Why Visit Lima?
Lima captivates as South America's culinary capital where world-leading restaurants like Central and Maido (both on The World's 50 Best list) reinvent Peruvian cuisine, Pacific Ocean crashes against Miraflores clifftops where paragliders launch above surfers, and colonial baroque churches in Centro Histórico preserve Spanish viceregal grandeur from when Lima ruled Spanish South America. Peru's capital and gateway (10 million in metro area) sprawls along arid coastal desert—gray garúa fog blankets the city from June to October (often into November) creating perpetual overcast, yet breaks to brilliant sunshine December-April. The food scene draws global attention: Central and Maido rank among World's 50 Best Restaurants, ceviche (raw fish cured in lime, chili, and onions) achieves perfection at seaside cevicherías for around S/30-60 ($8–$16), and anticuchos (grilled beef heart) sizzle on street corners.
Lima's reinvention from dangerous 1980s-90s hub to foodie destination showcases Peru's post-conflict renaissance. Miraflores serves as tourist base—clifftop Malecón boardwalk stretches 6km above Pacific beaches (too cold for swimming, great for surfing), Parque Kennedy hosts artisan markets and street cats, and Larcomar shopping center clings to cliffside. Yet Lima's soul lives beyond Miraflores: Barranco's bohemian neighborhood features colonial mansions converted to art galleries, Puente de los Suspiros (Bridge of Sighs) overlooks Pacific, and weekend nights fill with live music in peñas.
Centro Histórico's UNESCO-listed Plaza Mayor centers on ornate cathedral and Palacio de Gobierno's changing of guards (daily noon), while San Francisco's catacombs house 25,000+ skeletons in eerie underground ossuaries. Museums impress: Larco Museum's pre-Columbian ceramics span 5,000 years (including erotic pottery collection), MALI showcases Peruvian art from ancient to modern. Yet Lima serves primarily as gateway—Machu Picchu flights (1.25 hours), Cusco's Inca heritage, Amazon jungle, and Nazca Lines all radiate from here.
With ceviche for lunch (traditional time), pisco sours at sunset, and neighborhoods ranging from wealthy San Isidro to working-class districts, Lima delivers culinary excellence and colonial architecture before Andean adventures.
What to Do
Coastal Lima & Miraflores
Malecón & Pacific Cliffs
The Malecón boardwalk stretches 6 km along clifftops above the Pacific Ocean, perfect for walking, jogging, cycling, or simply watching the sunset. It's free and open 24/7—the stretch from Parque del Amor (Love Park, with its kissing statue and colorful mosaics) to Larcomar is the most scenic. Paragliders launch from the cliffs (tandem flights around S/250–350 / $65–$92 for 10–15 minutes). The beaches below (Playa Waikiki, Playa Makaha) are popular with surfers but the water is cold year-round. Go in late afternoon (5–7pm) for golden hour light and fewer crowds. Street vendors sell anticuchos and picarones. Safe to walk day and night in Miraflores.
Parque Kennedy & Artisan Markets
The heart of Miraflores with its famous colony of street cats (dozens roam the park). Free to visit—locals gather here day and night. On weekends and evenings, artisan markets set up selling jewelry, textiles, and crafts (bargaining acceptable). Street performers, musicians, and families create a lively atmosphere. Surrounding streets have cafés, ice cream shops, and restaurants. The Mercado de Miraflores food court nearby offers cheap, authentic meals (S/15–25). It's a safe, central meeting point. Go in the evening (7–9pm) when locals stroll and the market is at its liveliest.
Larcomar Shopping Center
An outdoor shopping mall built into the Miraflores cliffs with ocean views from every level. Free to enter and wander—shops include international brands, Peruvian crafts, and bookstores. The food court and restaurants (ranging from fast food to sit-down) offer Pacific-view dining. It's touristy but the location is spectacular, especially at sunset. Expect prices 20–30% higher than elsewhere. Go in the evening for sunset over the ocean, or grab a pisco sour at one of the bars. It's a 5-minute walk from Parque Kennedy and connects to the beach below via stairs or an elevator.
Museums & Colonial Lima
Larco Museum
An excellent pre-Columbian art museum housed in an 18th-century mansion with beautifully landscaped gardens. Entry costs S/50 for adults (students S/25). The collection spans 5,000 years of Peruvian ceramics—Moche, Nazca, Chimú, and Inca. Don't miss the erotic pottery gallery (Sala Erótica) showcasing ancient Moche ceramics depicting... well, everything. The museum is open daily until 10pm, making it perfect for late afternoon visits. Allow 1.5–2 hours. The on-site restaurant serves upscale Peruvian cuisine in the gardens. It's in Pueblo Libre, about 20 minutes from Miraflores by taxi (S/15–20 / $4–$5).
Centro Histórico & Plaza Mayor
Lima's historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage site with colonial architecture, ornate balconies, and baroque churches. Plaza Mayor (Plaza de Armas) has the Cathedral (entry S/30), Archbishop's Palace, and Government Palace with the changing of the guard at noon daily. San Francisco Monastery's catacombs (S/15 entry, guided tour only) hold skeletal remains of an estimated 25,000 people in underground tunnels—eerie but fascinating. Allow 2–3 hours for the Centro. Go during the day—the area can be unsafe after dark. Take official taxis or Uber in/out. Combine with seeing colonial balconies on Jirón de la Unión pedestrian street.
Food & Barranco
Ceviche & Peruvian Cuisine
Ceviche is Peru's national dish—raw fish (usually sea bass) marinated in lime juice with chili, onions, and cilantro, served with sweet potato and corn. Eat it for lunch (noon–4pm), never dinner. Good spots: La Mar Cebichería in Miraflores (S/50–80), Chez Wong (reservation-only, cash only, $32–$43 legendary), or market cevicherías for S/25–35. Beyond ceviche, try lomo saltado (stir-fried beef), ají de gallina (creamy chicken), and anticuchos (grilled beef heart skewers from street carts, S/10–15). High-end dining: Central, Maido, or Astrid y Gastón (tasting menus S/450–650, book months ahead). Pisco sours are the classic cocktail (S/20–35).
Barranco Neighborhood
Lima's most bohemian and artistic neighborhood south of Miraflores, with colonial mansions, street art, and creative energy. Walk across the Puente de los Suspiros (Bridge of Sighs)—legend says holding your breath while crossing makes a wish come true. The neighborhood is free to explore—art galleries, MATE (Mario Testino photo museum, S/30), and the waterfront Bajada de los Baños steps to a small beach. Evening brings live music at peñas (traditional music venues) and bars. Ayahuasca (cocktail bar in a colonial mansion) and Barranco Beer Company are popular. Safe to walk day and night. Go late afternoon to explore, stay for sunset and dinner.
Gallery
Travel Information
Getting There
- Airports: LIM
Best Time to Visit
December, January, February, March
Climate: Warm
Weather by Month
| Month | High | Low | Rainy days | Condition |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 24°C | 20°C | 3 | Excellent (best) |
| February | 25°C | 21°C | 2 | Excellent (best) |
| March | 25°C | 21°C | 2 | Excellent (best) |
| April | 23°C | 19°C | 0 | Good |
| May | 21°C | 17°C | 0 | Good |
| June | 19°C | 15°C | 1 | Good |
| July | 18°C | 13°C | 0 | Good |
| August | 17°C | 13°C | 0 | Good |
| September | 18°C | 13°C | 0 | Good |
| October | 19°C | 15°C | 0 | Good |
| November | 20°C | 15°C | 0 | Good |
| December | 21°C | 18°C | 3 | Excellent (best) |
Weather data: Open-Meteo Archive (2020-2024) • Open-Meteo.com (CC BY 4.0) • Historical avg. 2020–2024
Budget
Excludes flights
Visa Requirements
Visa-free for EU citizens
💡 🌍 Traveler Tip (November 2025): Plan ahead: December is coming up and offers ideal weather.
Practical Information
Getting There
Jorge Chávez International Airport (LIM) is 12km northwest in Callao. Airport Express bus to Miraflores S/15-20/~$4–$6 (45 min). Uber/Beat S/40-70/$11–$18 Official taxis more expensive. NEVER use unlicensed taxis—kidnappings occur. Lima is Peru's hub—flights to Cusco (1.25hr), Arequipa (1.5hr), Iquitos Amazon (2hr). Buses reach all Peru (Cruz del Sur, Oltursa).
Getting Around
Uber/Beat/Cabify essential—never use street taxis (kidnapping risk). S/10-25/$3–$6 typical rides. Metropolitano BRT bus system (red stations) covers main routes (S/2.50). Combis (minibuses) chaotic and unsafe for tourists. Walking works in Miraflores/Barranco but watch for sidewalk holes. Traffic horrific—budget extra time. No metro reaches tourist areas. Rent cars pointless—traffic and aggressive drivers.
Money & Payments
Peruvian Sol (S/, PEN). Exchange $1 ≈ S/$4–$41 ≈ S/3.70-3.80. Cards accepted at restaurants, hotels, chains. ATMs widespread—Interbank/BCP/Scotiabank. Cash needed for markets, small shops. Tipping: 10% in restaurants often included as 'servicio,' S/5-10 for tour guides, round up taxis. Many places accept USD but give change in soles.
Language
Spanish is official. English limited outside upscale hotels and tourist restaurants—learn basic Spanish essential. Younger staff in Miraflores speak some English. Translation apps helpful. Peruvian Spanish clear and slower than other dialects. Quechua spoken in highlands.
Cultural Tips
Ceviche etiquette: eat for lunch (noon-3pm), not dinner. Pisco is national pride—always order pisco sours. Tipping: servicio (10%) often included—check bill. Safety: use apps for all taxis, never street hails. Garúa fog depressing June-November—bring layers. Don't drink tap water. Altitude: Lima at sea level, but prepare for Cusco (3,400m). Street food mostly safe if busy. Peruvians friendly but reserved. Late dining—lunch 2pm, dinner 8-10pm.
Perfect 3-Day Lima Itinerary
Day 1: Miraflores & Coast
Day 2: Centro Histórico & Barranco
Day 3: Food & Culture
Where to Stay in Lima
Miraflores
Best for: Hotels, restaurants, Pacific cliffs, shopping, safest, tourist base, English spoken
Barranco
Best for: Bohemian vibe, art galleries, nightlife, colonial architecture, younger crowd, charming
Centro Histórico
Best for: Colonial history, Plaza Mayor, churches, museums, UNESCO site, daytime visits only
San Isidro
Best for: Upscale residential, golf courses, parks, business district, safe, less touristy
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