Top 21 Must-See Attractions in Lima

The historic heart of Lima since its founding by Francisco Pizarro in 1535. This grand square features a magnificent bronze fountain from 1650 and is surrounded by architectural gems including the Cathedral of Lima, the Government Palace (Palacio de Gobierno), the Archbishop's Palace, and the Municipal Palace. The plaza represents the nerve center of Peru's capital where important historical events have unfolded for nearly 500 years. On the last Sunday of July each year, the water fountain is filled with Pisco to celebrate National Pisco Day.

Housed in an exquisite 18th-century vice-royal mansion built over a 7th-century pre-Columbian pyramid, the Larco Museum showcases Peru's finest archaeological collection. Founded in 1926, it displays over 45,000 ceramic pieces covering 5,000 years of pre-Columbian art. Highlights include the Gallery of Cultures, spectacular Gold and Silver Galleries with five specialized rooms, and the famous collection of erotic pottery. Set in beautiful gardens in the Pueblo Libre neighborhood, the museum offers chronological exhibits featuring Moche, Chimu, Nazca, and other ancient cultures. An excellent restaurant is located on-site.

One of Lima's most important colonial monuments featuring spectacular baroque architecture and religious art. The complex includes a library with over 25,000 antique volumes, gorgeous courtyards and cloisters, and a unique wooden dome built in 1546 in early Iberian Mudejar style. The main attraction is the famous catacombs dating back to the 1600s, which served as a cemetery until 1810 and house the remains of approximately 70,000 people. The detailed bone classification and legends of connecting corridors to government buildings make this a captivating tour. Guided tours in Spanish and English are available.

Known as Ciudad Heroica (the Heroic City), Miraflores is Lima's premier tourist district perched on cliffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean. This upscale neighborhood features beautiful parks and gardens, high-rise buildings, world-class hotels, and countless restaurants and shops. The district is home to Parque Kennedy (famous for its stray cat population), the coastal Malecón promenade perfect for walking and cycling, Larcomar shopping center built into the cliffside, and the romantic Parque del Amor with its iconic 'El Beso' sculpture. Miraflores offers a perfect blend of cosmopolitan life with stunning coastal views, making it the heart of modern Lima and one of the safest, most walkable areas for visitors.

Lima's most bohemian and artistic neighborhood, originally a beach community for the city's wealthy that evolved into the center of art, music, and creative culture. The district is filled with colorful colonial architecture, street murals, art galleries, intimate cafes, and vibrant nightlife. Key attractions include the iconic Bridge of Sighs (Puente de los Suspiros), the ocean walk at Plazuela Chabuca Granda with beautiful murals, the Jade Rivera Museum showcasing one of Peru's most famous street artists, and numerous art studios like José Antonio Galería. Barranco's streets come alive at night with bars, live music venues, and restaurants. The neighborhood offers an authentic glimpse into Lima's artistic soul and contemporary cultural scene.

A spectacular six-mile-long cliffside promenade offering breathtaking panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean. This beautifully landscaped path runs along the entire Miraflores coastline and is perfect for walking, jogging, cycling, or simply relaxing while watching paragliders soar over the coast. The Malecón connects several scenic parks including Parque del Amor, features the Miraflores Lighthouse, and provides access to the beaches of Costa Verde below. Along the way, you'll find cafes, restaurants, exercise equipment, and numerous benches to sit and enjoy the ocean breeze and sunset views. It's one of Lima's most beloved recreational spaces.

Awicha Santa luisa is a highly-rated restaurant in Lima, rated 4.9★ from 361 reviews. Located at C. Sta. Luisa 240, San Isidro 15073, Peru.

LIMANÁ - PERUVIAN SUPERFOOD RESTAURANT is a highly-rated restaurant in Lima, rated 4.8★ from 1455 reviews. Located at Av. Augusto Pérez Araníbar 2011, San Isidro 27, Peru.

Chicho | Cocina de Raiz | Miraflores is a highly-rated restaurant in Lima, rated 4.8★ from 2267 reviews. Located at Av. Comandante Espinar 663, Miraflores 15074, Peru.

Cevichería Barra Maretazo | Peruvian Food is a highly-rated restaurant in Lima, rated 4.8★ from 2347 reviews. Located at C. Berlín 340, Miraflores 15074, Peru.

Maido is a highly-rated restaurant in Lima, rated 4.7★ from 5033 reviews. Located at Ca. San Martín No. 399, Miraflores 15074, Peru.

Osaka Pardo y Aliaga is a highly-rated restaurant in Lima, rated 4.7★ from 4919 reviews. Located at Av. Felipe Pardo y Aliaga 660, San Isidro 15073, Peru.

Kjolle is a highly-rated restaurant in Lima, rated 4.7★ from 1200 reviews. Located at Av. Pedro de Osma 301, Barranco 15063, Peru.

Mérito is a highly-rated restaurant in Lima, rated 4.7★ from 1057 reviews. Located at Jr, 28 De Julio 206, Barranco 15063, Peru.

Restaurant "El Pacífico" is a highly-rated restaurant in Lima, rated 4.7★ from 3881 reviews. Located at Pje. de José Olaya 114, Lima 15001, Peru.

Casa Tambo Restaurant is a highly-rated restaurant in Lima, rated 4.6★ from 3769 reviews. Located at Jr. de la Unión 1066, Lima 15001, Peru.

Central is a highly-rated restaurant in Lima, rated 4.6★ from 3474 reviews. Located at Av. Pedro de Osma 301, Barranco 15063, Peru.

Panchita - Miraflores is a highly-rated restaurant in Lima, rated 4.6★ from 14099 reviews. Located at C. 2 de Mayo 298, Miraflores 15074, Peru.

El Mercado is a highly-rated restaurant in Lima, rated 4.6★ from 2705 reviews. Located at Av. Hipólito Unanue 203, Miraflores 15074, Peru.

La Mar Cevichería Peruana is a highly-rated restaurant in Lima, rated 4.6★ from 8526 reviews. Located at Av. Mariscal La Mar 770, Miraflores 15074, Peru.

Isolina is a highly-rated restaurant in Lima, rated 4.6★ from 7734 reviews. Located at Av. San Martín 101, Lima 15063, Peru.