Lima is a city that grabs you fast. It blends ocean cliffs, cutting-edge food, deep history, and a pulse that never really slows down. If you’re wondering what to do in Lima, here are fifteen experiences that show the city at its best.
1. Walk the Malecón in Miraflores
This cliffside path runs for miles above the Pacific. Come for the sunset, stay for the paragliders and the ocean breeze. It’s one of the easiest ways to feel how close Lima is to the sea.
2. Explore Barranco’s Street Art
Barranco is Lima’s bohemian heart. Wander its lanes and you’ll find bright murals, indie shops, and small cafés with serious personality. It’s a great neighborhood to get lost in for an afternoon.
3. Visit the Larco Museum
The Larco Museum is housed in an 18th-century mansion and narrates 5,000 years of Peruvian history through its gold, ceramics, and textiles. The gardens alone are worth visiting, especially in the late afternoon when the light gets soft.
4. See the Magic Water Circuit
At night, the fountains of Parque de la Reserva turn into a light and water show. Simple but fun, it’s the perfect family-friendly outing and a nice way to end a busy day of sightseeing.
5. Go to a Local Cebichería for Ceviche
Lima is famous for its ceviche. Go to a well-known local cebichería—especially one that’s busy with locals—and order the classic: fresh fish, lime, red onion, and a kick of chili. Add a cold drink and some cancha (toasted corn) and you’ve got a perfect Lima lunch.
6. Tour the Historic Center
Anchored by Plaza Mayor, the Cathedral, and the Government Palace, this colonial-era area offers a different face of the city with its Spanish architecture. Stroll under the many balconies, peek into old churches, and watch the rhythm of daily life in the plazas. The Historic Centre of Lima is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site.
7. Visit the Catacombs of San Francisco
A maze of tunnels and bones lies beneath the San Francisco Church. Eerie but fascinating, it shows a raw part of Lima’s past. The library and cloisters above ground are also worth seeing.
8. Visit Huaca Pucllana
Right in the middle of Miraflores is a massive adobe pyramid built by the Lima culture over 1,000 years ago. If possible, go at night. The lighting brings the site to life and makes the contrast between ancient ruins and the modern city even more striking.
9. Sample Dishes at a Local Food Market
Instead of a food hall like “Mercado 28” (which is no longer a key fixture), head to a local market such as Surquillo Market or Mercado de Magdalena. These traditional markets offer fresh fruit, street food, and regional dishes in a lively, authentic setting—perfect for tasting many flavors in one visit.
10. Watch Surfers at the Costa Verde Beaches
Lima’s coastal stretch below the cliffs of Miraflores, known as Costa Verde, is a favorite for surfers. Beaches like Playa Makaha and Playa Redondo are popular for surf lessons and relaxed wave-watching. Even if you don’t surf, it’s a great place to watch the scene and take in the ocean air.
11. Stroll Through the Park of Love
This clifftop park mixes ocean views, mosaic walls, and a famous sculpture called El Beso (The Kiss). It’s kitschy but charming, and on clear days you get wide views over the Pacific. It’s especially popular at sunset.
12. Have a Pisco Sour
From classic hotel bars like Bar Inglés to stylish spots in Barranco, sample Peru’s signature cocktail: the pisco sour. The mix of pisco, lime juice, simple syrup, egg white, and bitters is refreshing—and a perfect way to toast the city.
13. Visit the Pedro de Osma Museum
Located in a beautiful mansion in Barranco, this museum presents colonial art in bright, restored rooms. Even if you’re not an art expert, the combination of architecture, gardens, and carefully curated pieces makes for a very pleasant visit.
14. Visit the Pachacamac Archaeological Site
A short drive south of Lima, Pachacamac is one of the most important pre-Hispanic pilgrimage centers on the coast. The desert landscape, temples, and views toward the ocean give you a feel for how spiritually significant this site once was. The sheer scale of the ruins makes the trip worthwhile.
15. Dine at One of Lima’s Top Restaurants
Lima’s culinary reputation is world-class. Whether you’re aiming for a globally ranked restaurant like Central, Maido, or Kjolle—or discovering a neighborhood gem tucked away in a side street—you’ll remember the meal. Plan at least one special dinner in advance to experience the creative side of Peruvian cuisine.
