Things to do in Lima
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Top 10 attractions in Lima
Las Ballestas
Las Ballestas is often called the "Little Galapagos of Lima." The desert coast, steep cliffs, and rugged rocky islands create a desolate yet unique natural landscape, home to tens of thousands of seabirds, including Humboldt penguins, Peruvian pelicans, cormorants, and Peruvian boobies. The Humboldt Current, which flows along the coast of Peru, is responsible for this ecological wonder. The cold current brings nutrient-rich deep water to the surface, nourishing vast amounts of plankton and fish, providing an abundant food source for seabirds and marine mammals. Birds have nested on the cliffs for years, and the accumulated guano covers the entire rock face—historically, these guano layers were tens of meters thick and were once an important source of natural fertilizer for Peru. Today, on a boat tour around the islands, in addition to the dense flocks of birds, you can see South American sea lions basking on the rocks, and occasionally dolphins appearing in the nearby waters.Lima · >100 km from downtown
Lima Main Square
Lima Main Squarealso known as the central square, is the birthplace of the old town of Lima, the capital of Peru. In 1535, the Spaniard Pizarro founded the city here, and the square subsequently became the center of the entire city's planning and expansion. It is surrounded by the Government Palace of Peru, the Cathedral, the Archbishop's Palace, the Municipal Palace, and the Palace of the Union. The colonial-style facades are often adorned with carved wooden balconies, creating a highly recognizable cityscape for Lima, and the Cathedral houses the coffin of the city's founder, Pizarro. The bronze fountain in the center of the square was completed in the mid-17th century and is one of the oldest monuments preserved in Lima, as well as a popular spot for tourists to take photos.Lima · 1.3 km from downtown
Larco Museum
Larco Museum is located in Lima, Peru, and is a museum primarily dedicated to showcasing ancient Peruvian art and culture. Founded in 1926, the museum is housed in an 18th-century colonial-style building surrounded by beautiful gardens. The museum holds a collection of over approx. 5,000 exquisite ceramics, textiles, and gold and silver ornaments, vividly demonstrating the richness and diversity of ancient Peruvian civilizations. The museum is known for its unique exhibition style, particularly its open storage area, where visitors can get an up-close look at a large number of artifacts not displayed in the regular galleries. In addition, the museum features a dedicated gallery showcasing erotic pottery from ancient Peruvian cultures, offering a unique perspective on ancient social life. Larco Museum offers an experience that extends beyond indoor exhibitions; visitors can also stroll through its charming gardens and enjoy the tranquil atmosphere. The museum has an on-site restaurant serving authentic Peruvian cuisine, making it a great place to rest and savor local flavors. Whether you are a visitor interested in history and culture or a traveler seeking a unique experience, Larco Museum is a destination worth visiting.Lima · 4.2 km from downtown
Centro Historico
Centro Historico is the historic core of Lima, the capital of Peru, spanning the Lima and Rímac districts on both banks of the Rímac River. In the 16th century, the Spaniard Pizarro founded the city here. Over the following centuries, churches, convents, mansions, and squares were built one after another. The old town long served as the political and religious center of the Viceroyalty of Peru, with facades in Renaissance, Baroque, Neo-Baroque, and Neoclassical styles layered upon one another, where traces of Mediterranean, Moorish, and Andalusian decorative techniques can also be seen. A highly recognizable feature of the old town is the rows of carved wooden balconies, mostly built between the late 17th and 18th centuries, which are intricately carved and projecting. The Palacio de Torre Tagle and Casa de Osambela are representative examples. The old town is compact, spreading out from the Lima Main Square along pedestrian streets, and the main attractions can be connected on foot. The changing of the guard in front of the Government Palace is also a common sight in the square.Lima · 1.2 km from downtown
San Martin Square
San Martin Squareis located in Lima, the capital of Peru. Inaugurated on July 27, 1921, to celebrate the centennial of Peru's independence, it is named after José de San Martín, the leader of the South American independence movement and the Liberator of Peru, and is one of the most representative public spaces in the old town. In the center of the square stands a bronze equestrian statue created by Spanish sculptor Mariano Benlliure, capturing the moment San Martín led his army across the Andes: the general sits calmly and focused on horseback, without the typical pose of a rearing horse or brandishing a weapon; the pedestal also features a female statue adorned with a small alpaca, symbolizing Peru, and the surrounding marble railings and granite paving were also part of the original meticulous design.Lima · 1.1 km from downtown
Malecón de Miraflores
Malecón de Miraflores is located in the Miraflores district of Lima, the capital of Peru. It is a coastal promenade built on the cliffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean, stretching nearly 10 km. From north to south, it connects three coastal green spaces: Marina, Cisneros, and Reserva. On one side are garden neighborhoods, and on the other is the vast Pacific Ocean. It is a go-to spot for Lima residents for daily walks, jogging, and cycling. The pedestrian and bicycle paths are separated, and the route is lined with flower beds, sculptures, and viewing platforms, offering both leisurely strolls and the opportunity to cycle along the entire coastline. Malecón de Miraflores sits atop cliffs dozens of meters high, with waves constantly crashing against the rocks below. It is especially popular in the evening; finding a bench facing the sea to watch the sun slowly sink into the Pacific Ocean is a memorable experience for many visiting Lima.Miraflores · 1.7 km from downtown
Love Park
Love Park is situated on the coastal cliffs of the Miraflores district in Lima, with steep sandy cliffs below and the vast Pacific Ocean beyond. The park opened on Valentine's Day in 1993 and is a popular spot for local couples. In the center of the park stands "The Kiss" by sculptor Victor Delfin, depicting a couple embracing and kissing. Below the sculpture is a curved bench made of colorful mosaic tiles. Its winding, undulating curves are often compared to the Gaudí bench in Park Güell in Barcelona. The bench and the wall facing the sea are covered in colorful mosaics, engraved with Spanish love poems, many of which were written by Peruvian poets. The atmosphere is particularly special in the evening. Sitting on the bench watching the sunset sink into the Pacific Ocean, you can often see paragliders taking off from the nearby cliff tops and gliding over the sea.Miraflores · 1.8 km from downtown
Huaca Pucllana Site Museum
Huaca Pucllana Site Museum is a pre-Inca archaeological site tucked away in the bustling Miraflores district of Lima. Its name originates from Quechua, meaning 'sacred place of games.' It was built by the ancestors of the Lima culture starting around 200 AD and flourished around the 5th century, long before the Inca Empire. The entire pyramid is constructed of adobe, with seven staggered platforms reaching over 20 m in height. One side is a ceremonial plaza where marine offerings, such as fish, were once placed in deep pits. The other side is an administrative area with traces of courtyards and small rooms, where functional zones remain clearly distinguishable today. Around 700 AD, the Wari culture converted the upper levels of the pyramid into a noble burial ground. The well-preserved 'Lord of the Huacas' tomb, which unearthed the remains of an adult wearing a mask along with buried children, is one of the site's most notable archaeological discoveries.Miraflores · 219m from downtown
Lima Cathedral
Lima Cathedral is located on the east side of the Lima Main Square in the old town of Lima and is the cathedral of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Lima. The main facade is in the Renaissance style, with stone statues of the apostles standing between the niches, complementing the scenery of the square. Inside, it has a 3-aisle layout, with over 10 small chapels lined up on both sides. Looking up, you can see the Gothic ribbed vaulted ceiling made of wood and plaster, forming a starry pattern, which reduces the weight of the roof and aids in earthquake resistance—a clever architectural design to cope with the earthquake-prone environment. The wooden choir stalls surrounding the main altar were carved in the 17th century, with the backs intricately carved with images of apostles and saints. The Chapel of the Saints houses images of saints native to Peru, such as Saint Rose of Lima and Saint Martin de Porres. The sacristy and the chapter house display oil paintings themed around the zodiac, large carved wooden cabinets, and portraits of past archbishops.Lima · 1.4 km from downtown
Chinatown
Chinatownis located in the historic center of Lima, the capital of Peru, adjacent to the bustling Central Market, and is one of the largest Chinatowns in Latin America. The main street is a pedestrian street with an oriental flair, lined with Chinese-style pavilions featuring red pillars and green tiles. The road is paved with red bricks and embedded with patterns of the twelve Chinese zodiac signs. Beneath the archway, shops, pharmacies, supermarkets, and barbershops stand side by side. Most signs are written in Chinese, and the open-air market is crowded with vendors and bustling with people, making one feel as if they have stepped into an old street market in China. It is also famous for "chifa," a fusion of Chinese and Peruvian cuisine. The term originates from the Cantonese word for "eating a meal" and is now the general term Peruvians use for Chinese food. Fried rice, stir-fried noodles, and wonton soup retain their Guangdong roots while incorporating local ingredients. Enjoying a meal in a restaurant under the Chinese-style eaves is a reason many tourists make a special trip here.Lima · 2 km from downtown
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More things to do
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Free things to do in Lima
Lima Main Square
Lima · 1.3 km from downtownCentro Historico
Lima · 1.2 km from downtownSan Martin Square
Lima · 1.1 km from downtownMalecón de Miraflores
Miraflores · 1.7 km from downtownLove Park
Miraflores · 1.8 km from downtownChinatown
Lima · 2 km from downtown
Government Palace of Peru
Lima · 1.4 km from downtown
What travelers say about Lima
泰宁根吴承恩April 27, 2020
4.0
You need to take a boat out to visit the Bird Island. This is a real Bird Island. The residents on it are birds. It is said that the Peruvians in the past used the guano on the Bird Island as fertilizer for farming.
Las Ballestas
D31***61February 20, 2020
5.0
One thing that you have to say about LIMA is it has some of the most beautiful buildings that I have ever seen. there is a large police presents so you feel very safe providing that you stay in all the tourist in busy areas of the city. I would definitely say LIMA is worth a visit if you are coming to South America
Lima Main Square
M25***40April 13, 2021
4.0
The taxi will wait for you at the door and take you back. In addition, the labels of the exhibits are clearly written, and there is no need for a guide. The pottery and textiles of the Inca culture are so amazing.
Larco Museum
仙人掌花花🌸August 8, 2023
5.0
Lima, known as the "rainless city", has an average annual temperature of around 18 degrees, making it suitable for living.
Centro Historico
기이냥April 8, 2023
5.0
I stayed at a place next to San Martin Square, so I often go there to eat. When I first came here, I thought the police were controlling the area and I couldn't go inside, but the next day, on a Friday night, it was full of people and I was able to sit down and rest, so I loved how it turned into a place for citizens to rest.
San Martin Square
ArcachonJanuary 13, 2024
5.0
For outdoors lovers, no matter what your favorite activities might be, it’s one of the most amazing walkways in the world. The water and never ending long trail…
Malecón de Miraflores
_TS***ysAugust 6, 2019
5.0
Lovers Park. A beautiful park overlooking the ocean. Next to the High End Larcomar Mall. Take a stroll by day and also enjoy at night. As you stroll by, make sure to read the tiled engraved phrases of love. Nice place to visit as you make a trip to Larcomar.
Love Park
DEAR张小球May 14, 2020
5.0
This is the last site we visited before leaving Lima for Machu Picchu. This is the site of the early Inca Kingdom. The tour guide was very enthusiastic and gave us a very comprehensive introduction to the history of this place, which was very helpful for our next trip.
Huaca Pucllana Site Museum
东张西望望东西April 8, 2020
5.0
The Lima Cathedral is a very special church. It should be a Catholic church. The decoration of the church can be described as gorgeous. There are many believers. It is also a must-visit place for tourists to Peru.
Lima Cathedral
翱翔的大鲨鱼March 14, 2020
4.0
The Chino Barrio area is simply Chinatown. In fact, apart from the fact that there are a lot of people, the smell is bad, and the roads are bad, I also like to come here. I see familiar taro, water spinach, etc. In addition to selling many things made in China, there are also many things from China. Because the price is determined by quantity, this place can be said to be a physical treasure shopping mall with everything you need.
Chinatown
