The 13 best things to do in Lima

10.11.2023 - 08:15 / lonelyplanet.com

The coastal capital city of Lima showcases what makes Peru a leading tourist destination: world-class gastronomy, ancient ruins and breathtaking natural landscapes.

Of course, as a metropolitan capital, Lima does it all with a modern and urban style. Start planning your trip now with our insider's list of unmissable experiences.

A smoothly paved path that follows the natural curves of Lima’s coastal cliffside, the malecón is an iconic part of Peru’s capital. Covering roughly 10km (6 miles), the malecón extends through a handful of Lima’s most popular neighborhoods.

Rent a bike, go for a jog or simply stroll along this pathway that is dotted with green spaces, art and children’s parks.

Local tip: Streets in Lima can have several names, so Ave Arequipa is also known as Garcilaso de la Vega or Wilson. Some names reappear in different districts, so be sure to indicate the right neighborhood if you're getting a taxi. To top it off, you'll see tiles indicating colonial street names that are no longer in use. Your best bet is to look for the green street signs and use well-known landmarks for orientation.

Less hip than Barranco and not nearly as swanky as Miraflores, Pueblo Libre is like a hidden jewel, quietly waiting to be discovered by tourists.

One of its must-see sites is Museo Larco, an incredible museum that houses 30,000 cataloged ancient pottery artifacts – and a cheeky pre-Columbian erotic ceramics collection. 

After touring Museo Larco (and admiring its lush garden), head over to the legendary Antigua Taberna Queirolo for a proper pisco sour.

Take in a bird’s-eye view of the City of Kings and Lima’s coastline on an unforgettable paragliding excursion. In the Miraflores section of the malecón, tourists can find a reputable agency offering tandem (harnessed in with an experienced guide) paraglide sessions every day of the year. The flight time lasts 10 minutes and is a pure adrenaline rush. 

Lima has been considered a top culinary destination for over a decade and is privileged with access to the bounty of exotic produce and superfoods that derive from all regions of Peru. Set aside a budget to spend at one of the world-renowned restaurants in the city. 

Central and Kjolle offer exciting concepts that focus on tubers, flowers and grains from the Amazon and Andes; discover nikkei (Peruvian-Japanese fusion) at Maido; or greet the godfather of popular Peruvian gastronomy, Gaston Acurio, at Astrid y Gaston. 

Local tip: The country’s fusion cuisine, criollo cooking – a singular blend of Spanish, Andean, Chinese and African influences – is without parallel at neighborhood eateries as well as super-chic restaurants. 

Though it was built on top of a desert, Lima’s unique coastal position makes it a haven for