Lima, Peru Travel Guide: Best Things to Do, Where to Stay, & What to Eat

Lima is one of those cities that people tend to underestimate. A lot of travelers pass through on their way to Cusco or Machu Picchu… but after spending time here, I really think it deserves a serious spot on your itinerary.

It’s a completely different experience from Cusco. You’re at sea level, right on the coast, and instead of ancient ruins everywhere, Lima is all about incredible food, ocean views, and neighborhoods you’ll want to slow down and explore.

In today’s post, I’m sharing the best things to do in Lima, Peru, plus a few practical tips on where to stay, how to get around, and what to know before you go. 

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1. Explore Miraflores

If it’s your first time in Lima, Miraflores is where you’ll probably stay, and I do think that’s the right move.

This is one of the safest and most walkable areas in the city, and it’s right along the coast. The main highlight here is the Malecón, which is a long stretch of walking paths that run along the cliffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean.

Parque del Amor is along this path, and it’s worth stopping for a bit. It’s known for its colorful mosaic walls and the large sculpture in the center, but honestly, the main reason to come here is the view.

Kennedy Park is another easy stop in Miraflores. It’s a central park surrounded by restaurants, shops, and cafes, and it’s also known for the cats that hang around there, which I personally loved.

Larcomar is also in Miraflores. It’s a shopping center built into the cliffs, and while that might not sound that exciting, the setting is what makes it worth a quick stop.

It’s also a good place to take a break, grab a quick meal, or just sit and enjoy the view. You don’t need to go out of your way for it, but if you’re already exploring Miraflores, it’s an easy addition to your itinerary.

2. Visit Huaca Pucllana  

Another stop worth considering in Miraflores is Huaca Pucllana.

It’s a pre-Inca adobe pyramid right in the middle of the city, so you get this strange but really cool contrast of ancient ruins surrounded by modern Lima.

If your Peru trip is mostly focused on Cusco and Machu Picchu, this is an easy way to start getting a little historical context before heading into the Andes.

There’s also a restaurant right by the ruins called Restaurante Huaca Pucllana. I had lunch there years ago, and it was lovely. I’d check recent reviews before booking, but the setting is really unique if you want a meal with a view of the ruins. 

3. Wander Barranco

Barranco ended up being my favorite part of Lima, and it has a completely different feel from Miraflores.

It’s more artistic and a little more laid-back. You’ll see street art, colorful buildings, small galleries, and a lot of unique cafes.

One of the main landmarks here is the Bridge of Sighs. It’s a short wooden bridge, and there’s a local tradition that if you can hold your breath while walking across it, your wish will come true.

Barranco is also a great place to spend an evening. There are a lot of good restaurants and bars here!

4. Visit Lima’s Historic Center

Lima does have a historic center, and it’s worth seeing, but I wouldn’t plan to spend your entire day here.

Start at Plaza Mayor, which is the main square. This is where you’ll see the cathedral and the large colonial buildings with the wooden balconies that Lima is known for. It’s a nice contrast to the more modern coastal areas of the city.

One of the more interesting stops nearby is the San Francisco Monastery. The big draw here is the catacombs underneath, which you can tour. It’s definitely a little eerie, but it’s also one of the more memorable things to do in Lima if you’re interested in something a bit different.

I’d personally do this area during the day. And if you’re nervous about navigating it on your own, this is a good area to visit with a guide.

5. Explore Museo Larco

If you want a museum stop, Museo Larco is probably the one I’d look at first.

It focuses on pre-Columbian art and archaeology, and it’s a good way to understand more of Peru’s history before you get to places like Cusco, the Sacred Valley, or Machu Picchu.

It’s also a nice backup plan if the weather isn’t great, which can definitely happen in Lima.

6. Try the Food

If there’s one reason to spend time in Lima, it’s the food.

Lima is considered one of the top food cities in the world, and it’s one of the easiest places to eat well without trying too hard.

Ceviche is the dish you’ll hear about the most, and it’s worth trying here. One thing to know is that locals usually eat it at lunch, not dinner, because the fish is freshest earlier in the day. It’s light, citrusy, and very different from what a lot of people expect.

Lomo saltado is another must-try. It’s a stir-fry-style dish with beef, onions, tomatoes, and fries, usually served with rice. So good.

Lima is also a great place to try Nikkei food, which blends Japanese and Peruvian flavors. So if you like sushi or bright sauces with a little heat, this is worth looking for while you’re there.

You’ll also want to try a pisco sour at some point. It’s Peru’s signature cocktail, made with pisco, lime juice, simple syrup, and egg white. It’s strong, so just keep that in mind if you’re ordering more than one.

If you’re open to it, Lima is also a great place to try street food. Anticuchos, which are grilled skewers often made with beef heart, are very popular. I know that might not sound appealing at first, but they’re actually really flavorful.

7. Take a Food Tour or Cooking Class

One thing I’d strongly consider in Lima is doing a food tour.

It’s a really easy way to try a variety of dishes without having to research a bunch of restaurants yourself. A good guide will take you to places you probably wouldn’t find on your own and explain what you’re eating. You’ll also likely visit a market to try different fruits.

Cooking classes are another great option. A lot of them focus on making ceviche and pisco sours, which are both pretty approachable. Even if you’re not someone who usually signs up for tours or classes, this is one where it actually adds to the experience. (This is the one I did in Lima and loved.)

8. Go Paragliding Over the Coast

One of the more unexpected things about Lima is that you can go paragliding right over the coastline.

If you’re walking along the Malecón, you’ll probably see people flying overhead, and it’s a pretty cool visual. If you’re up for it, you can actually do it yourself with an instructor.

I’m too terrified of heights to do it myself but it’s still fun to watch!

9. Walk the Beach or Try Surfing

Lima isn’t your typical beach destination, but the coastline is still a big part of the experience.

The beaches here are more rocky than sandy, so this is not really where I’d plan a full beach day. But it’s still worth heading down to the water for a walk, to watch the surfers, or just to see Lima from a different angle.

If you’re interested in trying surfing yourself, there are places along the coast where you can take lessons. But even if you don’t surf, I think it’s worth heading down to the water at least once.

It gives you a totally different perspective of the city.

10. See the Magic Water Circuit

If you’re looking for something to do in the evening, especially if you’re traveling with kiddos, the Magic Water Circuit is another option.

It’s a park with illuminated fountains and water shows, and it’s one of those things that is definitely touristy but still fun if you have the time.

I wouldn’t put it above Barranco or a really good dinner, but if you have an extra night in Lima and want something easy, it’s a good add-on.

11. Take a Day Trip

If you have extra time, there are a few day trips from Lima worth considering. I would just be picky here, because some of these are long days.

Huacachina is one of the most popular options. It’s a small desert oasis where you can go sandboarding and ride dune buggies. Just know that this is a very long day from Lima. It’s worth considering if you want to see a completely different landscape, but it is not a quick little afternoon trip. It’s so cool, though!

If you’re looking for something closer, Pachacamac is an archaeological site about an hour outside the city. It’s not as dramatic as the sites near Cusco, but it’s a good option if you want to see some history without traveling too far.

Another coastal option is a boat tour to the Palomino Islands, where you can see sea lions off the coast of Lima. Some tours even let you swim near them, depending on the conditions, so this is a good pick if you want something more active.

The Nazca Lines are also technically possible from Lima, but I’d treat that as more of a serious full-day trip or an overnight plan. These are massive ancient geoglyphs carved into the desert, with shapes like animals, plants, and geometric designs that are best seen from the air.

They’re really incredible, but I would not treat them like an easy little add-on.

Now for some Lima travel tips

Now that we’ve talked about what to do, here are a few Lima travel tips that will make your trip easier.

Know What to Expect With Lima’s Weather

One thing that surprises a lot of people is that Lima is not always sunny, even though it’s right on the coast.

Depending on the time of year, the city can be gray, hazy, and misty, especially during the winter months. So don’t plan your whole visit around perfect beach weather.

That doesn’t mean Lima isn’t worth visiting. It just means you should pack layers and expect more of a coastal city vibe than a tropical beach vacation.

This is my Peru packing list, which would be helpful for a trip to Lima.

Getting Around Lima

One thing to know about Lima is that the traffic can be rough.

Distances on the map might look short, but depending on the time of day, getting across the city can take much longer than you expect. This matters most when you’re going to or from the airport.

I would give yourself a lot more time than you think you need, especially if you’re flying out in the afternoon or evening.

For getting around day to day, I mostly recommend using Uber or arranged transportation, especially when you’re going between neighborhoods.

Miraflores and Barranco are great for walking once you’re there, but for longer distances, I wouldn’t overcomplicate it.

Safety in Lima

Lima felt very manageable to me, but I still wouldn’t treat it like a city where you wander anywhere without thinking.

For a first visit, again, I’d stick to areas like Miraflores, Barranco, and the main parts of the historic center during the day. I’d also use Uber or official taxis when distances are longer, and I’d be normal-city-smart with my phone, camera, and bag.

I don’t say that to make Lima sound scary. It’s just a big city, and it’s better to be safe than sorry.

Where to Stay in Lima

When it comes to where to stay in Lima, Miraflores or Barranco are also where it’s at.

Miraflores is more central and convenient, especially if it’s your first visit. It’s easy to get around, and you’ll be close to a lot of restaurants, hotels, cafes, and the coastal walking paths.

Barranco is a bit more relaxed and has more personality, but it’s still very accessible. If you like staying in areas that feel a little less polished and more artsy, this could be a better fit.

Full disclosure: I usually stay in Miraflores partly because it’s convenient, and partly because that’s where most of the Marriott options are. I usually have Marriott points to burn, so that definitely influences my decision.

How Many Days Do You Need in Lima?

For most travelers, I think two full days in Lima is a good starting point.

That gives you enough time for Miraflores, Barranco, the historic center, and at least one really good food experience without feeling too rushed.

If you want to add Huaca Pucllana, Museo Larco, a cooking class, paragliding, the Magic Water Circuit, or a day trip, I’d give yourself three days.

And if you’re flying in before heading to Cusco, Lima can also be a good place to ease into the trip before dealing with altitude.

If I only had two days in Lima, I’d prioritize Miraflores, Barranco, one food experience, and either the Historic Center or Museo Larco. I’d save the bigger day trips for a longer Peru itinerary.

Lima ended up being one of those places I enjoyed more than I expected.

It’s easy to navigate if you stay in the right areas, the food is consistently good, and it has enough to do without feeling overwhelming.

If you’re planning a trip to Peru, I wouldn’t rush through it. Give yourself at least a couple of days here to explore, eat, and get a feel for the city before heading on to places like Cusco or Machu Picchu.

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