I have to admit something to you. When I first planned my trip to South America, I thought of Lima as just a layover. I was so focused on getting to Cusco and Machu Picchu that I almost skipped the capital entirely.
That would have been a massive mistake.
When I landed, I found a city that is chaotic, loud, and absolutely beautiful. It sits right on the edge of the Pacific Ocean, with cliffs that drop straight down to the water. The food scene is incredible, and the history goes back thousands of years.
Just to be clear, we are talking about Lima Peru, not Lima Ohio! While they share a name, the experience is very different. Here, you are surrounded by the smells of roasting corn, the sound of Spanish, and the mist of the ocean.
If you are wondering what to do in Lima, the options can be overwhelming. The city is huge. It stretches along the coast and deep into the valleys.
But do not worry. I spent weeks exploring every corner of this city. I ate the ceviche, I walked the cliffs, and I even went into the catacombs.
Here is my personal list of the 15 things to do in Lima that made me fall in love with this city.
1. Walk Along the Scenic Malecon
My favorite way to start the day in Lima is with a walk along the Malecon. This is a six mile stretch of parks and walkways that sits on top of the cliffs in the Miraflores district.
The view here is unbeatable. On one side, you have modern glass apartment buildings. On the other side, you have a sheer drop down to the Pacific Ocean.
I walked here every morning. You see locals jogging, walking their dogs, and doing yoga on the grass. The air is fresh and salty. It is the perfect place to get your bearings and see just how big the city really is.
If you are looking for things to do in Lima Peru that are free and relaxing, this is number one.
2. Explore the Bohemian Barranco District
If Miraflores is the modern face of the city, Barranco is its artistic soul. I instantly fell in love with this neighborhood.
It used to be a beach resort for the wealthy aristocracy in the 19th century. Today, those big mansions have been turned into art galleries, coffee shops, and bars.
I spent hours just wandering the streets here. The street art is world class. Every wall seems to have a mural on it. The vibe is laid back and colorful. It feels like a village within the big city.
3. Make a Wish on the Bridge of Sighs
While you are in Barranco, you have to find the Puente de los Suspiros, or the Bridge of Sighs. It is a small wooden bridge that crosses over a walkway called the Bajada de Baños.
Local legend says that if it is your first time seeing the bridge, you should make a wish. But there is a catch. You have to hold your breath and cross the entire bridge without letting it out.
I tried it. It is harder than it looks because the bridge is longer than you think! But I made it across. Whether my wish came true is a secret, but it is a fun tradition to try.
4. Step Back in Time at Huaca Pucllana
This was the biggest surprise for me. Right in the middle of Miraflores, surrounded by modern buildings and traffic, there is a massive ancient pyramid.
It is called Huaca Pucllana. It was built by the Lima people around 500 AD. That is long before the Incas arrived.
I took a tour of the ruins. The pyramid is made of adobe bricks. The guide explained that the bricks are stacked vertically like books on a shelf to survive earthquakes.
Seeing this ancient mud structure with a backdrop of glass skyscrapers is surreal. It really shows you the layers of history in Lima Peru.
5. Paraglide Over the Coast
If you are brave, this is the ultimate adrenaline rush. I stood at the Parque Raimondi on the Malecon and watched the paragliders taking off.
The wind hits the cliffs and shoots straight up, which creates the perfect lift. You do not need to be an expert. You can do a tandem flight with an instructor.
I decided to go for it. Running off the edge of a cliff is terrifying, but once you are in the air, it is peaceful. You are floating over the ocean, looking down at the surfers and the traffic on the highway below. It is the best view of the city, hands down.
6. Eat the Best Ceviche of Your Life
You cannot talk about what to do in Lima Peru without talking about food. Lima is the gastronomic capital of South America. And the king of Peruvian food is ceviche.
I went to a small restaurant called a “cevichería.” I ordered the classic. It is raw fish cured in lime juice, served with onions, corn, and sweet potato.
The fish was so fresh it tasted like the ocean. The lime juice, which they call “tiger’s milk,” was spicy and sour. It wakes up your taste buds instantly. Do not leave the city without trying this.
7. Visit the Parque del Amor
As I walked along the Malecon, I found the Parque del Amor, or Love Park. It is dedicated to lovers, and you will see plenty of couples sitting on the benches there.
The park is famous for its mosaic walls. They are colorful and covered in quotes about love from Peruvian poets. It reminds me a bit of Park Güell in Barcelona.
In the center, there is a giant statue called “The Kiss.” It depicts a couple embracing. It is a great spot to sit and watch the sunset over the Pacific.
8. Shop with a View at Larcomar
Usually, I do not recommend shopping malls in my travel guides. But Larcomar is different. It is built directly into the side of the cliff.
From the street level, you cannot even see it. You have to walk down stairs to enter. The open air design means you are always looking at the ocean while you shop.
I grabbed a coffee at a cafe on the terrace. Watching the waves crash below while sipping an espresso is a pretty unique shopping experience. It is one of the most popular Lima Peru attractions for a reason.
9. Go Underground in the Catacombs
I took a taxi to the historic center to visit the Convent of San Francisco. The church itself is beautiful, with a bright yellow facade and a library that looks like something out of Harry Potter.
But the real attraction is underneath. The church sits on top of catacombs that were used as a cemetery during the colonial era.
I walked through the low stone tunnels. It is dark and dusty. You can see thousands of bones arranged in patterns. The femurs and skulls are sorted into circular designs. It is spooky, fascinating, and a stark reminder of the city’s past.
10. Watch the Changing of the Guard
Right nearby is the Plaza de Armas, the main square of the city. It is surrounded by grand buildings, including the Government Palace where the President lives.
I timed my visit to be there at noon. That is when the Changing of the Guard happens. It is a formal ceremony with a marching band.
They play military music, but they also play instrumental versions of famous pop songs and Peruvian folk tunes. It is pomp and circumstance, but with a uniquely Peruvian flair.
11. See the Magic Water Circuit
I went to the Parque de la Reserva in the evening for something completely different. This park holds the Guinness World Record for the largest fountain complex in the world.
They call it the Magic Water Circuit. At night, they light up the fountains with colored lasers.
I walked through tunnels made of water. I watched a show where images of Peruvian dancers were projected onto a wall of mist. It is fun, it is cheap, and it is a great way to spend an evening. Just be prepared to get a little wet!
12. Drink a Pisco Sour
You cannot come to Peru and not drink Pisco. It is the national spirit, made from grapes. The most famous cocktail is the Pisco Sour.
It is made with Pisco, lime juice, syrup, egg white, and bitters. I tried my first one at the historic Hotel Bolivar.
It is frothy, sweet, and very strong. The egg white gives it a creamy texture that balances the sour lime. It is the perfect drink to toast to your trip.
13. Explore the Museo Larco
I am not always a huge museum person, but the Museo Larco is exceptional. It is housed in an 18th century mansion filled with colorful flowers.
The collection focuses on pre-Columbian art. You see incredible gold and silver jewelry and intricate pottery.
There is also a separate room that gets a lot of attention. It is the gallery of erotic pottery. The ancient cultures of Peru were very open about sexuality, and they depicted it in their ceramic pots. It is interesting and definitely memorable!
14. Swim with Sea Lions
For a wildlife encounter, I took a boat tour to the Palomino Islands. These rocky islands are home to a massive colony of sea lions.
The boat ride takes about an hour. When we arrived, the noise was deafening. There were thousands of sea lions barking and splashing.
The guide told us to jump in. The water is freezing, so a wetsuit is mandatory. But once you are in, the sea lions come right up to you. They are curious and playful, like dogs. Swimming surrounded by these wild animals was a highlight of my trip.
15. Shop for Souvenirs at the Indian Market
Before I left, I needed to buy gifts. I went to the Indian Market in Miraflores. This is a series of covered markets selling everything you can imagine.
I bought soft alpaca sweaters, colorful textiles, and silver jewelry. It is a great place to practice your bargaining skills.
The vendors are friendly, and the variety is huge. If you want to bring a piece of Peru stuff to do back home, this is where you find it.
Conclusion
Lima is a city that rewards curiosity. It does not give up all its secrets at once. You have to explore the neighborhoods, taste the food, and talk to the people.
From the history of the Lima Peru ruins to the modern vibe of the Malecon, it is a city of contrasts.
So, when you are looking for what to do in Lima, start with this list. But do not be afraid to wander off the path. Some of my best memories were just stumbling upon a hidden cafe or watching the sunset with the locals.
Enjoy the City of Kings. It is an adventure waiting to happen.
