Modern shopping malls and high-rise buildings juxtapose with urban sprawl and well-preserved Spanish colonial architecture, including churches, monasteries and museums.
From that first welcome dinner on arrival to exploring the ancient Inca artefacts and Spanish conquistadors' legacy, Lima offers an inviting atmosphere that is unparalleled on a visit to Peru. Don’t skip this fascinating city — here’s what to see while in Lima.
What to see in Lima
This list covers our top recommendations for what to visit in Lima, Peru. Navigating Spanish colonial cities in South America is generally straightforward — the original city centre holds a central plaza, with the surrounding streets set out in a strict grid system.
Plaza de Armas
Plaza de Armas is Lima’s central square in the historical district, built on a pre-existing Inca square. This central core of Lima (also known as the Plaza Mayor), is bordered by important political and religious institutions and buildings, including the Presidential Palace, the City Hall Palace, the Municipality of Lima and other buildings. Some have restored the original facades while others were remodelled over time.
Plaza de Armas, Lima, Peru by Matt Baldock
Casa Aliaga, Lima’s oldest colonial mansion
Casa Aliaga, Lima, Peru by Annelieke Huijgens
In the historical district of Lima is the city’s oldest colonial mansion, the Casa Aliaga. It’s built on a plot of land previously occupied by the Inca chieftain Taulichusco, who was the highest authority in the Rimac Valley. Francisco Pizarro gave this land to Jeronimo de Aliaga, and the Aliaga family have lived here for 17 generations.
The home has been renovated and rebuilt following earthquakes and shifting ground, nevertheless, it is the oldest house occupied by the same family in the Americas. Statues and art grace the hallways and rooms, with heavy furniture and carved doorframes adding a colonial style. Nowadays, the oldest part of the house is a museum that’s open to the public, and the family live in private apartments. A private guide provides visitors with a tour, the mansion is not open widely to the public on a walk-in basis to protect the family’s privacy.
Rooms of the home are set around a central shaded courtyard, where a water feature provides a peaceful backdrop to the piano music drifting from private rooms. The private chapel, decorative hand-painted Spanish tiles, leather-backed chairs and religious paintings all display the family’s stability and wealth over centuries.
One of the absolute highlights of Casa Aliaga is the unique dining experience — a truly decadent affair. Visitors can indulge in a three-course dinner in the dining room, courtyard or main salon of this mansion and imagine the lives of the Aliaga family living here over the previous decades.
Cathedral of Lima
The Cathedral of Lima is at the Plaza de Armas, on a site that was once a shrine to Puma Inti. The cathedral was originally designed by Francisco Pizarro, with construction beginning in 1535. Since this time, it has been embellished and extended by many architects, evolving the architectural style over time.
At night the Cathedral is bathed in floodlights, a romantic setting worth seeing. The Museum of Religious Art on-site displays many significant paintings, sculptures and chalices. In the first chapel of the cathedral is the marble tomb of Francisco Pizarro, a conquistador who colonised much of Latin America.
Cathedral of Lima, Lima, Peru by James Atwell
Archbishop’s Palace of Lima
Archbishop's Palace of Lima, Lima, Peru by David Hein
The Archbishop’s Palace is an unmissable neo-colonial building near Plaza de Armas. Although the facade is in an old style, the palace was actually built in 1924. Inside, the first floor is a museum displaying colonial religious art.
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The Government Palace
On the north side of Plaza de Armas, a stately government building in the baroque style is the home of Peru’s president. The ceremonial changing of the guard happens each day at noon, with slow-motion parade movements to the brass band playing the military march ‘El Condor Pasa’.
Government Palace of Peru, Lima, Peru by James Atwell
Larco Museum
Larco Museum, Lima, Peru by Abbie Bell
This privately owned museum has a permanent exhibition of pre-Columbian art and artefacts. Every corner is adorned with plants and outside is a well-maintained decorative garden with colourful draping blooms, iron gates, statues and sitting areas.
Inside, an erotic gallery displays pottery evoking desire, attraction and the regeneration of life. The permanent exhibition includes pieces from Puquina and Inca cultures in and around Cusco, Puno and the high plains of Lake Titicaca.
Barranco district
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Barranco District, Lima, Peru by Marion Bunnik
The “Soho of Lima”, the Barranco district, is possibly Lima’s most vibrant and modern cultural scene. Incredible street art graces buildings throughout the neighbourhood, with vibrant displays that will make visitors want to keep a phone or camera handy.
The Dedalo arte y artesania is a shop and gallery with over 700 works by Peruvian artists in the district, including modern fashion, decor, upcycled objects and crafts.
Here you can also try ceviche, a fresh, raw fish dish or causa, a cold dish consisting of mashed yellow potato packed with layers of chicken, hard-boiled eggs, tuna or avocado. Complete the experience with a pisco sour, Peru’s delicious national cocktail. There are many options for a Peruvian meal, and even shops selling Peruvian chocolate, with tastings and fair-trade chocolate to sample.
Bridge of Sighs (Puente de los Suspiros)
Located in Barranco, the Bridge of Sighs sits alongside colourful buildings and modern graffiti. Legend states that if someone can hold their breath whilst walking the entire length of this 30m bridge, their wish will come true. Who could resist that?
Miraflores Boardwalk
Miraflores is an upmarket suburb to the west of Lima. A 9.6-kilometre boardwalk along the clifftops provides stunning views of the coastline. Along the boardwalk or ‘macelon’ are famous parks, including the ‘Parque del Amor’, a meeting place for lovers. A statue of lovers embracing, ‘El Beso’, by Peruvian artist Victor Delfin, stands within the park.
Strolling along the coast visitors may see paragliders launch from the clifftops and soar over the ocean.
Miraflores Boardwalk, Lima, Peru by Emily Fraser
Museo de Sitio Bodega y Quadra
Museo de Sitio Bodega y Quadra, Lima, Peru by Flickr
This museum illustrates the daily life of people in Lima during the Spanish and Republican eras. Located in the historic district of Lima, the museum houses an archaeological site that was once adjacent to the city’s walls. The building was discovered in 2005 during excavations to construct a modern building, and in 2012 was turned into a museum.
The original buildings date to the 16th and 18th centuries, and were a butcher and slaughterhouse for most of this time. Later a Jesuit church was built here.
Gamarra Market
La Victoria is Lima’s clothing district, and right at the centre is Gamarra, where inexpensive clothing for both men and women can be purchased. A half-hour taxi drive to the area opens a fascinating world, including a ‘witches market’ with potions, folk remedies and candles on sale. Here there are fortune tellers reading futures for visitors.
Hit up this market during a free afternoon in Lima to purchase any clothing items that may have been forgotten when packing your suitcase, or find souvenirs in the Inca market, like cosy alpaca sweaters or miniature dioramas.
Gamarra Market, Lima, Peru by Flickr
National Afro-Peruvian Museum
National Afro-Peruvian Museum, Lima, Peru by Flickr
Lima’s Museo Nacional Afroperuano tells the story and history of Black and Afro-descendant people in Peru, from the beginning of the slave trade to the cultures of enslaved people and the legacy and influence of African traditions in today’s Peruvian society. The museum shows how African culture has permeated cuisine, music, dance, language and literature in Peru over many centuries.
Explore Lima’s blended cultures on a trip to Peru
From the central Spanish square to museums that speak to Lima’s diverse and multicultural history, this city has much to offer curious visitors. Stock up on unique handicrafts, taste the iconic dishes of Peru and enjoy the exquisite coastline — it’s time to plan a tour of Peru.
Travelling with a small group provides opportunities to connect, create new memories and learn about the different cultures that shape our world. Start exploring with Bunnik Tours, knowing that every step of the journey is expertly curated to create a unique experience of Peru and South America.
Frequently asked questions
Is Lima, Peru worth visiting?
Lima is the perfect starting point for a Peruvian journey. It’s a place to learn how modern city life reflects Peru’s multicultural society through music, art, food and fashion. It’s also the ideal location to begin to explore the ancient Peruvian cultures and to see the beauty of this coastal city.
How many days is enough for Lima?
One or two full days provides enough time to travel across the city and see the historical centre, the modern districts and the beautiful coastline.
What is Lima, Peru famous for?
Lima is famous as the burial place of conquistador Francisco Pizarro and as home to the longest stable family in the Americas, the Aliaga family. It’s also renowned for its gorgeous coastline and as a hub of art, culture and history.