Best Things To Do In Lima By Neighborhood

As a traveler, Peru has always been on my bucket list, especially because of Machu Picchu. I originally thought that Lima would just be a quick stop on my journey, but I was pleasantly surprised by the city’s lively atmosphere, stunning views, and overall awesome vibe. While many travel guides recommend only spending a day in Lima, I believe that this destination is worth more attention than that.

To help you make the most of your trip to Lima, I’ve compiled a list of the best things to do in the city, organized by neighborhood. In this guide, you’ll find all the information you need to know about traveling to Lima, including logistics, must-see places, and even a downloadable travel itinerary. This is your one-stop for everything you need to know about visiting Lima!

If you’d like to see how I planned my Peruvian adventure, check out my Cusco itinerary for full details on my 10-day Peru itinerary.

backpacking in lima peru — *Backpacks and beers are my two favorite things.*

cusquena in lima peru — *Backpacks and beers are my two favorite things.*

Table of Contents show

Logistics of Traveling to Lima

Peru is a unique destination that requires a little longer than a couple of days’ journey. Chances are you’re following the typical gringo trail that will involve some combination of the following places: Lima, Cusco, Ica, and of course Machu Picchu. It’s an incredible route that won’t disappoint and leave you with memories for the rest of your life.

IMG 6700 Peru — *My best friend and I got to spend NYE in Lima with all our new hostel friends!*

IMG 6690 Peru — *My best friend and I got to spend NYE in Lima with all our new hostel friends!*

Random facts about traveling to Peru

US citizens do not need a visa to travel to Peru, making it an easy destination to visit.
If you’re looking to save on airfare, consider taking an early morning or overnight flight, as these can often be cheaper.
The local currency in Peru is the Sol, which is worth about a quarter of the US dollar.
The best time to visit Lima is generally from December to April, during the city’s dry season. However, the city has a mild climate year-round, with temperatures ranging from the mid-60s to the mid-80s Fahrenheit.
Peru is a popular destination for tourists, especially backpackers, it’s not a hidden gem.
It’s worth noting that the altitude in Lima is at sea level, so you won’t have to worry about altitude sickness like you might in other parts of Peru, such as Cusco.

How long and where to stay in Lima

While 2-3 days in Lima is ideal, it’s likely that you’re not just visiting the city for a quick weekend getaway. To fully experience Lima and also visit other places in Peru, it’s recommended to allocate at least two weeks for your trip. This will give you enough time to explore all the city has to offer, as well as visit other destinations in the country.

When choosing where to stay in Lima, like everyone else out there, I recommend the Miraflores neighborhood for its central location to everything you want to see. It’s also fairly safe compared to some other areas. I backpacked in Peru so my choice was the super fancy Pariwana Hostel 🙂 But in all seriousness, for a hostel, this is an awesome place. You get a cool bar, a rooftop lounging area, breakfast, a travel office, random dance classes, and a bunch of other cool hostel things. I loved it so much that I stayed at this chain in Cusco too.

I decided to spend one night at the Gran Hotel Bolivar, which is located on the other side of town. The hotel is known for its historical interior, which is truly beautiful. However, I must admit that the old charm of the hotel made me feel like I was in a horror movie. Despite this, the bar at the Gran Hotel Bolivar was wonderful and I would definitely recommend it.

IMG 7233 Peru — *From a hostel to a historical hotel!*

IMG 7236 Peru — *From a hostel to a historical hotel!*

How to navigate Lima

Lima is a vast city with many neighborhoods and areas to explore. If you’re only visiting for a short period of time, you’ll likely focus on the popular areas of Miraflores, Barranco, and the Historic Center.

If you’re flying into Lima, it’s a good idea to arrange a taxi through your accommodation to save yourself the stress of getting ripped off or being taken to the wrong location. If this is not an option, it’s best to agree on a price with the driver before getting in the taxi. The fare for a 30-minute ride from the airport to the city center should cost around $18 or so. This will help you avoid any misunderstandings or overpayment.

When you get to the city, you will need to take taxis, the metro or the buses. The specific neighborhoods can be explored on foot so the main challenge is traveling between them.

The nice thing to know is that there is now an Uber in town, something that wasn’t available when I went. Uber can be harmful to a lot of towns that employ a lot of taxi drivers, but with the number of taxi scams there that were happening, this city needed it.

Local Buses

On your way back home, if you’re feeling adventurous like I was, take the local bus that drops you off under a road bridge by the airport. It takes a long time, over an hour or more, but you’ll get the scenic ride and pay 50 cents for that same ride that would cost you $20 in a taxi. People write that taking this option is dangerous but I had an awesome experience and my bus driver was a former resident of New Jersey! I got all the stop details from the hostel and did this during the day. There isn’t much info online about this online either to give you more detail, it’s just something you’ need to learn about there’ll figure out when you get there. Another new airport option is the Lima Express too for an $8 trip.

Most people want to know how to get from Lima to Machu Picchu as that tends to be the most popular destination for travelers. You have two options: 1) a brutal bus ride which is super long but super cheap or 2) a simple flight to Cusco.

People & Safety in Lima

Most people are friendly but Lima doesn’t have the greatest reputation for being a super safe town. I had two bad experiences while being there myself, despite being aware of the potential dangers. The first happened in the touristy Historic Center where my best friend got pickpocketed. We kept our guard up during a walking tour and then finally sat down to have a beer in a restaurant thinking we were in the clear. Who knew that’s when she would get her phone stolen! The moral of the story is always to stay cautious and keep your belongings close.

The second incident happened when we were taking a transfer bus to Ica. We arrived at the bus company and the drivers asked us to put our backpacks behind the counter so they could load them for us. It seemed strange that they would do that through a backdoor but I gave them the benefit of the doubt. When I arrived at the hostel in Ica, I realized that all my shoes were gone along with some nice jewelry that I bought too. The second moral of the story is if your gut tells you something feels off, it probably is.

Food in Lima

Lima is a town for foodies. It was probably one of my favorite food destinations I have ever visited. Seriously, the food there is delicious. I’m lucky to live in a cultural hub like New Jersey so I get pretty good access to good Peruvian food even back home.

Here is your must-try Peruvian food checklist for your trip:

Ceviche: Marinated fish with onions and lime, served with vegetables. This is the national dish of Peru and is a must-try.
Lomo Saltado: Stir-fried beef that comes from the Chinese influence on this cuisine which collectively is called Chifa.
Aji de Gallina: This was my favorite dish. It’s shredded chicken in a creamy sauce. It’s served with rice and an egg. Total comfort food that made me super happy.
Papas a la Huancaina: Another dish covered in a creamy sauce but this time, it’s potatoes!
Cuy: I couldn’t do it and I don’t think I ever want to. Google it if you’re curious 🙂
Anticuchos de Corazón: This is heart meat and it definitely has an interesting texture. Not my dish but people love it.
Pollos a la Brasa: Peruvians love their rotisserie chicken, and you should too when you’re in Peru.
Arroz Chaufa: Variations of fried rice.
Salchipapa: Street food composed of french fries and hot dogs.
Picarones: Little street donuts.

For your drink options try the following:

Pisco Sour: Eggs whites, pisco, sugar, and lime. Despite the weirdness of the combo, this is actually a very tasty drink.
Chilcano: Another pisco drink but this time with fruits.
Cusqueña: Best beer ever.
Chicha Morada: A non-alcoholic purple corn drink. Good for your health.
Mate de Coca: You’ll more likely to drink this in Cusco to help you adjust to the harsh altitude there.

Perfect Things To Do in Lima by Neighborhood

As suggested in the guide, it’s a good idea to divide your sightseeing into different neighborhoods, as the attractions in each area tend to be clustered together. Lima has a wide range of things to see and do, from historical landmarks to stunning ocean views. In fact, there’s even a beach in the city! With so much to see and do, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from no matter what you’re interested in.

While it is possible to see the highlights of Lima in a single day, this can be rushed and may not allow you to fully enjoy all that the city has to offer. Instead, I recommend spreading your stay over 2 to 3 days, which will allow you to take your time and experience each neighborhood fully. This way, you’ll be able to appreciate the unique character of each area and make the most of your time in Lima.

Miraflores Neighborhood

Malecón and Parque del Amor

One of the must-see areas in Lima is the Malecón, a scenic walkway along the cliff with breathtaking views, particularly in the evening. The highlight of this area is the Parque del Amor, or Lovers Park, which features sculptures inspired by Gaudi’s Park Guell in Barcelona.

In addition to the Malecón and Parque del Amor, there are several other attractions worth visiting in this area of Lima. These include:

Larcomar: A popular shopping center with a variety of stores and restaurants.
La Rosa Nautica: A high-end restaurant located on the water, with a beautiful view of the ocean.
Bars and Clubs: The area near Larcomar has a lively nightlife scene, with a variety of bars and clubs to choose from.

Kennedy Park

Kennedy Park, or Parque Kennedy, may be small in size, but it has a central location in the city and is a beloved spot among locals. While you may not find a quiet bench to relax on in the park, you will find something even better: cats! This park is home to a large number of friendly felines, some of which are happy to be petted. If you’re in need of some free therapy or just love cats, Kennedy Park is the perfect place to visit. While it may be similar to other parks you’ve seen, the presence of so many cats gives it a unique and special atmosphere. It’s no wonder that it’s my favorite spot in the city!

Huaca Pucllana

Huaca Pucllana is a pre-Columbian archaeological site located in the Miraflores neighborhood of Lima, Peru. This site is home to the ruins of a large adobe and clay pyramid built by the Lima culture, which flourished in the region from 200 to 700 AD. Huaca Pucllana is open to visitors from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM every day, with guided tours available in English and Spanish.

When visiting Huaca Pucllana, you’ll have the chance to learn about the history and culture of the Lima people, who used the pyramid for ceremonial and administrative purposes. The site includes a museum with exhibits about the history and archaeology of the region, as well as a gift shop where you can purchase souvenirs and books about the site. A super cool thing to do here at night is to eat at the restaurant which gives you amazing views of the lit-up structure at night.

In addition to touring the museum and pyramid, you can also take a walk through the surrounding gardens, which feature a variety of plants and flowers. You may also see some of the local wildlife, including various species of birds and butterflies.

Paragliding

Ugh, I regret not doing this so much. The views look incredible and I feel like this is such a unique way to see the coast.

Paragliding in Lima is an unforgettable experience, offering the opportunity to soar above the city and take in breathtaking views of the coast, the mountains, and the city itself. Depending on the company you choose and the package you select, you may have the option to fly solo or tandem, with an experienced instructor. Most companies offer a variety of flights to suit different preferences and budgets, ranging from short intro flights to full-day adventures.

If you’re feeling adventurous and want to try something unique and exciting during your visit to Lima, consider paragliding. Just be sure to research the companies thoroughly and choose one that has a good reputation and safety record. And don’t forget to bring your camera to capture the stunning views!

Barranco Neighborhood

Murals

The hipster Barranco neighborhood of Lima, Peru is known for its vibrant and colorful murals, which can be found throughout the area. These murals, which range in style and subject matter, are created by local artists and are a testament to the creativity and cultural richness of the neighborhood.

One of the most famous murals in Barranco is the “Mural de la Unidad,” or Mural of Unity, which was created by artist Victor Delfin. Located on the wall of the Barranco Cultural Center, this mural depicts a diverse group of people holding hands, symbolizing unity and inclusion.

Other notable murals in Barranco include “The Dreamers,” a series of murals by artist Maria del Pilar on the wall of a local school, and “The Tree of Life,” a mural by artist Edgardo Ledesma on the wall of a shopping center. There are also numerous smaller murals scattered throughout the neighborhood, each with its own unique style and message.

Take a cool free-walking tour of the area if you’d like to get a little more culture of the area instead of just a bunch of insta-pics. Trust me, it’s worth it.

Bridge of Sighs & Bajada de los Baños

The famous wooden bridge in Barranco is a must-see attraction, with its colorful buildings and beautiful surroundings. When you walk down from the bridge, you’ll find yourself on Bajada de Los Baños, a picturesque street that leads further into the neighborhood. This area is filled with shops, restaurants, and bars, and is worth exploring to get a feel for the local culture. Take some time to wander through the streets and discover all that this vibrant neighborhood has to offer.

Malecón de Chorrillos

If you’re looking for a more local and off-the-beaten-path experience, consider taking a walk along the water’s edge in Barranco. While the views from this walkway are certainly beautiful, there aren’t any major attractions along the way. However, you can take a detour and make your way to one of the nearby beaches to soak up the sun and enjoy the ocean. This is a great way to experience a more authentic and local side of Barranco and get away from the more touristy areas of the city.

Museums

The Barranco neighborhood of Lima is home to two major museums: MATE (Museo Mario Testino) and MAC (Museo de Arte Contemporáneo). MATE is a photography museum that charges a small fee for entrance, and is worth a visit if you’re interested in photography or have extra time. MAC is a contemporary art museum that may be less appealing unless you’re a big art fan or know that there is a specific exhibition that you want to see. Ultimately, whether or not these museums are worth a detour depends on your interests and the amount of time you have available.

Historic Center

Plaza de Armas

The Plaza Mayor, also known as the Plaza de Armas, is a must-see destination in Lima, Peru. Located in the center of the city, this stunning plaza is home to a number of important government buildings, including the Cathedral and the Peru Presidential Palace. You can watch the changing of the guards at noon in front of the palace, and admire the beautiful fountains and overall Peruvian atmosphere of the area.

Another highlight of the Plaza Mayor is the Basílica y Convento de San Francisco de Lima, a beautiful and historic church located nearby. Whether you’re interested in history, culture, or just soaking up the local atmosphere, the Plaza Mayor is a top sight of things to do in Lima.

Jirón de la Unión

This is a popular pedestrian street in Lima, Peru, known for its tourist-friendly shops and restaurants. While the area can be quite crowded during the day, it’s especially lively at night, with locals and visitors enjoying the vibrant atmosphere. If you’re in the mood for some shopping or just want to soak up the local culture, Jirón de la Unión is a great place to visit. Just be sure to stay alert for pickpockets, as this is a common problem in crowded tourist areas.

Plaza San Martín

Plaza San Martín is another important plaza located in the center of Lima, Peru. This plaza is particularly beautiful at night when the lights come on, and features a large statue of José de San Martín at its center. While you’re in the area, be sure to stop at the Gran Hotel Bolivar and try their famous original pisco sour, a local cocktail made with pisco, lime juice, sugar, and egg whites. Whether you’re exploring the city by day or night, Plaza San Martín is a sweet stop its history, culture, and lively atmosphere.

Surrounding areas

Barrio Chino

Maybe I’m uncultured but I did not realize before arriving in Lima how much Chinese influence there is in this city. Barrio Chino, or China Town, is a neighborhood in Lima, Peru that is known for its strong Chinese influence. This area is home to a variety of Chinese businesses, including restaurants, shops, and markets, and is a great place to try some delicious Chinese food. The neighborhood itself is interesting to explore, with an arch and other Chinese-inspired decorations, but it’s worth noting that it is small and may not be as tourist-friendly as other areas of the city. If you’re interested in learning more about the Chinese influence in Lima, Barrio Chino is a unique and fascinating destination to visit.

Park of the Reserve

The Park of the Reserve, also known as the Parque de la Reserva, is a popular destination in Lima, Peru. This park is home to the Magic Fountain Show, a spectacular display of multiple fountains, music, and lights. The show is definitely worth making a trip to see, and the park itself is a great place to spend some time. Keep in mind that the park is popular with families, so you may encounter a lot of children during your visit. If that’s not your thing, just be prepared. Regardless, the Park of the Reserve is an enjoyable place to spend an afternoon.

Park of the Exposition

The Park of the Exposition, also known as the Parque de la Exposición, is a beautiful park located in Lima, Peru. This park is home to several notable landmarks, including the Art Museum of Lima, the Japanese Park, and the Metropolitan Museum of Lima. If you’re interested in art, culture, or history, you’ll find plenty to see and do at the Park of the Exposition. You can take a leisurely stroll through the park, or enjoy a paddleboat ride on the pond.

FREE Three-Day Lima Itinerary

If you’re planning a trip to Lima, Peru and have three days to explore the city, you’ll have plenty of time to experience some of the best that this vibrant and exciting destination has to offer. My plan includes the perfect layout of things to do in Lima based on the neighborhoods!

Lima Three Day Itinerary Download