The post 101 Interesting Things to Do in Lima appeared first on Peru For Less.
The capital city of Peru is brimming with things to do! While often just a stopover on the way to Machu Picchu, Lima holds its own for all things food, adventure, culture, history, shopping, and nightlife! Discover our 101 fun ideas for things to do in Lima!
1. Paraglide over the city
What could be more thrilling than starting your Peru vacation paragliding over its capital? Giving a birds-eye view of Lima’s beaches, parks, its modern cityscape, and probably its traffic – paragliding in Lima is the best way to get a spectacular overview of the city! We recommend: Parapuerto
2. Visit Museo Larco
Museo Larco or Larco Museum is #1 on Tripadvisor for things to do in Lima! Built inside an 18th-century mansion, the collection of over 30,000 Peruvian artifacts housed in this Lima museum is impressive. The coolest part? The pieces not on display in the main museum are still accessible for the public to view! Bonus: The Larco Café is a gorgeous spot to have dinner after your museum tour.
3. Drink bottomless mimosas at Franklin Restaurant
Who doesn’t love brunch on vacation? Breakfast in style like a Limeño by heading to Franklin Restaurant in San Isidro between 10am and 1pm for bottomless mimosas and bellinis served until 4pm for only $20 USD (70 Peruvian soles). A breakfast buffet is also available or you can order food à la carte.
4. Shop with ocean views at Larcomar
A great thing to do on your Peru vacation is to shop in Lima! Larcomar is a mall built into the cliffside, giving ocean backdrops that any shopaholic would adore. Bring your haul to one of the many restaurants there for a great meal with a fantastic ocean view! We recommend: Tanta restaurant
5. Make a wish on Barranco’s Bridge of Sighs
The story goes that if it’s your first time seeing Barranco’s Bridge of Sighs you need to hold your breath and make a wish as you cross. Within walking distance from Barranco’s main square, this bridge is seen as an icon of Barranco and worthwhile to visit during your adventure in Peru.
6. Check out Lima’s Plaza Mayor at night
Lima’s city center is a UNESCO World Heritage site and as soon as you drive through it you’ll understand why. Amber painted neo-baroque and neoclassical architecture styles line the Plaza Mayor and when the night time lights turn on, the city of kings really does look gold. Photographers, romantics, and wanderlusters need to cross seeing this historic landmark in Peru off of their bucket list.
7. Take a surfing class
Head to the best beaches in Lima for beginner surfing like Playa Makaha beach in Miraflores or Playa Barranco, to take a surfing lesson. Equipment rental for a board and wetsuit and a 1-hour private class costs only $20-$30 USD (70-100 Peruvian soles). Surf school options are plentiful but we recommend Willy’s Surf School.
8. Admire the Balconies of Lima
Beautifully built wooden balconies adorn colorful Spanish colonial buildings in the Lima Center. While they make for fantastic photos, these decorative pieces are also crucial parts in Lima’s history. They are considered to be cultural heritage items because they played such a pivotal role in crowning the historic center of Lima as a UNESCO heritage site.
9. Try ice cream at Blu, Colonia & Co, or Creme de la Creme
Barranco boasts not one but three incredible ice creameries: Blu, Colonia & Co, or Creme de la Creme. Depending on which Peruvian you ask, you’ll get a different answer as to which one is the best! Decide for yourself by trying a taste at each!
10. Buy souvenirs at the Inca Market
One of the top things to do in Lima is to check out the various markets. The Inca Market is located in the tourist district of Miraflores and is great for shopping in Lima because it’s super close to most hotels. Grab all of the best things to buy in Peru like Pisco, Maras salt, chocolate, Peruvian textiles, alpaca scarves and sweaters, and various handcrafted items all in one conveniently located place.
11. Visit the San Francisco Catacombs, Convent, & Library
The San Francisco Convent is a famous landmark in the historic center of Lima. A baroque style church towers above while below the catacombs house hundreds of artfully arranged human bones. Inside features geometric tile-work, a library filled with historic texts in their original leather bindings, and a serene inner courtyard and garden.
12. See live music at La Noche de Barranco
La Noche de Barranco is a popular nightclub in Lima and known because it caters to all. One side has live music while the other has dance music and both sides have very reasonably priced beverages! Tip: Check out the schedule for their free or cheap tickets to live concerts to line it up with your trip.
13. Take a bike tour around Lima’s neighborhoods
Check out the different tourist spots in Lima, famous buildings, and beautiful neighborhoods by taking a bike tour of any of Lima’s districts. We recommend: Lima Bici for awesome Lima tours, or to rent bikes at Larcomar.
14. Visit the MAC Museum
Barranco is home to many different artists and galleries, but the Museum of Contemporary Art in Lima or MAC is always finding new contemporary Peruvian artists to showcase in their galleries making it a great spot for spending some time in Lima.
15. Try Churros San Francisco in Lima’s Main Center
During your Peru vacation, you’ll encounter many street vendors selling the delicious sugar covered dough filled with manjar blanco known as a churro. While it’s rare to find a bad one, the churros at Churros San Francisco are unlike any other that you’ll ever try! You’ll recognize it by the long line up of people waiting for the freshly made treat. Tip: Don’t have time to head to the center? No problem, Manolo’s churros are the best in Miraflores.
16. Head to a weekend Farmers Market
Use your time in Lima to get acquainted with local vendors and flavors by visiting a market. On Saturday’s 8:30am – 2:30pm, Parque Reducto’s bioferia is brimming with fresh vegetables, local Peruvian products, handmade beauty supplies, and vegan/gluten-free treats. On Sunday Barranco’s Bioferia has similar but varying products to Reducto’s. Kombucha, organic veggies and fruits, and even cute succulents you’ll wish you could take back home with you!
17. Visit the cats at Kennedy Park
Parque Kennedy or Kennedy Park in Lima is a popular tourist attraction, especially for animal lovers! Years ago, the nearby church used cats for pest control and as they bred they took over the park. Now they are well taken care of by a local organization and wander freely in the park where anyone can visit them. Be sure to look in gardens and even up in the trees because this park is home to hundreds of these four-legged friends.
18. Dance salsa at Sargento Pimienta on a Tuesday night
Looking for something fun to do in Lima even during the week? On Tuesday nights, Sargento Pimienta is lively with salsa dancers of all levels. Salsa teachers hang around and offer dances to anyone wanting to learn. At around 1am a live band comes on stage for you to put everything you’ve learned to practice!
19. Win big at a casino
Avenida Larco is a main street in Miraflores and is home to many fun things to do, shops, cafes, restaurants, and glittering casinos. Head to the Majestic Casino attached to the JW Marriott Lima for their onsite casino right by Larcomar mall.
20. Visit the MALI Museum
The Lima Art Museum or MALI is located in the historic downtown center of Lima. The art collection of Peruvian textiles, pottery, and paintings is housed in a palace built in the 19th century.
21. Eat at Central or Maido
Lima is home to some of the Top 50 Best Restaurants in the world! While you’re visiting Peru, one of the best things to do is eat! Dinner at Central in Peru will cost you about $150 USD per person for the 17-course tasting menu. The 13-course tasting menu at Maido will cost just shy of $200 USD a person but the price is worth the Michelin-star experience.
22. Visit Surquillo Market
Taste famous Peruvian products while crossing off lots of things to do in Lima by visiting Surquillo Market. Taste fresh fruits, try well-prepared ceviche, and get acquainted with local Limeños while practicing your Spanish.
23. See the Magical Water Circuit
The Magical Water Circuit holds the Guinness world record for the world’s largest fountain complex in a public park. It mixes lasers and lights with water to create a spectacular show! Head here any night at 7:15pm, 8:15pm, or 9:30pm for daily shows made from images projected onto the floating water particles, or wander around the park to photograph all of the impressive water fountains.
24. Photograph a cool drink at Carnaval
Carnaval Bar was ranked #13 on the 50 Worlds Best Bars list and boasts some cool cocktails that might even be from a sci-fi movie! Think dry ice coming out of an elaborate handmade ceramic dragon’s mouth. While the prices are pretty steep, even just one cocktail here will be a highlight of your time in Lima!
25. Swim with Sea Lions at The Palomino Islands
Not enough time to take a day trip from Lima to Islas Ballestas in Paracas? Head to the nearby Palomino Islands in Callao where you’ll be invited to jump into the (cold!) water and swim with sea lions!
26. Visit the MATE museum
The Mario Testino Museum or MATE is one of the museums in Lima that you have to check out on your Peru vacation! Testino is a famous Peruvian photographer who has captured images of everyone from Beyoncé to Princess Diana. He holds his own place in the fashion photography world and his museum is certainly a place to visit in Lima for those looking for Peruvian fashion inspiration!
27. Eat at Mercado 28
Mercado 28 is the perfect option for groups looking for things to do in Miraflores. With 17 different restaurant options in one place, it’s great for even the most indecisive eaters.
28.Shop at Jockey Plaza
Jockey Plaza is where it’s at for shopping in Lima, Peru! With 433 stores and services in a partially open concept mall space, you can pick up the perfect outfit for Machu Picchu here, treat yourself, and people watch fashion-forward Limeños shopping!
29. Jade Rivera gallery in Barranco
Jade Rivera is a popular street and studio artist in Lima. His works feature realistic subjects in surreal ways making you stop in your tracks to admire his work. Visit his gallery in Barranco district for a chance to see more of his work, and pick up some prints as unique souvenirs from your Peru trip.
30. Barhop in Barranco
The nightlife in Lima, Peru is great and Barranco is the best place to barhop. Start at Juanitos for a traditional “chela” or Pisco sour, then head to Ayahuasca Bar for a unique cocktail in their cozy converted mansion. Santos Bar is located under the Bridge of Sighs and is great for spotting trendy Limeños. Finish the night dancing at El Dragon!
31. Escape Room in Miraflores
Looking for things to do in Miraflores to bond your travel group? How about escaping out of a locked room in one hour? Work together to hunt for clues, puzzle solve, and escape at Traplima. Are you game?
32. Take a day trip from Lima to Pachacamac
Pachacamac is an enormous (600 hectare) archeological site located 25 miles outside of Lima. It’s the perfect day trip for all types of travelers. History lovers can visit the Pachacamac museum and wander the ruins, while adventure seekers can mountain bike on the nearby hilly landscapes.
33. Take a Lima food tour with Exquisito
Food tours in Lima are the best tours to take if you want to get to know the true side of Lima. Exquisito offers walking tours of Lima while also stopping at famous monuments and restaurants around the city. Discover some of Peru’s hidden gems and learn about the history of Lima, Peru while trying one delicious thing after the next!
34. Check out the Barranco Feria
One of the cool places to visit in Lima is the Feria in Barranco! This outdoor market-style feria houses products like vegan leather bags, natural beauty products, and handmade jewelry. The best part? The pen filled with puppies up for adoption that you can play with!
35. Walk the Malecón & Visit the Lighthouse
The Malecón is the main promenade that overlooks the Pacific Ocean and is brimming with parks, dog walkers, families, ice cream vendors, and picturesque stops. You can’t leave Peru without taking a stroll along one of the most visited spots in Lima. Along the way you’ll tick off #41 (The Love Park) and visit the La Marina Lighthouse (or Faro la Marina) – the most famous lighthouse in Peru!
36. Barhop in Miraflores
Looking for nightlife in Lima, Peru? Head to Avenida Berlin in Miraflores for some of the best bars in Lima. Start at Houlihans or Molly’s for a casual Irish pub style atmosphere. Next, head to BarBarian or any other small local brewery on Bonilla street. After that, head to Bizarro or Bazar (both located on Francisco de Paula Camino) to dance!
37. Indoor rock climb at Pirqa
Pirqa is an indoor bouldering gym in the heart of Miraflores. This climbing academy is for children, adults, beginners, and experienced climbers and offers different types of memberships that suit each climber’s style.
38. Visit the House of Gastronomy
When planning your time in Lima, Peru you’re going to want to include a visit to the House of Gastronomy in Lima’s center. Learn all about Peru’s famous products and flavors with over 2,000 years of culinary history packed into one cool place to see! Located next to the Government Palace, this is something you can do in the Lima Center while also ticking off #6, #8, #11 #74, and #78 from this things to do in Lima list.
39. Discover the First Pisco or the Biggest Pisco in Lima
Morris’ Bar in Lima is credited as the birthplace of the famous Peruvian cocktail the Pisco Sour. Meanwhile, the nearby Gran Hotel Bolivar is credited with the title of the biggest Pisco Sour in the city! Decide for yourself which one you prefer by trying them both when visiting the Lima city center.
40. Get a massage
Masajes en Braille or Massages in Braille is a massage therapy center where your masseuse is vision impaired. Perfect for anyone who’s on the shy side but needs some relaxation on their Peru vacation and conveniently located in Barranco.
41. Take a Picture at Parque del Amor
Inspired by Gaudi’s mosaic style, Parque del Amor is a photographer’s dream in Miraflores, Lima! Brightly colored tiles adorn winding benches and organically shaped structures with love poems, quotes, and phrases written by various Peruvian poets included in the mosaics. You’ll also tick off #84 by seeing the “El Beso” statue by Peruvian artist Víctor Delfín.
42. Dance at Lima Bar
Located in Miraflores, Lima Bar is a night club in Lima. Its swanky decoration filled with well dressed Limeños dancing to Latin music makes Lima Bar a fun thing to do in Peru. Pay $45 for entrance or plan ahead and put yourself on a list on their Facebook page for free entry for you and your travel buddies.
43. Take a day trip from Lima to Lunahuaná
Lunahuaná is a town 65 miles outside of Lima and is a popular day trip from the city! Lunahuaná gives you a genuine Peruvian feel while also being beautifully surrounded by the nearby Pisco and wine vineyards aching to be tasted. The mighty Cañete River has seasonal rapids perfect for thrill-seekers wanting to river raft. Perfect too for history and archeology lovers, the 15th-century Incahuasi Ruins are there for us and future generations to learn from.
44. See the birthplace of civilization in South America: Caral ruins
There are lots of incredible historical sites in Peru so if the ruins in Cusco impress you, then Caral is going to blow your mind! Caral is a famous site in Peru because it was the most ancient city in the Americas. Aka: the birthplace of civilization in South America! Don’t pass up this day tour from Lima when ruin hopping in Peru.
45. Try ceviche at Canta Rana
The lineup outside of Canta Rana on a weekend morning is a common thing to see in Lima! This ceviche spot has been around for decades and is so worth the wait! If you’re going to try ceviche in Peru, it’s gotta be at Canta Rana!
46. Take a yoga class
Whether you are a practiced yogi or just looking for active things do in Lima, there are tons of options for yoga classes throughout the city. Lima Yoga offers scheduled classes in studio and mat rentals, while Open Yoga offers tip based outdoor classes along the Malecón near the La Marina Lighthouse.
47. Look for gnomes at Parque del Olivar
San Isidro is home to a 500-year-old olive grove with gnarled trees that might make you imagine gnomes living inside them. Also a great spot for birdwatching, home to turtles, koi fish, and frequented by many dogs, it’s a natural paradise in the middle of the modern city of Lima.
48. Sato Wine Boutique
Sato Wine Boutique is a perfect food stop for travel groups looking for something unique to do on vacation. Peruvian-Japenese chef Humberto Sato crafted this incredible menu of Nikkei food (#87 on our list) and pairs it with a wine experience. With over 40 wine vintages available to dispense in small tasting quantities your photos of dinner and drinks will make everyone back home live vicariously through you.
49. Hike at Lomas de Lachay
Day trips from Lima are awesome ways to get outdoorsy in the capital city! Lomos de Lacahay or Lachay National Reserve is a protected area in Lima where the foggy atmosphere blankets the green hills. It makes for an awesome view as you look into the distance because you can see green, desert, and ocean.
50. Dine at Huaca Pucllana
Huaca Pucllana is one of the many historical sites in Lima. Dated back to the 5th century, this ruin predates the Incas and gives clues to the culture and history of ancient Peru. Enjoy a unique dining experience of traditional Peruvian dishes with picturesque views of one of the famous buildings in Peru.
51. Have breakfast at Homemade
You’ll recognize Homemade by its bright pink exterior and the long line of people waiting for a table outside. Homemade is the best option in Miraflores for a hearty homemade brunch made from wholesome ingredients. Undeniably delicious, Homemade is recognized by local Limeños as a must-try hidden gem.
52. Take a Night tour of Cementerio Presbítero Matías Maestro
Take a night tour of one of the oldest cemeteries in Peru by visiting the Cementerio Presbítero Matías Maestro. This unique Lima tour is the perfect thing to do with your time in Lima if you love the spooky side of a city! Considered to be the first municipal cemetery in Latin America it is one of the famous monuments in Peru you need to visit.
53. Immerse yourself in the submarine in Callao port
Abtao Naval Submarine Museum is a hidden gem located outside of Lima’s tourist center. It’s home to a submarine that can be entered and explored. Great for families, submarine enthusiasts, or those looking for something different to do in Lima.
54. Microtheatre in Barranco
The Microteatro in Lima is a theater house close to the Barranco main square that plays short 15-minute skits. It’s a great way to enjoy some fine Peruvian arts even if you’re not fluent in Spanish or aren’t wanting to sit through a whole 2-hour musical. Bonus: Don’t miss out on the amazing food and drinks available between shows as well!
55. Hike at Lomas de Lucumo
Hiking here is a fun thing to do near Lima for those who prefer to play outside. If you’re looking for a day trip from Lima then you should visit Lomas de Lucumo. Explore caves, hike the trails, spot wild animals, and enjoy one of the many interesting places in Peru near Lima.
56. Take a family visit to the Natural History Museum
Dinosaurs, spectacled bears, and harpies oh my! The Natural History Museum (Museo de Historia Natural) is one of the best museums to visit in the city for its impressive displays of flora and fauna. Great for families, nature lovers, or to tag along when doing #90 on our list.
57. Try Chifa with Inca Kola
Chifa is a Peruvian Chinese food fusion and as you drive through the capital city of Lima you’re sure to find hundreds of Chifa restaurants! Madam Tusan is a Chifa restaurant by world-renowned chef Gastón Acurio but there are many local spots around as well. Chifa Kam Mey My has the best spring rolls in the city and tons of vegan-friendly options! The famous Peruvian product Inca Kola is highlighter yellow and tastes of pink bubblegum. Like wine is paired to a fine steak, Inca Kola is paired with chifa.
58. Take a Spanish class
Learning a new language is the best way to meet locals, negotiate deals, and learn from everyone you meet! For cool things to do in Peru that are more off the beaten tourist path, getting acquainted with the local language is sure to be a huge benefit during your South American adventure! We recommend: Time2Talk for it’s laid back conversation-style teaching approach.
59. See Art at Monumental Callao
Monumental Callao is a collection of art galleries, open studios, shops, and restaurants located in the mural-covered Callao. This point of interest is worth checking out during your time in Lima if you like culture and art.
60. Dpaso Horse Show
One of the cool things to see during any Peru trip are the local dances. Peru is diverse in its ecosystems, landscapes, and traditional dances! The Dpaso Horse show is a dinner and show where you watch dances from regions all over Peru. Eat delicious Peruvian food, enjoy the costumes, and revel in the music. Once dinner is done, you’ll head outside to see the beautiful Peruvian horses that seemingly dance to the beat of the music.
61. Day trip from Lima to Marcahuasi
Marcahuasi is located 40 miles east of Lima making it another great option for a day trip from Lima. Famed for its mystical rock formations that resemble humans and animals as well as pre-Incan ruins. Marcahuasi is a great option for hikers, explorers, archeology enthusiasts, and photographers alike!
62. Relive History at Bar Cordano
A trip to the Lima center isn’t complete without tasting something off the menu at Bar Cordano. This local establishment has weathered hardships and has been in business since 1905. What makes it so special? Practically every famous Peruvian has eaten here! From politicians to poets to “Che” Guevara, make yourself among good company by grabbing a table here.
63. Try chicha morada
A must-do in Peru is try the traditional purple corn beverage called chicha morada. Packed full of antioxidants, this famous Peruvian product is not only healthy, but also delicious!
64. Learn about chocolate
Chocolate is one of the famous products made in Peru. Learn about the process of making chocolate from bean to bar and taste how the different and important places in Peru affect the flavor of the chocolate. We recommend: El Cacaotel or Chocomuseo
65. Watch a soccer game/concert at the National Stadium
You can find the best Lima concerts at the National Stadium of Lima. International sensations from Radiohead to Katy Perry have played there. While energy-filled soccer games can be attended almost year-round!
66. Go to a Peña
You’re likely to get your fill of Top 40 Latin music at any nightclub in the city, but if you’re looking for the real nightlife in Lima, then get yourself out to a peña. A peña is a lively establishment with typical Peruvian food, classic Peruvian drinks, and Peruvian folk music. You’ll start the night reveling in the delicious flavors and sounds before making your own way to the dance floor after a couple of Pisco sours. We recommend: La Oficiana (where the 2019 Peru For Less Christmas party was held), and Don Porfirio.
67. Day trip from Lima to Huacachina
Huacachina Oasis is a popular destination outside of Lima for thrill-seekers. 100-foot desert dunes surround a lush green lagoon making for some spectacular panoramic views. What’s more? If you feel so inclined, you can take a rugged ride on a 4×4 through the dunes and even sandboard down them!
68. Step inside the House of Peruvian Literature
When visiting all of the other famous monuments in the Lima center, don’t pass up actually going inside of the House of Peruvian Literature. Originally built as a train station in 1912, you’ll be met with a gorgeous stained glass ceiling, but want to stay longer because of all the fun now to be had inside. Free for everyone and open to all ages, check out Peruvian literature, temporary and permanent exhibitions, Peruvian art, and in-depth information about all the languages in Peru besides Spanish.
69. Take a Cooking Class
You’ve heard it a million times, but seriously! Lima is famous for its food! Learn from some of the great chefs, get to know Peruvian flavors, and try great wines and Pisco. Azafran and Exquisito offer cooking classes from renowned chefs in Lima.
70. Visit a South Beach: Asia
South of Lima is beach country where many wealthy Limeños own beach houses. Asia is a popular party spot with a lively nightlife in the summer season (January – April). These South Beaches are by far the best beaches in Lima, making the traffic-filled drive worth it for the sand-covered playa!
71. Check out the Lima Film Festival in August
Also known as Encuentro Latinoamericano de Cine de Lima, the Lima Film Festival is held in August every year. One of our favorite things to see in Peru is the art and culture that it produces. Check out the works of Peruvian directors, various Latin American cinematography, or take a master class and visit lectures on your trip to Lima.
72. Have a drink at Piso 21
Wanting to do some sightseeing in Peru with a drink in hand? Piso 21 is the bar on the 21st floor (piso) of the Estellar hotel in Miraflores. Grab an artfully made cocktail or delicious Pisco Sour while getting awesome views of the city!
73. Try Anticuchos
Anticuchos are grilled marinated cow heart meat on a skewer. While not for all, the adventurous eater will be able to try this typical Peruvian dish in the Lima center, Barranco, or Miraflores. You are on vacation in Lima, Peru after all! We recommend Anticucheria El Tio Mario in Barranco or Isolina which serves authentic Peruvian cuisine (but tends to have a line).
74. Visit the Convent of Santa Rosa de Lima
Santa Rosa is the patron saint of S