Things to do in Lima

No. 2 of Best Things to Do in Lima

Lima Main Square

6.9

4.3/5

73 reviews

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

No. 3 of Best Things to Do in Lima

Larco Museum

6.6

Lima · 4.2km from downtown

34 reviews

Larco Museum is located in Lima, Peru, and is a museum primarily dedicated to showcasing ancient Peruvian art and culture. Founded in 1926, the museum is housed in an 18th-century colonial-style building surrounded by beautiful gardens. The museum holds a collection of over approx. 5,000 exquisite ceramics, textiles, and gold and silver ornaments, vividly demonstrating the richness and diversity of ancient Peruvian civilizations. The museum is known for its unique exhibition style, particularly its open storage area, where visitors can get an up-close look at a large number of artifacts not displayed in the regular galleries. In addition, the museum features a dedicated gallery showcasing erotic pottery from ancient Peruvian cultures, offering a unique perspective on ancient social life. Larco Museum offers an experience that extends beyond indoor exhibitions; visitors can also stroll through its charming gardens and enjoy the tranquil atmosphere. The museum has an on-site restaurant serving authentic Peruvian cuisine, making it a great place to rest and savor local flavors. Whether you are a visitor interested in history and culture or a traveler seeking a unique experience, Larco Museum is a destination worth visiting.

No. 4 of Best Things to Do in Lima

Centro Historico

6.6

Lima · 1.2km from downtown

3 reviews

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.

No. 5 of Best Things to Do in Lima

Malecón de Miraflores

Miraflores · 1.7km from downtown

4 reviews

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.

Selected for Best Things to Do in Peru

San Martin Square

Lima · 1.1km from downtown

51 reviews

San Martin Squareis located in Lima, the capital of Peru. Inaugurated on July 27, 1921, to celebrate the centennial of Peru's independence, it is named after José de San Martín, the leader of the South American independence movement and the Liberator of Peru, and is one of the most representative public spaces in the old town. In the center of the square stands a bronze equestrian statue created by Spanish sculptor Mariano Benlliure, capturing the moment San Martín led his army across the Andes: the general sits calmly and focused on horseback, without the typical pose of a rearing horse or brandishing a weapon; the pedestal also features a female statue adorned with a small alpaca, symbolizing Peru, and the surrounding marble railings and granite paving were also part of the original meticulous design.

No. 1 of Night Attractions in Peru

Love Park

6.2

4.8/5

Miraflores · 1.8km from downtown

Love Park is situated on the coastal cliffs of the Miraflores district in Lima, with steep sandy cliffs below and the vast Pacific Ocean beyond. The park opened on Valentine's Day in 1993 and is a popular spot for local couples. In the center of the park stands "The Kiss" by sculptor Victor Delfin, depicting a couple embracing and kissing. Below the sculpture is a curved bench made of colorful mosaic tiles. Its winding, undulating curves are often compared to the Gaudí bench in Park Güell in Barcelona. The bench and the wall facing the sea are covered in colorful mosaics, engraved with Spanish love poems, many of which were written by Peruvian poets. The atmosphere is particularly special in the evening. Sitting on the bench watching the sunset sink into the Pacific Ocean, you can often see paragliders taking off from the nearby cliff tops and gliding over the sea.

No. 2 of Night Attractions in Peru

Huaca Pucllana Site Museum

6.1

3.8/5

32 reviews

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

6.1

Lima · 1.4km from downtown

29 reviews

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.

No. 16 of Best Things to Do in Peru

Chinatown

5.8

4.7/5

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

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· 125 reviews

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· 83 reviews

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· 2 reviews

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Day Tour From Lima: Paracas, Huacachina, Pisco Vineyard & Sunset

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· 361 reviews· 44 booked

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· 85 reviews

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· 51 reviews

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Peru lima paracas + huacachina oasis tour (group tour/from 1 person)

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23 days · Mediterranean · Piraeus (Athens) - Europe - Africa - Lisbon

9 days · Mediterranean · Civitavecchia (Rome) - Livorno - Villefranche-sur-Mer - Barcelona - Gibraltar - Casablanca

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From EUR 2,820

11 days · Mediterranean · Piraeus (Athens) - Greece - Malta - Italy - France - Barcelona

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20 days · Mediterranean · Civitavecchia (Rome) - Italy - Spain - Morocco - France - Civitavecchia (Rome)

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48 days · Mediterranean · New York - Europe - Asia - Africa - North America - Fort Lauderdale

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Volendam3

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From EUR 4,878

Private Tours in Lima

22D • Classic tour of four South American countries: Peru, Chile, Brazil & Argentina

EnglishGuaranteed departureTour guide includedDeposit acceptedArr. & dep. transfers incl.Private Tours

Carefully selected classic routes connect the core landmarks of each country, allowing for an in-depth exploration of South America without multiple trips. · Carefully plan cross-border routes, with local experienced guides to provide commentary, balancing the depth of sightseeing with travel comfort, and enjoy a high-quality journey. · As a special gift, you will enjoy a Moreno Glacier cruise experience, as well as a piranha fishing experience in the rainforest.

From EUR 7,680

20D19N • In-depth 4-country South America tour: Peru, Brazil, Chile, and Argentina

EnglishGuaranteed departureTour guide includedDeposit acceptedArr. & dep. transfers incl.Private Tours

Local gold-medal tour guide service, private car airport transfer service, dedicated butler service. · View Quedas Do Iguacu from both Brazil and Argentina, and stroll through Torres del Paine National Park. · Stay at local specialty hotels to ensure a restful sleep during your trip.

From EUR 7,362

26D • In-depth tour of four South American countries: Brazil, Argentina, Peru & Chile

EnglishGuaranteed departureTour guide includedDeposit acceptedArr. & dep. transfers incl.Private Tours

From EUR 12,297

9D8N • Classic Peru Trip: Machu Picchu, Sacred Valley, Cusco and Puno

EnglishGuaranteed departureTour guide includedDeposit acceptedPrivate Tours

Machu Picchu, Sacred Valley salt mines, Cusco city tour, and Lake Titicaca in Puno, unlock Peru's natural and cultural landscapes, and discover a different side of Peru. · Specially arranged free day in Cusco, where you can enjoy a city walk, experience the Inca train, and upgrade to two nights at a 5-star hotel with views of Lake Titicaca. · Enjoy local ground services, including airport transfers, and explore with a local English-speaking guide for deeper insight into Inca culture.

From EUR 2,186

23D22N • In-depth 4-country South America tour: Peru, Brazil, Chile, and Argentina

4.3/5

1 review

EnglishGuaranteed departureTour guide includedArr. & dep. transfers incl.Private Tours

From EUR 8,472

9D8N • In-depth tour of Peru: Cusco, Machu Picchu, Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain, and Puno

EnglishGuaranteed departureTour guide includedDeposit acceptedArr. & dep. transfers incl.Private Tours

It can also be arranged for one person, with a special Rainbow Mountain hiking experience. · Premium small group tour, in-depth guide commentary, and an immersive experience of the Inca civilization. · Stay in a local boutique hotel to ensure a good night's sleep during your trip.

From EUR 3,116

30D • In-depth trip to four South American countries: Brazil, Peru, Argentina and Chile

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Private airport transfers, top-notch tour guide service, and personal concierge service. · Experience a boat trip on the Moreno Glacier and go piranha fishing in the Amazon rainforest. · Stay at a local boutique hotel for a good night's sleep on your trip.

From EUR 11,493

7D6N • New Dawn in Machu Picchu: Lima, Cusco & Sacred Valley

EnglishGuaranteed departureTour guide includedDeposit acceptedArr. & dep. transfers incl.Private Tours

Accompanied by a local English-speaking guide, the itinerary includes exciting commentary, with a special added experience of a round-trip scenic train to Machu Picchu. · Explore Incan culture in depth, experience the Machu Picchu tourist train, and stay in unique hotels. · A trip without regrets, carefully selected highlights of Peru.

From EUR 1,970

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10D9N • Explore Peru: Lima, Sacred Valley, Puno, Cusco, and Machu Picchu "Boutique Tour - Free Customization"

Max. 15 peopleEnglishNo mandatory shoppingTour guide includedDeposit acceptedGroup Tours

Gold-medal tour guide, private airport transfer, exclusive concierge service, complimentary gift · Explore Inca culture in depth, experience the Machu Picchu scenic train, and stay at a lakeside hotel. · A journey with no regrets, featuring carefully selected highlights of Peru.

From EUR 2,758

4D3N • Peru

Max. 20 peopleEnglishGuaranteed departureNo mandatory shoppingTour guide includedDeposit acceptedArr. & dep. transfers incl.Group Tours

Choose the room type that best fits your group size. · Visit Peru's must-see attractions and explore World Heritage sites in the capital, Lima, and in Cusco. · Visit Machu Picchu, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, and experience ancient Inca culture.

From EUR 1,147

8D7N • Lima Ica Sacred Valley MachuPicchu 8 Days Plus Hotel 3 stars

5/5

3 reviews

EnglishNo mandatory shoppingGroup Tours

From EUR 1,074

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4.5/5

31 reviews

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5/5

11 reviews

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Free things to do in Lima

Lima Main Square

6.9

4.3/5

73 reviews

Lima · 1.3km from downtown

Centro Historico

6.6

Lima · 1.2km from downtown

3 reviews

Malecón de Miraflores

Miraflores · 1.7km from downtown

4 reviews

San Martin Square

Lima · 1.1km from downtown

51 reviews

Love Park

6.2

4.8/5

Miraflores · 1.8km from downtown

Chinatown

5.8

4.7/5