Lima Peru's Hidden Treasures Await You

Introduction: Why You Shouldn’t Skip Lima

For many travelers, Lima is just a layover—a quick pause between flights to Cusco, the Sacred Valley, or the magic of Machu Picchu. I get it—I almost treated it the same way. But Lima Peru isn’t just a pit stop. It’s a coastal capital with soul—a place where ocean mist kisses cliffside parks, colonial balconies cast long shadows, and street art and surf culture coexist in perfect rhythm.

It’s the kind of city that doesn’t beg for attention—but if you slow down just a little, Lima will reveal herself. Through warm plates of fresh ceviche that tingle with citrus and heat, through golden sunsets along the Costa Verde, and in the everyday poetry of plazas, markets, and barefoot surfers riding waves below the cliffs.

After three months of traveling through South America, I was preparing to fly back to the States—when I felt the pull again. I booked a flight back to Lima, just for one more night, just to eat more ceviche. That’s how good it was. It wasn’t just a meal—it was a reason to return.

If you’re heading to Peru for the ancient power of Pisac, the wild majesty of the Salkantay Trek, or the stillness of a plant medicine ceremony, don’t overlook the city where many journeys begin and end. Lima holds its own kind of magic—less obvious, but no less sacred.

There’s something beautifully grounded about Lima. It doesn’t shout for your attention, but if you give it a little time, it rewards you in waves—of flavor, of color, of quiet surprise. Let this be your invitation to linger. To taste. To wander.
So don’t just pass through. Here are 12 unforgettable things to do in Lima—a city that deserves to be more than a stopover—and if you’re exploring further, don’t miss my other Peru guides:

✧ Let your journey deepen:
→ 7 Things to Do in Pisac, Peru: The Gateway to the Sacred Valley
→ 5-Day Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu: What to Expect & Why It’s Worth It
→ Ayahuasca & Mescaline: 5 Nights in the Heart of Peru
→ 15 Amazing Things to Do in Cusco, Peru

1. Stroll the Clifftop Paths of Miraflores (Malecón de Miraflores)

One of the most scenic and relaxing things to do in Lima, Peru is strolling the Malecón de Miraflores, a clifftop walkway that offers sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean, colorful gardens, and iconic landmarks like Parque del Amor and Faro La Marina. This coastal path winds through one of Lima’s safest and most walkable neighborhoods, perfect for sunrise jogs, romantic sunset walks, or simply breathing in the sea breeze. Whether you’re a photographer, a solo traveler, or visiting with loved ones, the Miraflores boardwalk is a must-visit destination in Lima.

2. Explore the Historic Center (Centro Histórico)

Step back in time in Lima’s Historic Center (Centro Histórico), a UNESCO World Heritage Site filled with colonial architecture, grand plazas, and cultural treasures. Visit Plaza Mayor, the Cathedral of Lima, and the haunting San Francisco Monastery and catacombs—some of the city’s most iconic landmarks. This vibrant district is the best place to experience Lima’s colonial past, blending Spanish influence with layers of indigenous and modern Peruvian life. Whether you’re interested in history, architecture, or authentic street scenes, the Historic Center of Lima is a must-see for cultural travelers.

3. Eat at a World-Class Restaurant

Renowned as one of the top culinary destinations in the world, Lima, Peru is home to multiple award-winning restaurants that fuse tradition with innovation. Dine at globally ranked spots like Central, Maido, or Astrid y Gastón, where Peruvian cuisine is elevated into art. For a more casual but equally delicious experience, try local favorites like El Mercado for fresh seafood or Isolina for soulful Creole comfort food. If you’re a foodie, eating at a world-class restaurant in Lima is an essential part of your Peru itinerary.

4. Try Ceviche at a Local Cevichería

f there’s one dish you can’t leave Lima, Peru without trying, it’s ceviche—the country’s national treasure made with ultra-fresh fish, lime, red onion, chili, and love. I had ceviche at nearly every restaurant I visited, but nothing came close to a tiny, hole-in-the-wall spot in Barranco called George’s. You won’t find it on Google Maps (believe me, I’ve looked), but it was so good that I booked a flight back to Lima just to have it one more time before flying home to the States. I grabbed a taxi straight from the airport—40 minutes across the city—just for that plate. Whether you’re eating at a renowned spot like La Mar or chasing flavors down quiet side streets, eating ceviche in Lima is the kind of memory that stays with you.

5. Visit the Magic Water Circuit (Circuito Mágico del Agua)

One of the most unexpectedly magical things to do in Lima, Peru—especially at night—is visiting the Magic Water Circuit (Circuito Mágico del Agua) in Parque de la Reserva. This family-friendly attraction features 13 illuminated fountains that dance to music, lights, and color in a spectacular nighttime show. Locals and travelers alike come here to stroll through glowing archways of water, snap long-exposure photos, and even run through timed fountains (bring a change of clothes if you’re feeling playful!). A perfect evening plan after a day of sightseeing, this interactive fountain park in Lima is proof that the city knows how to surprise you—in the most beautiful ways.

6. Walk the Bohemian Streets of Barranco

If you’re craving color, creativity, and coastal charm, make time to walk the bohemian streets of Barranco—Lima’s most artistic and soulful neighborhood. Once a seaside retreat for poets and painters, Barranco is now a vibrant hub filled with street art, indie galleries, leafy plazas, and colonial mansions splashed with murals. Stroll across the Bridge of Sighs (Puente de los Suspiros), explore hidden staircases, or linger in a cozy café with live music and ocean breeze. Whether by day or under fairy lights at night, Barranco, Lima is a must-see for travelers who love local flavor, artsy vibes, and a slower, more poetic pace.

7. Visit the Cat Park in Miraflores (Kennedy Park)

In the heart of Miraflores, one of Lima’s most popular neighborhoods, lies a park that has stolen the hearts of travelers and locals alike—Kennedy Park, affectionately known as “The Cat Park” of Lima. Dozens of friendly, well-cared-for cats lounge in the sun, curl up on benches, and welcome gentle attention from passersby. Volunteers and local organizations help feed and protect them, making the park a peaceful haven not just for felines, but for people looking to slow down. Surrounded by cafés, live music, weekend artisans, and colorful gardens, visiting Kennedy Park in Miraflores is a quirky, feel-good experience you’ll be glad you didn’t skip.

8. Surf or Relax at Playa Makaha

Located at the base of the cliffs in Miraflores, Playa Makaha is one of the best beaches in Lima, Peru for both beginner surfers and laid-back beach lovers. Known for its consistent waves and surf schools, it’s a great place to catch your first wave or simply watch locals carve through the Pacific. Not into surfing? Grab a spot on the pebbled shore, listen to the crashing waves, and feel the breeze roll in from the Costa Verde. With dramatic cliffs rising behind you and the ocean stretching endlessly ahead, Playa Makaha is Lima’s reminder that even big cities can offer moments of stillness, salt, and sky.

9. Watch a Folk Dance or Music Performance

Experience the soul of Peruvian culture by watching a live folk dance or music performance in Lima. From high-energy Afro-Peruvian rhythms to haunting Andean melodies and colorful traditional dances, these performances bring Peru’s rich diversity to life. Venues like Brisas del Titicaca offer immersive dinner shows that feature dances from across the country—complete with vibrant costumes and live music. For something more intimate, check out local cultural centers or open-air performances in Barranco or the Historic Center. If you’re looking for an authentic way to connect with the spirit of Peru, don’t miss the chance to witness a traditional show while in Lima.

10. Get a Tattoo in Lima, Peru

Want a travel memory that lasts forever? Getting a tattoo in Lima is not only a bold and personal souvenir—it’s surprisingly affordable. I got a beautifully detailed piece that would’ve cost at least $300 in the U.S., but in Lima, it was only $30 USD. The quality was incredible, and while it took up a good part of my afternoon, it ended up being one of the most fun and unexpected parts of my day. With skilled local artists and reputable studios around Barranco and Miraflores, getting a tattoo in Lima is a safe, creative way to mark your journey—literally.

11. Climb Huaca Pucllana

Step into the past by visiting Huaca Pucllana, an ancient pre-Inca pyramid rising unexpectedly in the heart of Miraflores, Lima. Built from thousands of adobe bricks and dating back to 200–700 AD, this archaeological site once served as a ceremonial and administrative center for the Lima culture. Take a guided tour to climb the terraces, explore restored sections, and learn how the pyramid aligned with religious rituals and agricultural cycles. Surrounded by modern buildings, Huaca Pucllana offers a powerful contrast between ancient and contemporary Lima—and is one of the best cultural experiences to explore without leaving the city center.

12. Have a Pisco Sour at Hotel Bolivar or Gran Hotel Bolívar

No visit to Lima, Peru is complete without sipping a classic Pisco Sour, and there’s no better place to do it than the historic Gran Hotel Bolívar. Located on Plaza San Martín in the heart of downtown Lima, this elegant landmark is said to be the birthplace of the iconic cocktail. Step into the Art Deco lounge, order their famously strong cathedral-style Pisco Sour, and soak in the ambiance of old-world Lima. Whether you’re a cocktail lover or simply looking to experience a piece of Peru’s golden age, enjoying a Pisco Sour at Hotel Bolívar is a timeless and unforgettable experience.

✧ Final Thoughts: Lima Is More Than a Stopover ✧

It’s easy to treat Lima like a launchpad—a quick stop before chasing mountain trails, sacred valleys, and jungle visions. But if you give this coastal capital just a little more of your time, it will give you so much in return.

From sunrises on the Costa Verde to ceviche that rewires your soul, from ancient pyramids tucked between skyscrapers to folk dances that pulse with ancestral rhythm, Lima is a city of quiet contrasts and bold flavors. It holds stories in its stones, softness in its parks, and life in its layers.

Whether you’re sipping a Pisco Sour at the Hotel Bolívar, watching cats curl in Miraflores, or wandering Barranco’s painted streets, this city has a way of lingering with you. It may not shout—but it sings, softly, steadily, and with soul.

So if you’re headed to Cusco, the Sacred Valley, or deeper into the heart of Peru, don’t just pass through Lima. Stay. Taste. Listen. Wander. Let the ocean air carry something unexpected your way.

✧ Keep exploring Peru:
→ 7 Things to Do in Pisac, Peru: The Gateway to the Sacred Valley
→ 5-Day Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu: What to Expect & Why It’s Worth It
→ Ayahuasca & Mescaline: 5 Nights in the Heart of Peru
→ 15 Amazing Things to Do in Cusco, Peru