Lima

Peru’s sprawling capital blends colonial charm, modern culture, and coastal beauty. Located between the Pacific Ocean and the Andes, Lima is a city of contrasts—home to world-class cuisine, historic landmarks, and lively neighborhoods like Miraflores and Barranco.

Things to Do

  • Explore the Historic Center

    Lima’s colonial heart is a UNESCO World Heritage Site filled with elegant architecture and historic landmarks. Visit Plaza Mayor, the Cathedral, and San Francisco Church with its eerie catacombs, and stroll through lively streets lined with ornate balconies and colonial mansions.

  • Museo Larco

    Housed in a beautiful mansion with lush gardens, this museum features a world-class collection of pre-Columbian art. Highlights include ancient ceramics, gold artifacts, and a unique erotic gallery. The on-site café and open storage area add to the experience.

  • Stroll the Malecón

    This cliffside promenade stretches along Lima’s coast, offering ocean views, walking and biking paths, and beautifully landscaped parks. It’s a favorite spot for locals and visitors alike, especially at sunset.

  • Love Park (Parque del Amor)

    A romantic seaside park in Miraflores, known for its colorful mosaic walls, poetic quotes, and El Beso sculpture. It’s an iconic photo spot and a prime place to catch the sunset over the Pacific.

  • Huaca Pucllana

    An ancient adobe pyramid tucked into modern Miraflores, Huaca Pucllana offers insight into Lima’s pre-Inca history. You can also dine at the stylish and romantic restaurant that overlooks the ancient ruins.

  • Larcomar

    Built into the cliffs above the ocean, Larcomar is a stylish open-air shopping and dining complex. Enjoy boutique shopping, oceanfront restaurants, and panoramic views—especially beautiful in the evening.

Food Recommendations

Astrid y Gaston

One of Latin America’s most iconic restaurants, Astrid y Gastón blends Peruvian tradition with global technique. Set in a stunning 17th-century mansion in San Isidro.

La Mar

Fresh, bold seafood dishes—from classic ceviche to tiraditos and causas—in a vibrant, open-air setting. It’s a must for lunch in Lima!

Isolina

Known for its soulful comfort food served in generous, shareable portions. The ambiance is lively and nostalgic, and the menu features dishes like slow-cooked beef short ribs, arroz tapado, and house pisco sours.

Maido

Ranked among the world’s best, Maido is the pinnacle of Nikkei cuisine—Japanese-Peruvian fusion at its most creative.

Barranco Beer Company

This craft brewery in the heart of Barranco offers house-made beers and laid-back vibes. Great for enjoying live music and people-watching from the terrace.

Hotel B Rooftop

A chic rooftop bar offering cocktails with a view. Sip a signature pisco creation or glass of wine while taking in sunset views over Barranco’s leafy streets and the Pacific beyond.

Huaca Pucllana

Dine next to ancient ruins at this stylish restaurant beside the Huaca Pucllana pyramid in Miraflores. The menu spotlights upscale Peruvian fare served with a side of 1,500-year-old history.

Tomo Cocina Nikki

A more intimate take on Nikkei cuisine, Tomo combines fresh ingredients and sleek presentation in a relaxed, minimalist space. Signature dishes include tuna tartare tacos and sushi rolls with Peruvian flair.

Ayahuasca

Set in a restored 19th-century mansion, this bohemian lounge bar serves craft cocktails with a local twist. The decor is eclectic, the music ambient, and the drinks—especially the pisco-based concoctions—are creative and strong.

Travel Tips

Getting Around: Uber is great for getting around in the city. Plan to add time to account for traffic. Avoid hailing taxis off the street (some of them are unofficial and can be pushy and scammy!)

Get Ceviche: Lima is the city to order ceviche and it is best eaten at lunch, not dinner, as Peruvians believe seafood should be enjoyed fresh and earlier in the day.

Safety: Like any large city, watch your belongings and stick to well-known areas after dark.

Avoid Tap Water: Opt for bottled instead.