Things To Do
in Lima
Lima, Peru’s coastal capital, blends colonial architecture with modern high-rises along the Pacific. Its vibrant food scene reflects centuries of cultural fusion, making it a global culinary hotspot. Historic districts like Miraflores and Barranco showcase lively art, nightlife, and ocean views.
Despite its size, Lima retains neighborhoods rich in tradition, green parks, and scenic promenades.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Begin your day at the Plaza de Armas where the grand cathedral and colonial palaces stand in stately silence. Wander through the surrounding streets to admire intricate balconies and baroque architecture. Sip a cup of rich Peruvian coffee at a nearby café while absorbing the city’s vibrant history.
Descend into the catacombs beneath the San Francisco Monastery on a guided tour filled with fascinating stories. Explore the monastery’s ornate library and marvel at its vast collection of ancient manuscripts. Pause for a refreshing Inca corn drink before continuing your cultural journey.
Dine at a traditional colonial-style restaurant and savor a succulent lomo saltado or ají de gallina. Listen to live criollo music drifting through the candlelit courtyard. Conclude the night with a stroll past the illuminated buildings of the historic center.
Wander across the Bridge of Sighs and explore colorful street art. Sample artisanal coffee at a local café overlooking the cliff. Chat with street artists about their inspiration while walking through bohemian alleys.
Visit the MATE museum to admire the work of Mario Testino and discover contemporary Peruvian photography. Stop by small art galleries showcasing emerging local talents. Relax at a seaside café with a homemade pastry in hand.
Enjoy dinner at a cozy bistro featuring fusion cuisine infused with Pacific flavors. Attend a live music performance in the neighborhood’s intimate bars. Soak up the laid-back vibe as lanterns and fairy lights create a magical atmosphere.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $7-10 |
| 🍽️Three-course meal for two at mid-range restaurant | $40-60 |
| ☕Coffee | $2-3 |
| 🚕Taxi start (short ride) | $1-2 |
| 🚌Public bus fare | $0.75 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- World-class cuisine
- Rich history and colonial architecture
- Scenic coastal views
- Vibrant arts and nightlife
- Heavy traffic congestion
- Urban air pollution and haze
- Risk of petty theft
- Bureaucratic processes can be slow
- "Hola" - Hello
- "Por favor" - Please
- "Gracias" - Thank you
- "¿Cuánto cuesta?" - How much does it cost?
- "Una cerveza, por favor" - A beer, please
Places to Visit in Lima
Visit one of these nice places.
Cliffside promenade with panoramic ocean views and parks at sunrise or sunset.
Colorful street art, colonial balconies, and the Bridge of Sighs offer rich photo backdrops.
Pre-Inca adobe pyramid lit up at night, with museum grounds for daytime shots.
Rocky coastline between Miraflores and Barranco at golden hour.
Food in Lima
Lima Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Raw fish cured in lime juice with chili, onions, and cilantro—try it at La Mar or Punto Azul.
Must-Try!
Beef stir-fried with tomatoes, onions, and soy sauce, served with fries and rice—order at Panchita.
Grilled beef heart skewers marinated in spices—find them at street stalls near Surquillo Market.
Layered mashed potato terrine with avocado and chicken or tuna filling—available at Astrid y Gastón.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Bustling market where you can taste fresh fruit juices, anticuchos, and local cheeses.
Early-morning market with organic produce, coffee stalls, and homemade tamales.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Handshake or light cheek kiss between friends; use formal titles (Señor/Señora).
Casual for social events but more strict for business meetings.
Smart casual in the city; cover shoulders when visiting churches.
Avoid politics and past social conflicts; Peruvians appreciate polite interest in local culture.
Safety
Tipping in Lima
Ensure a smooth experience
10% tip is standard if service charge isn’t included; small change appreciated for street vendors.
Most places accept credit cards (Visa, Mastercard); carry soles for markets and taxis. ATMs are widely available.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Warm (25–30°C), sunny with occasional rain; busy beach season.
Mild (18–24°C), clearer skies as winter haze dissipates.
Cool (15–20°C), overcast mornings with afternoon sunshine; low rainfall.
Warming to 25°C, clear skies return; ideal for outdoor activities.
Lima at Night
Hiking in Lima
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Hillside trail in Chorrillos with wartime monuments and ocean vistas.
Fog-fed coastal hills 105km north; lush valleys bloom during winter months.
Coastal walking path linking Miraflores and Barranco for a gentle seaside hike.
Airports
How to reach Lima by plane.
Main international airport located 10km north of downtown; accessible by taxi or airport shuttle.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Around 60% of population with mixed Indigenous and European heritage.
15% primarily of Spanish and Italian backgrounds.
15%, including Quechua and Aymara communities.
5%, mostly of Japanese and Chinese descent in Lima’s Chifa culture.
5%, mainly along coastal districts with rich musical traditions.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Passionate fan base; major clubs include Alianza Lima and Universitario de Deportes.
Popular along the Costa Verde; host to regional competitions.
Growing interest, especially beach volleyball on city beaches.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Lima.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Available at most modern restaurants; look for quinoa salads, vegetable causas, and veggie anticuchos at markets.
Ask for dishes without soy sauce or breadcrumbs—ceviche and grilled meats are safe bets.