Your guide to Lima
Lima highlights
Ancient history
Explore Peru’s deep past on a visit to Lima, where ancient sites sit within the modern city. In Miraflores, Huaca Pucllana dates back to around AD 400, with excavations uncovering tombs and artefacts. Nearby, Huaca Huallamarca rises among skyscrapers, while Iglesia de Santo Domingo offers another layer of history, with relics linked to Peru’s colonial era.
Outdoor adventure
You don’t have to leave the city for an adrenaline rush — outdoor sports are part of everyday life in Lima. The clifftops of Miraflores draw paragliders, with tandem flights available for beginners. Along the coast, a string of beaches caters to surfers, with spots like La Herradura better suited to those with more experience.
Culinary capital
Peru’s long agricultural history is reflected in Lima’s food, which draws on ingredients from the coast, the highlands and the jungle. Along the waterfront, ceviche pairs fresh seafood with citrus and spice. And all across the city, acclaimed restaurants sit alongside casual spots, while ‘pisco’, the national spirit, has its own dedicated museum.
Lima: Know before you go
| Language | Spanish, Quechua, Aymara |
|---|---|
| Currency | Peruvian sol (S/.) |
| Time zone | UTC-5 (PET) |
| High season | June - August |
| Low season | November - January |
Find the best time to go to Lima
Weather in Lima
January – April: Warm days kick off the new year in Lima. This is the city’s summer and an ideal time to enjoy its beaches and surf breaks.
May – August: Temperatures dip in the middle of the year, and the city is often blanketed in a misty fog. But there’s still lots to do. Take advantage of the lively annual events, such as the city’s film festival and Pride parade.
September – December: Temperatures start to creep back up as the year comes to a close. By December, warm weather and sun have returned, and the city celebrates the festive season with decorations and fireworks on New Year’s Eve.
Events in Lima
Lima Anniversary (January): Every year, Lima marks its founding with a series of free events that begin in the days leading up to 18 January. Celebrations include parades, fairs, concerts and fireworks, along with traditional touches like a ceremonial cannon salute.
Marcha del Orgullo Lima (June or July): Lima’s annual Pride march draws large crowds as the LGBTQ+ community and allies fill the streets with floats, music and dancing, culminating in a lively, DJ-led celebration.
Festival de Cine de Lima (August): Film buffs flock to this packed festival that features narrative and documentary entries from Latin America alongside filmmaker discussions, workshops and more.
The best neighbourhoods in Lima
Miraflores
One of Lima’s most popular bases, Miraflores combines green spaces with coastal views. Clifftop paths overlook the Pacific, while Parque Kennedy anchors the neighbourhood with cafes and everyday activity. Museums and archaeological sites sit alongside busy beaches, and many of the city’s most talked-about restaurants are found here.
Good for: Scenic overlooks, museums, green spaces
San Isidro
For something more relaxed, San Isidro is where to stay in Lima to step back from the city’s pace. Parks define the area, especially Bosque el Olivar, where olive trees surround a calm lagoon. The Lima Golf Club adds more open space, and nearby Huaca Huallamarca offers a link to the city’s pre-Columbian past.
Good for: Families, parks, golf
Barranco
Hip and trendy Barranco shows off the city’s artsy side during the day with its collection of galleries and boutiques. At night, this is the place to grab cocktails with a view or take in a folk music performance. The neighbourhood is also lined with beaches on its west side, perfect for surfing or lounging under an umbrella.
Good for: Nightlife, solo travellers, beaches
Things to do in Lima
Family friendly
Walk the Malecón de Miraflores, Lima’s clifftop pathway, for views of the Pacific and plenty of space to roam. Along the way, playgrounds and public art keep things engaging. If you’re looking for something interactive, the Circuito Mágico del Agua features a series of fountains with light displays and timed shows that draw families in the evenings.
Take in the culture
Explore thousands of years of history at Lima’s museums, where pre-Columbian and contemporary works sit side by side. Museo Larco houses a large collection of ancient pottery in a historic mansion surrounded by gardens. For something more modern, Museo de Arte de Lima showcases contemporary art and hosts regular evening events, including monthly late-night openings.
Places to eat
Head to Surquillo Market to sample different takes on Lima’s signature dish, ceviche. Neighbourhood markets are also a good place to try fresh produce brought down from the Andes. For a more elevated dining experience, book a table at Peruvian-Japanese fusion spot Maido, widely considered one of the best restaurants in Lima and beyond.
Nightlife
Find your way to Barranco for some of Lima’s liveliest nightlife, with everything from beachfront discos to low-key bars and microbreweries. Traditional ‘peñas’ (cultural centres) offer live folk music well into the night, drawing a local crowd. A more formal evening can be had at the Municipal Theatre, which hosts opera and performances inside a grand Neoclassical building dating to 1920.
Shopping
Peru is known for its handicrafts, from alpaca wool clothing and silver jewellery to pottery and intricately carved gourds. The Miraflores Artisan Market spans several blocks, with stalls packed with souvenirs and locally made goods. For a more curated selection, the gift shop at Museo Amano focuses on textiles, reflecting the country’s long tradition of weaving.
Beaches
Hit the coast during warmer months. Beaches stretch below the cliffs of neighbourhoods like Miraflores and Barranco. Spots like Playa Waikiki and Playa Makaha are known for surfing, with board rentals and lessons available for beginners. And if you’re here to chill, umbrellas can be rented along the shore for a relaxed day by the water.
Get ready for Lima
Budget
With free parks and beaches, plus affordable museums, planning a cheap trip to Lima is easy. An inexpensive meal in a restaurant will cost you about 15 Peruvian soles (S/), and you can pair it with a cappuccino for about S/10 or a domestic beer for the same. A short taxi ride will cost you about S/40.
Day trips from Lima
History buffs can head south to the Pachacámac ruins, a vast pre-Columbian complex where temples rise above the desert landscape. Climb to the top for wide views before exploring the site’s plazas and pathways. Further along the coast, Punta Hermosa draws a steady crowd in summer, with broad beaches and reliable waves.
Getting around Lima
Lima’s Corredor Azul buses are useful for short trips, while the Metropolitano connects central areas with outer neighbourhoods. Fares are low, typically under 2 Peruvian soles. More informal minibuses known as ‘combis’ run widely but can be crowded. Taxis and rideshare apps are often a more convenient way to get around, especially over longer distances.
