Things to Do in Lima

The historic heart of Lima and founding site of the city in 1535. This UNESCO World Heritage plaza is surrounded by magnificent colonial buildings including the Cathedral of Lima with its baroque facade, the Archbishop's Palace with stunning wooden balconies, and the Government Palace where you can watch the daily changing of the guard at noon. The bronze fountain dates from 1651 and is the only original structure remaining.

Peru's most celebrated pre-Columbian museum housed in an 18th-century vice-royal mansion built atop a 7th-century pyramid. The collection of over 45,000 artifacts spans 5,000 years of Peruvian history including exquisite gold and silver pieces, intricate textiles, and the famous (and controversial) erotic pottery gallery. The beautiful gardens and on-site restaurant make for a complete cultural experience.

A remarkable adobe pyramid rising from the heart of modern Miraflores, this archaeological site dates to 400 AD from the Lima culture. The illuminated nighttime tours are particularly magical as the ancient structure glows against the city skyline. An on-site museum explains the history and you can dine at the acclaimed restaurant overlooking the ruins for a truly unique Lima experience.

The Magic Water Circuit in Parque de la Reserva features 13 spectacular fountains that create an unforgettable nighttime display of light, music, and water. The Fuente de la Fantasia shoots water 80 meters high while synchronized to classical and Peruvian music. Walk through tunnels of water, watch laser shows, and enjoy a magical evening perfect for families and romantics alike.

Miraflores' romantic clifftop park overlooking the Pacific Ocean features the iconic El Beso sculpture of two lovers embracing. Colorful mosaic walls decorated with romantic quotes in the style of Gaudi surround curved benches perfect for sunset watching. Paragliders launch from nearby cliffs adding to the scenic beauty. A must-visit spot for couples and photographers alike.

This 17th-century Franciscan monastery houses Lima's most fascinating underground attraction - the catacombs containing an estimated 70,000 bones arranged in geometric patterns. Above ground, marvel at the stunning baroque architecture, beautiful cloisters, and one of the oldest libraries in the Americas with 25,000 antique texts. The guided tours reveal centuries of colonial history.

Explore Lima's most colorful neighborhood on foot, starting at the main plaza and walking to the famous Puente de los Suspiros (Bridge of Sighs), a romantic wooden bridge with a legend that if you hold your breath while crossing, your wish comes true. Continue through streets adorned with vibrant murals, past colonial mansions, galleries, and end at the cliffside viewpoints overlooking the Pacific.

A stunning 10-kilometer clifftop boardwalk stretching along the Pacific coast with panoramic ocean views, beautiful parks, and constant sea breezes. Perfect for morning jogs, evening walks, or simply watching paragliders launch from the cliffs. Larcomar shopping center is built into the cliffs with restaurants overlooking the surf. The path connects Miraflores to Barranco for a scenic walk between neighborhoods.