Welcome to Lima! This modern Peru capital, built along the scenic cliffs, is the second-largest city in South America. Lima is generally the starting point of everyone’s visit to Peru and unfortunately often skipped as the majority of the people only visit Cusco and Machu Picchu. Take one or two days to explore all the great things to do in Lima and see for yourself why Lima is such a great city.
Things to do in Lima, Peru
Lima has dry and usually grey skies throughout the entire year; however, it barely rains. Lima is your connection to all major cities in Peru. Take the bus down to Paracas and Huacachina, fly to Cusco or Arequipa.
1. Barranco – Lima’s coolest neighborhood
Barranco is home to many well-known artists and musicians who have given, together with the colonial houses, the neighborhood a colorful, creative, and romantic character. There are many hotels, great restaurants, and nightlife in Barranco, which makes it a great location to stay.
Good to know: The charming districts Miraflores, San Isidro, and Barranco are safe to roam around in Lima.
2. El Parque Del Amor
To celebrate love in all forms, Lima’s ‘Park of Love’ opened on Valentine’s Day 1993. Parque del Amor is a small, colorful park with flowerbeds and architecture along the scenic coastline offering a great view over the coast and the Pacific Ocean.
The curved benches with mosaic are inspired by Parc Güell in Barcelona and is a great place to see a romantic sunset.
3. Miraflores Lighthouse
Faro la Marina is a 22-meter tall lighthouse built in 1900 on the cliffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean. From Parque Del Amor, it is a 10-minute walk.
At least 8 kilometers of the coastline is transformed into a beautiful green park with many people relaxing or walking their dogs, a skatepark, tennis courts, and much more. It’s a lovely place to spend your time and possibly recover from your jetlag.
4. Bike around Lima city
Lima is a relatively flat city, which makes it super convenient to explore by bicycle. All over the popular neighborhoods of Lima are protected biking lanes that aren’t accessible for cars. Organize a self-guided biking tour and do all the things to do in Lima at your own pace by bicycle. Bicycle rentals can be found all over the center of Lima.
Alternatively, organized bike tours are a great way to meet people and see and learn about Lima City at the same time.
Ready for some action? Both paragliding and surfing are some of the best things to do in Lima. Experience the spectacular coastline of Lima by air together with a professional pilot.
Join a Surf School
Do you prefer to stay on the ground? Lima is a great place for beginners to learn surfing. There are many surf schools down the coast that offer a 90-minute lesson for 20 USD.
6. Ceviche – Peru’s National Dish
Ceviche is a raw-fish fish dish soaked in lime juice and spiced with chili peppers topped with red onions, sweet potatoes, and large corn. It is considered to be Peru’s national dish, and it’s a favorite dish of many travelers while they’re traveling through Peru. Due to Lima’s location on the coast, it is undoubtedly the best place to eat freshly caught seafood.
Love cooking? Learn how to make Ceviche in a cooking class. Book it easily online.
7. Puente de Los Suspiros (Bridge of Sighs)
The Puente de Los Suspiros is a small wooden bridge that formally crossed a water stream below. Nowadays, the stream has become a stone pathway named Bajada de Los Baños that leads down to the beach, passing small cafes, artist studios, and a viewpoint.
The name of the bridge originates from the fact that the bridge brought luck in love. All the sighs of love resulted in the name Bridge of Sighs, which is a completely different reason than the Bridge of Sighs in Venice, Italy.
8. Street Art of Lima
The streets of Barranco are like a beautiful outside art gallery. The local government allows artists to create murals all over Barranco, which, at the same time, attracts many visitors. Make sure not to miss some incredible creations around the Barranco area.
9. Visit the Pyramid of Lima – Huaca Pucllana
In the middle of the wealthier area, Miraflores is a collection of 22-meter-high ruins rising above its neighboring building. The eroded bricks of the pyramid are currently being replaced with new ones. Get to know more about its history and surprising discoveries in a 40-minute guided tour. The entrance fee is 12 soles (3 USD).
10. Mercado de Surquillo
Immerse yourself in the local life and head out to Mercado De Surquillo #1 or #2. These markets are filled with fresh vegetables, fruits, fish, and meat, and we found it a great way to connect with locals and learn a word of Spanish at the same time.
Must-read: Complete 3-week Peru Travel Guide
How to Visit Lima
Lima has many direct flights from America and even a couple from Europe. The fairly large airport hub is located on the outskirts of Lima.
From the airport, reach the city center within 30 to 40 minutes by arranging a taxi at the arrival hall or using Taxify/Uber. This ride usually costs 50-60 Soles. (~ 15-18 USD) The neighborhood around the airport is known as troubled; therefore, taking a taxi from the airport is recommended.
Getting Around Lima, Peru
By foot – Within Miraflores and Barranco walking is a great option as most of the city’s sights are within walking distance.
Bike – Be able to cover more distance by renting a bike (daily price 50 Soles) or joining a bike tour around Lima.
Taxi – Taxis are a good choice in Lima but during rush hours it will take much more time to get from A to B. Taxify and Uber are very convenient.
Where to stay in Lima
The best areas to stay in Lima are Miraflores, San Isidro, and Barranco, as these are safe, offer a lot of accommodation and restaurants, and it’s in the middle of all the things to do in Lima.
Belma Boutique Bed and Breakfast is a cozy, small boutique hotel in the middle of the city with superb staff. They offer bikes for you to explore the city, but most of the sites are within walking distance. See all hotels in Lima.
Alternatively, if you’re looking for something budget-friendly, you can search for a hostel in Lima here.
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Thank you so much for your great advices for Lima and all Peru!❤️ My fiancé and I are arriving there tomorrow and can‘t wait to do all your recommended things!! :)
Thank you for reading! Have a beautiful time in Peru ❤️
Thank you for the wonderful tips and beautiful photos. I’ve been to Lima twice, and I agree that it’s a lovely city. Limeños are very warm and friendly and love to share their delicious cuisine. I hope more people will add Lima to their itinerary when they travel to Peru. I just want to make a comment about one statement from your blog:
“Lima has many direct flights from America and even a couple from Europe.”
Please understand that I’m not trying to criticize in any way. I can see from your writing that you love the places you visit, and you respect the people who live in those places. This is just something I have discussed with many of my Latino friends and people I’ve met when traveling.
Peru is in America (South America), as are Mexico (North), and Costa Rica (Central), etc. I think it’s important for travelers, especially those from the United States, to not refer to the U.S. as “America,” especially when traveling in Latin America. I’ve spoken with many locals in Mexico and Costa Rica, as well as Latinos living in the U.S., who have gently noted that it can come across as insensitive and, at times, even arrogant or offensive. I understand why. Just as people from a singular country in Europe wouldn’t proclaim their nation is “Europe”, the U.S. shouldn’t refer to itself as simply America, which includes many countries on vast continents. When I travel to Latin America, I don’t ever say I’m American; I say “Soy de los Estados Unidos.” (I’m from the United States.) It’s an easy phrase to memorize, and it simply shows respect for our American friends to the south of us.
Thank you again for this lovely blog entry on Lima….and happy & safe travels to you both! 🌸💕