What to Do in Lima Today!

If you’re currently planning your trip to Peru and wondering what to do to have a great time in Lima, let me tell you—you’ve come to the right place! Here, we’ll give you more than one answer to make sure your stay in the city founded by the conquistador Francisco Pizarro is pleasant and fun.

The first thing you need to know is that there’s so much to see and do in the Peruvian capital. If you’re a history buff, you’ll find pre-Inca archaeological sites and museums displaying ancient relics. If you love grand architecture, you’ll be amazed by the old mansions and temples in the historic centre.

Fancy reading a good book? The House of Peruvian Literature is waiting for you. Looking for a panoramic view of Lima’s bay? The Parque del Amor (Love Park) in Miraflores is a perfect spot to snap a photo of the sunset. And if you feel like toasting to your adventures, go ahead and try a pisco sour in a traditional bar.

Say goodbye to doubts—Lima is a spectacular destination! It’s a metropolis where bohemian life thrives in the district of Barranco, a city where you might pray for more than one miracle in the sanctuary of the first saint of the Americas, and a place where dancing water fountains are part of a magical and stunning circuit.

That’s Lima—the city that’s waiting for you, the city we want to show you.

1. Join our FREE tour in Lima historic center

Walk, explore, discover, and enjoy the heart of the Peruvian capital with a knowledgeable guide and a group of enthusiastic travellers just like you. That’s the essence of our free tours—you’ll get to know the top attractions of Lima’s historic centre.

Join the best free walking tour in Lima. Book your spot and live a unique experience. We’re pioneers in free walking tours, and our local guides are deeply passionate about the city they’ll proudly introduce you to with professionalism and heart.

Check out the reviews of our walking tours and you’ll be amazed by the fantastic feedback from our past visitors. You can also follow us on Instagram. We look forward to showing you the best of Lima—the city you’ll discover step by step with us. And don’t forget to tip your guide at the end of the tour!

Note for Peruvians: The free tours are exclusive to international visitors. Peruvian nationals are welcome to join the classic city tour of colonial and modern Lima.

2. Explore the Plaza de Armas and the Historic Centre

If you want to connect with colonial history… If you want to imagine what life was like in old Lima… If you want to explore a UNESCO World Heritage site, then don’t hesitate to make your way to the historic centre of Peru’s capital.

The old town, also known as the “Damero de Pizarro” (Pizarro’s Grid) in honour of the city’s founder, preserves churches, convents, and colonial mansions of extraordinary architectural and historical value. These buildings showcase a variety of styles, including Baroque, Renaissance, Neoclassical and Gothic.

At the heart of the historic centre lies the Plaza de Armas or Main Square. Surrounded by majestic buildings like the Cathedral, the Government Palace, the City Hall, the Archbishop’s Palace, and the House of the Oidor, this is where Francisco Pizarro founded the City of Kings on 18 January 1535.

3. Try the best Pisco Sour

Pisco — with a capital “P” for Peruvian pride — is the national drink of Peru. Its origins date back to colonial times, when a grape-based spirit was shipped from the port of Pisco, produced in wineries along the southern coast. That’s the historical reason why Peru was granted the protected designation of origin.

Today, only spirits made in the regions of Lima, Ica, Arequipa, Moquegua, and Tacna — and that meet Peru’s strict production standards — can legally be called pisco. These rules preserve the legacy of a drink that will brighten your excursion through Lima’s Historic Centre.

If you enjoy strong drinks, try it neat. If you’re after something more refreshing, go for a chilcano. And if you’d like to taste the country’s most iconic cocktail, don’t miss the pisco sour — a classic blend of pisco, fresh lime juice, sugar syrup, egg white, and ice.

Traditional bartenders “shake” the ingredients in a cocktail shaker, while others blend them. Which is better? Try both versions and decide for yourself. Just a word of caution: pisco has an alcohol content ranging from 38% to 48%.

There are plenty of great spots in the city centre to enjoy a pisco sour. The bars at the Hotel Maury — said by many historians to be the birthplace of this cocktail — and the iconic Hotel Bolívar, known for its “cathedral-sized” pisco sours, are especially popular with locals. Another tempting option is Bar Cordano, one of the oldest bars in the city.

4. Discover Huaca Pucllana

Long before the Spanish arrived, pre-Hispanic peoples had already built settlements and temples in what is now modern-day Lima. The city’s roots stretch back thousands of years — something that often goes unnoticed by visitors who are captivated by its colonial and republican heritage.

But that ancient past is much closer than you might think. In Miraflores, one of Lima’s most popular tourist districts, you’ll find Huaca Pucllana — an administrative and ceremonial centre dating back to the 5th century AD. The site’s main feature is a massive adobe pyramid, measuring 500 metres in length, 100 metres in width, and 22 metres in height.

Occupied by several ancient cultures (including the Lima, Wari, Ychsma, and Inca), Pucllana — which means “place for games” in Spanish — was a ceremonial site where people paid tribute to the sea, the sun, Mother Earth, the mountains, and other deities worshipped by Peru’s ancient civilisations.

You can also visit Huaca Pucllana at night. Complete your visit with a memorable dinner at the on-site restaurant, where you’ll find creative takes on classic Peruvian dishes.

5. Visit Miraflores Central Park

Locally known as Parque Kennedy, this green space of culture, fun and flavour is actually made up of two adjoining parks: one named after the American president, and the other called 7 de Junio, in honour of the Battle of Arica during the War of the Pacific (1879–1884).

Miraflores Central Park hosts a wide range of cultural events — from book fairs and photo exhibitions to painting displays — and offers delicious street food, including Peruvian desserts and the classic butifarra limeña (a traditional sandwich). One particularly charming feature is the number of friendly cats that wander freely around the park and interact with visitors.

It’s a must-see. If you’re visiting with children, they’ll have a great time at the playground. Before you leave, take a moment to admire the Virgen Milagrosa church and the Miraflores City Hall — two impressive landmarks within this relaxing urban oasis.

6. Experience the Bohemian Spirit of Barranco

With its bohemian soul and iconic landmarks — like the Bridge of Sighs and the Bajada de los Baños — Barranco is one of Lima’s most enchanting districts. Strolling through its colourful streets lined with beautiful old republican-style mansions, you’ll come across art galleries, museums, traditional bars and peñas criollas (live Creole music venues).

You’ll also find countless restaurants, pubs and cafés perfect for unforgettable evenings. But Barranco’s artistic and bohemian charm isn’t just indoors — it spills out into the streets, where graffiti murals have transformed walls into canvases, showcasing the creativity and emotions of Lima’s younger generations.

7. Travel Back in Time at Lima’s Museums

If you find museums fascinating and simply can’t resist them, you’re going to love Lima. The city is full of treasures — in its Historic Centre and across several of its districts — offering outstanding exhibitions and galleries that reveal the rich history, art and culture of a country considered one of the cradles of human civilisation.

The National Museum of Archaeology, Anthropology and History of Peru, located in the district of Pueblo Libre, is the oldest in the country. Its extensive collections will help you trace the roots and development of the many civilisations that once thrived in this part of the world.

Also in Pueblo Libre, you’ll find the Larco Museum – Ancient Treasures of Peru. Its collection of pre-Columbian art will take you on a journey through 5,000 years of history. During your visit, you’ll see the most complete exhibition of archaeological pieces from pre-Hispanic Lima.

If you’re keen to explore even more collections, make sure to visit the Museum of Art of Lima (MALI), the Gold Museum of Peru and Weapons of the World, the impressive and ultra-modern National Museum of Peru (MUNA), and the Natural History Museum of the National University of San Marcos — just to name a few.

8. Visit the Bodega y Quadra Site Museum

In this colonial-era property — once the home of sailor and explorer Juan Francisco de la Bodega y Quadra — archaeologists uncovered a site of such importance that it’s now considered one of the most significant archaeological discoveries in Lima’s Historic Centre.

In 2012, a site museum was established here, where you can see remnants of both pre-Hispanic and colonial structures. These ruins reveal just a part of the long and fascinating human history of Peru’s capital city. You’ll find this gem at 213 Jirón Áncash, just a short walk from the Plaza de Armas.

9. Explore the Colonial Churches of the Historic Centre

As you walk through the old town, you’ll be drawn to stop in front of the many convents, temples and colonial churches. Their towers and bell gables, courtyards and facades are an essential part of the identity and charm of old Lima — a charm that speaks to everyone, regardless of faith or belief.

The Cathedral of Lima, along with the churches of San Francisco, La Merced, Santo Domingo, and San Pedro, are all extraordinary examples of viceregal architecture. Inside, you’ll find altars, sculptures, paintings and other expressions of religious art that have been preserved and are on display in their peaceful cloisters.

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10. Get Romantic at the Park of Love

Couples find a haven of tranquillity in Miraflores at a park designed especially for romance. The centrepiece is a striking sculpture called The Kiss (El Beso) by Peruvian artist Víctor Delfín, which portrays a passionate embrace between two lovers.

Poetic verses and love messages inscribed on the benches add to the harmonious atmosphere of the park. When you visit, you’re bound to fall in love — not just with the person beside you, but also with the stunning views over Lima’s bay. Sunsets here are truly magical. Don’t miss them! Entry is free. You’ll find the Park of Love along the Cisneros Seafront Promenade.

11. Read at the House of Peruvian Literature

Just a few steps from the Government Palace, the former Desamparados railway station is now home to the House of Peruvian Literature — a cultural space that celebrates and promotes the work of national writers who have described, interpreted and reflected on the country in their writing.

This literary haven regularly hosts temporary exhibitions and gives visitors access to a variety of works. In a calm and thoughtful setting right in the Historic Centre, enjoy the poetry, stories and novels of world-renowned Peruvian authors such as César Vallejo and Mario Vargas Llosa.

12. Make a Wish at the Well of Saint Rose of Lima

The first saint of the Americas was born and lived in Peru’s capital between 1586 and 1617. Over a century after her death — and before she was officially canonised — a sanctuary was built beside what had been her home, now located on Avenida Tacna in Lima’s Historic Centre.

This took place in 1728, though little remains of the original structure. The current sanctuary, church and monastery date back to the 20th century. According to tradition, both devout and not-so-devout visitors are encouraged to write their wishes in a letter and drop it into the well, so that Saint Rosita may help them come true.

13. Visit the Magic Water Circuit

The 13 fountains of Lima’s monumental Parque de la Reserva — inaugurated in 1929 and open all day — come alive at night with a dazzling display of dancing water jets, colourful lights, laser projections, and images that reflect the history and traditions of the Peruvian capital.

Officially opened in July 2007, the Magic Water Circuit is now one of the city’s must-see attractions. If you’re travelling with children, this is an experience they absolutely won’t forget. The nightly shows begin at 19:00 hours and run every evening.

14. Witness the Changing of the Guard

One of the highlights at Lima’s Plaza de Armas is the daily changing of the guard ceremony, held in the Courtyard of Honour at the Government Palace. This military ritual is a truly memorable spectacle, and the best part — it’s free to watch! The ceremony starts at 11:45 hours and ends at 12:15 hours.

During this event, the soldiers guarding the Government Palace are replaced by a new group, as both march in formation to the rhythm of a military band. The musicians perform traditional military pieces as well as iconic Peruvian melodies — including the beloved El Cóndor Pasa.

15. Be Amazed by the Catacombs of San Francisco

Beneath the peaceful cloisters and prayer halls of the San Francisco Religious Complex — a jewel of colonial architecture in the New World — lie the remains of around 35,000 people, stored in the shadowy catacombs of this sacred site in Lima’s Historic Centre.

For nearly three centuries, the mortal remains of Lima’s residents were brought to San Francisco. There, in the narrow, dimly lit passageways of the catacombs, they were laid to rest in eternal peace.

16. Set Sail on the Waters of Callao

If you’re in Lima and believe that life is better at sea, take a short trip to the nearby port of Callao and hop aboard a tourist boat to explore the Cavinzas Islands and the Palomino Islets — two Pacific Ocean sanctuaries teeming with biodiversity.

During this ocean adventure, you’ll spot colonies of South American sea lions and fur seals, along with a wide variety of seabirds. While you’re in Peru’s constitutional province, don’t miss the chance to explore the historic Real Felipe Fortress, the vibrant Monumental Callao cultural project, and the charming seaside district of La Punta.

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