written by
Dre Roelandt
updated 14.02.2025
/peru/lima-and-around/
If you're aiming to get a feel for Lima, you’ll need at least 3 days to cover the highlights. However, 4-5 days is better to really experience the city. That gives you time to take in the historic center's colonial buildings, sample the local food scene, explore the bohemian Barranco district, and enjoy the views along the Miraflores coast.
If you're into history or want to squeeze in day trips, adding a day for places like Pachacamac ruins or cooking classes is a good idea. Food lovers will want extra time to explore Lima’s culinary scene, and it’s also a good spot to adjust to Peru's altitude before heading to places like Cusco.
Got just 2 days? You can still see a lot of Lima, but it’ll be a bit of a fast pace. You’ll hit the main spots for history, art, and food, so you get a good taste of the city.
This itinerary will make sure you don’t miss out on the city’s top highlights while leaving you time to enjoy the local vibe.
Start your day in Plaza Mayor, the heart of Lima since Pizarro founded the city in 1535. If you time it right, you can catch the changing of the guard at the Presidential Palace around 11:45 AM.
Afterward, take a stroll through the San Francisco Monastery's library of antique texts and its eerie catacombs - Lima's first cemetery where 18th-century monks arranged bones in geometric patterns. If you’re hungry, stop at Cordano Bar, a spot that’s been around since 1905, for a traditional butifarra sandwich.
Next, head to Miraflores (about a 30-minute taxi ride): one of Lima’s most iconic neighborhoods, and for good reason. It’s located along the coast and is known for its beautiful parks, vibrant atmosphere, and stunning views of the Pacific Ocean. For lunch, grab a seat at La Mar Cebichería, where the ceviche is fresh and delicious.
From here, walk along the Miraflores Malecón, a clifftop promenade with ocean views, and make sure to visit Parque del Amor with its colorful mosaics. End your day at Huaca Pucllana, a pre-Inca pyramid that’s hidden in plain sight. It was almost demolished for a park until researchers realized its importance as a ceremonial site.
Start your second day at the Pedro de Osma Museum, housed in a beautiful old mansion, where you can see some of Peru’s best colonial art. Cross the Bridge of Sighs, and while you're there, hold your breath for good luck (it’s a local tradition). Then, head to MATE museum, which is all about the work of photographer Mario Testino, along with contemporary exhibits. If you’re up for some shopping, Dedalo is a restored mansion full of local artisanal goods.
For lunch, Isolina Taberna Peruana is a great choice. The dishes are home-style, and the recipes come from the owner’s grandmother.
Spend the afternoon exploring Barranco's street art.You can also join a chocolate-making workshop at Taller Choco Museum, where you’ll learn about Peru’s ancient connection to cacao.
End the day by watching surfers ride the waves at Barranco’s cliffside. For dinner, ámaZ serves Amazonian-inspired dishes, like aguaje fruit and paiche fish. End your evening with a craft pisco at Ayahuasca bar, set in a restored 1880s mansion.
Three days gives you the chance to see more of Lima’s local culture and explore a few more neighborhoods at a slower pace.
This extra day is spent visiting some of Lima’s best cultural sights
Start your third day at the Larco Museum, a stunning 18th-century mansion filled with Peru’s best pre-Columbian art. Their collection includes the world’s largest set of ceremonial gold headdresses, and their gallery of Moche pottery portraits is a must-see. An interesting fact is that tese portraits are the earliest examples of photorealistic pottery, each depicting an individual from ancient Peruvian society.
Next, head to the National Archaeology Museum to learn about the many civilizations that shaped Peru. For lunch, El Bolivariano is a great spot to try dishes from different parts of Peru, with ingredients from the coast, mountains, and jungle. It’s a fantastic way to experience the country’s varied food scene.
Afterward, visit Surquillo Market, home to over 100 varieties of potatoes and native corn. This is a great place to try local fruits like cherimoya and lucuma.
To wrap up your evening, head to one of Lima’s popular anticucherías, where locals gather to enjoy anticuchos—grilled beef heart skewers that have been a staple in the city for centuries. Tía Grimanesa in Miraflores is a local favorite, known for serving some of the best anticuchos in town. The lively atmosphere makes it a great spot to get a real feel for Lima’s food culture
Four days in Lima gives you plenty of time to fully explore different neighborhoods and experience the city at a comfortable pace.
This is how I would suggest you spend your last day in Lima.
Start your fourth day in Lima in Callao Monumental, a former industrial area that’s been transformed into an arts district. The galleries and artist studios are housed in restored colonial buildings, and the FUGAZ art center is the heart of the area, with artworks from contemporary Peruvian artists.This neighborhood’s revival started with an art project in 2015 that invited international artists to paint murals, changing the area’s vibe completely.
Then, head to La Punta, a peninsula where you’ll find Restaurante Delfino, known for its fresh seafood, delivered straight from the fishermen. After lunch, take a walk along the historic pier and visit the Real Felipe Fortress, built to protect Lima from pirates. The fortress’s star-shaped design allowed defenders to spot approaching ships from any angle.
Stop by Callao Beer Company to sample some craft beers made with Peruvian ingredients like quinoa and aguaymanto. Head back to Miraflores for your final dinner at Astrid y Gastón, one of the best restaurants in Lima, set in the historic 17th-century Casa Moreyra. This restaurant is known for its role in showcasing Peruvian cuisine to the world, making it a great spot to end your time in Lima.
Lima is a large city with different neighborhoods that each bring something unique to the table.
If you’re visiting Lima for the first time, Miraflores is a great place to stay. It’s a popular area for tourists because it’s safe, central, and has a lot to see and do. The neighborhood sits along the coast, so you can enjoy the views from the El Malecón, a scenic promenade with parks and walking paths. There are plenty of restaurants, cafes, and shops, including Larcomar, a shopping center built into the cliffs. It’s also well-connected with public transport, and taxis are readily available.
For families, San Isidro is a solid choice. It’s a peaceful neighborhood with plenty of green space and residential areas that feel more like home. You’ll find parks, playgrounds, and the historic El Olivar Forest, which is perfect for a family walk. San Isidro has a quieter, more local vibe than Miraflores, which is nice if you want to get a feel for life outside the tourist hubs. It’s also got great hospitals, international schools, and a range of spacious apartments, so it’s also a good fit for families staying a little longer.
If food and nightlife are your main focus, Barranco is where you’ll want to be. This neighborhood has become a hot spot for Lima’s food scene, with some of the city’s best restaurants and cevicherías.
Barranco is also a great place to explore after dark. Many old mansions have been turned into bars, live music venues, and spots where you can enjoy traditional Peruvian music and dance. The area is small and easy to get around on foot, and the atmosphere can be lively, especially on weekends. Despite its nightlife scene, Barranco has a laid-back, artistic vibe that feels more authentic compared to the more commercialized Miraflores.
Some things I wish I had known before I went to Lima for the first time? For one, Lima’s climate is unique, with humidity year-round and a persistent winter fog (called “garúa”) from June to September, so packing light layers is a good idea.
Taxis rarely carry change, so it’s a good idea to have small bills ready — and stick to bottled water since the tap water isn’t safe for tourists. Lima can get pretty congested with traffic, so be prepared for delays when heading out, particularly during rush hours.
On a basic budget (PEN 150-250 / $40-70 per day), you can stay in budget-friendly hostels or guesthouses, eat at local markets, and use public transport. If you’re willing to explore less tourist-heavy areas, you can stretch your money further with free walking tours.
A mid-range budget (PEN 250-500 / $70-140 per day) will get you a comfortable 3-star hotel, meals at nice restaurants, and easy transportation options like Uber. This is a common budget for travelers who want to enjoy Lima’s food scene without going all out.
For a luxury experience (PEN 500+ / $140+ per day), you can stay in a 5-star hotel with ocean views, dine at high-end restaurants, and book private tours. You’ll have access to the more upscale side of Lima, from rooftop bars to spa treatments.
Getting around Lima can be tricky, but it’s manageable once you get the hang of it. The Metropolitano bus system is great for traveling north-south, while smaller buses, called "combis," cover other routes. But these can be a bit confusing if you’re not familiar with the area.
Taxis are easy to find, but always use registered services or apps like Uber and Cabify for safety. Walking around areas like Miraflores and Barranco is pleasant and safe during the day, and many main roads have bike lanes if you feel like cycling. Expect to use a combination of transport options, so staying in a central spot can help cut down on travel time.
Lima’s main airport, Jorge Chávez International (LIM), has direct flights from major cities across the Americas and Europe. It’s about 30-45 minutes from central Lima, depending on traffic (it can take longer during rush hour).
For airport transfers, you’ll want to use official taxis, pre-booked shuttles, or ride-hailing apps to avoid unofficial taxis. If you’re traveling within Peru, there are domestic flights to other cities like Cusco and Arequipa. Long-distance buses, like those from Cruz del Sur, also run from neighboring countries and across Peru, though the journey can take a while. The bus terminal is in La Victoria district.
Looking to explore Peru? You're in the right place. Check out our sample itineraries for 7 days, 10 days, and 14 days to see how you can make the most of your time.
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written by
Dre Roelandt
updated 14.02.2025
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