The first contact you’ll have with Peru will be in Lima, so why don’t you take a day to experience a bit of the best things this huge capital has to offer?. Although some travelers tend to overlook this city during their adventure to Peru, here we’ll tell you why you should consider giving it a try.
Lima is the most important city in the country since it gathers a lot of pre-Columbian, colonial, and contemporary history that you definitely can’t miss. Besides, the city isn’t called the Gastronomical Capital of Latin America for nothing since here you’ll be able to experience the best of our culinary art.
This bustling and busy city isn’t as chaotic as many travelers have described it, there are really unique places that you’d be glad to read about before jumping to other cities and regions. However, as massive as the Peruvian capital can be, here we have summarized everything you can do in just one day!
We believe that the best way to travel is to get immersed in the cultural expression and history of the places we visit, which is why we’d love to give you a glimpse at the unmissable attractions of Lima so you can plan your trip according to your interests.
Explore Lima’s Historic Center
Although Lima’s history didn’t begin in the Colonial era, it definitely was one of the most important periods in our country. The city’s old town gathers over 600 historical monuments, where towering religious and colonial buildings still remain in the very heart of Lima.
This is the main thing to do there, a place full of vibrant colors and authentic architecture that will surely leave you enchanted. As you may know, this part of the city has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1991, which is why many structures have kept their original characteristics and details. If you’re eager to experience Lima in just 1 day, here are a few attractions that you simply can’t miss:
Plaza Mayor: Lima’s Main Square
The colonial Lima was organized like a chessboard with perfectly squared blocks. As in most colonial centers in Peru, the “Plaza Mayor” is surrounded by the principal governmental and religious buildings, such as the Government Palace, the Cathedral of Lima, the Municipal Palace, the Archbishop’s Palace of Lima, and the Union Palace.
Basilica and San Francisco Convent
The Basilica and Convent of San Francisco is one of the most significant religious monuments of the old town.
It holds an authentic historical and artistic patrimony, where beautifully decorated rooms, one of the oldest libraries of the Americas, and the catacombs, make it the best tourist attraction to visit in Lima.
Jirón de la Unión is a commercial street that gathers some of the most important restaurants and shops in the area.
Also, the architecture here will leave you spellbound to its uniqueness, where thoughtfully carved balconies and colorful colonial buildings will give you the perfect photo opportunity for an Instagram post.
There’s so much to know in the Lima Historic Center that you should consider if a day would be enough for you. Otherwise, if you’re eager to visit these attractions only it would give you time to experience more of our country’s capital.
Discover the Huaca Pucllana
As we mentioned earlier the Lima region was already inhabited long before the Spaniards invaded their lands. The Huaca Pucllana, an important ceremonial, administrative, and residential center, represents one of the biggest pre-Inca settlements of the region. The ancient construction is located right at the heart of the upscale Miraflores district, a neighborhood with a great touristic infrastructure.
For those looking to experience a bit of ancient Peru, this is the way to go. Huaca Pucllana was built by the Lima culture, which developed between 200 and 700 A.D. The site comprises a truncated pyramid of 25 meters in height, a group of courtyards, plazas, and precincts, all of them constructed with adobe bricks filled with pebbles and sand.
The site has been adapted to tourism, so visitors can have a broader understanding of the customs and ceremonies carried out in this massive construction. The archeological complex also holds a museum where the archeological findings of the site are exhibited; a native flora and fauna park, where they show how the Lima culture managed to cultivate different types of plant species; and a famous restaurant that offers exquisite Peruvian dishes.
Sample the best of Peruvian Gastronomy
Just in case we haven’t mentioned this enough, Lima is the perfect place to try the best of Peruvian cuisine. The so-called Gastronomic Capital of Latin America holds an extensive list of famous restaurants belonging to The World’s 50 Best Restaurant list.
Therefore, if sampling the most delicious Peruvian dishes is one of the main goals of your trip, you must not leave Lima behind. Our gastronomy is as extensive as our history and each dish comprises a mixture of cultures and exotic flavors from all around the country.
The culinary art of Peru comes from the ancient cultures and foreign influences that marked our country, as well as the ones that are currently living here. Our cuisine has European, African, and Asian influences, which combined resulted in a total delight.
If you’re looking for the best places to eat in Lima, here we have listed three restaurants that you should visit if visiting Miraflores or Barranco:
Maido Restaurant is the 5th best restaurant in the world, characterized by harmonizing the exotic flavors of Peru with the complexity of Japanese cuisine.
Maido offers a Nikkei gastronomic experience, prepared by the very hands of the renowned Chef Mitsuharu Tsumura. Address: Calle San Martin 399, Miraflores, Lima.
Central Restaurant was named the world’s best restaurant last year thanks to a couple of chefs Virgilio Martinez and Pia Leon, who gave a turn to our gastronomy with exotic and unique flavors of the Amazon.
Central is a complete experience through Peruvian flavors you MUST try. Address: Av. Pedro de Osma 301, Barranco, Lima.
Punto Azul For those looking for the best ceviche in town, Punto Azul could be the best option! Its authentic flavor grew exponentially and eventually became one of the best seafood restaurants in Lima.
If you’re looking to experience the best of the coastal cuisine, this is the right place to go. Address: Calle San Martín 595, Miraflores, Lima.
These are just a few of the many restaurant options in Lima. However, some institutions and restaurants offer a more intimate way to experience the Peruvian Gastronomy. Keep in mind that if you wish to learn how to cook one or two typical dishes of Peru, then you must join a cooking lesson in Lima to do so!
Stroll around the Miraflores District
Most travelers visiting Lima stay in the upscale Miraflores district since it gathers the best hotels and hostels in Lima. This beautiful neighborhood is a shopping and tourist hub, with many shopping centers, nightclubs, bars, restaurants, and tourist activities. Whether you’re staying in Miraflores or not, you should definitely give yourself some time to explore and get to know the best attractions there:
Kennedy Park
Also known as Miraflores Central Park, it is located in the heart of the district, surrounded by the main restaurants, shopping centers, and top hotels in Lima.
The Kennedy Park is recognized for sheltering hundreds of stray cats which are taken care of by the Municipality of Miraflores and some non-profit foundations. It offers too recreational spaces for local artists, musicians, and many other activities.
Miraflores Boardwalk
It is located at the edge of the coastal cliff in Miraflores, granting outstanding views of the Pacific Ocean and its surroundings.
Also known as Malecón de Miraflores, it is an esplanade of over 5 kilometers long, which comprehends several parks on Lima’s coastal side.
Indian Market
Located in Petit Thouars Avenue lies one of the biggest local markets where you can buy cheap souvenirs for your trip. This market holds a great variety of artisan crafts and clothing.
There’s so much more to know about Miraflores, and these are just a few of the many places to visit in this tourist district. If you’re eager to visit many other places in the capital of Peru, make sure to check our Lima travel guide.
Experience Barranco’s Nightlife
Barranco houses some of the trendiest bars and restaurants in Lima, where you can easily sample international drinks or even the Peruvian flag drink Pisco Sour.
Many places offer different nightlife experiences according to your interests. From gin bars to beer companies, you’ll be grateful you visited the bohemian district. Here are a few recommendations for you:
La Noche de Barranco
Right at the heart of the Bohemian District of Lima, lies a characteristic bar full of magic and cultural expression. La Noche de Barranco was founded almost 24 years ago and has been open ever since, captivating their clients with live music every evening and an extensive selection of Peruvian and international cocktails.
Address: Sanchez Carrion 199, Barranco, Lima.
Ayahuasca Restobar
It is certainly a one-of-a-kind setting located in a restored colonial mansion built between 1875 and 1895. The Ayahuasca Restobar offers an avant-garde atmosphere with a great selection of drinks and dishes.
The place is very popular among local and foreign tourists which is why it tends to be booked out quickly. If you’re analyzing a few lima nightlife blogs, you’ll realize that this one is included in almost every one of them.
Address: Av San Martin 130, Barranco, Lima.
DaDa Bar
If you’re looking for a more artistic and cultural-oriented experience, the DaDa Bar is the most suitable option for you. The establishment is located within a remodeled colonial mansion composed of several indoor and outdoor rooms, decorated with the artistic expression of the region. Likewise, the quality of the service is great, which is complemented by their wide range of drinks.
Address: Av. San Martin 154, Barranco, Lima.
Lima is definitely a destination that you shouldn’t overlook while traveling to Peru. If you’re considering visiting our beautiful capital, we have the perfect travel itinerary including Lima, make sure to check it while you’re here.
Viagens Machu Picchu, journeys that inspire, moments that last.
Portuguese > Viagens Machu Picchu
Spanish > Viajes Machu Picchu
English > Machu Picchu Travel