All citiesLima Things to do and walking itinerary
Peru Lima travel guide
31 things to do in Lima, where to stay, airport transfers. Pick places on the map and get a day-by-day walking route from your hotel with steps, kilometres and minutes.
Top things to do in Lima
- Huaca Pucllana — A pre-Inca pyramid of adobe bricks in the middle of Miraflores, visited on guided tours. (visit ≈ 60 min)
- Cathedral of Lima — 16th century Roman Catholic cathedral in Lima, Peru (visit ≈ 35 min)
- Larco Museum — archaeological museum in Lima, Peru (visit ≈ 120 min)
- Government Palace — seat of the executive branch of the Peruvian Government, and the official residence of the President of Peru (visit ≈ 90 min)
- Plaza Mayor, Lima — cultural heritage site in Peru (visit ≈ 15 min)
- National Museum of Archaeology, Anthropology, and History of Peru — museum in Lima, Peru (visit ≈ 120 min)
- Plaza de toros de Acho — cultural heritage site in Peru (visit ≈ 15 min)
- Lima Art Museum — art museum in Peru (visit ≈ 120 min)
- Museum of Italian Art — public museum in Lima, Peru (visit ≈ 120 min)
- St. Peter's Church — cultural heritage site in Peru (visit ≈ 30 min)
- Archbishop's Palace of Lima — cultural heritage site in Peru (visit ≈ 90 min)
- Monastery of San Francisco — cultural heritage site in Peru (visit ≈ 30 min)
- Walls of Lima — cultural heritage site in Peru (visit ≈ 60 min)
- Torre Tagle Palace — cultural heritage site in Peru (visit ≈ 90 min)
- Plaza San Martín — park in Lima (visit ≈ 15 min)
- Museum of Natural History, Lima — museum (visit ≈ 120 min)
- Basilica and Convent of Santo Domingo — cultural heritage site in Peru (visit ≈ 30 min)
- Basilica of Nuestra Señora de la Merced — cultural heritage site in Peru (visit ≈ 30 min)
- Sanctuary of Las Nazarenas — cultural heritage site in Peru (visit ≈ 30 min)
- Basílica María Auxiliadora — minor basilica in Lima, Peru (visit ≈ 30 min)
- Santuario de Santa Rosa de Lima — cultural heritage site in Peru (visit ≈ 30 min)
- Plaza Bolívar — cultural heritage site in Peru (visit ≈ 15 min)
- Plaza Dos de Mayo — cultural heritage site in Peru (visit ≈ 15 min)
- Jardín botánico de Plantas Medicinales de Lima — botanical garden in Lima, Peru (visit ≈ 45 min)
- Church of San Agustín, Lima — cultural heritage site in Peru (visit ≈ 30 min)
- Fort of Santa Catalina — fort in Lima, Peru (visit ≈ 60 min)
- Museo del Banco Central de Reserva del Perú — cultural heritage site in Peru (visit ≈ 120 min)
- Park of the Exhibition — park in Lima, Peru (visit ≈ 45 min)
- El Campo de Marte — park in Peru (visit ≈ 45 min)
- Teatro Municipal — cultural heritage site in Peru (visit ≈ 20 min)
- Huaca Huallamarca — cultural heritage site in Peru (visit ≈ 60 min)
3-day Lima walking itinerary
Starting point: Miraflores (Parque Kennedy). The top 4 places at a normal pace (up to ~10 km of walking a day), in this order. Change places or your hotel on the map and the route is recalculated; distances are estimates with a street allowance.
- Day 1 (≈ 7.5 km · 10,170 steps · 1 h 40 min on the way): Huaca Pucllana → Huaca Huallamarca
- Day 2 (≈ 14.1 km · 19,060 steps · 3 h 8 min on the way): Jardín botánico de Plantas Medicinales de Lima
- Day 3 (≈ 12.8 km · 17,290 steps · 2 h 50 min on the way): Museum of Natural History, Lima
Hidden gems and overlooked spots in Lima
- Magic Water Circuit — Dozens of fountains dancing to light and music at night in Parque de la Reserva, with walk-through water tunnels. (visit ≈ 75 min)
- Pachacamac — A sprawling desert archaeological site to the south, a pilgrimage centre for centuries, with a museum. (visit ≈ 150 min)
- Casa Aliaga — Mansion held by the same family since 1535, with preserved colonial-era rooms. (visit ≈ 45 min)
Where to stay in Lima
- Miraflores (Parque Kennedy): Safe, central and packed with restaurants.
- Miraflores Malecón: Clifftop hotels with ocean views.
- Barranco: Bohemian; art galleries and bars.
- San Isidro: Quiet business district with an olive-grove park.
- Centro Histórico: Colonial plazas, good value.
Getting from the airport to Lima
- Jorge Chávez (LIM): Airport shuttle bus or taxi ≈ 60 min (traffic dependent)
Getting around
The Metropolitano bus rapid transit links the centre with Miraflores and Barranco. Use Uber, Cabify or InDrive for safer taxis.
Classic places to eat
- Central: Tasting menu built on Peru’s altitudes.
- Maido: Nikkei (Japanese-Peruvian) tasting menu.
- La Mar: Lunch only; ceviche and tiradito.
- Isolina: Generous criollo dishes in Barranco.
- Astrid y Gastón: Modern Peruvian cuisine at Casa Moreyra.
- Punto Azul: A locals’ pick for ceviche and chaufa.
- Bar Cordano: Next to the palace since 1905; pisco and sandwiches.
- Juanito de Barranco: Old-school bar; ham sandwiches and beer.
Romantic views
- Malecón Cisneros (Parque del Amor) (Sunset): Clifftop path over the Pacific, home to the Love Park and its kissing statue.
- Bridge of Sighs (Evening): Legend says you get your wish if you hold your breath on your first crossing.
- Bajada de Baños (Sunset): A flowery stone path from Barranco down to the sea.
Football stadiums in Lima
- Estadio Alberto Gallardo: Home of Club Sporting Cristal
- Estadio Monumental U: Home of Club Universitario de Deportes
- Alejandro Villanueva Stadium: Home of Club Alianza Lima
- Estadio Miguel Grau: Home of Sport Boys
Good to know before visiting Lima
- Fine: Machu Picchu requires a timed ticket, a set circuit and a guide; drones are banned.
- Fine: Drug offences carry severe penalties.
- Warning: Carry your passport.
- Warning: Cusco is about 3,400 m high; go slowly to avoid altitude sickness.
- Ride-hailing apps are safer than street taxis.
- The currency is the sol; carry small notes.
- Emergency: police 105, ambulance 106, fire 116
- Plugs: A/B/C, 220V
- Tap water: Don't drink tap water; use bottled.
- Tipping: About 10% is customary.
Sources: UK FCDO — Foreign travel advice: Peru, Wikivoyage — Peru, T.C. Dışişleri Bakanlığı — Türk vatandaşlarının tabi olduğu vize uygulamaları · For information only; rules change, check official sources before you go. Last checked: 2026-10
Lima travel FAQ
- How many days do you need in Lima?
- The top 4 places in the centre take about 3 days at a normal pace on a walking route from your hotel.
- What are the top things to do in Lima?
- Highlights: Huaca Pucllana, Cathedral of Lima, Larco Museum, Government Palace and Plaza Mayor, Lima. The map has 31 things to do in total.
- Where to stay in Lima?
- Miraflores (Parque Kennedy): Safe, central and packed with restaurants. Other options: Miraflores Malecón, Barranco, San Isidro and Centro Histórico.
- How do you get from the airport to Lima city centre?
- Jorge Chávez (LIM): Airport shuttle bus or taxi ≈ 60 min (traffic dependent)
- How do you get around Lima?
- The Metropolitano bus rapid transit links the centre with Miraflores and Barranco. Use Uber, Cabify or InDrive for safer taxis.
- What is the emergency number in Lima?
- Emergency: police 105, ambulance 106, fire 116.
- Do you tip in Lima?
- About 10% is customary.
Nearby cities
Cusco · La Paz · Quito · Sucre · Bogotá · Medellín · Panama City · Santiago
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