12 Best Things to Do in Lima, Peru
I have seen a lot of social media posts discounting Lima and wow that could not be more wrong. Most people come to Lima just to hop over to Cusco and it deserves at least 2 days. This is one of the best food cities in the world!! It’s worth exploring the food, the nightlife, and the colorful neighborhoods.
Whether you’re spending 48 hours in Lima before heading to Machu Picchu or looking for a foodie weekend, here’s everything you need to know.
Read Next: The Ultimate Peru Travel Guide
BEFORE YOU GO:
Before landing in Lima, I would do these things:
Get an eSim
International phone plans are expensive!! I use an eSim to stay connected so I have data as soon as I land.
Buy Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is always worth it, especially in today’s climate. Read why I always get it here. It covers flight delays, lost luggage, and medical emergencies. Just trust me on this one.
Register my trip at the nearest US embassy (especially for my solo travelers)
This is a free service that traveler’s can use so you can be contacted in case of an emergency. It’s always good to register where you are especially if you’re solo. You can do it here!
1. WALK THE MALECON
The Malecón is a six-mile coastal path overlooking the Pacific Ocean and is one of Lima’s most iconic attractions. You can walk it from Barrancos to Lima and it has amazing views.
You’ll find:
Beautiful ocean views
Parks including Love Park!
Public art
Running paths
Cafés
Incredible sunrises and sunsets
It’s a great way to start your morning if you’re a runner and a good activity to do when you first arrive to get the lay of the land.
2. EXPLORE BARRANCO (FIND THE BEST COFFEE)
If I had one afternoon in Lima, I’d spend it wandering Barranco. My uber driver told me this is where you can find the best coffee! I wish I had also explored it at night because it’s supposed to have an amazing, fun nightlife where all the locals go.
Take your time exploring:
Boutique shops
Local galleries
Hidden cafés
Colorful streets
Street art
Historic architecture
You must eat at Isolina because it is one of the best restaurants here!
3. GO ON A FOOD TOUR
Lima is considered one of the culinary capitals of the world. One of my favorite things to do in every single new city is to go on a food tour. It pairs you with a local, lets you in on the culture and some history, plus you get to eat. And if you’re traveling solo, it’s a great way to meet people!!
My favorite food tour is through Secret Food Tours here - it’s my tried and true.
There are also several different food tours to book like:
I highly recommend booking a food tour your first day. You’ll learn about Peruvian culture while trying restaurants you may never have found on your own. Plus the guide can also give your recommendations on where to go the rest of your trip.
4. WATCH THE SUNSET WHILE SAND DUNING
If you have an extra day in your Peru itinerary, I would make room for this one. This was one of the most incredible experiences I have ever had. And my first time in the sand dunes!
You will find plenty of tours that are full-day trips from Lima (like this one) that combine Paracas, the Ballestas Islands, and Huacachina. It is a great option if you want to experience it all because they handle everything for your. However, this was a lot for me in one day. It’s about a 14-hour day and a lot of time on a bus.
Instead of the marathon day, you could rent a car or private transport if you have a big group, to take you to Huacachina. Book the sand dunes at sunset separately and stay overnight in Huacachina. This resort is really nice if you want a more luxury experience.
You can book the sand dunes separately too. If you only have one day, the combined tour is a good option - just prepare yourself for a long day and bring snacks!!
5. VISIT THE HISTORIC CENTER
The historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and showcases Lima’s colonial history.
Highlights include:
Plaza Mayor
Government Palace
Lima Cathedral
Archbishop’s Palace
Grab a coffee and just wander around. Make sure to bring a camera too! This is also one of the best places to join a free walking tour - this one is great because it’s FREE, flexible and tours are always a place to meet new people.
6. TOUR THE SAN FRANCISCO MONASTERY
One of Lima’s most fascinating attractions is the Monastery of San Francisco.
The biggest draw? Its underground catacombs, which once served as the city’s cemetery.
It’s one of the most unique historical sites in Peru. You can visit it through the official website or you can combine the historic center with the catacombs into one tour here.
7. VISIT HUACA PUCLLANA
It’s not every day you find a 1,500-year-old adobe pyramid sitting in the middle of a modern city. I feel like Peru has a lot of that here because it’s so ancient.
Huaca Pucllana is one of Lima’s oldest archaeological sites and offers guided tours explaining pre-Incan history. You can take an uber there or walk from downtown (~30 ish minutes).
The hours are Wed - Mon 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM and costs 7.50 soles. Nocturnal hours are Wed - Sun 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM and costs 17 soles. A tour is included in your entrance price so you don’t have to book ahead. It’s one of those activities that if you have spare time, it’s a great thing to fit in.
One thing I wish I had time for was to have dinner at the restaurant there at sunset. Request a table outside at the terrace and make reservations to ensure your spot.
8. WATCH THE SUNSET ON THE COAST
Who doesn’t love a sunset?
They have some great sunsets here and there are a few places I would watch. Anywhere along the Malecon is the place to be!
If you want a sunset dinner, head over to La Rosa Nautica and be sure to make a reservation.
9. EAT & DRINK AT WORLD CLASS SPOTS
The food and cocktail experience is the biggest reason you should NOT skip Lima. Especially if you’re a foodie like me. There are so many amazing restaurants.
Here is where I ate:
Isolina - go for lunch of dinner, amazing ceviche
Tomo Cocina Nikkei - a friend recommended this to me so I went for lunch and it’s beautiful in here. The food and drinks were amazing and the staff were so fun!!
Astrid y Gaston - my favorite meal of the trip, this is an absolute must visit! Sit at the bar. They are also willing to make you half portions of any dish you want to try which is great for solo travelers!
Rafael - I stumbled upon this after trying (and failing) to get into Maido. The cocktails here were incredible. Extremely underrated find.
Restaurants that were on my list:
Maido - Named The World’s Best Restaurant (2025), Maido is famous for its Nikkei tasting menu, combining Japanese techniques with Peruvian ingredients. Book ahead or be prepared to wait for hours.
Central - One of the most celebrated restaurants in the world, Central offers a tasting menu inspired by Peru’s diverse ecosystems and landscapes. If you’re planning a special occasion, this is one of the hardest reservations to get in Lima.
La Mar - Another recommendation my friend gave me. Owned by Gastón Acurio, La Mar is one of Lima’s most famous cevicherías and is known for serving some of the freshest seafood in the city.
Lady Bee - This is on the World’s Best Bars List. Lady Bee has become one of Lima’s hottest cocktail bars thanks to its inventive drinks, stylish atmosphere, and consistently excellent reviews. It’s the perfect place to start—or end—a night out.
Rosa Náutica - Also on my list but didn’t have the time to go! Built on a pier overlooking the Pacific Ocean, Rosa Náutica is one of Lima’s most iconic restaurants. Even if you don’t go for the seafood, the ocean views alone make it worth adding to your itinerary.
There’s an endless amount of good restaurants to eat at in Lima - you could easily spend a whole week here trying food alone.
10. GO PARAGLIDING
If you are an adventure, adrenaline seeker, this activity is for you. And this is one of the best places to try it! You soar over cliffs with coastline views - doesn’t get better than that.
I would reserve in advance because the popular timeslots do sell out. You can book your tour here.
11. TAKE A PISCO SOUR CLASS
If you are in Peru, you absolutely can not visit without at least trying a Pisco Sour.
If you want to take it one step further, take a cocktail making class and learn how to make it so you can impress your friends back at home! Book your class here!
12. GO SHOPPING AT THE MARKETS
I spent so much money shopping in Peru! Everything felt so reasonable here so I definitely recommend weaving it into your itinerary. Mercado Surquillo is one of the best places to experience and shop locally.
Browse fresh fruit, spices, seafood, flowers, and Peruvian ingredients while practicing your Spanish with friendly vendors.
Visit Larcomar which is their open-air, ocean-view shopping in Miraflores (and yes, there is even a Mango!)
If you want more luxury, head over to San Isidro.
Also don’t forget to check out Magdalena Market. It’s a great place to shop if you plan on trying some more local foods.
Final Thoughts
Lima ended up being one of my biggest surprises in Peru. I originally thought it would just be a stopover before heading to Cusco and Machu Picchu, but I quickly realized it deserves time of its own.
From incredible food and ocean views to colorful neighborhoods and fascinating history, Lima has something for every type of traveler. If you can, give yourself at least two full days here—you won’t regret it.
Lima Travel Essentials
Before your trip, don’t forget:
Portable Charger
Comfortable Walking Shoes
Crossbody Travel Bag
Universal Travel Adapter
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Lima worth visiting?
Absolutely. I loved it here!Lima is one of South America’s best food cities and offers a mix of history, culture, nightlife, and coastal scenery.
How many days do you need in Lima?
Two to three days is ideal for first-time visitors.
What is Lima best known for?
Lima is famous for its world-class food scene, Pacific coastline, colonial architecture, and being the gateway to the rest of Peru.
Is Lima expensive?
Compared to many U.S. cities, Lima is affordable. You can enjoy excellent food, boutique hotels, and tours for much less than you’d spend in North America / United States.
Should I visit Lima before or after Cusco?
I recommend visiting Lima first. It’s at sea level, making it a great place to recover from your international flight before heading to Cusco’s higher altitude.
Final Thoughts
I loved Lima and want to come back for the food alone.
For more tips, check out my Complete Peru Travel Guide covering safety, transportation, where to stay, currency, tipping, and everything else you need to know before visiting.
