Are you traveling to Lima, Peru, and want to make sure you don’t miss any of the best things to do? This bucket list includes all the top landmarks and activities in Lima, selected by a Limenian (me) who has done them all and is sharing the best ones here.

You will find this list very useful for your trip to Lima if you are bucket-list type of person. From history and culture, to the outdoors, food and drinks, learn about all the things that you must see and try when you visit Lima.

Historical & Cultural Landmarks

Plaza Mayor: Visit Lima’s main square. Try to be there exactly at noon to witness the traditional change of guard.
Colonial Buildings in Lima center: Admire the colonial buildings Lima center, including those around the Jirón de la Unión and San Martin Square.
Erotic Pottery: Marvel at ancient art, including a big collection of centuries-old erotic handicraft pieces at Larco Museum.
The Lima Catacombs: Walk around skulls and bones from the times of the colony at the catacombs of San Francisco church in Lima.
Barranco: Explore Barranco, Lima’s prettiest neighborhood, and walk around the area of the Bridge of Sighs.
Huaca Pucllana: Visit this interesting archaeological site right in the center of the modern Miraflores neighborhood. You can also have dinner there with the mystical view of the ruins.
Pachacamac: Explore this ancient pilgrimage site for the pre-Inca and Inca civilizations.
Ancient Textiles: Admire an impressive collection of ancient textiles at Museo Amano, and learn the meanings behind their weaving patterns.

Eat and Drink

Eat at the #1 restaurant in the world: Did you know that the world’s best restaurants is in Lima (as of 2023-2024)? Experience fine dining at award-winning Central. If you aren’t able to get a table, you can also enjoy a gourmet dinner at Kjolle, Astrid y Gastón, or Mayta, all of which are or have been on the list of the world’s best.
Have an exotic fruit juice: Try a lucuma or chirimoya shake at a drink stall at the Mercado de Surquillo.
Eat a causa: Try this local starter made of potatoes, lemon and chilli. They have both vegetarian and non-vegetarian versions.
Explore the Peruvian gastronomy: take a food tour around Lima to try an amazing sample of the best food of Peru (you can read my review of a food tour here to get a better idea of what you can taste).
Visit Mercado San Ramon: Drop by this food market when you explore Miraflores. You will find several restaurant stalls offering all kinds of food, from jungle food to nikkei (Peruvian-Japanese) dishes.
Emoliente: Try this sweet and thick traditional herbal drink served at many street stands around the city.
Try Peruvian desserts at Parque Kennedy: Try typical Peruvian desserts at the street stalls in Parque Kennedy: choose between picarones, mazamorra, and arroz con leche.

Pisco sour: drinking a pisco sour at Hotel Bolivar is a top thing to do in a Lima bucket list

Outdoors and Nature

El Malecón: Walk or cycle around this coastal walkway in the neighborhoods of Miraflores and Barranco. Don’t miss El Parque del Amor and the giant lovers sculpture.
Magic Water Circuit: Spend an evening around this park of big water fountains and enjoy the lights show.
El Morro Solar Hill in Chorrillos: Go on a challenging hike with a rewarding panoramic view.
El Salto del Fraile: Very close to El Morro, enjoy a meal at this restaurant with a beautiful sea view. In the afternoons, see a man dressed up as a priest jumping from the cliffs, reenacting an old love story.
Pantanos de Villa: Visit this wildlife refuge to see more than 200 bird species. One of the best places for birdwatching in Lima.
El Olivar: Walk around this park of olive trees that were planted by the Spaniards centuries ago.

A sculpture at Parque del Amor at the boardwalk in Miraflores. Walking along the boardwalk is a must-do in a Lima bucket list

Cultural Experiences

Surquillo Market: Visit this local market known for its fresh produce, where you fill find typical Peruvian fruits and vegetables.
Paso Horse: Admire the grace of these Peruvian horses and its elegant, dance-like steps in Mamacona.
Brisas del Titicaca: Enjoy traditional Peruvian dances in the best folkloric show of the country.
Peñas: Enjoy a night out admiring traditional dances where the public hits the dancefloor in between performaces as well. Check out Peña La Candelaria in Barranco.
Cerro San Cristóbal: Take a panoramic open bus tour to go up the shanty town in Cerro San Cristobal, and admire the panoramic views of the entire city.

Adventure Activities

Swim with sea lions: Take a tour to the Palomino islands in Lima and bathe among sea lions.
Surf in Miraflores: Lima has a very big surfing scene. Go surfing or take a surfing class at Makaha beach.
Paraglide over Lima: Experience the thrill of flying over the city’s coastline.
Sandboard: Go on a day trip from Lima to Punta Hermosa to go sandboarding down big sand dunes.
Camp in Marcahuasi: Go on a two-day trip to Marcahuasi and camp in the mountains among stunning landscapes and admire the clouds from above.

Marcahuasi landscape: camping in Marcahuasi one of the main bucket list activities in Lima, Peru

Swimming with sea lions at Palomino islands, one of the bucket list activities in Lima, Peru

Nightlife

Have a drink at Ayahuasca Bar: Have a drink at this trendy bar housed in a gorgeous old mansion in Barranco.
Drink a Pisco Sour at Hotel Bolivar: Try the most famous and typical Peruvian drink at the bar in Hotel Bolivar, which is known for having the best pisco sours in the city.

Shopping & Souvenirs

Larcomar: Walk around the nicest mall in Peru while you enjoy spectacular ocean views. If you are a Paddington Bear fan make sure to look for its statue honoring his Peruvian roots!
Indian Market: Visit these big markets selling Peruvian handicrafts and souvenirs in Miraflores.
Dédalo: Pick up some gifts in this beautiful shop in Barranco selling contemporary art pieces and design with Peruvian motifs. It’s one of the best places for shopping in Lima for souvenirs.
Alpaca Clothing Stores: Purchase high-quality alpaca wool garments at Sol de Oro or Kuna shops.

Shopping in Lima Peru. Colorful pillows at a shop in Lima.

Before You Go…

As you can see, there are so many good reasons to visit Lima. If you are planning your trip and want to have enough time to try everything on this bucket list, take a look at these Lima itineraries to see how to organize your time according to how many days you will spend in the city.

And if you are still organizing your trip to Peru as a whole, make sure to check out these Peru itineraries to organize your journey in the best way and see for how long to be in Lima. Also, you might want to read our Peru bucket list to maximize your time in Peru.