# Top Things To Do In Lima
Lima is the beautiful capital city of Peru, situated along the country’s Pacific coast. With a population of 9.8 million people, it is the largest city in all of South America, and one of the most populous cities in the entire world. Lima is a city of contrasts, with its juxtaposition of modern and colonial architecture, bustling city streets and tranquil parks, and ancient traditions and progressive culture. Visitors to Lima will find a wealth of exciting activities to explore, from experiencing the city’s vibrant nightlife to learning about its fascinating history. Here are some of the best things to do in Lima.

## Exploring the Historic Centre of Lima
At the heart of Lima sits the Historic Centre of Lima, a UNESCO World Heritage Site filled with Spanish colonial architecture and ornate churches. Stroll through the cobblestone streets of Plaza Mayor – the city’s main square – to take in its grandeur, and visit the nearby Government Palace and Cathedral of Lima to experience more of the city’s rich history. Be sure to also check out the San Francisco Church, which houses the world’s largest collection of religious art from the colonial era.

## A Taste of Peruvian Cuisine
Lima is known for its delicious and diverse cuisine, with traditional dishes like ceviche, lomo saltado, and papa a la huancaína just some of the tasty treats visitors can sample. Explore some of Lima’s many restaurants to sample traditional Peruvian fare, or take a cooking class to learn how to prepare these dishes at home. Many restaurants also offer special tasting menus for those who want to try a variety of dishes in one sitting.

## Shopping in Miraflores
Miraflores is Lima’s most upscale neighborhood, and its main shopping district. Shopaholics will love exploring its hundreds of stores, which offer everything from traditional handicrafts to designer clothing. Be sure to also check out the Larcomar mall, with its stunning views of the Pacific Ocean.

## Visit Parque del Amor
For a romantic interlude while in Lima, head to Parque del Amor – or “Love Park” – which overlooks the ocean in Miraflores. Here you’ll find a large mosaic mural of two lovers embracing, as well as many other works of art and sculptures. The park is a popular spot for couples to take photographs and share a romantic moment together.

## Take a Guided Tour of Huaca Pucllana
Huaca Pucllana is an ancient temple complex located in Miraflores that dates back to 500 AD. On a guided tour, visitors can explore its fascinating ruins, learning about its history and admiring the impressive architecture.

## Experience Lima’s Nightlife
Lima is home to some great nightlife spots, with lively bars, clubs, and pubs offering up everything from local craft beer to live music performances. Popular areas for nightlife in Lima include Barranco – a hipster neighborhood known for its street art – and San Isidro – a modern area filled with upscale bars and restaurants.

## Book a Tour of Lima’s Museums
Lima is home to many great museums that offer fascinating insights into the city’s culture and history. Popular museums include the Larco Museum – which features pre-Columbian artifacts – and Museo de la Nación – which houses an impressive collection of Peruvian art from both pre-Columbian and colonial eras.

## Go Sightseeing in Barranco
Barranco is one of Lima’s most picturesque neighborhoods, with tree-lined streets, colorful colonial buildings, and beautiful parks. Take a stroll through the area’s winding streets to admire its unique architecture and street art, or visit one of its many cafés and bars for an afternoon pick-me-up.

## Take a Day Trip to Paracas
Paracas is a short drive away from Lima, located on Peru’s beautiful Pacific coast. Visitors can explore its gorgeous beaches, nature reserves, and islands – or take a boat tour around Islas Ballestas to spot sea lions, penguins, and other wildlife.

## Book a Tour of Huacachina
Huacachina is an oasis located in Peru’s Ica region, about four hours away from Lima. On a tour here visitors can explore its mysterious sand dunes in 4×4 vehicles, go sandboarding down their slopes, or take a dip in its natural lagoon.

## Sample Pisco Sour
Pisco Sour is Peru’s national cocktail, made with pisco (a type of brandy), lime juice, sugar syrup, egg whites, and Angostura bitters. Visitors to Lima should definitely sample this delicious drink while they’re here!

## Visit Chorrillos Beach
Chorrillos Beach is one of Lima’s most popular beaches, located south of Miraflores along the Pacific coast. Here visitors can relax on the sandy shoreline, surf some waves, or take a boat tour to spot some marine life offshore.

## Sample Local Street Food
Lima has no shortage of delicious street food options, from grilled meats on sticks to ceviche served up from food carts. For something really unique, try anticuchos – grilled beef heart skewers marinated in spices – which are a local favorite in Lima.

## Sample Peru’s Craft Beer Scene
Lima is home to some great craft breweries, where visitors can sample locally-brewed beers in taprooms or take home bottles for later. Popular spots for craft beer include La Cerveceria – which serves up a variety of ales and pilsners – and Beer Box – an artisanal brewery in Miraflores offering up IPAs and pale ales.

## Book an Archaeological Tour at Caral
Caral is an ancient city located just two hours north of Lima that dates back over 5,000 years – making it one of the oldest cities in South America. On an archaeological tour here visitors can explore its ruins, learn about its mysterious ancient culture, and admire its stunning views over the Supe Valley.

## Book an Urban Bike Tour of Lima
For those who want to explore more of Lima’s vibrant neighborhoods, an urban bike tour is an ideal way to do it. On these tours visitors can pedal their way through backstreets and along bike paths taking in all that the city has to offer. Most tours also include stops for food tastings along the way!

## Tours:

Discover Historic Downtown Lima Tour

Explore some of downtown Lima’s most iconic landmarks on this half-day guided tour. You’ll visit Plaza Mayor – the city’s main square – as well as government buildings such as the Government Palace and Cathedral of Lima. You’ll also have time to explore San Francisco Church’s world-famous collection of religious art from the colonial era before heading back to your hotel or accommodation at the end of the tour. The Discover Historic Downtown Lima Tour lasts approximately 3 hours and includes all transport costs as well as entry fees into each site visited along the way. Book Discover Historic Downtown Lima Tour here today!

Lima Craft Beer Tasting Tour

Sample locally-brewed beers on this exciting craft beer tasting tour! You’ll visit some of Lima’s best craft breweries – including La Cerveceria and Beer Box – where you can sample ales, pilsners, IPAs and pale ales made with locally-sourced ingredients. Along the way you’ll learn more about Peru’s craft beer scene from your knowledgeable guide as you sample beers from different breweries around Lima. The tour lasts approximately 3 hours and includes round-trip transport as well as all samples tasted along the way. Book a Craft Beer Tasting Tour here today!

Huaca Pucllana & Barranco Tour

Explore some of Lima’s most fascinating sites on this half-day guided tour. You’ll visit Huaca Pucllana – an ancient temple complex dating back to 500 AD – as well as Barranco – a hipster neighborhood known for its street art and tree-lined streets. You’ll also have time for shopping at Miraflores’ many stores before heading back to your hotel or accommodation at the end of the tour. The Huaca Pucllana & Barranco Tour lasts approximately 4 hours and includes all transport costs as well as entry fees into each site visited along the way. Book Huaca Pucllana & Barranco Tour here today!