Top 10 Things To Do In Lima, Peru | ULTIMATE Travel Guide
- 🌆 Plaza de Armas – The Historic Core of Lima
Plaza de Armas is the symbolic birthplace of Lima, dating back to 1535. It’s surrounded by colonial treasures like the Metropolitan Cathedral, Archbishop’s Palace, and the Government Palace. Visitors often come for the Changing of the Guard at 11:45 a.m., which lasts 30 minutes and on Sundays includes a larger military display with horses. The square’s European-inspired architecture and lively ambiance make it a perfect starting point for exploring Lima’s historic district. Nearby, San Francisco Church offers not only stunning architecture but also underground catacombs — for about 15 soles, travelers can wander through ancient tunnels lined with bones, an eerie but fascinating experience. Behind the church, Parque de la Muralla (Park of the Wall) stands on the remains of Lima’s old defensive wall, once built to protect the city from pirates and flooding. - 🐱 Kennedy Park – Lima’s Cat Sanctuary
Located in the heart of Miraflores, Kennedy Park is one of the most unique attractions in Lima because of its thriving stray cat population. Dozens of cats roam freely, lounging on benches, hiding in flower beds, and happily interacting with visitors. They are well-fed and cared for, thanks to local volunteers and the community. The park is also surrounded by restaurants, street vendors, and shops, making it a lively place day and night. For cat lovers, it feels almost like a sanctuary, where you can spend hours spotting different cats and even playing with them using toys brought by locals. - 🌊 Miraflores Boardwalk & Lighthouse – Ocean Views and Adventure
Stretching two miles along cliffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean, the Malecón de Miraflores offers spectacular coastal views. Dotted with gardens, lookout points, and sculptures, it is ideal for leisurely walks, jogging, or people-watching. The Pharo de la Marina Lighthouse, relocated here in the 1970s, is one of the highlights and can be seen from 18 nautical miles away. For adrenaline seekers, paragliding flights are available for about 260 soles, allowing travelers to soar above the cliffs with professional pilots. The skies are often filled with colorful paragliders, creating a surreal atmosphere. - 💕 Parque del Amor – Romance by the Sea
This cliffside park is a celebration of love, complete with mosaic walls, romantic quotes, and its iconic sculpture of a couple in an embrace. The video narrators shared their own engagement story, adding a personal touch to the site’s charm. It’s a popular spot for couples, especially at sunset when the Pacific horizon glows with warm colors. - 🛍️ Larcomar Mall – Shopping with a View
Built directly into the seaside cliffs, Larcomar isn’t just a mall — it’s a unique architectural attraction with panoramic ocean views. It houses shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues. While visiting, the travelers experienced their first earthquake, a reminder of Lima’s seismic location along the Pacific Ring of Fire. Despite the shock, the mall remains one of the most visited modern spaces in the city. - 🎨 Barranco – Lima’s Bohemian Heart
Known for its artsy vibe, Barranco is a district full of galleries, coffee shops, and vibrant street art. Its most iconic site is the Bridge of Sighs, a simple wooden bridge with a romantic legend: if you cross it holding your breath, your wish will come true. The district is also famous for murals and graffiti, comparable to Valparaíso, Chile, a South American street art hub. - 🏮 Barrio Chino (Chinatown) – A Cultural Fusion
Established in the mid-1800s by Chinese immigrants, Lima’s Chinatown is bustling with life. Calle Capón, the main street, is adorned with Chinese arches and lined with shops and eateries. It’s a hotspot for trying chifa cuisine, a fusion of Peruvian and Chinese flavors — dishes like lomo saltado (stir-fried beef with soy sauce and fries) and arroz chaufa (fried rice) are local favorites. The area is busy and chaotic, so visitors are advised to stay alert. - 🏯 Parque Chino – A Hidden Gem on the Cliffs
This serene Chinese-inspired park, nestled into Miraflores cliffs, features shrines, pagodas, and statues. It’s especially magical at sunset when lights illuminate the park. Because of its popularity, lines form before sunset, so arriving early is recommended. - 🏛️ Museo de Arte de Lima (MALI) – Art Meets Architecture
Even if you don’t go inside, the museum grounds are impressive, with elegant statues and landscaped gardens. The highlight is the Moorish Palace, designed by Gustave Eiffel — the same engineer behind the Eiffel Tower. This fusion of art, history, and European influence makes MALI a peaceful escape from Lima’s bustling streets. - 🍽️ Culinary Capital of South America
Lima is world-renowned for its cuisine, ranging from street food to Michelin-starred dining. The city blends traditional Peruvian ingredients with global influences. Local favorites include ceviche, anticuchos, and Nikkei dishes (Japanese-Peruvian fusion). The video hints at a future guide entirely dedicated to food, underlining Lima’s status as a global gastronomic destination.
Insights
- 1535 – Lima’s founding year, reflected in Plaza de Armas.
- 11:45 a.m. – Key time for the daily Changing of the Guard.
- 15 soles (~$4) – Affordable price for the San Francisco catacombs tour.
- 18 nautical miles – Visibility of the Miraflores Lighthouse.
- 260 soles (~$70) – Cost of paragliding above Lima’s cliffs.
- 7.5 soles (~$2) – Cost of coffee in Barranco, showing local affordability.
