Guide to Lima, Peru

Lima, the sprawling, Pacific coast capital of Peru, is curious mix of a modern mega city with some islands, large but ordered slum areas and city centre colonial architecture. Lima was the seat of the Spanish rule for over 300 years, and consequently it has wonderful churches, monasteries and cloisters that are well worth a visit.

Top reasons to visit Lima

The sprawling, Pacific coast capital of Peru is a centre of South American cuisine, and is known as the ‘gastronomic capital of the Americas’.

Lima has several museums and beautiful colonial architecture, along with a rich history of different Andean and coastal colonisations, and many archaeological sites (huaca) of interest. The Historic Centre of Lima was appointed a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1998 as shows influences of Asian, African, Andean and European culture.

Main areas of Lima

El Centro

Sights - Plaza de Armas, Palacio de Gobierno, Cathedral of Lima

San Juan de Miraflores

Sights - Huaca Pucllana, La Marina Lighthouse

San Isidro

Sights - El Olivar, Wak’a Wallamarka

Pueblo Libre

When to go to Lima

Lima is located on a valley and surrounded by a harsh, arid desert. Summer weather is normally very warm and sunny. Occasional rain in January has been known, but in Winter the city is overcast and it can rain for days on time.

Book a hotel today in Lima, Peru - find your hotel deals here, as we specialise in cheap hotels in Lima, Peru.

Top Attractions in Lima

• Beaches - north and south of the city, very busy in Summer
• Museums - Peru’s largest concentration of museums are within the city
• Historic Centre of Lima
• Plaza Mayor
• Sanctuary of Las Nazarenes
• Monastery of San Francisco
• Walls of Lima

Shopping in Lima

• Shopping Centre - Jockey Plaza, Larcomar, Real Plaza Centro Civico, MegaPlaza, Polvos Azules
• Market -
• Department Store - Ripley San Miguel, Saga Falabella, Tends Saga Falabella

Eating in Lima

Ceviche is a local speciality in Lima - try it in Alfresco, Punto Axul or Restaurante Costazul Seafood.

Recommended restaurants include Mangos, La Teindecita Blanca, Don Mamino, La Mar Cebicheria, Pescados Capitales, Rigoletto, Las Bistecca, El Mercado, Rosa Nautico, Canta Rana, Cala Central Restaurante, La Trattoria de Mambrino, Hotel Britannia

Nightlife and Entertainment in Lima

Lima’s Miraflores neighbourhood houses the best bars

• Coffee - Tostaduria Bisetti, El Tayta, Puku Puku Cafe, Manolo
• Bars - La Gran Furta, Ekeko Bar, De Grot - Bar Cultural, Nebula, Gotica, Hard Rock Cafe Lima, Ayahuasca, Santa Diabla, Son de Cuba, Huaringas, Cosmos, Rouge Bar, Murphy’s Irish Pub, El Bolvarcito
• Craft beer/Brewery - Barranco Beer Company
• Live Music - Jazz Zone
• Lounge - Oceanus Lounge
• Clubs - Discoteca Banana, Bar Ingles - Country Club
• Cocktails - Ayahuasca
• Karaoke - Status Karaoke, The Stage
• Museums - Congresso de la Republica, Museo Convento de Santo Domingo, Casa Aliaga, Museo de Arte Contemporaneo de Lima
• Theatre - Marsano Theater, Municipal Theater, Segura Theatre, British Theatre, Larco Museum, Museum of Natural History
• Art - Museum of Italian Art

Book a hotel today in Lima, Peru - find your hotel deals here, as we specialise in cheap hotels in Lima, Peru.