Things To Do
in Lima
Lima, Peru's sprawling coastal capital, blends colonial history, Pacific coastline and world-class cuisine into a lively urban tapestry. Neighborhoods like Miraflores and Barranco offer ocean cliffs, art galleries and nightlife while the historic centre showcases colonial architecture and grand plazas. The city is a culinary capital — ceviche, chifa and a booming fine-dining scene draw food lovers from around the world.
Expect a mix of modern amenities, busy streets and pockets of tranquil parks and archaeological sites within the metropolis.
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 | $6-12 |
| ☕Coffee (regular) | $1.50-3.50 |
| 🚕Short taxi ride | $2-6 |
| 🍺Local beer (bar) | $2.50-5 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel (per night) | $40-100 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- World-class and diverse culinary scene
- Rich history, museums and archaeological sites within the city
- Coastal scenery with dramatic cliffs and ocean activities
- Relatively affordable compared with many Western capitals
- Persistent winter fog and gray skies (garúa) for several months
- Traffic congestion and chaotic local buses in parts of the city
- Petty crime and need for vigilance in crowded areas
- Air pollution and occasional odors near the port/industrial zones
- "Hola" - Hello
- "Por favor" - Please
- "Gracias" - Thank you
- "¿Cuánto cuesta?" - How much does it cost?
- "La cuenta, por favor" - The bill, please
- "¿Dónde está el baño?" - Where is the bathroom?
- "Una cerveza, por favor" - A beer, please
- "Buen provecho" - Enjoy your meal / Bon appétit
Places to Visit in Lima
Visit one of these nice places.
Clifftop ocean views, colorful sculpture 'El Beso' and dramatic sunsets — excellent for seascapes and sunset portraits.
Bohemian neighborhood with murals, colonial houses and the wooden Bridge of Sighs — great for atmospheric street photography.
Colonial architecture, the Cathedral and government buildings — ideal for classic urban and architectural shots.
Pre-Columbian adobe pyramid in Miraflores with good lighting for early morning or evening photos when the site is lit.
Immaculate museum gardens and galleries with pre-Columbian artifacts; interior photography may be restricted but gardens are photogenic.
Wildlife photography opportunities — sea lions, birds and ocean vistas (bring telephoto lens).
Food in Lima
Lima Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Fresh raw fish cured in lime juice with chili, onion and cilantro — a must-try; best at coastal cevicherías and markets like Mercado de Surquillo or at La Mar.
Must-Try!
A stir-fry of beef, tomatoes, onion and fries served with rice — a fusion of Chinese techniques and Peruvian flavors found in most traditional restaurants.
Skewered grilled meat (traditionally beef heart) served with potatoes and spicy sauces; popular at street stalls and night food stands.
Shredded chicken in a creamy, spicy aji amarillo and walnut sauce served with rice and potatoes; common at mid-range traditional restaurants.
Layered mashed yellow potato dish often filled with tuna, chicken or avocado — found in many local eateries and specialty restaurants.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A popular food market with fresh seafood, fruits and local stands; great for trying ceviche, juanes and seasonal produce.
Large central market where you can taste street dishes, tropical fruits and basic Peruvian ingredients; good for authentic local bites.
Evening street stalls near universities and busy neighborhoods selling anticuchos, tamales and picarones (sweet potato fritters).
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
People commonly greet with a handshake or a single light kiss on the right cheek among acquaintances; use polite forms (por favor, gracias) and say buenos días/tardes/noches.
Use formal titles and 'usted' in professional or older contexts unless invited to use 'tú'; respect for elders is important.
Avoid making assumptions about indigenous identity, and be respectful when discussing politics or historical issues. Ask before photographing people in less touristic areas.
Wait to be seated at more formal restaurants, say 'buen provecho' to others dining, and it’s polite to RSVP and be punctual for formal events (but social gatherings may start later).
Safety
Tipping in Lima
Ensure a smooth experience
A 10% service charge is commonly included in restaurant bills; if not included, a 10% tip is appreciated. For taxis, rounding up is typical; for guides and porters, tipping a small amount is customary.
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants and larger shops; small vendors and some markets are cash-only. Local currency is the sol (PEN); ATMs are common but carry small bills and be mindful of fees.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Warm, sunny days with little rain — ideal for beach activities, paragliding and outdoor dining; temperatures typically 24–30°C (75–86°F) in the warmest months.
Transition to cooler weather; evenings start to get overcast and mild; good for sightseeing without peak crowds.
Cooler temperatures with persistent coastal fog and drizzle (garúa), limited sun and higher humidity; temperatures around 14–18°C (57–64°F) and fewer beach days.
Fog diminishes gradually, days warm up and visibility improves; a pleasant time for both city outings and coastal activities.
Lima at Night
Hiking in Lima
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A protected fog-fed coastal ecosystem about 105 km north of Lima offering rolling green hills, short hiking trails and wildflowers in the wet season; excellent for a day trip.
A hill within the city offering a relatively short hike and panoramic views of Lima; accessible and popular with locals for exercise and city vistas.
A scenic highland reserve several hours from Lima featuring waterfalls, terraced landscapes and multi-day trekking options — best for those with more time.
Archaeological complex south of Lima with surrounding hills and short trails combining cultural and light hiking experiences.
Airports
How to reach Lima by plane.
Main international and domestic airport serving Lima, located in Callao about 20–30 minutes from central Miraflores (traffic dependent); taxi, airport shuttles and public buses available.
Smaller airport roughly 3–4 hours south of Lima by road; used by some tours to Paracas and Nazca — useful for travelers combining a coastal or desert itinerary.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
People of mixed indigenous and European ancestry form a large portion of the population and the dominant cultural identity in the city.
Many residents have roots in Andean regions (Quechua, Aymara heritage) and contribute distinct cultural practices, cuisine and festivals.
An important cultural group, particularly influential in music, dance and cuisine; communities are historically centered in coastal and port areas.
Significant Chinese and Japanese-Peruvian communities have shaped Lima’s chifa and nikkei culinary traditions.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport; local derbies and national team matches draw big crowds and passionate support.
A major activity along the coast with many surf schools and competitive spots south of the city (Punta Hermosa, Cabo Blanco region farther afield).
Volleyball is common recreationally, and traditional horse-riding events (Peruvian Paso displays) and regional sports appear at festivals.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Lima.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian and vegan options are increasingly available in Lima (especially in Miraflores and Barranco). Many restaurants offer vegetable-forward dishes or can adapt plates; market stalls may be more limited.
Seafood is pervasive — if you have allergies or are pregnant, avoid raw ceviche and clearly communicate restrictions in Spanish. Ask about broths and hidden seafood ingredients.
Specialty Halal and Kosher options are limited but can be found with research; larger supermarkets and some restaurants can accommodate dietary needs on request.