Are you planning your vacation to Peru and are wondering if Lima is worth visiting? The answer is yes: no trip to Peru is complete without a stop in Lima and in this post I’ll tell you why.
Whenever people think of visiting Peru, it’s mainly Machu Picchu that is in their minds. But Peru is so much more than just this famous Inca citadel. There are hidden gems and cultural experiences that you can only find in its vibrant capital, Lima.
As a Peruvian from Lima, I always get asked by friends who are visiting Peru if Lima is a good place to visit and if it’s worth visiting for a day or two. My answer is always a resounding yes! Lima isn’t just a stopover; it’s a destination rich with history, culture, and incredible experiences.
In this post I’ll share the top 10 reasons why you should definitely include Lima in your Peru travel itinerary and make the most of everything this fascinating city has to offer.
1. Why Food Lovers Should Visit Lima: Amazing Food Scene
One of the top reasons why it’s worth visiting Lima during your trip to Peru, is because of the food.
As you might already know, Peru is one of the best destinations in the world for eating. The cuisine is a rich blend of native ingredients and cooking techniques from all over the country, plus Asian and African influences from immigration.
But while you can eat good food in all of Peru, Lima stands out by far as the top culinary destination in the country.
The variety of dishes you can try in Lima is just amazing. From the famous ceviche, made with fresh fish marinated in lime juice and spices, to the hearty and flavorful Lomo Saltado, a stir-fry of beef, onions, tomatoes, and french fries, there’s something for every taste bud.
Some of the best restaurants in Lima to try typical Peruvian food are Isolina (my favorite), Panchita, El Bodegón, Fiesta and La Picantería (this last one specifially for seafood).
If you don’t have enough time in Lima but want to try as much food as possible, I recommend you to take a food tour, where you will sample the best of the Peruvian cuisine. I took a top rated food tour (here you can read my review of this Lima food tour), and it didn’t disappoint!
2. Lima’s World-Class Gourmet Dining: A Culinary Reason to Visit
Lima is not just an amazing city for eating out, but it’s also one of the best destinations in the world for fine dining. So if you are a foodie, visiting Lima is totally worth it even if it’s just to eat at one of the city’s awarded restaurants.
In fact, there are several restaurants from Lima in the official list of the World’s 50 Best Restaurants, including #1, Central (as of 2024). You might have seen it featured in Chef’s Table in Netflix.
If you want to try their amazing tasting menu with ingredients from all over the country, make sure to book some months ahead.
Also included in that list among the best of the world, there’s Kjolle, run by the wife of Central’s head chef. If you want to take a peek at the delicacies you can try there, take look at my experience dining in Kjolle.
Another great restaurant is Astrid y Gastón, which has been part of the list before. This is one of my favorite restaurants for fine dining in Lima!
3. Pacific Ocean Vibes: Why Lima’s Coastal Beauty Is a Must-See
Another reason why Lima is worth visiting is to enjoy the sea. While popular destinations such as Cusco or Arequipa are gorgeous, the scenery that you will be able to enjoy there is completely different than the one from Lima. Instead of mountains, in Lima you have the sea.
Walking or cycling along the boardwalk on the cliffs of the city is one of the best things to do in Lima.
Miraflores and Barranco are the areas with the nicest boardwalks, with beautiful views of the Pacific Ocean and a fresh sea breeze. In Miraflores, one of the best things to do is to stop at Parque del Amor for a picturesque view, or enjoy the street art and cafes in Barranco.
If you enjoy surfing, Lima is also a great destination, with a big surfing community and world-class surfers enjoying the Pacific waves.
If you want to enjoy the sea and the clear blue skies of Lima, make sure to visit when it’s warm. That is, December to April, which are the best months to visit Lima.
4. Mystical Pre-Inca Sites: Discovering Lima’s Ancient Wonders
When it comes to ancient sites in Peru, Machu Picchu is undoubtedly the most famous. But Peru has a much greater history and archaeological sites from the time before the Incas and Lima is a reflection of that.
One of the most important of these sites and that makes Lima worth visiting if you are into history, is Pachacámac. These ancient ruins, located next to the sea, originally used to be a temple for god Pachacámac, the god of creation who ruled the sky, fire and earthquakes.
Another site, even more important that Pachacámac but less visited due to being further away from the city (but still in Lima), is Caral. Caral is the oldest city in the Americas, and what remains of it today tells us that it was a highly religious civilization, with temples all over the area and altars inside the houses. If you are into history and archaology, visiting Lima is totally worth it just to go to Caral.
And if you want to visit something closer by, you have Huaca Pucllana, a thousands-years-old site right in the heart of Miraflores.
5. Lima’s Historical Sites: More Reasons to Visit
Another reason why visiting Lima is worth it is to walk around and admire the colonial buildings in the historic center. The area is filled with majestic houses, charming plazas, and centuries-old churches.
Don’t miss a visit to San Francisco Monastery and its church, where you can find the above mentioned catacombs. Going on a guided visit to the monastery it’s also pretty interesting in itself, where you can also admire centuries-old books in their library!
Make sure to visit the Casa de Aliaga as well, the house of the conquistador Jerónimo de Aliaga, that transports you back to a Lima where the Spanish had just arrived.
And of course, walk around the main square and admire the Government Palace. If you go at noon make sure not to miss the change of guard.
These are just a few of the sites that are worth visiting in Lima center, but there are way more. Just walk around and explore.
6. Street Art in Lima: A Visual Reason to Explore the City
Another reason to visit Lima is to enjoy its colorful streets full of art murals. One of the best areas to enjoy the street art is Barranco, the bohemian neighborhood of Lima. Around the famous area of the Bridge of Sighs, the old mansions and small alleys are painted in colorful and vibrant tones.
Another interesting area for its street art is El Callao, especially the area called “Callao Monumental”. Historically known as a less affluent part of the city, this district has undergone a significant transformation, largely thanks to its vibrant street art scene.
The once overlooked walls and buildings have become canvases for local and international artists, bringing a new wave of cultural value and community pride.
7. Pisco Sour: Sipping the Spirit of Lima
Another exciting reason to visit Lima? It’s the chance to savor the ultimate pisco sour in Peru! This national drink originated in Lima, making it the perfect spot to experience its authentic flavor.
Embarking on a quest for the finest pisco in town is an adventure that’ll lead you through Lima center’s old charming, traditional bars, each with a story to tell.
Don’t miss the Gran Hotel Bolívar’s Pisco Sour Catedral (a “double” pisco sour), or the pisco sour at Hotel Maury or at the Country Club Hotel, which are said to serve the best ones in the city.
8. Mysterious Catacombs: Unearthing Lima’s Hidden Histories
One of the places that I find most interesting and that should be in your Lima bucket list are the catacombs beneath the San Francisco Church in Lima’s historic center.
Lima’s eerie catacombs are an intricate network of tunnels and chambers. The passages are adorned with thousands of human bones, which are remains from the people who were buried in the crypt under the church, which was a common practice until just 200 years ago.
It’s believed these crypts might have secret tunnels that connect all the way to the Government Palace, the nearby Desamparados station, and even to the port of Callao! Imagine that, hidden passages running under the city! It’s said that these were built a long time ago as escape routes in case pirates attacked.
9. Paragliding Adventures: A Thrilling Perspective of Lima
If you are up for an adventure and an unforgettable experience in Lima, you can go paragliding in Miraflores, along the coast, with gorgeous views of the sea. Most flights take off at the cliffs of the boardwalk of Miraflores, where you can go on a short flight that offers a thrilling perspective of the city and the coastline.
Flying over the ocean, you’ll feel the rush of the wind and the freedom of the skies (and if you are like me, probably some panic as well), all while taking in the panoramic views of Lima’s landscape (and peeking into people’s rooftops).
Another reason why visiting Lima is worth it.
10. Sea Lions at Palomino Islands: A Unique Encounter in Lima
One of the most fun and unique activities to do in Lima, and a reason why it’s worth visiting, is to swim with sea lions at the Palomino Islands. You can easily join a guided tour that departs from the Callao district. These tours take you on a boat ride right from the coast of Lima to the islands.
As you approach, you’ll notice that the islands are a haven not only for sea lions but also for seabirds. Actually, it’s a great place for birdwatching in Lima as well.
Once near the islands, the boat will anchor offshore, and you get the opportunity to dive into the water. The sea lions, who are usually curious and playful, might swim around you (they usually do), which is an unforgettable experience. It’s like being part of their world for a little while.
Plus, it’s not something you can do in many places, so it makes your visit to Lima extra memorable.
Are There Good Reasons Not to Visit Lima?
Honestly, the main reason I can think of for not including Lima in your Peru itinerary is if you had very few days in Peru and wanted to cross off Machu Picchu from your Peru bucket list.
Let’s say you also had 5 days in Peru. Visiting Lima in addition to your trip to Cusco and Machu Picchu would be too rushed. In a case like that, I would recommend spending all five days in Cusco and staying in Lima only for the night, for a layover.
Before You Go…
If you are already convinced that Lima is worth at least a day or two, you can read this post on how many days to stay in Lima (plus suggested itineraries) to start organizing your trip.
You can also take a look at the Lima bucket list for more ideas of the things you shouldn’t miss in Lima.
