many of which include the opportunity to swim with sea lions – an unforgettable experience. You’ll catch a 1.5-hour boat to reach the islands, enjoying stunning coastal views and potential wildlife sightings.

Tours to the Palomino Islands from Lima start at around $60 and rise to a maximum of $130. It is worth booking in advance to get the most budget-friendly deals. These tours include the boat transfer to the islands and typically allow you to swim with sea lions and spot penguins and other seabirds on arrival. Some tours include hotel pick up services.

24. Go Surfing

Lima is known for its great waves and is coined by many as the surfing capital of Peru. The city is set just inland from the Pacific Ocean. Lima’s outer neighborhoods hug the coastline and offer surfing opportunities galore. Miraflores is a trendy beachfront neighborhood and upscale destination with busy, sociable beaches. There are quieter spots, too, for advanced surfers looking for independent surf time. With year-round swells, off-peak surf trips are another answer for avoiding crowds. Surfboard rentals average around $10 per day, which is nice and cost-effective.

Looking for a lesson? Group lessons are priced at around $30, and private lessons are priced at about $60. There is plenty of flexibility with this, so shop around, and you’ll be sure to snag a cheaper deal. Miraflores is a surf lesson hotspot. You can always head down to watch the surfers and enquire about lessons while you are there.

25. Bike around Lima

We’ve talked about walking tours, but what about bike tours? A bike tour is a great way to explore Lima. It is a little quicker than on foot, yet still allows you to immerse yourself in the atmosphere and fresh air in a way that is less effective than on bus tours. It is also nice to stay active while traveling; a bit of exercise can work wonders for your mood.

Lima is full of bike paths, and cycling is scenic for viewing the city and its different neighborhoods. Organized bike tours range from $25 to $40 when booked online, typically running in the afternoon as a half-day activity. Of course, you could always embark on your own bike ride around Lima. Just rent a bike and download offline Google Maps or purchase a local SIM card to figure out directions without a local guide.

Trip to Machu Picchu

Who hasn’t heard of Machu Picchu? This ancient city was once a booming inhabitation during the reign of the Inca Empire. A designated UNESCO world heritage site, Machu Picchu quickly rose to worldwide fame in modern years as a dream adventure destination. People either visit as a day trip or a multi-day expedition, hiking their way up to the mountain top base.

So, where does Lima come into this? If you are visiting the Peruvian capital, you’d want to take a detour to one of the country’s most popular attractions. You’ll likely be disappointed that Machu Picchu is so far from Lima. But visiting is still possible. If this sounds appealing, the easiest way is to add a flight to Cusco at the end of your trip to Lima. You can take a scenic 3.5-hour train from Cusco to Aqua Calientes, climbing the mountain to reach the ancient city.

Alternatively, you can book a multi-day tour package from Lima to Machu Picchu. Typically, these tours are planned as a loop, starting and ending in Lima but transporting you to Cusco first and then to the ancient city. Some tours even include hotel pick-up. You can check out our guide on planning a trip to Machu Picchu here.

Lima FAQs

Now that we’ve covered the best things to do in Lima let’s look at some common FAQs. These are all the essentials that you need to know before your visit.

How to get to Lima

The easiest way to get to Lima is to fly, especially if traveling internationally. Jorge Chavez International Airport has connections worldwide, so you can easily find a direct flight to Lima. If you fly from some regions of Europe, New Zealand, Australia, or Africa, you will probably have one stopover. You can take a 30-minute taxi from the airport, rent a car, or take the bus to Lima city center.

If you are feeling adventurous or are already in a South American country, you can take the bus across the Peruvian border to get to Lima. Many places (like Ecuador and Chile) have shuttle services crossing the Peruvian border. The Peruvian borders are safe, but land border crossings are notoriously hectic and involve lengthy driving times, so settle in for a long adventure.

For those able to splash out on a cruise, set cruises stop at Lima’s port, Callao. Traveling to Lima slowly and enjoying the journey by incorporating different stops along the way might be tempting.

Getting around Lima

Getting around Lima is a breeze. The historical center and downtown are somewhat walkable for those with a moderate fitness level. Cycling is also a popular way of getting around, so consider hiring bikes.

You can use Lima’s bus system when you want to go further afield and aren’t in a rush. The system connects the city on four different routes. It is a great way to visit outer neighborhoods like Barranco cheaply. The yellow school bus style is generally safer than the white van style. The white vans have a bad reputation for pickpocketers, so if you catch one, just be wary of your pockets. The flat rate for a bus ride in Lima is very cheap. $0.40 is a fair price for a ride.

Lima also has a metro system that links 12 districts. It is a bit more expensive (a $0.69 flat rate for each ride) than the bus, but not massively. If you are in a rush, the metro is a quicker bet for only a fraction more of the price. You purchase a re-chargeable card for $1.40, which allows you to enter and exit turnstiles.

Finally, if you get stuck, you can always treat yourself to a taxi, Uber, or Cabify. The latter are more recommendable than privately owned taxis, both from a safety and value for money point of view. Uber and Cabify have set ride rates that aren’t based on whether you are a tourist. Plus, the journeys are tracked for extra safety.

Best time to visit Lima

The best period to visit Peru is during summer, which is between December and April. However, be warned that summer is also Peru’s rainiest period, so bring your umbrella and some waterproofs.

We recommend April the most since it has the driest of the ‘wet period’ weather and still has high temperatures. April has better visibility too, which is handy for hiking and enjoying viewpoints to their maximum. And, if you need any more persuading, April is also a shoulder season – meaning cheaper deals and more bang for your buck.

Where to stay in Lima

So, where should you stay in Lima? You’ll need a great base to have the best trip – regardless of all the fantastic things to do in Lima. These are our top suggestions, with a winner for each budget level.

Budget: Pariwana Hostel Lima

Pariwana Hostel Lima is a sociable hostel that is perfect for those on a budget. The hostel is located in the center of Miraflores, one of Lima’s best neighborhoods. Guests can choose from a range of mixed-sex, single-gender, and private rooms. You get a complimentary each morning too, which helps cut costs on eating out. You can enjoy the ping pong table, terrace, and TV lounge when you aren’t exploring Lima.

Mid-Range: The Lot Boutique Hotel

The Lot Boutique Hotel offers elegant modern rooms in a laid-back setting. If you fancy a trendy boutique stay, this mid-range option is ideal for you. The complimentary breakfast and wifi help to reduce unnecessary spending and saves you on meal costs. There are a few luxury extras like an on-site bar, cafe, and terrace.

Luxury: Miraflores Park, A Belmond Hotel, Lima

Miraflores Park, A Belmond Hotel Lima, is a five-star luxury property in Lima’s most exclusive neighborhood. The property has two on-site restaurants and a bar. Its outdoor pool has stunning views over the ocean and is the ultimate picture of a romantic stay in Peru.

Where to eat in Lima

Trying delicious food in Peruvian cuisine is one of the best things to do in Lima. Lima is known for its excellent Peruvian cuisine, so take advantage of its best restaurants and dishes. Whether you want fresh seafood or a breakfast dish, these restaurants are unmissable on your Lima itinerary.

1. La Mar Cevicheria Peruana

La Mar Cevicheria Peruana is one of the best local restaurants for trying ceviche – a raw fish marinated in a lime sauce that is Peru’s national dish. Located right next to the coast, La Mar Cevicheria Peruana has a beautiful location, dishes, and a tasty cocktail menu.

2. Mercado 28 Miraflores

Mercado 28 Miraflores is the place for a delicious meal if you want street food. The indoor market offers food from around the world at modest rates and is a great place to grab some street food. Don’t know what you fancy? It genuinely doesn’t matter with this much selection.

3. Astrid y Gaston

Astrid y Gaston is a great local restaurant if you fancy fine dining. It serves local dishes in a luxurious style, specializing in regional seafood and meat dishes. With meticulous plate presentation and impeccable service, Astrid y Gaston is the perfect spot for some upmarket indulgence.

To Conclude

There are so many amazing things to do in Lima. Whether you take a guided tour or head out solo, wander indoors in galleries or go to sea searching for islands, you’ll have so much fun in Lima. Continuing your journey? Check out our guide on the best things to do in Peru and why you should visit Peru. And either way, these ultimate travel tips for Peru will come in handy. Have a fantastic time in Lima.