What are the best things to do in Lima?
Top picks in Lima include Historic Centre of Lima (Plaza Mayor), Miraflores Larcomar cliffs, Barranco arts district, Huaca Pucllana. See the full list and itinerary on this Lima travel guide.
Photo: David Felipe Ruiz Hoyos · CC BY-SA 4.0
Why visit Lima
Travel guide for Lima, Peru — practical tips, places to visit, and planning help.
Lima is a stop in Peru, not a country-in-a-weekend. Plan about 3 days. If time is short, prioritise Historic Centre of Lima (Plaza Mayor), Miraflores Larcomar cliffs, Barranco arts district instead of racing the whole list. Mid-range ground costs are about 35–100 USD per person per day, excluding international flights. Best time: The dry season (roughly May–September) is ideal. Rankings, stay length and cost bands on this page come from Global Itinerary’s trip-planning models.
Best time
The dry season (roughly May–September) is ideal
Weather
From highland cool to tropical warmth
Experiences
Things to do in Lima
1
Historic Centre of Lima (Plaza Mayor)
2
Miraflores Larcomar cliffs
3
Barranco arts district
4
Huaca Pucllana
5
Magic Water Circuit
6
Catacombs of San Francisco
7
Ceviche lunch in Miraflores
8
Day trip to Pachacamac
Budget travel
Free things to do in Lima
Historic Centre of Lima (Plaza Mayor)
Barranco arts district
Mostly free or pay-what-you-like — always double-check opening times and any seasonal fees before you go.
Plan your trip
Lima itinerary (3 days)
- 1
Day 1
Icons & landmarks
- Visit Historic Centre of Lima (Plaza Mayor)
- Visit Miraflores Larcomar cliffs
- Visit Barranco arts district
- 2
Day 2
Culture & neighborhoods
- Visit Huaca Pucllana
- Visit Magic Water Circuit
- Visit Catacombs of San Francisco
- 3
Day 3
More highlights
- Visit Ceviche lunch in Miraflores
- Visit Day trip to Pachacamac
Prefer a full 6-day trip with costs and FAQs? Read the Lima itinerary guide.
Budget
Lima trip cost
Budget
USD 15–35
per person / day
Mid-range
USD 35–100
per person / day
Luxury
USD 115–190+
per person / day
Typical on-the-ground spend in Lima, Peru. Hostel/guesthouse + local meals ≈ budget; comfortable hotels + mix of dining ≈ mid-range; luxury hotels and fine dining ≈ luxury. Figures exclude international flights.
Trip budget estimator
Typical mid-range for Lima
Estimated total (USD)
$1,935
≈ $968 per person · $276 per day group total
Ground costs ≈ $70/person/day (lodging + food + transport + activities)
Defaults match Lima mid-range ground costs (budget 15–35 · mid 35–100 · luxury 115–190+ USD/day). Edit freely — flights vary by origin.
Where to eat
Local favourites
- $$$$
Central
Peruvian · Altitude-themed tasting — world's top restaurant
- $$
La Mar Cebichería
Ceviche · Gaston Acurio's classic cebichería
- $$
Isolina Taberna
Criollo · Barranco tavern — locals' pick
- $$$
Huaca Pucllana Restaurant
Peruvian · Dining beside a pre-Inca pyramid
Where to stay
Tourist favourites & top-rated
- $$$$
Belmond Miraflores Park
Miraflores · Cliffside luxury overlooking the Pacific
- $$$$
Hotel B
Barranco · Belle Époque boutique in the arts district
- $$$
Atemporal
Miraflores · Design villa hotel favourite
In pictures
Lima gallery
Photos: David Felipe Ruiz Hoyos, Vengador1, Zeromilas123, Paulo JC Nogueira, Herwig Reidlinger — via Wikimedia Commons
Good to know
Lima travel FAQs
When is the best time to visit Lima?
The dry season (roughly May–September) is ideal.
How many days do I need in Lima?
Plan at least 3 days in Lima for the highlights on our suggested itinerary; add more time for day trips.
Where should I stay in Lima?
Popular stays in Lima include Belmond Miraflores Park, Hotel B, Atemporal. Book central areas if you want to walk to major sights.
How much does a trip to Lima cost?
On the ground in Lima (excluding international flights), budget travellers often spend about 15–35 per person per day, mid-range about 35–100, and luxury about 115–190+ (USD). Typical on-the-ground spend in Lima, Peru. Hostel/guesthouse + local meals ≈ budget; comfortable hotels + mix of dining ≈ mid-range; luxury hotels and fine dining ≈ luxury.
Keep exploring
