Tourist Places to Visit in Lima
Peru

Awesome Sightseeing Places to Visit and Things to Do in Lima

Mustafa Natalwala 2172 Views

Lima is the national capital city of Peru. It is one of the largest cities on the South American Continent. The city is popular among tourists for its rich history, culture, lifestyle, and beaches. It used to be a major part of the Inca empire which flourished during the Pre-Columbian era. The Inca rule in the region came to an end after Spain defeated Inca ruler Atahualpa in 1532. The history of the region is divided into 3 parts: Pre-Columbian, Colonial, and Post Independence. You will find several interesting places to visit in Lima concerning each of these periods. As you explore the city, you will also notice how these time periods have contributed to the traditions and cultures of the people who now live here.

Besides the historical aspects, there are several fun things to do in Lima with regard to culture and lifestyle. The traditional markets are a great place to hunt down traditional handicraft items and interesting souvenirs. You can explore the streets for snacks and enjoy Peruvian food at several restaurants and food joints around the city. We have picked out some of the most popular ones and listed them in the sections below. Lima also has a wonderful natural landscape around it which is popular for outdoor adventures.

One of the best times to visit Lima would during one of the major festivals. You will encounter a little bit crowd, but the entire vibe of the city changes during these festivals, and it becomes an interesting cultural experience. The city has quite a happening nightlife, both in the city and at the beaches. Speaking of the coastline, you should definitely explore all of the best beaches in Lima. Each one has a unique view and a unique feel to it. There are numerous activities happening at the beach at all times and it would be fun to be part of it when you visit Lima.

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A Complete 3 Days Trip Itinerary to Visit Top Tourist Attractions in Lima

Day 1

1. Basilica and Convent of San Francisco (Basílica y Convento de San Francisco de Lima)

This church is one of the most important historical and cultural Lima attractions. The church was first built in 1774 and is renowned for its architecture and decor. The church has its own museum. You will need about 2 hours to explore this church when you visit Lima.

I suggest you should book a Full Day Lima City Tour to Visit the San Francisco Monastery and other popular attractions.

Basilica and Convent of San Francisco

2. Cathedral of Lima (La Catedral de Lima)

Also known as the Basilica of Lima, this Roman Catholic Church was built in 1535. It is one of the most interesting places to visit in Lima for its history, cultural significance, architecture, interior art, and crypts. You will need about an hour from Lima travel for La Catedral.

Cathedral of Lima

3. Plaza Mayor (Plaza de Armas of Lima)

This square is the oldest public square in the city and also its most well-known. It is one of the best places for Lima sightseeing as it is surrounded by historical buildings. You will need about 30 minutes at this square.

Plaza Mayor

4. Municipal Palace of Lima / City Hall of Lima (Palacio Municipal de Lima)

The palace dates back to the 1600s and was renovated in 1944. The palace is known for its neo-classical exterior and extensive collection of artworks and historical photographs. You will find some of the most interesting things to see in Lima about the city’s history at this palace. It will take you about an hour to explore it.

Municipal Palace of Lima

5. Government Palace (Palacio de Gobierno)

This palace is named after Francisco Pizarro and serves as the government office. It had also served as the palace for the viceroys of Spain during colonial occupation. As only a few parts of this palace are open to visitors, you won’t need more than 30 to 45 minutes to explore it.

Government Palace

6. Basilica of Santo Domingo (Convento de Santo Domingo)

Also known as the Convent of Holy Rosary, it is the oldest religious monument in the city. It is one of the most historically significant places to go in Lima for its association with Saint Martin de Porres, the first black saint as well as the first Peruvian saint. You will need about an hour for this church complex.

Basilica of Santo Domingo

7. Church of the Nazarenas (Iglesia las Nazarenas)

This church was built in the 18th century, but the central wall of this church which bears the miraculous painting of Jesus Christ was painted in 1651. The church was built around this painting and it is believed to heal people. It is one of the most fascinating places to see in Lima. You will need about an hour for the Church of Nazarenas.

Church of the Nazarenas

8. Lima Art Museum (Museo de Arte de Lima)

This museum holds 3,000 years’ worth of history and culture. It is home to several works of art by renowned artists as well as pre-Columbian artifacts. Some of the most beautiful things to see in Lima can be found at this museum. You will need two hours to explore it.

I suggest you should book a Guided Tour of the Lima Art Museum with an Entrance Ticket.

Lima Art Museum

9. Magic Water Circuit (Circuito Mágico del Agua)

If you are looking for fun things to do in Lima to end your day, this is the place to be. This dating fountain is an incredible sight to enjoy during your visit. It is not completely closed to be viewed from a distance, you can step in and get wet as the fountain performs. You would need about an hour for this experience.

I suggest you should book the Magic Water Circuit Experience in advance.

Magic Water Circuit

Day 2

1. Larco Museum

This museum exhibits a large collection of pre-Columbian artifacts and artworks. The 18th-century mansion that houses this museum itself was constructed on the site of a pre-Columbian pyramid. It is one of the best Lima tourist attractions to visit to learn about the pre-Columbian culture of the region. You will need about 2 hours to explore this museum.

I suggest you should get your Admission Ticket to the Larco Museum in advance.

Larco Museum

2. National Museum of Archaeology, Anthropology and History (Museo Nacional de Arqueología Antropología e Historia del Perú)

The name says it all, this museum houses artifacts concerning different time periods of Peru. It is one of Lima’s attractions which helps you understand the history and culture of the country and its evolution over the years. You will need 2 hours for this museum.

National Museum of Archaeology, Anthropology and History

3. Huaca Huallamarca

Also known as Pan de Azucar and Wak’a Wallamarka, this pre-Hispanic structure used to be a sacred burial temple in 200 BCE. It is one of the oldest structures to visit during Lima sightseeing. You will need about an hour here.

I suggest you should book your Tour to Huaca Huallamarca in advance.

Huaca Huallamarca

4. Huaca Pucllana

This 700 A.D. pyramid was dedicated to the protection god. The site also has a museum that gives details about the structure and about the culture of the people who used it. You will need about 2 hours to explore this site.

I suggest you should book a Half-Day Tour to Huaca Pucllana in advance.

Huaca Pucllana

5. Miraflores

This is one of the best beaches in Lima and has many oceanside attractions to enjoy. The beach has several bars, clubs, restaurants, shops and so on. You can also enjoy water sports and other beach activities. You can easily spend a couple of hours at this beach during Lima travel.

In Miraflores, there are multiple activities to do. So here below I am mentioning the Top-Rated Activities to Do in Miraflores.

Miraflores

6. Miraflores Indian Market

Also known as Mercado Indio, this craft market is perfect for hunting unique local items and souvenirs. You will need about an hour to explore this market.

Miraflores Indian Market

Day 3

1. Pachacamac

This archeological site dates back to 200 A.D. The site used to be a religious complex and was dedicated to the god of fire and earthquakes named Pacha Kamaq. It is one of the most important historical places to see in Lima and will require at least 2 hours of your time to explore.

I suggest you should book a Half-Day Tour to Pachacamac in advance.

Pachacamac

2. Museo Pedro de Osma

This French-style mansion houses a wide collection of colonial period artworks including paintings, sculptures, decor pieces, applied art items, and so on. You will need about an hour to explore this museum.

Museo Pedro de Osma

3. MATE Mario Testino Museum (Museo Mario Testino)

This museum is dedicated to the life and work of famous Peruvian fashion photographer Mario Testino. The museum exhibits some of his finest photographs and also sheds a little light on his life. It is one of the most interesting places to go in Lima for those interested in photography or the fashion industry. You will need about an hour for this museum.

MATE Mario Testino Museum

4. Barranco

This old neighborhood offers several top things to do in Lima. You can explore the markets for shopping, enjoy local cuisine, explore the beach, and more. You can easily spend a couple of hours here.

I suggest you should book a Walking Tour of the Barranco District in advance.

Barranco

5. Park of Love (Parque del Amor)

This park is well known for the giant El Beso statue which shows a couple kissing. It is also the venue for the annual kissing competition, which would be one of the best time to visit Lima to experience an unusual event. You will need about an hour to explore this park.

Park of Love

If you plan to add more things to see in Lima during your visit, check out the section below.

Things to do in Lima

Monuments, Museums & Historical Places to Visit in Lima

  1. Larco Museum
  2. Plaza de Armas de Lima
  3. Huaca Pucllana
  4. Saint Francis Monastery
  5. Museo de Arte de Lima
  6. Cathedral of Lima
  7. Historic Center of Lima
  8. Government Palace of Peru
  9. National Museum of Archeology
  10. Gold Museum of Peru
  11. Weapons of the World Museum
  12. National Museum
  13. MATE Mario Testino Museum
  14. The Real Felipe Fortress
  15. Pedro de Osma Museum
  16. Museum of Contemporary Arts
  17. Archbishop’s Palace of Lima
  18. Huaca Huallamarca
  19. Convento de Santo Domingo
  20. BCRP Museum
  21. Torre Tagle Palace
  22. Amano Pre-Columbian Textile Museum
  23. Museo de Arte Italiano
  24. Place of Memory, Tolerance and Social Inclusion
  25. Casa de Aliaga
  26. Cemeterio Presbitero Matias Maestro
  27. Museum of the Inquisition and Congress
  28. Iglesia las Nazarenas
  29. Site Museum and Archeological Sanctuary of Pachacamac
  30. Iglesia San Pedro
  31. Faro la Marina
  32. Iglesia de la Merced
  33. Callao Monumental
  34. Museo de Historia Natural
  35. Puruchuco Archeological Site & Museum
  36. Casa de Osambela
  37. Dedalo
  38. Zona Archeologica Monumental Mateo Salado
  39. Casa de la Literatura Peruana
  40. National Museum of Peruvian Culture
  41. Museo Metropolitano de Lima
  42. National Museum of Peru
  43. Museo de Minerales
  44. Casona Riva Aguero
  45. Electricity Museum
  46. Convent of the Shoeless
  47. El Paraiso Archeological Site
  48. Casa Museo Jose Carlos Mariategui
  49. Museo Abtao del Callao
  50. Pachacamac Ruins
  51. Naval Museum of Peru
  52. Municipal Palace of Lima
  53. Lucia de la Puente Gallery
  54. Artesanias las Pallas
  55. Museum of the Discalced
  56. Museo de Sitio Arturo Jimenez Borja
  57. Galeria Enlace Arte Contemporaneo

Nature & Wildlife Tourist Spots in Lima

  1. Pantanos de Villa Wildlife Refuge
  2. Cerro San Cristobal
  3. Lomas de Lucumo
  4. Morro Solar
  5. Wetlands of Ventanilla
  6. Apu Siqay

Entertainment & Leisure Tourist Spots in Lima

  1. Park of the Reserve
  2. Parque de las Leyendas
  3. Magic Water Circuit
  4. Park of Exposition
  5. Parque Zoologico Huachipa
  6. Friendship Park
  7. El Campo de Marte
  8. Estadio Nacional
  9. Club Zonal Sinchi Roca
  10. Parque de la Imaginación

Shopping in Lima

  1. Mercado Indio la Marina
  2. Super Mercados Wong
  3. Miraflores Indio Market
  4. Centro Commercial Real Plaza
  5. Gran Mercado Artesanal
  6. Jockey Plaza
  7. Parque Kennedy
  8. Larcomar Shopping Center

Beaches in Lima

  1. Circuito de Playas
  2. La Herradura
  3. El Fronton
  4. Cavinzas Islands
  5. Playa los Yuyos
  6. Playa Aguas Dulce
  7. Cerro Azul
  8. Punta Hermosa
  9. Paracas
  10. Asia Beach
  11. Pucusana Beach
  12. El Silencio Beach
  13. Senoritas Beach

Offbeat Places, Tours, & Adventures in Lima

  1. Hiking
  2. Trekking
  3. Surfing
  4. Water Sports

Sightseeing in Lima

  1. Miraflores Central Park
  2. Plaza San Martin
  3. Park of Love
  4. Bridge of Sighs
  5. El Oliver de San Isidro Park
  6. Muninet Parque la Muralla
  7. Jiron de la Union
  8. Parque Maria Reiche
  9. Parque Reducto
  10. Parque Universitario
  11. Parque Antonio Raimondi
  12. Municipal de Barranco Park
  13. Piedra del Rio Rimac Bridge
  14. Parque Mariscal Ramon Castilla

Food, Dining, Restaurants, & Street Food in Lima

  1. Maido
  2. Cala
  3. Astrid & Gaston
  4. Ayahuasca
  5. Kjolle
  6. La Republica
  7. Mayta
  8. El Senorio del Sulco
  9. Isolina
  10. Osso
  11. El Bodegon
  12. Rafael
  13. Panchita
  14. Malabar
  15. Osaka
  16. La Mar
  17. Cosme
  18. Chez Wong
  19. Punto Azul
  20. Amaz
  21. Maras

Where to Stay in Lima?

Here we have listed Top Rated Luxurious, Mid-Range and Budget Hotels in Lima. You can check below listed hotels for your perfect stay in Lima.

Luxurious Hotels

  1. Iberostar Selection Miraflores
  2. JW Marriott Hotel Lima
  3. Country Club Lima Hotel
  4. Hyatt Centric San Isidro Lima
  5. Hilton Lima Miraflores
  6. The Westin Lima Hotel & Convention Center
  7. Casa Andina Premium Miraflores
  8. Radisson Hotel Decapolis Miraflores
  9. Hotel Melia Lima
  10. Miraflores Park, A Belmond Hotel, Lima

Mid-Range Hotels

  1. Hotel Estelar Miraflores
  2. Ibis Lima Larco Miraflores
  3. Novotel Lima San Isidro
  4. Sheraton Lima Historic Center
  5. Del Pilar Miraflores Hotel
  6. Peru Star Apart-Hotel
  7. Costa Del Sol Wyndham Lima City
  8. Tierra Viva Miraflores Larco Hotel
  9. 3B Barranco’s – Chic and Basic – B&B
  10. Casa Andina Select Miraflores

Budget Hotels

  1. Hotel Vila Santa
  2. Pariwana Hostel Lima
  3. Faraona Grand Hotel
  4. Selina Posada Miraflores
  5. Epiqus Hotel
  6. Centro by Casa Andina
  7. Mama Backpackers
  8. J&A Classic Hotel
  9. The Secret Garden Hostel
  10. KACLLA, The Healing Dog Hostel

TripAdvisor

Custom Tours Package in Lima

How to Reach Lima?

By Air

The fastest mode for Lima travel is by Jorge Chavez International Airport situated in Callao. There are buses and cabs to reach the city from the airport. You can get direct flights to visit Lima from Miami, Los Angeles, Newark, Ft. Lauderdale, Atlanta, Mexico City, Madrid, London, Amsterdam, Panama City, Paris, Bogota, Quito, Toronto, Santiago de Chile, and many other cities in South America, North America, and Europe.

By Road

The bus and train network is well connected in Peru. You can get public transport options from several cities and towns in the country. If you are planning for Lima sightseeing by road, then you should look for routes 1N, 22 or 1S.

By Water

Despite being a coastal city, there are no ferry services connecting to Lima. However, there are a few cruise tours that include Lima in their itinerary.

Image Reference

Mustafa Natalwala

Mustafa is a content writer and digital marketing expert at WideWorldTrips.com His mainly interests are into travelling, photography, film-making