33 Things to Do in Lima and Miraflores (Full Guide!)
Last Updated on April 9, 2024 by Kelly
Lima, the capital of Peru, is a vibrant city known for its world-famous cuisine and bustling plazas. Lima is also known as El Pulpo (The Octopus) due to its sprawling size. Lima is continuously expanding and stretching as the population grows.
When I built my itinerary for Peru, I thought of Lima as just a landing spot en route to Machu Picchu. I couldn’t have been more wrong! After spending a couple of days in Lima, I realized that there is so much to see. After spending my first day in Lima, I was excited to see what the rest of my trip to Peru would be like.
If you’re headed to Peru to see Machu Picchu, it’s likely that you will first fly into Lima. We recommend that you spend at least a couple of days in Lima, especially to see the Miraflores district. Read on to see our picks for the best restaurants, hotels, and attractions. We share the best 33 things to do in Lima.
About Lima
Lima serves as the capital city of Peru, and it’s also the largest city in Peru. Over one third of Peru’s total population resides in the city.
Lima is located on a strip of desert between the Pacific Ocean and the Andes Mountains.
The Spanish founded the city in 1535 and named it “City of Kings.” However, that name did not stick. Before the Spanish arrived, an oracle that lived in the valley was known by the name Limaq in the native language of Quechua. The name Lima is a shortened version from that oracle’s name.
Miraflores District
The Miraflores District is an upscale neighborhood along the Costa Verde. Many of Lima’s nicest shops, restaurants, and hotels are located within this district. For that reason, Miraflores is the most popular area of Lima for tourists to visit.
The name Miraflores means “look at the flowers” in Spanish. (Although you might want to look at the ocean views instead!) The area is known for the bougainvillea flowers that grow abundantly along the coast. The neighborhood is also filled with tons of parks and gardens, so the name really fits!
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Check out this 7-day tour of Lima and sunrise at Machu Picchu! |
Things to Do in Lima
1. Plaza de Armas
The Plaza de Armas in Lima (also known as the Plaza Mayor) is the main plaza in Lima’s historic district. It was built in 1535 and it’s the oldest plaza in the city. In this plaza you can find the Cathedral of Lima, Government Palace, Municipal Palace, Palace of the Union, and the Archbishop’s Palace. (More on each of those below.)
In the center of the plaza is a 3-tiered bronze fountain which has been in operation since 1650. On National Pisco Day, the city once celebrated by replacing water with the liquor pisco!
Today, Lima’s historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
We started our day in Lima by exploring the Plaza de Armas. It’s the perfect central location to get a feel for Lima!
2. Lima Metropolitan Cathedral (La Catedral de Lima)
Construction for the cathedral began in 1535 over the site of an Inca shrine and palace. Francisco Pizarro, a Spanish conquistador, laid the first stone. The cathedral was completed in 1538 and then inaugurated in 1540. As the city of Lima expanded, a larger cathedral was needed. There were multiple plans and attempts to build a larger cathedral. However, earthquakes and lack of finances halted some of those efforts. Most of the cathedral was destroyed from a large earthquake in 1746. In the mid-1700s, the cathedral that you see today was built. The bell towers were later added in 1794 and 1797, although they were never completely finished. One of the most popular things to see in the cathedral is the chapel that contains the crypt of Francisco Pizarro. The cathedral also has a Museum of Religious Art that you can enter for a small admission fee. This half-day sightseeing tour of Lima includes a visit to the Cathedral of Lima.
3. Government Palace (Palacio de Gobierno)
The Government Palace is located on the northern side of the Plaza de Armas. It’s also known as the House of Pizarro. The buildings serves as the seat of the executive branch of the government, and it’s where the president of Peru lives. When we visited, there was a live band performing.
4. Municipal Palace (Palacio Municipal de Lima)
The Municipal Palace serves as Lima’s City Hall and is also located in the Plaza de Armas. The original building was destroyed in fires and earthquakes, and the current building was constructed in the 1940s.
5. Palace of the Union (Palacio de la Union)
The Palace of the Union is home to the Club of the Union, which is a non-profit civil association that was created in 1868. The palace was built in 1942 and is known for its impressive wood balconies. The Palace of the Union is also located in the Plaza de Armas.
6. Archbishop’s Palace (Palacio Arzobispal de Lima)
The Archbishop’s Palace is also located in the Plaza de Armas. The palace serves as the official residence of the Archbishop of Lima, and the building contains numerous administrative offices for the Roman Catholic church.
7. Casa del Oidor
This house, located in the Plaza de Armas, was built in the 17th century and is one of the oldest colonial homes in Lima.
8. Plaza Bolivar
Just a few blocks away from the Plaza de Armas is the Plaza Bolivar. The most notable building in the plaza is the legislative palace which is where the Congress of Peru resides.
9. Plaza San Martin
In addition to the Plaza de Armas, one of the most notable plazas in Lima is the Plaza San Martin. The plaza was named after Peru’s liberator, Jose de San Martin. The plaza was home to a theater, the Gran Hotel Bolivar, and several other notable buildings. In the center of the plaza is a large monument dedicated to Jose de San Martin.
10. La Merced Church (Iglesia de la Merced)
Just a couple of blocks away from the Plaza de Armas is La Merced Church. The church was rebuilt numerous times in the 18th century as a result of earthquakes. It has an impressive exterior, so it’s definitely worth walking by it on your way to the Plaza de Armas.
11. Monastery of San Francisco (Museo Convento San Francisco y Catacumbas )
The Monastery of San Francisco is located alongside the Sanctuary Nuestra Señora de la Soledad and the Church del Milagro. These buildings grouped together make for a very picturesque courtyard. The library is well-known for its collection of thousands of ancient books. We visited the Basilica and Convent of San Francisco specifically for its famed tours of the catacombs. Some scholars estimate that there were over 25,000 people buried below the church. The crypts were rediscovered in the 1940s. When you go on a tour of the catacombs, you’ll see lots of bones arranged in patterns. When we visited the catacombs, there was definitely a spook vibe and a bit of claustrophobia. Let’s just say we were grateful to exit the tombs and see the bright sunshine flooding the monastery courtyard again.
12. Casa de Aliaga
One of the oldest colonial mansions in all of South America is Casa de Aliaga. It’s been the private residence of the Aliaga family since 1535. Over 17 generations of the Aliaga family have occupied the house, and it’s the oldest home to be owned continuously by a single family. The mansion is open for tourist visits. You’ll need to pay a small fee and hire a guide. (They have a suggested list of guides on their website.)
13. Museo Larco
The Museo Larco is one of Lima’s most famous museums. The museum is housed in a mansion built in the 18th century. The interior is filled with a priceless collection of Peruvian art and artifacts, including a collection of pre-Columbian art. The exterior of the museum is just as beautiful, which is surrounded by lots of gardens. At the time of this writing, an adult entrance ticket costs S/ 35.00.
14. The Magic Water Circuit (Circuito Magico del Agua)
One of Lima’s best attractions is the Magic Water Circuit, which is comprised of 13 fountains. The Guinness Book of World Records has even awarded it as the largest fountain complex in the world. It was built in 2007, and during the evening the fountains come alive with lasers and music for an impressive water show. Several of the fountains are interactive, such as the Tunnel of Surprises. Visitors can walk through a “tunnel” of brightly flowing water. At the time of this writing, showtimes are daily at 6:30pm, 7:30pm, 8:30pm, and 9:30pm. Admission tickets cost S/ 4.00.
15. Basilica and and Convent of Santo Domingo
This church is also located in the historic center. The church was built in the 16th century, but it was destroyed by an earthquake in 1678 and later re-built. The first university in Peru, the University of San Marcos, was housed within this church for a number of years.
16. National University of San Marcos
The above-mentioned National University of San Marcos was officially established in 1551. It’s the oldest continuously-operating university in the entire Americas. It’s informally known as the University of Peru.
17. National Museum of the Archaeology, Anthropology, and History of Peru
The National Museum of the Archaeology, Anthropology, and History of Peru is both the largest and oldest museum in Peru. If you’re headed to Machu Picchu later in your trip, the museum has a beautiful scale model of the site. The museum holds over 100,000 ancient Peruvian artifacts. The museum is located in Plaza Bolivar.
18. Museum of Italian Art
The Museum of Italian Art was gifted to Peru for its 100th anniversary of independence by the local Italian community. It was inaugurated in 1923 and is home to numerous collections of Italian fine art. The museum is small but beautiful.
19. Barranco Artistic Neighborhood
One of the most beautiful neighborhoods in Lima the Barranco neighborhood. (We’ll discuss the equally-beautiful Miraflores neighborhood further below.) The Barranco neighborhood is colorful, vibrant, and full of street art. There are lots of Bohemian cafes, restaurants, and bars in this neighborhood. Some things to see in this neighborhood include the MATE museum (temporarily closed) and the DaDA restaurant and cocktail bar. We recommend that you walk across the bridge of sighs (puente de los suspiros) and grab a drink at Ayahuasca, which is a bar located in an old colonial mansion.
20. Chinatown (Barrio Chino)
Lima’s Barrio Chino is filled with asian restaurants, bars, and shops. Many immigrants from China arrived in Peru to work in sugarcane plantations, and thus the Barrio Chino was established.
21. Dpaso Hacienda
While you’re in Lima, check out Dpaso Hacienda to watch a traditional Peruvian horse show. You can book tickets in advance.
22. Postal and Philatelic Museum (Museo Postal y Filatélico)
*Temporarily Closed*
The Postal and Philatelic Museum is located near the Plaza de Armas. When we were visiting Lima, a server at a restaurant mentioned it was a cool place to check out. I was talking with the server in Spanish, and although he said “museo postal”, I heard “museo pastel” (cake museum). Ha! Suffice it to say, when we arrived to the museum we were surprised to see walls filled with stamps, instead of pastries.
Things to Do in Miraflores
23. Malecon Boardwalk
If you only have time for one thing in Miraflores, we recommend that you walk along the Malecon Boardwalk. The boardwalk follows the clifftop and has excellent views of the ocean. The path is almost 6 miles long and is dotted with parks, sculptures, and viewpoints. The boardwalk is divided into three subsections: Malecón Armendáriz (southernmost section near the Barranco neighborhood), Malecón Cisneros (center section), and Malecón de la Marina (northernmost section). You can also take a bike tour of the trail.
24. Parque del Amor
One of the most beautiful parks along the Malecon is the Parque del Amor (Love Park). The park is filled with mosaics and tiles, and at the center of the park is a sculpture of Victor Delfin’s “El Beso” (The Kiss). You’ll also find lines of love poems worked into the mosaics.
25. Paragliding at Parque Antonio Raimondi
At this park you can watch paragliders jump from the clifftop toward the ocean as they glide through the air.
26. Kennedy Park (Parque Kennedy)
If you love cats, you definitely need to head to Kennedy Park! The 5.5-acre park was named after president J.F. Kennedy of the United States. Kennedy Park is one of the main parks in Miraflores, and it’s also known as Parque Central. The park is meticulously well-kept and is home to lots and lots of cats. The cats are cared for by locals, and there’s bowls of cat food and water throughout the park. The park is flanked by the Virgen Milagrosa Church and the Municipal Palace. The atmosphere at the park is light and festive, with lots of street vendors, park benches, and flower beds.
27. Playa Waikiki
This is Lima’s version of Honolulu’s Waikiki Beach. It’s one of the most popular beaches in Miraflores. Head down to the beach and watch the sunset.
28. Indian Market (Mercado Indio)
If you’re looking to do some shopping, head to the Mercado Indio. The market is filled with booths and vendors selling everything from textiles to street food. It’s a great place to go if you’re looking to buy some souvenirs. We’ve read that this market is open 7 days a week, but confirm ahead of time.
29. Bioferia Miraflores
The Bioferia Miraflores occurs once per week and is a smaller market almost exclusively focused on fresh produce. If you’re looking to try fruits and vegetables local to the area, this is the place to go. From what we’ve read, it’s open on Saturdays in the Parque Reducto and on Sunday in Surquillo.
30. Larcomar
Larcomar is a large shopping center located near the clifftop. You’ll find lots of modern restaurants, stores, and entertainment options. If you want to go bowling or watch a movie, head to Larcomar.
31. Huaca Pucllana Ruins
Huaca Pucllana, sometimes referred to as Huaca Juliana, is an archaeological site located in the middle of the Miraflores neighborhood. It’s a large pyramid-shaped structure that was built by the Lima Culture, which occupied the region between 200 AD and 700 AD. The name Huaca means “monument” in the Quechua language. There is a museum and restaurant located here as well. We didn’t have time to visit Huaca Pucllana when we visited Lima, but we drove past it and it certainly looked impressive!
32. Foro de la Marina
This lighthouse is located in park along the beach in Miraflores. You can check out the lighthouse and then easily walk to the beach. It’s a popular place to watch the sunset.
33. Choco Museo
The Choco Museo is a franchise of chocolate museums located in several cities in Peru. There’s also one located in Miraflores. Admission to the museum is free, and you’ll learn all about the practice of chocolate-making. You can also purchase a workshop and make your own chocolate candies to take home!
How to Get There
Lima is located just off the western coast of Peru. Unlike Machu Picchu, Lima is not located at a high altitude. (You won’t have to worry about coping with altitude sickness!) Lima’s primary airport is Jorge Chavez International Airport (airport code LIM).
The district of Miraflores is located just south of Lima’s city center. The drive from Jorge Chavez International Airport to Miraflores is about 45 minutes, but the drive could be longer depending on traffic conditions.
If you take a taxi from the airport to Miraflores, we recommend that you order a taxi from the airport taxi desk.
If you leave the airport in search of a taxi, you might encounter an unlicensed driver or be charged higher fees. You can also take the Airport Express Bus to Miraflores.
Best Restaurants in Lima
If you’re a foodie, then visiting restaurants in Lima should be your top priority. Lima is known for having 3 of its restaurants rank in the World’s Top 50 Restaurants. These restaurants are Central, Maido, and Astrid y Gastón. Many people consider Lima to be the gastronomy capital of Latin America.
While you’re in Lima, we also recommend that you try some of the traditional Peruvian dishes. These include ceviche (citrus-cured seafood), lomo saltado (stir-fryed beef), aji de gallina (a creamy chicken dish), papas a la huancaina (potatoes in a spicy cheese sauce), and pollo a la brasa (rotisserie grilled chicken). If you’re feeling more adventurous, you can also try cuy (guinea pig) and anticuchos de corazon (grilled heart).
There are lots of great restaurants to visit while you’re in Lima. Here’s a list of some restaurants we compiled:
- Central | $$$$: Central is focused on upscale traditional Peruvian dishes. All of the dishes at Central also focus on sustainability. It’s been listed as one of the World’s Top 50 Restaurants.
- Maido | $$$$: Maido also showcases Peruvian dishes with a Japanese fusion influence. This restaurant has also been listed as one of the World’s Top 50 Restaurants.
- Astrid y Gastón | $$$$: This 3-star Michelin restaurant focuses exclusively on Peruvian dishes. This restaurant has also been listed as one of the World’s Top 50 Restaurants.
- La Rosa Nautica | $$$: This restaurant is located on a jetty along the beach. You’ll be able to enjoy fresh seafood and marine views.
- El Señorío de Sulco | $$$: Located on the Malecon boardwalk, is known for its ceviche.
- La Picanteria | $$$: This restaurant showcases dishes inspired by the city of Arequipa in Peru.
- Chez Wong | $$$$: Famed chef Anthony Bourdain visited Chez Wong to try the ceviche.
- OSSO | $$$: If you’re craving meat dishes, head to OSSO for the best cuts from the butcher.
- La Mar Cebicheria | $$$: This restaurant near the coast is the perfect spot to try ceviche.
Nearby Activities and Day Trips
Huacachina
The desert oasis of Huacachina is located about 4.5 hours from Lima. There are day tours that will easily take you to visit. When visiting Huacachina, you’ll want to try your hand at sandboarding, riding through the dunes in a buggy, and taking photos of yourself with the oasis as a backdrop. We didn’t make it to Huacachina during our trip to Lima, and I’m still bummed about it. I definitely will go next time!
Nazca Lines
From the air you’ll be able to see geoglyphs that were created between 500 BC and 500 AD. It’s amazing that without flying the Nasca People were able to create perfect depictions of animals and other shapes. The lines were created by removing the top layer of the soil, and most of the lines are about a foot thick. There are over 370 geometric patterns and depictions of animals and plants. With a flight tour of the Nazca Lines, you can see the images from above.
Pachacamac
Pachacamac is an archaeological site located about 25 miles to the southeast of Lima. The site is filled with temples, burial grounds, and several pyramids.
Marcahuasi
Marcahuasi a stone forest located about 37 miles to the east of Lima. The area is filled with uniquely-shaped stones that were created by years of erosion. There’s also several ruins nearby.
Palomino Islands
If you take a boat to the Palomino Islands, you’ll get to see tons of sea lions.
Hotels in the Miraflores Neighborhood
Most travelers stay in the Miraflores district of Lima. The area is filled with hotels and restaurants, and it’s located right on the beach!
Luxury | Miraflores Park, a Belmond Hotel
Reservations: To make a reservation for Miraflores Park on Booking.com, click here
The Miraflores Park, a Belmond Hotel, is one of the nicest hotels in the city. The hotel is located right on the beach and has ocean views. Featuring a number of amenities such as a rooftop pool, spa, and restaurant on-site, you won’t want to leave. Even if you don’t stay at this hotel, you might want to visit just to have a Pisco Sour cocktail at the Belo Bar.
Moderate | JW Marriot Hotel Lima
Reservations: To make a reservation for the JW Marriott Hotel Lima on Booking.com, click here
This waterfront hotel along the Costa Verde has a rooftop pool, a restaurant, and a lounge. The rooms are bright and airy.
Budget | Selina Miraflores Lima & Cowork
Reservations: To make a reservation for the Selina Miraflores Lima & Cowork on Booking.com, click here
This 3-star hotel isn’t right on the beach, but you can walk to the beach in 15-20 minutes. This hotel offers private and shared room options.
Summary
Lima is definitely worth visiting during your trip to Peru. Although we traveled to Peru to see Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley, we set aside several days to see Lima. We wish we would have been able to spend more time in Lima! We would have liked to have visited some of the world-famous restaurants, as well as to go on more day trip excursions to see the Nazca Lines and Huacachina.
Lima definitely impressed us during our visit! When we booked our trip, I was eager to see Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley, and I wasn’t sure what to expect from Lima. I really enjoyed visiting the city, and I’d recommend that other travelers spend a couple of days visiting as well. I hope that this list of things to do in Lima helps to prepare you for your own trip to visit the city!
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