Lima is the capital city of Peru and is located along the Pacific coast. Famous for its beautiful beaches and vibrant culture, this old city is a popular tourist destination year-round.
From world-class art galleries to ancient architecture and delicious cuisine, there’s something for everyone in this bustling metropolis.
Here’s a list of the top attractions in Lima…
Miraflores
The Miraflores district is one of the most affluent and exclusive areas in Lima, and it makes for a beautiful tourist destination, especially along the lush clifftops.
You’ll find a mix of beautiful residential houses, upscale shopping arenas and exclusive boutiques perfect for finding that perfect souvenir.
Barranco
Another popular district in Lima is the Barranco district, known as the romantic and bohemian heart of Lima.
Barranco has become the home and business place of many of Peru’s aspiring artists, musicians, photographers and designers. If you’re interested in the arts and exploring local works, this is the place to visit.
Plaza de Mayor de Lima
Plaza de Mayor is the diplomatic centre of Lima, housing the Government Palace, the Municipal Palace and the Palacio de la Union.
During the colonial period, Plaza Mayor de Lima was the setting for just about every important event, from religious gatherings to shopping markets to traditional bullfights.
Pachacamac
The Pachacamac district is home to Peru’s famous Inca archaeological site. The ruins found here cover over 600 hectares and some are over 1,800 years old.
Located only 25 miles outside Lima, the site is convenient and easy to get to. Visitors can explore the temples and the pyramid-like structures and learn more about the history in the nearby museum.
Parque Kennedy
Parque Kennedy can be found in the Miraflores district and is a lovely outdoor area popular with locals and tourists alike.
With beautifully landscaped lawns, towering trees, winding paths, and an old amphitheatre, the park makes for a perfect picnic or BBQ space especially in the summer when you can relax and get a tan as well.
Historic Centre of Lima
The historic centre in downtown Lima is full of stunning architecture, ancient buildings and beautiful views. It captures the essence of the city perfectly and is a great spot for photos.
This UNESCO World Heritage Site also has a fantastic selection of restaurants and cafes where you can enjoy delicious traditional cuisine.
Marcahuasi Cliffs
Marcahausi is a geological formation that is very popular with travellers looking for an adventurous and outdoor holiday experience. The cliffs are about a mile up, so the hike isn’t for the faith of heart.
The effort it takes to get to Marcahuasi is worth it though to see the spectacular views, and at around 4,000 metres above sea level, you can even see the canopy of clouds floating below you.
Parque El Olivar
Parque El Olivar is a charming and peaceful place that draws those looking for a quieter day. This beautiful park is home to a vast amount of ancient olive trees (hence the name) as well as colourful flowers and shrubs.
There’s also some aquatic life, including fish and terrapins, happily swimming around in large ponds throughout the park. There are also some displays where you can learn more about the traditional olive presses.
San Pedro Church
San Pedro Church was built by the Jesuits in 1638, and today is one of Lima’s most ornate and beautiful churches.
You’ll see glamourous gold decor, baroque style altars covered in gold leaf and many priceless paintings decorating the walls. There are also catacombs beneath the church that are open to visitors throughout the week.
Lima Zoo is not only a zoo but also a botanical park. Here you can enjoy walking through colourful gardens and exploring the exotic and tropical plants placed throughout the grounds.
The zoo itself is a popular attraction for families, as there’s plenty for children to explore and there are also several playgrounds and cafes.
Costa Verde
Costa Verde, aptly named for its expanse of lush greenery, is another of Lima’s picturesque havens. Here rolling cliffs meet beautiful horizons and make for lovely evening strolls.
As you walk along the cliffs you can see the ocean below looking as clear as glass, it’s a great place if you’re into photography and want some scenic pictures for your photo album. In the summer you’ll also see a lot of watersports including surfing and paragliding.
Lima Cathedral
Lima Cathedral, officially ‘The Basilica Metropolitan Cathedral of Lima and Primate of Peru’, is located in the Plaza Mayor de Lima.
Built between 1602 and 1797, the cathedral is dedicated to St John and is famous for being the burial place of the Spanish conquistador, Francisco Pizarro. Today, visitors can enjoy looking around this historic and historically significant building.
Bridge of Sighs
The Bridge of Sighs in Lima is one of many constructions to have taken on the name of the famous bridge in Venice.
This bridge is a wooden construction that sits across a small river. Although it is not as obviously impressive as its Venetian inspiration, it still has character and is a lovely place to stop for a photo or two.
Presidential Palace
The Presidential Palace or Government Palace is located in Plaza Mayor in downtown Lima. It acts as both a political seat and a presidential residency.
Visits can arrange tours to look around and explore the palace and learn more about Peru’s political and diplomatic history.
Museo Larco
Considered by many to be one of Lima’s top attractions, the Larco Museum is a must-see for any art lovers and history buffs.
This privately-owned museum is located within a beautiful 18th-century building and houses a collection of displays covering over 5,000 years of Peruvian history and culture. If you want a complete overview of this intriguing country, Museo Larco is the place to go.
