Beautiful Places in Lima
While you may be tempted to skip right through the Peruvian capital, I’m here to show you that there are plenty of things to do in Lima that warrant staying for a while! Exploring the historic centre, paragliding high above the coast, feasting on Peruvian cuisine, and dancing all night in a hidden bar. These are just a few of the many exciting things to do in Lima.
1 Catacombs
A tour of the catacombs beneath the San Francisco Church is one of the most popular (and eerie) things to do in Lima. This lovely Spanish Baroque church was built in the late 1600s and is one of the best preserved in Lima. In addition to the church, there is an adjoining monastery with an impressive collection of ancient religious texts. Most visitors, however, do not come here to read. They have come to see the catacombs. This was Lima’s first cemetery, and it’s estimated that up to 75,000 people were buried here. The bones have been arranged in artistic patterns to make visiting the catacombs less frightening for visitors.
2 Aliaga House
Aliaga built a mansion there, which still stands today. Obviously, the house has undergone several renovations over the years. The house is not only as old as Lima, but it is also the oldest house in the Americas to be continuously occupied by the same family. His descendants live in a modern wing on the property, and the mansion is now a museum. Inside, you’ll find an impressive collection of Peruvian art and artefacts. Visiting Casa Aliaga is unquestionably one of the best things to do in Lima, Peru.
3 The Cat Park
If you enjoy cats, you must visit Parque Kennedy while in Lima. While the park is named after John F. Kennedy, it is more commonly known as the Cat Park these days. Nobody knows where they came from, but the park is home to well over 100 stray cats. One popular theory holds that it began when a few cats escaped from a church where they were being used to catch mice. Parque Kennedy is right in the heart of Lima’s backpacker district, Miraflores. There are several hostels located around the park, making it a popular place to stay.
The land of the beautiful city Lima is well connected with Airlines Ticket so that you can easily book your ticket from your nearby Airport.
4 Barranco
Barranco is quickly becoming a popular alternative to its more trendy and upscale neighbour, Miraflores. Even if you don’t stay there, you should definitely go explore this bohemian haven. Barranco has plenty to see and do to keep you busy for a while. Aside from the street art, the scenic plaza, and the stunning architecture, the neighbourhood is home to a variety of unique shops, restaurants, cafes, and bars. Furthermore, if you’re a Digital Nomad looking to catch up on work while in the city, there are some fantastic Co-Working Spaces in this area.
5 Larco Museum
If you’re stuck in Lima on a foggy, drizzly day (and there are plenty of them), go to the Larco Museum. This is the city’s most impressive museum, housed in a former mansion and containing thousands of pre-Columbian artefacts. There are a few aspects of the Larco Museum that stand out. For one thing, it was one of the first museums in the world to open its storerooms. Tens of thousands of ancient ceramics that aren’t on display in the museum can be found here.
6 Plaza De Armas
On the free tour, you’ll walk through the Plaza de Armas, but you won’t have much time to take it all in. As a result, you’ll want to return there on your own at some point for more exploration. Lima Cathedral and the Government Palace surround the Plaza de Armas. It’s a lovely tree-lined plaza with a fountain in the middle that’s a great place to unwind for a while. The cathedral has a beautiful exterior, but you must go inside to fully appreciate it. It’s free up to a point, but going further inside and seeing the museum full of religious art will cost you 10 soles.
7 Peruvian Cuisine
Peruvian cuisine is unrivalled in South America. When you visit Peru’s capital, your taste buds will be in for a real treat! Peruvian cuisine has fused flavours from all over the world using local ingredients due to its long multicultural history. Peruvian cuisine has been influenced by a wide range of people over the centuries, from Spanish conquistadors to Chinese immigrants. A trip to Lima would not be complete without sampling the city’s cuisine. If you’re not sure what to do in Lima, go to a local restaurant and plan your day while eating a delicious meal.
8 San Cristobal Hill
If you want to see the Centro Historico from above, make a trip up to San Cristobal Hill part of your Lima itinerary. This is the city’s highest natural point, standing 400 metres above sea level. People still make offerings to the mountains, and a large Christian pilgrimage occurs here during Semana Santa. While you may be tempted to hike up the hill, you should not. This isn’t the safest part of Lima, so walking around on your own isn’t a good idea.
9 Street Art
I’m not sure about you, but I love looking for street art when I travel. Museums are great, but it’s nice to get your art fix outside of a stuffy room with uppity guards following you around. Street art enthusiasts are in for a real treat in Peru’s capital. Because it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the local government strongly discourages graffiti in the historic district. That being said, there are some hidden gems if you poke around for a while and get away from the Plaza de Armas and all its protected landmarks.
10 Natural History Museum
While you’re in Peru’s capital, you might as well learn about the country’s history. There is no better place to do so than the Natural History Museum in the city. Lima’s Natural History Museum recently celebrated its 100th anniversary. There are several exhibitions here, with some of the highlights including a sperm whale skeleton and fossils of giant ground sloths. There are several other excellent museums worth visiting if you want to learn more about Peruvian history. The National Museum of Archaeology, Anthropology, and History, as well as the Museum of the Nation, are also worth a visit.
11 The Magic Water Circuit
Seeing the Magic Water Circuit in the evening is without a doubt one of the coolest things to do in Lima Peru. With several fountains, music, and plenty of laser lights, it truly is a magical show. The largest water fountain complex in the world, located within the Parque de la Reserva, made it into the Guinness Book of World Records. There are 13 different fountains, all of which are illuminated at night, creating quite a spectacle. The park is right next to the National Stadium and is easily accessible by bus.
12 Nightlife in Lima
Limans certainly know how to have a good time. There’s always something fun going on in this bustling city of 10 million people, no matter what night of the week it is. Indulging in the nightlife is a must when visiting Peru’s capital. When it comes to Lima nightlife, there is something for everyone. Craft breweries, dive bars, classy cocktail joints, music venues, trendy clubs, and more can be found. To truly experience a night out in Lima the local way, head to one of the city’s Penas. Penas are small, often hidden bars where the party is centred on Peruvian criollo music, dancing, and plenty of Pisco.
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