Quick answer: Walk the Miraflores Malecón at sunset, explore Barranco‘s murals and bars, tour the Historic Centre and the San Francisco catacombs, visit the Larco Museum and eat ceviche at lunchtime, as locals do.
Miraflores and Barranco
- Malecón de Miraflores – clifftop parks above the Pacific.
- Parque del Amor – mosaic benches and the famous kissing statue.
- Paragliding along the cliffs.
- Huaca Pucllana – a 1,500-year-old adobe pyramid.
- Barranco street art and the Bridge of Sighs.
- MATE museum – photography in Barranco.
- Surfing at Waikiki or Makaha beaches.
Historic Centre
- Plaza Mayor and the changing of the guard at the Government Palace.
- Lima Cathedral.
- San Francisco Monastery and its catacombs.
- Casa de Aliaga – a colonial mansion.
- Barrio Chino – Chifa (Chinese-Peruvian) food.
Museums and evenings
- Larco Museum – pre-Columbian art and a garden café.
- Museo de Arte de Lima (MALI).
- Magic Water Circuit – fountain shows in Parque de la Reserva.
- Peñas – live Afro-Peruvian and criollo music in Barranco.
Food
- Ceviche at a classic cevichería.
- Surquillo Market – exotic fruits and stalls.
- Pisco sour tasting.
Day trip
- Paracas and Huacachina – Ballestas Islands wildlife and desert dunes.
FAQ: things to do in Lima
What is Lima known for?
Food (ceviche, Nikkei, Chifa), colonial architecture and its clifftop ocean setting.
What can you do for free in Lima?
Walk the Malecón and Barranco, see the Plaza Mayor and watch the changing of the guard.
More Lima guides
- Lima travel guide
- Lima itinerary: 1, 2 or 3 days
- Where to stay in Lima
- Best time to visit Lima
- Lima airport to Miraflores
- Lima food guide
- Lima to Cusco
- Paracas and Huacachina day trip
Plan your trip to Lima
The trusted services we use to plan our own trips.
