12 Unmissable Experiences in Lima

Welcome to Lima. If you are visiting our capital for the first time, you might have heard it described merely as a stopover city. I am always happy to prove that idea wrong.

Lima is a city of brilliant, surprising contrasts. It is a place where you can spend your morning walking through a pre-Inca ceremonial centre, your afternoon admiring colonial architecture, and your evening watching the sun set over the Pacific Ocean. It is a city defined by its spectacular coastal views, its lively neighbourhoods, and, of course, its world-class food.

If you are wondering where to begin, I have put together my top twelve recommendations for experiencing the city. Take your time, wander slowly, and use this as a starting point to find your own favourite spots.

1. Malecón de Miraflores

There is no better introduction to Lima's coastal rhythm than the Malecón. This is a long, beautifully maintained clifftop promenade that stretches along the district of Miraflores, offering wide, uninterrupted views of the Pacific Ocean.

Whether you hire a bicycle, go for a morning jog, or simply find a bench to watch the paragliders launch off the cliffs, it is one of the city's simplest and most calming pleasures.

I always recommend coming here in the late afternoon. The light softens, the ocean breeze cools the city, and you can watch the sky change colour over the water.

Explore more in our dedicated blog to Discovering the Malecón. Read the Blog.

2. Plaza Mayor (Plaza de Armas)

This is the historic centre of gravity for Lima. Surrounded by the Cathedral, the Government Palace, and elegant buildings with grand wooden balconies, the Plaza Mayor is where the modern city was officially founded in 1535.

It is a fantastic starting point for a walk through the city's history. The sheer scale of the colonial architecture provides a striking contrast to the modern coastal districts.

I suggest visiting during the day when you can appreciate the details of the façades, before exploring the nearby historic streets and traditional cafés.

Explore more in our Plaza Mayor Guide here.

3. Barranco District

Barranco is Lima’s creative quarter. Once a seaside retreat for wealthy families, it is now an incredibly atmospheric neighbourhood filled with independent art galleries, colourful murals, and charming cafés.

It is best experienced slowly and on foot. You can wander past old republican houses, cross the romantic Puente de los Suspiros (Bridge of Sighs), and take in the relaxed coastal views. By night, the district becomes livelier, with great restaurants and music venues bringing a vibrant energy to the streets.

Explore more in our Barranco Bohemian District Guide here.

4. Huaca Pucllana

One of my favourite surprises in Lima is how ancient history sits right in the middle of our modern streets. Huaca Pucllana is an extraordinary pre-Inca adobe complex rising out of the residential neighbourhood of Miraflores.

Built by the Lima culture between 200 and 700 AD, it features seven staggered platforms constructed using a fascinating "bookcase" technique for earthquake resilience. It is a brilliant reminder that Peru’s ancient societies thrived on the coast centuries before the Inca.

Explore more in our blog about Huaca Pucllana. Read the blog.

5. Museo Larco

Housed in a beautiful 18th-century mansion surrounded by lush gardens, the Museo Larco offers one of the best introductions to ancient Peru. It guides you through 5,000 years of pre-Columbian history with a beautifully curated collection of ceramics, textiles, and gold artefacts.

Do not miss the visible storage area, where you can walk among 30,000 catalogued pottery pieces, or the famous Erotic Gallery.

The museum is open daily from 9:00 am to 7:00 pm, and general admission is S/ 50.00. It frequently ranks as one of the very best museums in South America.

For current visitor information, check the Museo Larco Official Website museolarco.org.

6. The Circuito Mágico

If you are looking for something joyous and relaxing in the evening, head to the Parque de la Reserva.

The Circuito Mágico del Agua is a spectacular installation of thirteen cybernetic fountains that combine water, lasers, light, and music.

It is especially wonderful if you are travelling with family. The main multimedia shows run around 7:15 pm, 8:15 pm, and 9:10 pm. It is highly accessible, with general entry costing around just S/ 5.00.

Best to go in the summer with the little ones, as they are going to get wet!

For current show times, check the Circuito Mágico del Agua Website.

7. Parque Kennedy & Iglesia Virgen Milagrosa

Parque Kennedy is the social heart of Miraflores. It is a busy, leafy square surrounded by cafés and restaurants, where locals meet, take a walk, or browse the small artisan markets.

The park is famously home to dozens of well-cared-for resident cats, which adds to its unique character.

Right beside the gardens sits the striking Iglesia Virgen Milagrosa. When its pale stone façade is lit up in the evening, it provides a beautiful, historic contrast to the bustling modern streets around it.

The interior of the church is a must see.

Explore more in our Parque Kennedy & Iglesia Virgen Milagrosa Guide here.

8. Parque del Amor

Located right on the coastal cliffs, Parque del Amor is a small, romantic viewpoint overlooking the Pacific Ocean. It is famous for its curving walls covered in colourful mosaics and romantic phrases.

At the centre stands El Beso (The Kiss), a large sculpture by Peruvian artist Víctor Delfín. It is a wonderful, playful spot to pause while walking the Malecón, and arguably one of the best places in the city to stop and take photographs as the sun goes down.

Explore more in our guide to Parque del Amor here.

9. Monasterio de San Francisco & the Catacombs

This is one of Lima’s most fascinating colonial sites. The Convent of San Francisco features beautiful cloisters, an incredibly impressive historic library, and an underground network of catacombs that served as the city's cemetery during the colonial era.

Taking a guided tour through the catacombs adds a slightly eerie but deeply historical dimension to your visit. The museum is generally open daily from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm.

For tour times and tickets, check the San Francisco Convent Official Website (museoconventosanfranciscoycatacumbas.com.pe

10. Parque de las Leyendas

Parque de las Leyendas is much more than a traditional zoo. It is an expansive park that uniquely combines wildlife, botanical gardens, and authentic archaeological ruins.

The park features distinct zones dedicated to zoology, botany, and ancient Peruvian history. If you are travelling with children, or simply want a full day outdoors surrounded by nature and history, this is a fantastic option away from the city traffic.

For visitor info and tickets, check the Parque de las Leyendas Website leyendas.gob.pe.

11. Larcomar

Larcomar redefines the idea of a shopping centre. It is built directly into the cliffs of Miraflores, sitting below street level with open-air terraces that look right out across the Pacific Ocean.

Even if you have no interest in shopping, it is worth visiting purely for the architecture and the views. It is an incredibly convenient place to grab a coffee, enjoy a good meal, or have a relaxed drink while watching the sunset over the water.

Explore more in our guide to Larcomar here.

12. MALI – Museo de Arte de Lima

Located inside the grand Palacio de la Exposición, MALI is the perfect place for art lovers. It showcases a comprehensive journey through Peru’s artistic history, from ancient pre-Columbian textiles and ceramics right through to contemporary works.

The museum usually opens Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm, with Saturdays closing at 5:00 pm. They also host brilliant temporary exhibitions, so it is always worth checking their schedule before you visit.

For current exhibitions and tickets, check the MALI Official Website (mali.pe)

Special Mention: Parque de la Amistad

If you are visiting Lima with children and have a little extra time, Parque de la Amistad in Santiago de Surco is a lovely option for a slower family day.

It is not part of the main twelve, but it is popular with local families and gives visitors a more everyday glimpse of life in Lima. With open green spaces, a small lake, family activities and its distinctive Moorish-style arch, it feels relaxed, friendly and easy to enjoy at a gentler pace.

This is not necessarily a place you would rush to on a short first visit to Lima, but if you are staying a little longer, or travelling with younger children, it can be a very worthwhile extra stop away from the busier tourist areas.

Explore more about Parque de la Amistad: A Perfect Day of History, Nature & Family. Read the blog here.

Lima is just the beginning...

I hope this guide helps you find your footing in our vibrant capital. Lima has so much to offer if you know where to look. Use these recommendations as a starting point, walk the coastal paths, taste the local food, and let the city show you its character.

Ready to explore more of Peru? Subscribe below to receive my latest travel tips, or browse our regional guides to discover what lies beyond the capital.

Malena x

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