Things to do in Lima, Peru, to experience its rich history and culture
An unforgettable Peru tour almost always starts and ends in the capital city of Lima. Home to the country’s largest international airport, it’s the gateway to the rest of the nation—and a thrilling destination in its own right. From exploring expansive plazas and towering cathedrals to visiting world-class museums (there’s even an ancient adobe-and-clay pyramid in the heart of the city), the best things to do in Lima are as varied as they are exciting.
Wondering how to spend your time in town? Here’s our guide to Lima’s must-see historical, cultural, and architectural landmarks.
What’s Lima like?
Thanks to the popularity of Machu Picchu, Cuzco, and other big-name, tourist-friendly destinations, Lima’s one of South America’s most overlooked capitals. But don’t make that mistake: This sprawling seaside metropolis boasts a great art scene, fantastic architecture, and unbelievably good eats (which you can read all about in our food lover’s guide to Lima).
The continent’s third-largest and second-most populous city packs in attractions that appeal to history lovers and contemporary culture enthusiasts alike. Its numerous bustling neighborhoods appeal to different types of visitors, so if you’re thinking of your Lima tour only as a gateway to the rest of Peru, you may end up missing out on some truly memorable experiences.
If you’re an art lover, what are the best things to do in Lima, Peru?
Digging into the art scene is one of the top reasons to add Lima to your bucket list! During your free time in town on our Grand Tour of Peru: Machu Picchu to Lake Titicaca, you can explore Miraflores and Barranco—two seaside neighborhoods with some of the city’s best public art installations. Known as Lima’s bohemian quarter, the latter brims with striking murals by world-renowned painters. Local artist Jade Rivera maintains a gallery there, too, and you can visit it if you’d like.
If massive museums are more your speed, Lima’s also home to some world-class art institutions. The Museo de Arte de Lima houses countless Peruvian artifacts, dating to pre-Columbian times. There’s also the Museo Larco, with its privately owned collection of gold, silver, ceramics, and textiles that traces 5,000 years of ancient Peruvian history.
Art lovers on our Peru for Solo Travelers: Lima, Cuzco & Machu Picchu tour will want to take our Monumental Callao: Street Art & Food Tour excursion. Located some 10 miles west of the city center, this district contains some of South America’s most impressive graffiti, created thanks to Fugaz—an initiative aiming to revitalize a once-rough neighborhood. Listen as your Tour Director points out some of the most significant pieces borne from this community project.
If you’re interested in history, what are the best things to do in Lima, Peru?
Whether you’re on our Ancient Peru & Machu Picchu tour or our A Week in Peru: Lima, Cuzco & Machu Picchu tour, you can’t miss Huaca Pucllana. This adobe-and-clay pyramid was once an important administrative and ceremonial hub for the ancient Lima culture. Spilling over 15 acres of the Miraflores district, Huaca Pucllana was likely much larger when it was originally built in 500 A.D., and today, it’s one of Peru’s most heavily researched archaeological sites. (You can dive into this enigmatic attraction yourself—many of our Lima tours include a guided visit!)
If you’re an architecture enthusiast, what are the best things to do in Lima, Peru?
On both our brand-new Ecuador & Peru: The Galápagos, Cuzco & Machu Picchu tour and our bucket list-worthy Grand Tour of South America: Brazil, Argentina & Peru, you’ll have the opportunity to extend your trip by a few days in Lima. During your stay, you’ll want to get your fill of not only the world’s finest ceviche, but also of some of the best colonial architecture in South America.
One of Peru’s most famous landmarks, the UNESCO-listed Plaza de Armas anchors a collection of beautifully preserved structures built in a range of styles. The baroque Archbishop’s Palace, neobaroque Government Palace, and multi-elemental Lima Metropolitan Cathedral all wrap around the square. (We’re particularly enamored with the carved wooden balconies of the Archbishop’s Palace.)
Another architectural gem you should check out during your free time on our Lima tours is the Torre Tagle Palace. Just a couple of blocks away from the Plaza de Armas, this 18th-century residence now functions as the headquarters of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Peru. The building’s Spanish baroque aesthetic comes through most beautifully in its facade: A massive wooden door, carved stone arch, and Mudejar-style balconies come together for elegant effect.
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