Things to do in Lima
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Top 10 attractions in Lima
Las Ballestas
Las Ballestas is often called the "Little Galapagos of Lima." The desert coast, steep cliffs, and rugged rocky islands create a desolate yet unique natural landscape, home to tens of thousands of seabirds, including Humboldt penguins, Peruvian pelicans, cormorants, and Peruvian boobies. The Humboldt Current, which flows along the coast of Peru, is responsible for this ecological wonder. The cold current brings nutrient-rich deep water to the surface, nourishing vast amounts of plankton and fish, providing an abundant food source for seabirds and marine mammals. Birds have nested on the cliffs for years, and the accumulated guano covers the entire rock face—historically, these guano layers were tens of meters thick and were once an important source of natural fertilizer for Peru. Today, on a boat tour around the islands, in addition to the dense flocks of birds, you can see South American sea lions basking on the rocks, and occasionally dolphins appearing in the nearby waters.Lima · >100km from downtown
Lima Main Square
Lima Main Squarealso known as the central square, is the birthplace of the old town of Lima, the capital of Peru. In 1535, the Spaniard Pizarro founded the city here, and the square subsequently became the center of the entire city's planning and expansion. It is surrounded by the Government Palace of Peru, the Cathedral, the Archbishop's Palace, the Municipal Palace, and the Palace of the Union. The colonial-style facades are often adorned with carved wooden balconies, creating a highly recognizable cityscape for Lima, and the Cathedral houses the coffin of the city's founder, Pizarro. The bronze fountain in the center of the square was completed in the mid-17th century and is one of the oldest monuments preserved in Lima, as well as a popular spot for tourists to take photos.Lima · 1.3km from downtown
Centro Historico
Centro Historico is the historic core of Lima, the capital of Peru, spanning the Lima and Rímac districts on both banks of the Rímac River. In the 16th century, the Spaniard Pizarro founded the city here. Over the following centuries, churches, convents, mansions, and squares were built one after another. The old town long served as the political and religious center of the Viceroyalty of Peru, with facades in Renaissance, Baroque, Neo-Baroque, and Neoclassical styles layered upon one another, where traces of Mediterranean, Moorish, and Andalusian decorative techniques can also be seen. A highly recognizable feature of the old town is the rows of carved wooden balconies, mostly built between the late 17th and 18th centuries, which are intricately carved and projecting. The Palacio de Torre Tagle and Casa de Osambela are representative examples. The old town is compact, spreading out from the Lima Main Square along pedestrian streets, and the main attractions can be connected on foot. The changing of the guard in front of the Government Palace is also a common sight in the square.Lima · 1.2km from downtown
Malecón de Miraflores
Malecón de Miraflores is located in the Miraflores district of Lima, the capital of Peru. It is a coastal promenade built on the cliffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean, stretching nearly 10 km. From north to south, it connects three coastal green spaces: Marina, Cisneros, and Reserva. On one side are garden neighborhoods, and on the other is the vast Pacific Ocean. It is a go-to spot for Lima residents for daily walks, jogging, and cycling. The pedestrian and bicycle paths are separated, and the route is lined with flower beds, sculptures, and viewing platforms, offering both leisurely strolls and the opportunity to cycle along the entire coastline. Malecón de Miraflores sits atop cliffs dozens of meters high, with waves constantly crashing against the rocks below. It is especially popular in the evening; finding a bench facing the sea to watch the sun slowly sink into the Pacific Ocean is a memorable experience for many visiting Lima.Miraflores · 1.7km from downtown
Huaca Pucllana Site Museum
Huaca Pucllana Site Museum is a pre-Inca archaeological site tucked away in the bustling Miraflores district of Lima. Its name originates from Quechua, meaning 'sacred place of games.' It was built by the ancestors of the Lima culture starting around 200 AD and flourished around the 5th century, long before the Inca Empire. The entire pyramid is constructed of adobe, with seven staggered platforms reaching over 20 m in height. One side is a ceremonial plaza where marine offerings, such as fish, were once placed in deep pits. The other side is an administrative area with traces of courtyards and small rooms, where functional zones remain clearly distinguishable today. Around 700 AD, the Wari culture converted the upper levels of the pyramid into a noble burial ground. The well-preserved 'Lord of the Huacas' tomb, which unearthed the remains of an adult wearing a mask along with buried children, is one of the site's most notable archaeological discoveries.Miraflores · 219m from downtown
Lima Cathedral
Lima Cathedral is located on the east side of the Lima Main Square in the old town of Lima and is the cathedral of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Lima. The main facade is in the Renaissance style, with stone statues of the apostles standing between the niches, complementing the scenery of the square. Inside, it has a 3-aisle layout, with over 10 small chapels lined up on both sides. Looking up, you can see the Gothic ribbed vaulted ceiling made of wood and plaster, forming a starry pattern, which reduces the weight of the roof and aids in earthquake resistance—a clever architectural design to cope with the earthquake-prone environment. The wooden choir stalls surrounding the main altar were carved in the 17th century, with the backs intricately carved with images of apostles and saints. The Chapel of the Saints houses images of saints native to Peru, such as Saint Rose of Lima and Saint Martin de Porres. The sacristy and the chapter house display oil paintings themed around the zodiac, large carved wooden cabinets, and portraits of past archbishops.Lima · 1.4km from downtown
Chinatown
Chinatownis located in the historic center of Lima, the capital of Peru, adjacent to the bustling Central Market, and is one of the largest Chinatowns in Latin America. The main street is a pedestrian street with an oriental flair, lined with Chinese-style pavilions featuring red pillars and green tiles. The road is paved with red bricks and embedded with patterns of the twelve Chinese zodiac signs. Beneath the archway, shops, pharmacies, supermarkets, and barbershops stand side by side. Most signs are written in Chinese, and the open-air market is crowded with vendors and bustling with people, making one feel as if they have stepped into an old street market in China. It is also famous for "chifa," a fusion of Chinese and Peruvian cuisine. The term originates from the Cantonese word for "eating a meal" and is now the general term Peruvians use for Chinese food. Fried rice, stir-fried noodles, and wonton soup retain their Guangdong roots while incorporating local ingredients. Enjoying a meal in a restaurant under the Chinese-style eaves is a reason many tourists make a special trip here.Lima · 2km from downtown
Government Palace of Peru
Government Palace of Peru is located on the north side of the Lima Main Square in the historic center of Lima, on the banks of the Rímac River, and has been the seat of power in this country for centuries. The palace itself has been reborn several times. The residence from the Pizarro era was a Castilian-style courtyard made of adobe. After being repeatedly damaged by earthquakes and fires, the current main structure is a French Baroque building rebuilt in the 1920s and 1930s. For travelers, a major highlight here is the daily changing of the guard ceremony at noon: soldiers in colorful, vintage-style uniforms perform the changing of the guard in the Courtyard of Honor at the entrance, and the military band plays pieces such as "El Cóndor Pasa." The entire process takes approx. half an hour, and you can watch it from behind the iron gates facing the street; if you want a front-row spot, you need to arrive early. The palace halls are occasionally open to the public for guided tours. Highlights worth seeing include the Golden Hall, which is adorned with gold leaf, inspired by the Hall of Mirrors at the Palace of Versailles, and furnished with Louis XIV-style furniture; the courtyard paved with Seville tiles, featuring the coats of arms of Peru, Lima, and Pizarro fired onto the tiles; and the fig tree said to have been planted by Pizarro himself, which still grows in the courtyard today—it is one of the few remaining 16th-century artifacts in the palace.Lima · 1.4km from downtown
San Francisco Convent Museum and Catacombs
The Church and Monastery of San Francisco in Lima, Peru, is a religious complex full of historical and cultural charm. Its Baroque architectural design and exquisite decorative details attract many tourists to explore. The wood carvings and murals inside the church show exquisite craftsmanship and are breathtaking. The monastery is famous for its rich collection of books and ancient libraries. The library houses a large number of precious manuscripts and ancient books, providing valuable research resources for history enthusiasts. In addition, the crypt of the monastery is also a highlight. Visitors can learn about the historical background and religious significance of this place under the guidance of a guide. Walking in the courtyard of the Church and Monastery of San Francisco, visitors can feel the tranquil atmosphere, which is in sharp contrast to the busy city. This is not only a religious sanctuary, but also an important window to understand the history and culture of Lima. Whether it is an architecture lover or a tourist seeking spiritual tranquility, this place provides a unique experience worth exploring.Lima · 1.7km from downtown
Magic Water Circuit of the Reserve Park
Parquedela Reserva is a delightful park. There is an oversized fountain in the park. The water that spews out is illuminated by the lights, and the fountain is like a water column. There is also a fountain in the park that forms a long arched tunnel that people can drill through without getting wet.Lima · 2.9km from downtown
Experiences you can't miss in Lima
Featured Cultural experiences in Lima
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Free things to do in Lima
Las Ballestas
Lima · >100km from downtownLima Main Square
Lima · 1.3km from downtownCentro Historico
Lima · 1.2km from downtownMalecón de Miraflores
Miraflores · 1.7km from downtownHuaca Pucllana Site Museum
Miraflores · 219m from downtownLima Cathedral
Lima · 1.4km from downtownChinatown
Lima · 2km from downtownGovernment Palace of Peru
Lima · 1.4km from downtownSan Francisco Convent Museum and Catacombs
Lima · 1.7km from downtownMagic Water Circuit of the Reserve Park
Lima · 2.9km from downtown
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What travellers say about Lima
泰宁根吴承恩27 April 2020
4.0
You need to take a boat out to visit the Bird Island. This is a real Bird Island. The residents on it are birds. It is said that the Peruvians in the past used the guano on the Bird Island as fertilizer for farming.
Las Ballestas
D31***6120 February 2020
5.0
One thing that you have to say about LIMA is it has some of the most beautiful buildings that I have ever seen. there is a large police presents so you feel very safe providing that you stay in all the tourist in busy areas of the city. I would definitely say LIMA is worth a visit if you are coming to South America
Lima Main Square
仙人掌花花🌸8 August 2023
5.0
Lima, known as the "rainless city", has an average annual temperature of around 18 degrees, making it suitable for living.
Centro Historico
Arcachon13 January 2024
5.0
For outdoors lovers, no matter what your favorite activities might be, it’s one of the most amazing walkways in the world. The water and never ending long trail…
Malecón de Miraflores
M25***4014 April 2021
4.0
There is a restaurant in front of the former Inca temple in Yacapraná, and when you go in the evening, under the lights, you can enjoy high-end Peruvian cuisine on a super-high level terrace with this magnificent background. Although not cheap, it is really worth every penny.
Huaca Pucllana Site Museum
东张西望望东西8 April 2020
5.0
The Lima Cathedral is a very special church. It should be a Catholic church. The decoration of the church can be described as gorgeous. There are many believers. It is also a must-visit place for tourists to Peru.
Lima Cathedral
翱翔的大鲨鱼14 March 2020
4.0
The Chino Barrio area is simply Chinatown. In fact, apart from the fact that there are a lot of people, the smell is bad, and the roads are bad, I also like to come here. I see familiar taro, water spinach, etc. In addition to selling many things made in China, there are also many things from China. Because the price is determined by quantity, this place can be said to be a physical treasure shopping mall with everything you need.
Chinatown
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6 January 2012
5.0
I went to Machu Picchu Peru in 2009, it was one of the most wonderful trips I had and I will go back again (not saying that for Pyramids in Egypt) did not care about Lima, Peru's famous food guinea pigs, but about Machu Picchu, one of the seven wonders. I've been to the pyramids in Egypt, one time is enough. But I'll go to Machu Picchu again. Next time I'll try Hiking instead of trains, although I don't mind trains. Mysterious should be culture, mysterious "Lost City , only then can you experience his peace, tranquility, mystery, and magic.
Government Palace of Peru
乖小咪10 September 2019
5.0
The Spray Park in Lima is a very famous park in Lima. There are more than a dozen large and small fountains here, and the shapes of the fountains are different. There is also a beautiful water curtain light show at night, with colorful and changing colors. It is very beautiful and worth watching.
Magic Water Circuit of the Reserve Park
