As the capital of Peru, Lima is full of things to do. If you have never been, it can be difficult to know where to begin.
As someone who travels to Lima extensively, often, and with locals, this guide will serve as a helpful resource to find the best things to do in Lima, Peru as you plan your exciting trip. Rest assured, you are going to love it.
1. Explore Miraflores On Foot
Miraflores is Lima’s most famous neighborhood, and easily makes the the best things to do in Lima, Peru list for many reasons. For starters, it is located on Lima’s Costa Verde, which is a long pathway that stretches along the intersection of the green cliffs and blue ocean.
It is stunning at all times of day, but even more-so at sunset. Equipped with separate bike and walking lanes, you will see parades, groups of runners, bikers, and lots of people casually strolling along the long path.
If you are starting this journey out in the morning, start at Cafe Buena Vista. Relax with a cup of coffee, a nice breakfast, and a fresh squeezed juice. Take photos and take in the stunning views.
Afterwards, walk the pathway at your own pace. To be honest the street food you’ll find along the way likely won’t be worth it so I don’t recommend stopping for it. As you walk, you’ll see beautiful well kept gardens, artistic statues, and playgrounds for kids.
Eventually it will lead you to the iconic mall known as Larcomar. There are usually pop up artistic markets right next to the mall that are fun to explore but can be pricey as the locals know this is a touristic area. Once you enter into the mall, you will be met by some incredible views.
If you have the appetite for it, grab a maracuya sour and some conchas a la parmesana on the patio of Mangos while your there. Pisco sour is Peru’s most famous drink, and the maracuya sour is a very popular and delicious variation that is infused with passion fruit.
Conchas a la Parmesana are baked scallops served in their shell covered in melted fresh parmesan cheese. It’s a delightful snack and Peruvian classic.
Once you are ready to leave the mall, you can cross the street into the inner parts of Miraflores away from the coastline. Explore shops of all kinds, cafes, and art painted on the buildings along the way.
2. Have Dinner By The Pyramids
You shouldn’t leave Lima without having dinner by the pyramids. Huaca Pucllana is a famous restaurant in Miraflores that is known for its excellent menu and presentation along with a stunning view of pyramid ruins.
The ruins are pre-Incan, dated prior to the Incan empire.
From the decor to the attention to detail on the styling of the plates to the walking tours of the pyramid available, this is an amazing place to have great food along with an unforgettable experience.
You should order a pisco sour to try. Arroz con Pato is one of their most known dishes, which is a duck dish served with rice. Their Lomo Saltado is also fantastic, which is steak served with fries, sliced tomato, peppers, onion.
3. Go Parasailing
During your walk in Miraflores you may have noticed some parasailing tourists dotting the sky above the ocean. If you aren’t terrified of heights, this is a must try experience. You will get an amazing sunset or sunrise view of Lima’s beautiful Costa Verde, and will see the ocean beneath your feet.
As one of the few places in the world where it is possible to parasail over the capital, this will be one of your best things to do in Peru for a decent price.
Typically ranging from $50-$80 USD per ride, the ride will last about 20 minutes. You will be in safe hands as the ride will be guided by a pilot. This shot experience is likely to stay with you for a lifetime as a top memory from Lima, Peru!
4. Visit A Farmer’s Market
Located walking distance from Miraflores, Mercado Surquillo is a famous local farmers market that feels much less touristic and is buzzing with life. There you will find fresh fruits, vegetables, cheeses, meats, little local restaurants, and smoothies made with fresh fruits.
Manuel and I frequently visit Mercado Surquillo to take in the buzz, check out the local goods, and we always grab a fruit smoothie. Sometimes we even pick out our own fruit at the market and then bring it to a smoothie shop to blend it.
Our favorite smoothie is dragon fruit and passion fruit. Dragon fruit is naturally a strong diarrhetic which is a nice cleansing agent when traveling a foodie city. Passion fruit has an extremely high concentration of vitamin c and is a big energy booster.
5. Explore Kennedy Park in Miraflores
Kennedy Park is also known as the cat park. As you will quickly find out, it is home to many cats who the locals have built homes for. Many people even feed the cats on a nightly basis. Whether you are a cat lover or not, Parque Kennedy is constantly full of energy and life. From painting displays by local artists to street food vendors to pop up markets and festivals, there is always something new to discover.
As you walk through the park you will notice a beautiful cathedral. Feel free to walk in to pray, join a service, or take in the view. Nearby is a massive pit in the middle of the pathway of the park where people meet up to dance. Live concerts are even hosted there at times.
6. Visit Barranco
Barranco is a very artsy and hipster part of Lima. There, you will have plenty of space to walk around and explore. From countless small local art galleries to street art painted throughout the area, it is visually aesthetic.
Don’t forget to take a photo at the iconic bridge in Barranco, it is a bucket list must. While you are there, check out one of the many local coffee shops. Grab a quick ice cream on a hot day, and walk all the way to where the city meets the ocean to catch a relaxing ocean breeze.
At night, you must visit Ayahuasca, a beautiful mansion that was converted into the bar. It is full of different themed rooms. While their food looks excellent, we usually stop by for a cocktail and appetizers before continuing our night out.
We usually end the night at Sargento Pimienta, a venue for live music which is typically rock themed and performed by very talented tribute artists. Pro-tip, it gets packed so arrive early enough to grab a seat. Order some appetizers and drinks and enjoy the night!
7. Try Ceviche
You cannot leave Peru without saying you have tried ceviche. It is one of the country’s most famous and iconic plates. If you are up for a drive, La Caleta de La Punta is an oceanside ceviche spot with absolutely unforgettable seafood dishes and ceviche.
If you want to stop somewhere in Lima, a classic and delicious place to stop by is Punto Azul. They have some of the best ceviche in Lima and they also serve a variety of other delicious seafood dishes.
One of the best things to do in Lima, Peru is to also try small local places that aren’t as known touristically. Chorillos is an ocean facing town that is known for its ceviche. It may be worth adding to your explore list.
8. Visit Downtown Lima, Peru
One of the top things to do in Lima, Peru is to visit its city center, known as El Centro De Lima. Here you will find some amazing historic architecture that will make you feel like you are strolling through European streets… but with a twist.
El Centro de Lima is notoriously chaotic. It is full of people of all kinds, rushing through the streets or lingering in the street markets and by the food carts.
Aside from pop up street markets and amazing street food everywhere in site, you will also find a giant china town. It is full of Asian architecture, pop up food spots, and local goods.
If you are down for some adventure, book a tour with a local guide. It will be the safest and most fun way for you to experience this part of the city.
Pro Tip: Our favorite street foods include Picarones, Choclo con Queso, and Anticuchos. Picarones are a round deep fried dessert similar to a donut, Choclo con Queso is large-kernel Peruvian corn served with cheese and a variety of delicious hot sauces, and Anticuchos are grilled cow heart kebabs.
Always be careful to eat freshly made food when trying street food. Never eat food that has been sitting out for too long.
9. Visit The Incan Market In Miraflores
One of the most fun things to do in Lima, Peru is to visit the Incan market in Miraflores. When you go to Lima, you are going to want to get a taste of the traditional Incan culture, and chances are you may want to bring some memories home with you.
The Incan Markets in Miraflores a great place to find what you are looking for, from bracelets made from real quality stones to ponchos and hand painted keep sakes, it has it all.
My favorite take home memory are the little alpacas made from real alpaca fur. They are extremely cute and soft, and are a great keychain or clip on for a purse. A Pancho is also a must in my book, along with jewelry made from stones.
While at the market, make sure you shop around to get a real feel for fair pricing on items. Come with cash, and don’t be shy about negotiating. Sometimes tourists are a target for being overcharged for goods. Don’t let it happen to you.
10. Enjoy Low Cost Specialty Services
Getting services like teeth whitening, massages, laser blemish removal, facials etc. is much cheaper in Peru than in the United States. One of the best things to do in Lima, Peru is to take advantage of the price difference and indulge in services you may not always use in the United States.
For me, a massage and a facial are a must. I have also done the laser blemish removal although I must confess it did not work, Always do your research before to agreeing to go to any practice.
Make sure it has plenty of highly ranked, real reviews and shop around regarding pricing before agreeing to pay anyone.
Most importantly, relax and enjoy. Chances are, you are tired from the walking and travel. You deserve a luxurious rest from time to time!
11. Eat A Lot Of Peruvian Food
Peru is a culinary Mecca, and consistently lands on the best restaurant and chefs lists of the world. From street food, to local favorites to gourmet must tries, this city will never leave you hungry.
Curious to learn the specifics about the best Peruvian foods to try? Check out 10 Best Peruvian Foods: Dishes You Must Try in Peru.
