"Grey Lima - so nicknamed because of the garua, a persistent fog between April and November - currently has a population of 10 million. With a surface area of 2,644.67 km², it is the world's largest city built on desert, ahead of Cairo. Lima offers a wide variety of neighborhoods, from the elegant historic center alongside precarious areas of tin and improvisation, to the privileged Miraflores and San Isidro, not forgetting the bohemian and trendy Barranco. Lima is a city in perpetual evolution and transformation. With its gastronomy at the forefront, it is increasingly positioning itself as a must-see destination thanks to its architectural and cultural wealth. A suggestion? Visit Lima in summer (December to May) for blue skies, paragliding and surfing on the Pacific Ocean. Before you set out to conquer Peru, here are our 23 most beautiful places to visit.
1. Plaza Mayor
The plaza Mayor is probably one of the most magnificent squares in Peru, home to the symbols of political and religious power, such as the cathedral, the town hall and the seat of government. The square has also been the scene of many of the country's political events, including the assassination of the city's founder on the steps of his palace. Every day at midday, crowds throng the gates to watch the changing of the guard, to the sound of El condor pasa. Next to the palace, the equestrian statue of Pizarro occupies the small square of the same name. At the other end of the square, you can't miss the Casa del Oídor with its long green balcony, the oldest house on the square, or the Palacio Episcopal with its carved wooden balconies. Click here to book your visit to the highlights of Lima's historic center.
2. Huaca Pucllana
The Huaca Pucllana evokes a spiritual and administrative center of Lima culture, dating from 200 to 700 AD. The "adobitos" pyramids, with their library-like walls, stand 30 metres high. They are built on the bone remains of sacrificial women and fragments of ceramic vessels. A faithful reconstruction of the flora of the period, including plants, trees and flowers, is also present, as is the perro peruano, a typical Peruvian hairless dog. Llamas, alpacas and cuy (guinea pigs) can also be seen in an enclosure. The site is well presented, it's just a shame it's often foggy, as the view from the top of the pyramid over Lima would be magnificent! Visits at night are ideal to appreciate the mystical aspect of the site. Although it's not possible to climb to the top of the highest pyramid, the site is beautifully illuminated.
3. What to do in Lima Go to the mercado central
This must-see market extends over several blocks, not far from the historic center and Chinatown, on the other side of avenue Abancay. The mercado central is a veritable maze for those who venture there without the help of a Lima resident! It's the city's black market, where you can find anything if you're accompanied by someone: watches, CDs, cigarettes, jewelry, glasses, bags... But there are also more traditional stalls selling fruit, vegetables, meat, fish and fruit juices. It's an immense labyrinth where you're advised to be vigilant, but it's also an authentic immersion in popular Lima. A must-see!
Discover Peru's food culture by visiting Lima's local markets on this gourmet guided tour with tasting included.
4. Lima Cathedral
Overlooking the Plaza de Armas from its two bell towers, Lima Cathedral, with its adjacent chapel, was erected in 1625. Today, it is the version rebuilt after the 1940 earthquake that can be seen. A project that has provoked, and continues to provoke, controversy. With a somewhat heavy mix of Baroque, Romanesque and Gothic elements, the church boasts no fewer than 13 chapels, each with altars adorned in gold. Highlights include the choir seats and pews, created by Catalan artist Pedro Noguera and finely carved in wood with impeccable precision. The sacristy houses a religious museum. Another source of controversy concerns the alleged presence (or absence) of Francisco Pizarro's remains in the chapel to the right of the nave.
5. What to do in Lima See the Torre-Tagle palace
Jiron Ucayali street, now reserved for pedestrians, is a jewel of Lima's heritage, featuring some extraordinary facades. The Palacio Torre Eagle, which today houses the Peruvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, is a remarkable and impressive example of colonial architecture. Built in 1730, it features two wooden balconies with jalousies and a stone porte cochere carved in pure Baroque style. The interior patio is adorned with Moorish balustrades, arches and columns, creating a truly enchanting atmosphere. It is sometimes possible to visit on weekends. Take the time to stop and look up at this magnificent building!
6. Plaza San Martín
The Plaza San Martín is an imposing square framed on two sides by galleries crowded with small traders and shoe-shine boys. As a natural extension of the Jirón de La Unión, a pedestrian street linking it to the Plaza Mayor, Plaza San Martín is a popular gathering place for Lima's youth, especially around the equestrian statue of the Libertador. Recently renovated, this square boasts imposing white buildings that lend it a remarkable elegance. It is also the site of a prestigious former hotel, the Bolivar. It's also where protesters gather during demonstrations, so it's advisable to exercise caution on these days.
This tour of Lima's historic center takes in the Plaza San Martin and the Plaza de Armas, before ending with a visit to the catacombs, entrance fee included.
7. What to do in Lima The Larco Museum
Housed in a superb colonial mansion in the heart of Lima, the Museo Larco is home to the world's largest private pre-Columbian collection, comprising over 45,000 pieces. Among its treasures are magnificent Paracas textiles and stone sculptures from Chavín de Huantar. The bóveda, meanwhile, contains objects made of precious metals and stones, including a complete chimú dignitary's set, comprising pectoral, bracelets, diadem and earrings. The Larco Museum is also famous for its collection of erotic ceramics from the Mochica culture. Another unique feature is the "depósito", where thousands of ceramics are stored in categories, offering a fascinating insight into various aspects of these ancient cultures. The museum also boasts a charming café-restaurant with terrace. A visit to the museum is a must, as the staging and presentation of the exhibits are truly unique in Peru.
8. Casa Aliaga
Erected in 1535 on the site of an ancient pre-Columbian temple, Casa Aliaga is the oldest residence in the Peruvian capital. Nestled on the left-hand side of the presidential palace, along the street leading to the Río Rímac, this casona is still occupied by the descendants of its founder, a comrade-in-arms of Pizarro. Considered one of the finest colonial residences in Latin America, this casa is admirably preserved and luxuriously furnished. This architectural gem also hosts special events and occasional dinners (a minimum of 20 people and availability are required; please enquire with local agencies in Lima).
9. Lima Art Museum (MALI)
The Musée d'Art de Lima (Museo de Arte de Lima - MALI) offers a practical summary of Peru's history, with a presentation of pre-Inca craft artifacts (ceramics, textiles, jewelry) and an excellent overview of the various artistic movements from the period of the conquest to the end of the 20th century. Precious collections of paintings from the colonial era and furniture from the Republican era are also on display. To make matters worse, the gallery housing this collection has recently undergone a complete renovation. This is also the venue for the city's most important temporary exhibitions. The building also houses a café-restaurant for a pleasant break before or after your visit.
10. Iglesia y convento de San Francisco
Surrounded by the churches of La Soledad and del Milagro, San Francisco took over a century to build. And it's one of the few to have withstood all the earthquakes through time without damage. Its carved stone façade is an attraction in itself... It's well worth the detour! On the right as you enter, a remarkable altarpiece dedicated to Judas Tadeo, sparkling with gilded ornamentation, dwarfs even the central altar. The choir chairs, carved from Nicaraguan cedar, add to its majestic allure, while columns and vaulting are magnificently adorned with plaster reliefs. Considered Lima's most beautiful church, San Francisco, with its square teeming with pigeons, almost evokes the atmosphere of Venice. Inside, the superb chapter house, adorned with a gilded altarpiece, is surrounded by portraits attributed to Zurbarán and his students. The library contains some 25,000 volumes. Most fascinating of all, however, are the catacombs, discovered only in 1951, which house the bones of some 70,000 deceased. A truly captivating visit!
This panoramic bus tour of the city will take you to all of Lima's must-see places, and you'll even get free admission to the Santo Domingo convent on weekends.
11. Palacio de Gobierno del Perú
This building is also known as the "House of Pizarro". It houses Peru's seat of government, the official residence of the President of the Republic and the center of executive power. Located on the Plaza Mayor (or Plaza de Armas), the Palacio de Gobierno del Perú has a rich history: it was here that Pizarro founded Lima on January 18, 1535, and an ancient fig tree from that era still stands in its garden. Over the years, the viceroys transformed this humble dwelling into a small palace, inspired, it is said, by the Château de Versailles. Inside, the Salon Dorado is particularly sumptuous, decorated with gold leaf and furnished in the French style. It is here, for example, that the Order of the Grand Soleil's decoration ceremonies take place. Although access to the interior is limited, it is possible to attend the changing of the guard in front of the gates at midday, when the dragoon guards, escorting the President of the Republic, pay homage to the flag.
12. What to do in Lima The Gold Museum
The magnificent residence of the Gold Museum houses a remarkable collection of pre-Columbian silverware, mainly from the Chimu and Lambayeque cultures (11th to 15th centuries). These pieces were acquired one by one from "huaqueros" and private collectors from all over the world, often complicit in the looting of tombs. The visitor is quickly overwhelmed by the diversity of objects, most of which are made of silver, pure gold, copper and inlaid with precious stones: necklaces, bracelets, earrings and noserings of impressive size, funerary masks, turquoise goblets, crowns, sacrificial knives (tumis)... In addition to this collection, the museum also houses a unique collection of weapons and uniforms.
13. Circuito Mágico del Agua
The Circuito Mágico del Ag ua is a must-see, particularly popular with families! You'll marvel at the thirteen exceptional fountains, which will captivate your senses with their play of light and music. The Fuente Mágica, the 120-metre Fuente de la Fantasía and the Fuente del Arco Iris are just three of the fountains that make up the world's largest fountain circuit! This vast park invites you to relax and contemplate. The sound and light show is simply amazing. It can be seen at 7.15pm, 8.15pm and 9.30pm. A perfect place for families or to cool off in summer. A great way to round off a day of discovering the capital go here to book your Magic Water Circuit of Lima experience !
14. Lima's surroundings
Beyond this sprawling city lies the vast Lima region, which is ideal for a day's drive: you can head south to the thousand-year-old ruins of Caral, then head down the coast to a number of pleasant resorts and surf spots (ideal between December and April). Finally, in the center, you soon come up against the Andes Mountains, and in the Lima region you'll find a number of peaks, including the so-called little Machu Picchu, Rupac.
15. What to do in Lima? Try Peruvian cuisine
Often considered one of the best cuisines in the world, Peruvian gastronomy demonstrates a wide variety of techniques, echoing an extraordinary variety of products. In recent years, Lima has been showered with Michelin stars, making it one of the 5 best cities in which to discover Latin American gastronomy, thanks to the talent of renowned chefs from London to Miami, such as Gastón Acurio, nicknamed the Peruvian Bocuse. The country's cuisine reflects a complex history of Amerindian, African and Spanish heritage, as well as French, Italian, Japanese and Chinese, to the extent that "chifas" restaurants are now an integral part of the national cuisine. Cereals, root vegetables, starches, meat, fish and seafood are cooked with simplicity, but always with plenty of flavor, as Peruvian cuisine has no shortage of. And don't forget to try the succulent desserts, served with excellent coffee, not to mention pisco, the national spirit.
Where to stay in Lima?
For accommodation in Lima, many tourists head for the touristy and highly secure Miraflores district. For a change of scene, head for the bohemian atmosphere of the Barranco district. Business travellers prefer the modern San Isidro district. Finally, the historic center is close to points of interest, but not very safe after dark.
- The cheapest: 1900 BACKPACKER'S HOSTEL
A huge casona with the look of a manor house, high ceilings and marble floors: this establishment has character. The atmosphere is young and international, with lots of parties and a late bar. Click here for rates and availability!
- The most charming: SECOND HOME PERU
This superb residence offers eight distinguished, comfortable and elegant rooms, bookable here. The rooms exude a subtle charm, and the view of the ocean from the terrace is magnificent. Your host, Lilian Delfin, is passionate about art and travel.
- The most luxurious: l'ATEMPORAL
A Condé Nast award-winning mansion with a small garden in a residential area of Miraflores. You'll find six rooms with bohemian elegance and the latest technology, which you can book right here. The whole has been designed as the refined home of a globetrotting photographer.
What to do in Lima in 2 days
Day 1: This first day is devoted to visiting Lima's historic center and spending a few hours shopping in the surrounding alleyways to pick up the last few things you might have missed on your trip. Don't miss the Plaza Mayor, where the cathedral and government palace were built. Evening in the lively Barranco district.
Day 2. For the second day, visit the districts of Miraflores (the city's economic center, on the Pacific Ocean, with numerous parks) and Barranco (bohemian district, colorful colonial-style houses, small streets decorated with street art, art galleries). Alternatively, a day trip to the archaeological site of Pachacamac is another option for those who don't want to stay in the city.
Interested in a vacation in Peru? Take advantage of a discount by booking your travel insurance here, and leave with peace of mind!
